Sitting is considered by doctors as the new smoking. The more you sit, the more you are lowering your chances of a long and healthy life. But that is a not possible for writers. We sit for long hours in front of our computers.
So what is the solution?
That is where the Pomodoro technique comes to your rescue.
Pomodoro technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. These intervals are named pomodoros, the plural in English of the Italian word pomodoro (tomato), after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used as a university student. (as explained in Wikipedia)
Stretch, walk about, do deep breaths, do whatever that will help your body to relax during the breaks.
The output of this technique is unbelievable. I use this technique regularly while I write or blog. Your productivity can increase manifold if you create a distraction-free environment during these sessions.
I have written 1000 words per session using this technique. Just imagine how many sessions can you squeeze in a day!
Because of this technique, I am able to cross off most of the items on my to-do list.
There are Pomodoro apps you can download. Or you can use the timer on your computer or phone or watch.
How can you write more using this technique?
- Before you start, plan what you will write during the session. Make notes about the post/scene you are going to write.
- Switch off the internet, so that you are not distracted during the session with pings, emails or social media notifications.
- Stop when the timer goes off. This will be helpful to make you remain in the flow even after the session ends.
- Take a break and resume writing in a fresh new session.
I have completed writing a novella within a month using this technique. That too while blogging, doing my household chores, reading, exercising and looking after a naughty 8-year-old.
I don’t spend hours staring at the blank screen thinking about what to write anymore. When I sit in front of my laptop, I have a note in front of me which will guide me. All I have to do is to expand the ideas.
Have you tried the Pomodoro technique?
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Amazing technique for learning. Very informative post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it!
DeleteNow this sounds interesting. I'm sure I can use this! Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteHope you will benefit from this technique.
DeleteThank you for introducing me to Pomodoro technique
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will find it useful.
DeleteThis is Manisha and I am going to implement these more religiously. It works its just that I sometimes I forget small things.
ReplyDeleteI know! but it is always small things that bring about big change.
DeleteThanks for introducting me to this new technique. Sounds helpful
ReplyDeleteDo check it out. Helped me so much.
DeleteThis looks like a great technique to use for writing. I am surely trying it as I sometimes struggle to find time to sit down and write.
ReplyDeleteTry it, I am sure it will help you write more.
DeleteI've used a similar method while doing NaNoWriMo, in which I write 50K per month. I write an hour then take a ten or fifteen minute break. Sometimes, you're in the flow and the last thing you want to do is stop, but taking a break is refreshing.
ReplyDeleteIt's great you wrote about this because most writers think they need a big block of writing time in which to write until their fingers bleed. Proving that taking a break is more productive will dispel the myth and help them write more words.
Writing without break never happens in my case but this method helps me to become more focused.
DeleteGood to know you employ a similar method.
Very informative post. Thanks for sharing about this technique with us. Your post is really helpful for many
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you found it helpful.
DeleteVery informative post. Thanks for sharing about this technique with us. Your post is really helpful for many
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading.
DeleteThats a really useful technique .. Will definitely try it .. Thanks for sharing ..
ReplyDeleteNeha ( Sharing our experiences)
Thanks for reading Neha!
DeleteI wasn’t aware of this techique till date! It sounds helpful, gonna try it.
ReplyDeleteGreat! All the best.
DeleteSounds like a very effective technique. You say that you have really reaped benefits from this technique. Given that it is all dependent on self discipline, that's a great achievement.
ReplyDeleteSelf discipline matters most. No technique helps without discipline.
DeleteThank you for reading!
Never heard about it. Seems very effective.those who are into writing need this technique.i will try it.thanks.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that. Do try!
DeleteHi Preeti! This is my first time on your blog. This post is a timely reminder for all writers and I loved the advice in this one. Keep writing! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Welcome to my blog Tina!
DeleteThis is a very helpful idea. I will try this one out for sure. Staring at the screen happens a lot here.
ReplyDeleteStaring the screen has stopped now in my case. Do try and let me know if it helped. :)
DeleteThis is how I have been writing for the past 13 years, without realising it is a technique!:) Thanks for sharing, Preethi!
ReplyDeleteWow1 No wonder you are super productive. Do you use a timer or writes with breaks?
Deletevery interesting. Never knew about this technique.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these super fine techniques of taking small intervals Preethi... I am on it from now on.
ReplyDeleteThe Pomodoro technique has never worked for me. I tried it again and again in hopes that I would be able to do it this time, but it never did.
ReplyDeleteGreat technique for busy bloggers I think
ReplyDeleteI have used it for my office. Works really well. Now planning to download an app for this.
ReplyDeleteGreat technique, shall try for sure.
ReplyDeleteCheers
MeenalSonal from AuraOfThoughts
This looks like a great technique. Will definitely give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI had read about this technique, but am yet to implement it, Preethi :)
ReplyDeleteMy two year old daughter taught the same to me! When she sleeps during the day, the timer starts! I rush and do my work. When she wakes up, the timer stops. It's true that I am doing more work in that short span of time!
ReplyDeleteThanks Preethi, for the information about Pomodoro Technique :-)
This is absolutely interesting. I have trouble concentrating and have shorter attention span. But it seems I can give this shot a go during a weekend, and then may be I will put it to use in other things as well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete[@samantha_rjsdr] from
Whimsical Compass
Yes, I have used Pomodoro technique when I get stuck with writing. Switching everything off and just concentrate on the task on hand for 20 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI am reading about this technique for the very first time but it does sounds interesting. I spend 2 hrs sitting in front of my computer and write just a small paragraph. It seems I need to practice this technique for sure. Thanks for sharing about Pomodoro technique.
ReplyDelete