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My method to stop compulsively checking messages yet still be responsive to my clients' support emails was to institute the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes on a tas
by cagrimmett 10y ago
My method to stop compulsively checking messages yet still be responsive to my clients' support emails was to institute the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes on a task, 5 minutes off, repeat for the whole work day). I close off all communication (Slack, email, Skype, etc) for the 25 on-task minutes and only check them during the 5 minute breaks. If something urgent comes up, I dedicate my next 25-minute task period to dealing with that item.
This has broken me of my involuntary email/Slack/IM checking and instead keeps me focused on the task at hand.
- TheOneTrueKyle 10y agoBut shouldn't you be using that 5 minutes for relaxing instead of diving back into stress. Maybe an extended pomodoro session with an extra 3-5 minutes for team communication?
- cagrimmett 10y agoI've been mostly fine with my method because every 4 Pomodoro I take a long 30 minute break. Also, not every 5 minute sessions results in messages I need to read and respond to, so those are essentially breaks.
- nkozyra 10y agoGetting stuff done is remarkably soothing. I know that sounds kind of sad, but escaping the distractions and actually doing something is such a difficult task with the constant barrage of communication that I truly value it. It gives respite.
- dood 10y ago"A change is as good as a rest"
- bogomipz 10y ago>"My method to stop compulsively checking messages yet still be responsive to my clients' support emails was to institute the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes on a task, 5 minutes off, repeat for the whole work day)." This actually sounds very compulsive to me. I know everyone is different but for me to have an unwavering 30 minute cycle day in day out would drive me crazy.