3 ms·

This is also why you shouldn't interrupt yourself ;) Turn off your e-mail client, phone, messages, internet connection, HN.

• option_greek 13y ago
  IMHO, while working on challenging tasks (bugs mostly) where we are not able to figure out something, tiny breaks spent on unrelated subjects seem to help a lot. While interruptions are bad, a badly timed interruptions seem to be the worst.
  • Narretz 13y ago
    It sometimes happens to me on my way home. I let my mind wander and briefly come back to a problem, often seeing it from an angle I haven't considered during the day.
    • shiftb 13y ago
      Rich Hickey (creator of Clojure) advocates 'Hammock Driven Development.' Let your background mind do the hard work for you. Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f84n5oFoZBc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f84n5oFoZBc
  • colomon 13y ago
    For me, the best sort of tiny break is reading a good book for a page or two. I think maybe because the two contexts are so distinct?
  • sateesh 13y ago
    In my experience tiny breaks away from the workstation are far more helpful than the ones that need you to use the computer. I have found taking a break from a programming session in form of checking HN, twitter makes the mind all more muddled.
    • gbog 13y ago
      Yes, let's grab a cigarette... or a coke, or a coffee. But all these circuit breakers are bad for health. The best I found out for now is to add hot water to my tea mug.
      • ljf 13y ago
        Or starjumps in the corridor
• capisce 13y ago
  Does this also mean the Pomodoro technique is not particularly effective for programmers?