Joy Jot #19: The Power of 5 Minutes
Happy Spring, friends!
Have you heard of the Pomodoro technique? Yes, “pomodoro” means tomato in Italian because Francesco Cirillo used a tomato-shaped timer while creating this popular technique.
Francesco set his timer for 25 minutes of work followed by 5 minutes of a different activity. After four rounds, he would take a longer 20-30 minute break and then start over again.
Since I now spend many hours a week doing homework, I’ve been experimenting with the Pomodoro strategy.
Here’s the thing. It’s kind of SUPER FUN!
Between my chunks of studying, I’ve been cleaning up the kitchen, making my bed, starting dinner, vacuuming, or feeding my dog.
I’ve been surprised how much gets done in 5 minutes AND how a string of 5-minute chunks turns into something SO great!
Three fun ways to look at this idea:
If you are doing sedentary, study-type work, then the 5-minute interval is a welcome mind and body break.
If you are doing manual work, then the 5-minute break can be a chance to relax or make small progress on another needed task. It’s almost like getting two jobs done at once!
If you are trying to motivate yourself to do work, then use this strategy to start the job.
I like saying…
“Alexa, set a timer for 5 minutes.”
When it beeps, I leave that job for later. Part of the fun is staying within the time limit.
What can you do in 5 minutes?
You’ve got this!
With love,
Amy
