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Time Management Resources: Time Management Techniques

Productivity

                                                                                           

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique

Was created in the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo as a time management strategy for sustaining energy and attention. It works by creating a simple timetable for completing work so that you can set achievable goals in small increments of time.

  • SET A TIMER FOR 25 MINUTES.
    During this time, focus all your energy on completing the task. 
  • TAKE A SHORT BREAK WHEN YOU’RE DONE.
    Use the break to rest your brain, body, and attention. You can walk, have coffee, or rest your eyes for a few minutes.
  • EVERY FOUR ROUNDS, TAKE A LONGER BREAK.
    About 20 to 30 minutes of dedicated rest time can help your cortisol levels reset and sustain your attention for long periods when you return to your next set of tasks.

This technique can help you discover how long it takes to complete a task and set more realistic expectations for the future of your time management. It can also help you stay focused by rewarding yourself with rest between tasks. 

https://onlinegrad.syracuse.edu/blog/productivity/

Increasing Productivity

Other Strategies for Increasing Productivity

  • FOCUS ON ONE TASK AT A TIME.
    Giving your full attention to one task is likely to yield more accuracy and mental acuity and can help with feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction.
  • IDENTIFY YOUR PEAK PRODUCTIVITY HOURS.
    Structure your most intellectually demanding tasks for when you’re feeling the most awake and energetic while leaving smaller managerial tasks for times when your brain is in an autopilot mode.  
  • MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS DURING COMPLEX TASKS.
    Shut off access to other inputs like social media, television or entertainment that can pull your attention away from work.
  • LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO SET REMINDERS FOR ROUTINES.
    Using alarms or reminders can help cue your brain when it’s time to start the next task or wind down after a long day.
  • BLOCK OFF YOUR SCHEDULE TO AVOID CONFLICTS.
    Use a calendar to keep track of meetings, calls or other obligations to protect your most productive hours. 
  • BUNDLE SIMILAR TASKS TOGETHER.
    Streamline your productivity by cutting down on the mental energy required to switch from one task to another.  

https://onlinegrad.syracuse.edu/blog/productivity/