Timing with Tomatoes to boost productivity

Find yourself getting really distracted when you need to get a task done, whether it’s the wanting to check and Facebook or look at that email that just came in? Then you can use the Pomodoro Technique, named after a Pomodoro kitchen timer, and described by Ian in Episode 21 of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show.

This great technique uses short intervals of time with small brakes that help you, 1) get into a tasks when your are struggling with, 2) get some good quality work/studying with full focus. Then in the brakes you can indulge in social media or what ever takes your fancy. It also give you a break from the screen.

How to use the techniques:

  1. Eliminate all distractions (yes that does mean putting your phone on silence)
  2. Set a timer for 25 minutes
  3. Work on your task
  4. When the timer is finished, take a 5-minute break
  5. Get back to work for another 25 minutes
  6. After 4 work sessions take at longer break of 25 minutes
  7. Start all over again

Use this as a start and adjust the timings to suit you.

You can either buy a Pomodoro kitchen timer, or a stop watch and there are lots of apps out there that you can use to time.  

Like this hack?

You might also enjoy

Episode 66 – Finding Belonging and Navigating Micro-traumas with Devon Lowndes

Discover the impact of micro-traumas on neurodivergent individuals in this episode with host Matt Head and Devon Lowndes, Co-founder of ‘Self Agency.’ Delve into the 1,500 micro-traumas experienced by neurodivergent people during primary school, ranging from dismissive phrases to attacks on self-worth. Devon, who has Dyslexia and ADHD, shares firsthand experiences and emphasizes that while these traumas lack physical scars, they manifest within, affecting all aspects of life. The episode explores the crucial need for belongingness and how it empowers those with dyslexia to thrive. Devon advocates for recognizing the strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to society, calling for understanding and valuing conditions like dyscalculia, dyspraxia, OCD, Tourette syndrome, and more. Uncover insights on navigating challenges, embracing authenticity, and evolving organizational cultures to accommodate neurodiversity. Keywords: belongingness, micro-traumas, neurodiversity, ADHD, dyslexia.

Episode 72 – How to be a Successful Entrepreneur and a Dad with Coach Lee Eldridge

Explore the seldom-discussed pressure on fathers to excel both in their careers and as parents, navigating the delicate balance between success and fatherhood. Traditionally, fathers focused on being primary breadwinners, providing financial stability for their families. However, contemporary expectations include active involvement in their children’s lives. This dual role often creates internal and external conflicts, where success in one aspect may lead to perceived failure in the other. In this episode, host Matthew Head and guest Lee Eldridge, a dyslexic entrepreneur and coach specializing in assisting fathers, discuss challenges and strategies for achieving a harmonious work-life balance. Eldridge, recognizing his dyslexic strengths, aims to empower fathers to overcome focus and energy challenges, fostering improved engagement and leadership. Explore topics such as discovering dyslexia in one’s 20s, leveraging dyslexic strengths for coaching, sports coaching, and navigating fatherhood alongside a successful career. Embrace insights on fatherhood, dyslexia, entrepreneurship, and coaching in this enriching conversation.