Want to Be More Productive at Work? Try These 2 Techniques

We all have our ways of working: some are productive, and some are not. But have you ever felt that even if you are working nonstop, the tasks are piling up, and you cannot seem to get everything done? Being productive at work is not about working harder; it's about working smarter. 

Productivity is also the key to unlocking better financial management. When we strive to be productive in our work and personal lives, we are more likely to achieve our financial goals. As we all search for ways to enhance our productivity, here are two stand-out techniques that can give you a boost!

1. Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro technique is a time-management and productivity tool. The name Pomodoro comes from Italian for "tomato." The technique was developed in the late 1980s by Francesco Cirillo. 

The method involves breaking down your workday into 25-minute intervals, each separated by five-minute breaks. After four work sessions, you take a more extended break that lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. During each session, you work on the task with no distractions or interruptions.

This regular rhythm helps people concentrate and stay focused during the workday. Moreover, it assists in preventing burnout by alternating intense work with consistent rest. The feeling of accomplishment after every 25-minute sprint can also provide a boost in confidence and motivation.

You can also use this method to break up your workload by "chunk." If you struggle with concentration and find yourself getting sidetracked often, dividing your work can be the key to success. By segmenting your tasks, you not only stay on task but also improve your ability to recall information later.

2. Brain breaks

The Brain Break method is similar, where you schedule downtime for your brain. You take a brief pause to reset and divert your thoughts from work. It can be as simple as standing up from your desk and taking a deep breath, stretching, or walking away entirely from your workspace. 

Research has shown that even a small break can help decrease feelings of completing tasks, decrease stress levels, and enhance focus. 

Choose comfortable activities that work for you during your brain breaks, such as meditating, stretching, or going for a walk. The amount of downtime you can fit in will vary based on your schedule and personal preferences.

Brain breaks can also help with creative thinking. When you pause from your tasks, it gives your brain a chance to get free from the critical thinking mode, allowing you to let your thoughts wander and come up with new ideas and solutions.

Why use both techniques?

The Pomodoro and Brain Breaks techniques complement each other. As much as the Pomodoro timer is essential in allotting specific times for work and rest, it may not be possible to always incorporate 25-minute chunks into your work day. 

This is where a brain break at short intervals can help prevent exhaustion or burnout. Especially if you have a side hustle, use them in a way that's practical for you.

You don't have to limit your brain breaks to just five-minute intervals either. You can incorporate them throughout your day to break up longer work sessions. By improving our efficiency, we can get more done in less time. In turn, this can lead to greater financial success, as we are able to increase our income and savings account balance.

It's important that you get offline during these breaks. Social media and other online distractions can massively decrease effectiveness when using both techniques. Turn off your phone, mute your notifications, and close unnecessary tabs while working.

Productivity is not just a measure of how much work you can get done, but how efficiently you achieve your goals. Research proves that taking breaks is essential for productivity. It's also important to note that taking breaks does not mean you are wasting time; it is an investment in your well-being and productivity. Try to find a balance between the two techniques to maximize effectiveness, and with time, you might notice a substantial improvement in your work performance.