To train brain to be more alert, attentive and grasp information fast
It is an incredibly simple time-management technique, but surprisingly effective. So useful that in China, the related apps (often called Fan Qie, meaning “tomato” in Chinese) are constantly ranked among the top 5 most downloaded apps, among a huge number of apps being developed each year. The core of this technique is super simple: 1. Each time you’re about to work on a project, break your time into blocks of 25 minutes. Of course you can try other time intervals, but 25 minutes seem to be most effective to most people. 2. Turn off all distractions, immerse yourself into the task, put in all of your brain power. 3. At the end of the time slot, a timer will go off. Take a couple (3–5) minutes’ break. Take your mind off the task, have some water, and/or stretch your limbs, etc. Learn how to relax is also super important for having a sharper brain. 4. Repeat the cycle. 5. After four 25-minute blocks (each 25 minute block is usually referred to as one pomodoro/tomato), take a longer break such as 15-30 minutes. What is so special about it? Not so much, except that our brain seems to respond particularly well to patterns and habits. By assigning oneself one chunk of concentration period at a time, the brain is trained to focus on one thing at its full speed, and repeat in patterns. And an obvious cue such as a red tomato setting really helps to get the brain back on track more easily. Plus, in between there are rewarding feelings brought by periodical relaxing time slots just as one needs them. In a sense, this technique is training our brain like training other functions such as breathing exercises, and/or muscle building procedures. By following a simple pattern, it simply gets stronger everyday.
|