Stop Checking Email So Often (2015)

Re:Stop Checking Email So Often (2015) by cagrimmett on Thursday January 26, 2017 @04:33PM (#13495426)

My method to stop compulsively checking messages yet still be responsive to my clients' support emails was to institute the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes on a task, 5 minutes off, repeat for the whole work day). I close off all communication (Slack, email, Skype, etc) for the 25 on-task minutes and only check them during the 5 minute breaks. If something urgent comes up, I dedicate my next 25-minute task period to dealing with that item.

This has broken me of my involuntary email/Slack/IM checking and instead keeps me focused on the task at hand.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Stop Checking Email So Often (2015) by TheOneTrueKyle on Thursday January 26, 2017 @05:18PM (#13495791)

But shouldn't you be using that 5 minutes for relaxing instead of diving back into stress.

Maybe an extended pomodoro session with an extra 3-5 minutes for team communication?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Stop Checking Email So Often (2015) by cagrimmett on Thursday January 26, 2017 @05:27PM (#13495867)

I've been mostly fine with my method because every 4 Pomodoro I take a long 30 minute break. Also, not every 5 minute sessions results in messages I need to read and respond to, so those are essentially breaks.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Stop Checking Email So Often (2015) by nkozyra on Thursday January 26, 2017 @09:31PM (#13497264)

Getting stuff done is remarkably soothing.

I know that sounds kind of sad, but escaping the distractions and actually doing something is such a difficult task with the constant barrage of communication that I truly value it. It gives respite.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Stop Checking Email So Often (2015) by dood on Friday January 27, 2017 @05:17AM (#13498867)

"A change is as good as a rest"

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Stop Checking Email So Often (2015) by bogomipz on Thursday January 26, 2017 @06:21PM (#13496335)

>"My method to stop compulsively checking messages yet still be responsive to my clients' support emails was to institute the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes on a task, 5 minutes off, repeat for the whole work day)."

This actually sounds very compulsive to me. I know everyone is different but for me to have an unwavering 30 minute cycle day in day out would drive me crazy.

[ Parent | on HN ]