When I do focus sprints, I have found that the key to productivity is taking frequent and generous breaks. Here is what works for me.
1. Since I typically do 25-minute focus sprints, I generally take 3 short breaks (5 minutes each) followed by one long break (15 minutes). This is the minimum — I may take longer breaks if I feel like it.
After 4 focus sprints, I may take a total break from work — no point pushing your brain past saturation and doing shoddy work.
2. During the break, get up from the desk, walk, and relax your gaze, looking at some far-off object.
This relaxes your back and eye muscles. During focused work, your eyes develop tunnel vision, which is tiring for the eyes. Relaxing your gaze helps the eyes recover.
In short, during my breaks, I mostly loiter around. 😊
3. Do I skip breaks between sprints? Sometimes, if my mind is not tired and I am in the groove, I may skip a break. But generally, it is not a good idea.
4. Can you listen to music etc. during a break? I don’t do it but I see no harm. See if it helps you.
5. If I feel saturated even after a long break, I change the task — if the mind is unwilling to cooperate, no point pushing it further.
Do this and you will easily do 8 hours of distracted work in 3-4 hours.
Of course, the proof of the pudding is in eating it — so eat it and see. 😊
– Rajan