"One problem with afternoons is that if we stick with a task too long, we lose sight of the goal we’re trying to achieve, a process known as 'habituation.' Short breaks from a task can prevent habituation, help us maintain focus, and reactivate our commitment to a goal. And frequent short breaks are more effective than occasional ones...." - Daniel H. Pink in When (book)
Since our brains can only sustain optimal concentration for about 90 minutes, it's important to step away from your screen regularly.
Traditionally, the Pomodoro Technique recommends five minutes of break time after every 25 minutes of focus.
We've expanded on this concept with Lifeline by adding one minute to your "break time due" for every five minutes you work. For example, if you work for 75 consecutive minutes, Lifeline will recommend you to take a break for 15 minutes.
This flexible approach to breaks means you can follow the Pomodoro Technique to the letter with Lifeline (i.e., work in cycles of 25 minutes with five minute breaks in between). But you can also work in longer cycles with larger breaks in between (e.g., 50 minutes with 10-minute breaks).
There are several ways to launch a break:
⌃ + ⌥ + b).To end a break before the timer reaches zero, touch any key on your keyboard or move your mouse. You’ll then get a few seconds to continue your break (by pressing space bar), in case you accidentally ended your break.
Closing your laptop also ends a break, and a closed laptop counts as break time.
💡 Pro tip: You can always see your current break time due by left-clicking the taskbar icon.
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Can I take a break at my screen?
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