The Pomoyolo technique can change your life and wash your dishes!

A few months ago, I stumbled across this Lifehacker article detailing a productivity method called the Pomodoro Technique. The gist of this system is that you split your time into 30-minute chunks, and work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After a few “Pomodoros,” as these chunks of time are called, you take a longer break, from 15-30 minutes, before jumping back into the 25-5 schedule again. Supposedly, working for only 25 minutes at a time allows you to focus better, and the frequent breaks keep you refreshed and sharp.

I have started using this technique at work, although I am more informal about the timing and just try to take a short break every half hour or so. I have noticed that it helps me focus on my specific tasks, especially when paired with my in-ear Klipsh headphones which do a great job ob minimizing background noise and allowing me to enjoy my Instrumental Metal and Post Rock playlist on Spotify. I downloaded an app for my iPhone called Pomotodo, which acts as a to-do list and a timer, and pops up a reminder when the 25-minute workbout is over, and again when the five minutes are up and it’s time to return to work.

Yay I is productive

This is all well and great, but how does this make you healthier? Well, fine reader, I’m glad you asked! Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, you’ve probably heard the news stories touting the dangers of sitting for long periods of time. Simply put, the more you sit, the less healthy you are likely to be. And if you are anything like me, you work in front of a computer for eight hours a day, getting up only to visit the restroom or gather food with which to stuff your face. Worse yet, it doesn’t even matter if you are active otherwise; sitting for long periods of time is unhealthy even for athletes.

Astute readers probably see where I’m going with this already. For those of you who need a little more of a push, let me ask you what you would do if you took a five-minute break from work every half hour? Would you log onto Facebook and like photos of your friends and family? Would you go to Buzzfeed and read vapid lists that are formulated to trigger your most basic responses? Or, as has been recommended, would you offset the negative effects of sitting by going for a short walk?

Yes, walking! I know how!

Whenever the timer on my Pomodoro app goes off, I immediately lock my PC, and walk a lap or two around the office (probably looking like Mister Blue Shirt above). I will visit a colleague if I have time, refill my water bottle, and amble back to my desk to start working again. Before I sit back down, however, I also do five to ten body weight squats. Is this weird? Possibly. Did my boss blink an eye when she walked by and saw me doing this? Not at all. Plus, I feel that this promotes blood flow to the legs, and anything that strengthens the quads and glutes can’t be bad for runners, right?

So there you have it: my patented* Pomoyolo technique for runners, walkers, cyclists, golfers, Formula One drivers, hang-gliders, and anyone else who wants to be healthier. Simply take a short break every half hour or so to stretch, walk around, and do some not-at-all socially inappropriate squats in front of your colleagues. The prefix Pomo obviously comes from the Pomodoro technique, and the suffix -yolo because hey, you only live once, right? Feel free to try this yourself, and be sure to spread the gospel, but please be sure to provide me with $0.05 royalties every time you say the word Pomoyolo. I’m proud of that.

*Technique not patented. Offer void where prohibited, including but not limited to: Russia, the International Space Station, Hell, and Texas. Results not guaranteed. Attempt at your own risk. Matthew george Roberts is not responsible for any leg cramps, inflamed Achilles tendons, or other injuries that may occur. He is also not responsible if you need to buy new clothes from losing weight or gaining glutes using this technique. Cash value: 1/10 of a potato.

Categories: Matt's Blog

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