the timer!
These days we are inundated with so many things happening at the same time. We are constantly bombarded and often find ourselves “multi-tasking” to meet project and everyday demands.
How can we prioritize our time better?
A timer is a useful tool that measures a unit of time.
We use timers when cooking food, to wake up at the right time in the morning, to avoid a parking meter ticket, to measure a child’s “time-out” phase, to steep the perfect cup of tea, etc…
There are different types of timers:
- The old fashion egg timer
- The digital phone apps
- The stopwatch
- The sands of time hourglass
- The alarm clock with many ring choices
Timers can also help with completing important tasks on a to-do list. I like using a timer when I have to write a blog-post or a report to keep me focused my on deadline. A timer is equally helpful when doing online research or checking email as it limits my distractions. I set my Pomodoro (or StayFocused) app on my computer for 25 minutes while I read and respond to emails. If I try going to another website it won’t let me until my time is up. This is great! We all know how distracting the Internet can be.
It’s great to use a timer with an accountability partner or study buddy. “Let’s work on this task for 25 min and then we can go over the results”. A lot gets done when you stay focused and have help.
There are so many useful apps you can use to assist children with transitions or help with homework, such as Picture Prompt Timer by MDR or TimeTracker.
There are many choices when measuring the passing of time. It doesn’t matter what you use as long as you get the result you desire.
Do you use a timer and what is your favorite style?
Keeping to a deadline… having a 30 minute client call actually be a 30 minute client call… Nice post (and read just in time!)
I am going to check out Pomodoro and Stay-Focused. Thank you so much.