Working Meditation for Better Productivity

April 11, 2024, by Stephanie Messier | Performance Management

Updated April 2024

Working and meditation may seem like two unrelated activities, but they are actually connected. Meditation involves training the mind to stay focused and avoid distractions, allowing you to simply be present in the moment. Working meditation, on the other hand, involves using this focused state of mind to stay on task and be more productive. Think of it as closing your office door and systematically concentrating on your work. By practicing working meditation, you can improve your ability to concentrate and achieve more in less time.

The Pomodoro Technique is a helpful tool for successful working meditation. It was created by Italian Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s. This technique is a smart and simple way to learn and complete a task list while combating procrastination. Here's how it works: set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on your work as intently as possible until the timer rings. Then, take a short break (no longer than 5 minutes) and repeat another 25 minutes of focused effort. It's as easy as that!

“Why 25 minutes?" you may ask. Well, the answer is simple. It takes approximately 20 minutes for our brain to start challenging our focused attention by searching for ways to get distracted. However, after those 20 minutes, our brain gives up its attempts to distract us and we begin to get into the flow of work.

To maximize your productivity, it's crucial to eliminate all possible distractions from your surroundings such as electronic devices, pets, or people. Before starting your 25 minutes of focused work, take some time to identify any potential distractions and prevent them from disrupting your work.

You don't have to stop working after the 25-minute mark if you don't want to. You can continue your focused work until you start feeling tired, which usually happens after about an hour. Once you feel fatigued, it's time to take a well-deserved break and reward yourself with something that energizes you, such as playing on your phone, enjoying a mochaccino, or saying hi to someone. Give your brain permission to relax and do something entirely different for at least five minutes before you start your next 25-minute work session.

By following this approach, you will enjoy renewed productivity and stay focused on your work.

Sources:

• Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles, McMaster University
• Cirillo, F. The Pomodoro Technique. 3rd ed. Berlin, Germany: FC Garage GmbH, 2013