I swear by the Pomodoro Technique for getting things done.

The basic premise is that you work for a concentrated 25 minutes, take a 2-5 minute break, then dive back in for another Pomodoro (For the uninitiated, I explain this in more detail here!). 

So what to do on those 2-5 minute breaks? 

Well, since I Pomodoro every day, I’ve taken notes on some creative ways to spend those slices of time. Here are 21 things to do on a Pomodoro Break, wherever you may be taking it!

Order a coffee. Order food and drink one at a time to spread out the treats, and because you might change your mind. Plus at Starbucks you get points per transaction rather than how much you spend.

Leaf through a magazine: at uni I carried British Vogue in my bag along with all my books! These days I like working in cafés that provide cool magazines (Filament, Lovecrumbs). Even better if you’re in a library! Get up and browse.

Look around you. People watch.

Have a Graze snack.

Dance break! At uni my roommate Kat and I would work at our desks until one of us declared it Taylor Time.

Singing break! See above, add guitar.

Update your time tracker. If you’re tracking your time, or your habits, a Pomodoro break is a great time to catch up on your notes.

Put on a load of laundry. Pressing start feels SO productive.

Take deep breaths.

Stretch. Self massage. Head massage.

Take a break from screens: If you’ve been working on the computer, close your laptop or turn off your monitor and give your eyes a rest. 

Write ideas in a notebook. 

Get up. Use the bathroom. Refill your water. 

Send a Facebook sticker to your best friend: My favourites are Bibimbap Friends, Opi, Rilakkuma, Yarukizero, and the classic, Pusheen.

Savour a single delicious chocolate truffle. Chocolate meditation is the best meditation.

Read something quick: a poem, essay, or chapter of The War of Art or Daily Rituals.

Have a chat: but be sure to time it if you can’t afford to get distracted!

Clean up the files on your desktop.

Moisturize your hands with your favourite lotion

Leave a review or comment on a podcast you listened to recently. I usually listen on the go, and keep a list of things I want to comment on once I sit down. Podcasts give me a sense of community, and sharing my thoughts makes me feel even more involved.

Write a birthday card. Perhaps my favourite way to take a break lately! Keep upcoming birthday cards tucked in your planner, and spend 2ish minutes scribbling in a heartfelt note to a friend. It feels great, and productive too!

What do you do on a Pomodoro break? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. I ‘Pomodoro’ my friend time . Yes you read that right.