Reducing Context Switching
Context switching costs 23 minutes of recovery time each time. Learn to batch similar work and protect your focus blocks from interruptions.
checklistHow to Do It
- 1Track how often you switch tasks in a day
- 2Batch similar tasks together
- 3Turn off notifications during focus blocks
- 4Check email and messages at set times only
- 5Use a physical sign to show you are in deep work
- 6Keep a capture list for incoming requests instead of acting immediately
groupBest For
- checkPeople who get interrupted frequently
- checkOpen office workers
- checkRemote workers with many Slack channels
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Start Timer — FreeRelated Techniques
Pomodoro Technique
Work in focused 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks. After four intervals, take a longer 15-minute break. The most popular time management method worldwide.
25 min work + 5 min break
52-17 Method
Work for 52 minutes, then take a 17-minute break. Based on research from DeskTime that found this ratio among the most productive workers.
52 min work + 17 min break
Deep Work
Cal Newport's concept of focused, uninterrupted work on cognitively demanding tasks. Eliminate distractions and train your ability to concentrate deeply.
1-4 hours of uninterrupted focus
Single-Tasking
The opposite of multitasking. Focus on one task at a time with your full attention. Research shows multitasking reduces productivity by up to 40%.
Variable — one task at a time
Monotasking
A disciplined approach to doing exactly one thing at a time. Unlike simple single-tasking, monotasking involves deliberately cultivating the habit of full immersion in each activity.
Variable — full immersion per task
MIT Method (Most Important Tasks)
Identify your three Most Important Tasks each day and complete them before anything else. If you only finish these three things, your day was productive.
15 min planning + focused execution