I used to sit at my desk for hours, convinced that grinding without breaks was the only way to get things done. But often, I’d end up staring at the same screen, re-reading the same lines, and feeling like my brain was moving through mud. One afternoon, after yet another wasted session, I tried something different. I set a timer for 25 minutes, promised myself full focus until it beeped, and then gave myself permission to take a short break. It felt oddly simple, almost too easy. But it worked.

The trick is that 25 minutes feels short enough that I don’t argue with myself about starting. And the 5-minute break keeps me from burning out, while also giving me something to look forward to. That little rhythm makes the work feel less heavy and more like a series of small wins instead of a long uphill climb. Over time, it’s become a habit I don’t think twice about-it’s just how I work now.

I’ve found that when I keep my work in these small blocks, I actually get more done and finish the day with energy left over. If you often find yourself drifting or losing steam, try giving this rhythm a chance. Set a timer, commit to just one block, and see how it feels. You might be surprised at how much lighter your workday becomes when it’s broken into pieces you can actually enjoy.