52/17 vs Pomodoro
Anyone else using the 52/17 technique? Basically set a timer to work for 52 minutes, followed by a 17-minute break.
I used to do Pomodoro (25 mins on/5 min break) but found that to be too short.
Then I happened to be reading an article on toddlers which said to give them a 17-minute break if they are having a tough time. The reason is that's the amount of time the brain needs to refresh. The article sort of off-handedly mentioned that 52 minutes is how much time people can generally focus on a task.
So, based on that I changed my timer settings to 52 mins or work, 17 min breaks and it has worked really well.
I wrote a blog on it here if you are interested. While researching it a bit I found out that it was a fairly common ratio, but I don't come across it much.
Never heard of 52/17, but it makes sense to me.
I remember reading a book on the topic of deliberate practice which stated that world class performers practice intensely for 50 minutes sessions at a time before needing to take a break.
Itzhak Perlman advocated doing 50 minute sessions with 10 minute breaks for no more than 4-5 hours per day. I can see how 10 minutes might feel a bit short after an intense 50 minute session, so the 17 minute break seems sensible.
I still like the Pomodoro method for its simplicity. If I'm on a roll, I'll just skip a short break and do 2 pomodoros in a row which is basically the same thing.
Interesting... thanks for sharing.
And yeah, constantly blowing through the breaks was why I ended up making the switch to longer sessions.
Yes. I create a website. It include 52 minute timer and 17 minute timer.
Link:minutetimer. online
Hey! Interesting to read about this - never encountered it before! I was doing 40/20.. but I guess I could stretch it out to 50.. :)
Hey I'm doing 40/20 too, 5 or 10 min is too short to refresh your mind after coding.
Ah I can imagine. We need those breaks to work best! Have a good start to the new week :)
Hey, so I tried it and just wanted to say, that it works!
Changing work time 25 -> 52 mins led to more 'relaxed focus' work and I could put in a lot more effort.
Break time: 5 -> 17: more effective and relaxing breaks.
So, thank you for sharing about 52/17 :)