First, what is WorkPause?
First and foremost, WorkPause is a rest break reminder - a program that will tell you when to step away from your computer for break time. It is small, unobtrusive, very flexible and can be customized to suit your work environment, project milestones, or daily workload (and the regular breaks will keep you fresh throug the day.)
But there is an alternative usage of WorkPause: a productivity tool!
Making the most of your work day requires a strong focus and reasonable performance expectations. You can only work for so long before you need a break. Continuing to plug away only leads to less productive, unfocused and poorer quality work.
You can improve work performance through the use of productivity tools. WorkPause allows you to employ time-boxing techniques and a Getting Things Done (GTD) mentality and methodology. By incorporating time-boxing and GTD in your daily schedule, you promote a more efficient working style.
What is Time-Boxing?
Time-boxing is a work scheduling methodology that promotes the clear definition of work and break time. Each and every task that must be completed in a day is set up with a corresponding timetable. By clearly defining the timeframe in which a task must be completed, you remain on task, with a more focused and goal-oriented approach to the completion of work. It helps your remain on task, keeping your focus.
How does it Work?
WorkPause allows the user to define the time period necessary to complete each job. You set up the time-box and your WorkPause dashboard will tell you how long you have until you should be finished. At the close of the time-box, the program will tell you to take a break, ensuring that you leave your workstation, refresh your mind, and return with renewed focus.
Customizable Messaging for GTD
WorkPause lets you customize the messages that appear on your PC at the end of each work period or break time. These handy reminders keep you thinking in the mode of Getting Things Done, and prevent your mind from wandering to other projects or tasks that may be on your plate.
You Set the Schedule
WorkPause gives you the tools you need to improve short and long term, goal-oriented work focus. You determine the schedule of work and break periods and can change that schedule each day to suit the particular tasks which must be completed.
Configuring Breaks
One of the biggest challenges with time-boxing is making sure that you'll really stop when the time is up. WorkPause's break reminder and break timer options let you set the schedule for breaks, including frequency and length. You also decide how hard and fast those break timer rules are. Set a message reminder or set the computer to lock at the designated break, so you'll have no other option than stopping your work.
Example:
Setup WorkPause like this:
- Microbreaks: one every 5 minutes; type: message box; message: "Focus!"
- Short breaks: one every 15 minutes; duration: 5 minutes; type: screen lock; message: "5 minutes rest"
- Long breaks: one every 3 short breaks; type: screen lock; message: "Time is up. Please switch to another project".
Also, make sure to select the inactivity counter to a big value (e.g. 15 minutes) if your project doesn't require constant typing on the keyboard.
With this setup, you will have one hour to work on your project. You work really focused for 15 minutes (getting helped by the microbreak messages), then make a 5 minute break; then another 15 minutes of work and so on. For one hour, this will provide you with total of 45 minutes of hard, focused work - which is more than most people average! When the hour is over, switch over to another project.