The 59 minute rule is a productivity technique that encourages you to work in focused intervals of 59 minutes followed by a short break. This approach helps maintain high concentration levels, reduces burnout, and boosts overall work efficiency. By dedicating a solid block of time to a task without distractions, you can enhance your output quality and feel more energized throughout the day.
What You’ll Need
- A timer or stopwatch (physical or app-based)
- A quiet or reasonably distraction-free workspace
- Task list or clear work goals for the session
- Optional: Noise-cancelling headphones or ambient noise app
Step-by-Step
- Identify your priority task. Choose one specific task or project to focus on during your 59-minute work interval. This helps prevent multitasking and scattered attention.
- Set your timer for 59 minutes. Use a digital timer, phone app, or physical stopwatch. The choice of 59 minutes (just under an hour) creates a sense of urgency and avoids the mental block of a full hour.
- Eliminate distractions. Before starting, turn off notifications on your devices, close unnecessary tabs or applications, and inform colleagues if needed that you’ll be focusing.
- Work with full focus. During the 59 minutes, concentrate solely on the chosen task. Avoid checking emails, social media, or unrelated messages.
- When the timer ends, stop working immediately. Even if you haven’t finished the task, pause to respect the interval. This helps build discipline and prevents overworking.
- Take a break of 5 to 10 minutes. Stand up, stretch, hydrate, or do a brief walk. This rest period refreshes your mind and body before the next session.
- Review your progress. Quickly assess what you accomplished and adjust your next work session’s goals accordingly.
- Repeat the cycle. After your break, start another 59-minute focused work interval if your workload requires it. Ideally, aim for 3 to 4 cycles during your workday.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring the timer: Letting sessions run longer than 59 minutes reduces the effectiveness of breaks and can lead to fatigue.
- Skipping breaks: Working straight through without a break diminishes focus and can cause burnout.
- Multitasking during work intervals: Checking emails or answering messages disrupts flow and reduces productivity.
- Unclear task goals: Starting without a specific task or plan can lead to wasted time and distraction.
- Not preparing the workspace: Failing to minimize distractions or noise can make it harder to maintain focus.
Tips
- Use apps designed for time-blocking. Tools like Focus Booster or Pomodoro timers can automate your intervals and breaks.
- Customize break activities. Use your break for activities that truly refresh you, like a short walk, meditation, or light stretching.
- Communicate with coworkers. Let them know about your focused work intervals to reduce interruptions.
- Adjust interval length if needed. While 59 minutes is a guideline, some may find 50 or 55 minutes better suited to their workflow.
- Combine with priority-setting methods. Use techniques like the Eisenhower matrix or task batching to select your 59-minute work items.
- Keep a distraction log. Note down interruptions and address recurring issues outside your focused sessions.
Troubleshooting
If you find the 59 minute rule difficult to follow or not working as expected, consider the following solutions:
- Problem: Constant interruptions. Try communicating your focus times clearly to coworkers or use a “do not disturb” sign. If remote, mute notifications and use status indicators.
- Problem: Difficulty maintaining focus for 59 minutes. Start with shorter intervals, such as 25 or 30 minutes, then gradually increase as your concentration improves.
- Problem: Forgetting to start or stop the timer. Set recurring alarms or use apps that automate timing. Place your timer somewhere visible.
- Problem: Feeling guilty for taking breaks. Remind yourself that breaks are essential to sustain productivity and mental clarity.
- Problem: Overwhelmed by task size. Break large projects into smaller, manageable chunks that fit within or across 59-minute sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why 59 minutes and not a full hour?
- 59 minutes creates a subtle urgency to start and finish within that timeframe, preventing procrastination that can come with a full hour.
- Can I adjust the time interval?
- Yes, while 59 minutes is recommended, you can customize intervals to what suits your focus capacity best, such as 50 or 55 minutes.
- What should I do during the break?
- Engage in activities that refresh you mentally and physically, like stretching, hydrating, or a quick walk away from your desk.
- Is the 59 minute rule the same as the Pomodoro Technique?
- No, the Pomodoro Technique typically uses 25-minute work intervals with 5-minute breaks. The 59 minute rule uses longer work sessions for deeper focus.
- How many 59-minute sessions should I do daily?
- Most people find 3 to 4 focused intervals effective, but this depends on workload and personal stamina.
- Can this method help with multitasking?
- The 59 minute rule encourages single-task focus, which reduces multitasking and improves quality and speed of work.
By following the 59 minute rule, you create a rhythm of sustained focus and rejuvenating breaks that can transform your workday into a more productive and less stressful experience. With practice and adjustment, this method can be a powerful tool to enhance your concentration and job satisfaction.
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How to Follow the 59 Minute Rule at Work for Better Focus