​Pomodoro is the Italian word for tomato sauce. So, what does it have to do with managing time? 
 
In the late 1980’s, Francesco Cirillo was a university student and found himself struggling with managing his time. Using a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato, he created the Pomodoro Technique to help him “work with time rather than struggling against it.”  
 
Cirillo broke each unit of time and effort into a “pomodoro.” This unit is used to measure dedicated focus and time spent on a single task, or a compilation of smaller tasks.
 
Managing time is an issue for many, adults and children alike. It is so easy to get distracted, especially now that work, school, and home life are blurred. We are drawn away by phone and text messages, the pull of social media and our burgeoning inbox, not to mention household chores, pets needing a walk, and children requiring help with online learning.

​2020 has been a stressful year for many. The strain, worry, and anxiety has had a long shelf life...nine months so far. 
 
There has been considerable research conducted that shows when people are under extreme stress, their ability to focus intently and retain information is greatly reduced. Cognitive agility is also negatively impacted.  When the stressors are drawn out, the resulting effects have a more substantial impact.
 
Of 300 U.S. employees surveyed about how they've been faring during the year, 40% stated that they feel much less productive than normal. And no wonder – there has been nothing normal about this year. 
 
The human brain adapts and responds better to stress that is intermittent. The continual anxiety and pressure we’ve been experiencing keeps our brain on high alert for potential threats. This autonomic process uses significant mental and emotional resources that we would typically access for work or social situations. Basically, this enduring stress causes our concentration capacity to be diminished. 
 
Time Magazine recently offered these six suggestions for boosting focus and increasing attention span.

​Way back in April, HBR had an article about Zoom fatigue. Who knew that, five months later, we would still be relying on video conferencing as the work from home (#WFH) mandate continued?
 
It may be time to revisit that online conferencing checklist. Here are HBR's five things to help minimize feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically drained after online meetings, workshops, or conferences.
 
Fatigue is different than tiredness, something which can be cured with a good night’s sleep. Fatigue is a pervasive lethargy, a lack of physical and mental energy and motivation. 
 
Why are virtual meetings so exhausting? Many of us attended in-person meetings just as frequently but are surprised to find that online sessions are much more draining.
 
First, we have to focus much more intently to absorb information. There are no sidebar exchanges or quick, clarifying questions to the person sitting next to us.
 
Second, it is much easier to be distracted. Who can see that you are checking email, texting a friend, or reviewing a document? No one, that’s who. But while you are doing those things, you aren’t truly listening. And then there are interruptions from pets, spouses, and children who are also sharing the same space. 
 
Last but not least, video requires a different level of showing our attentiveness. To prove that we are paying attention, we have to look directly at the camera. We aren’t granted the reprieve of the visual breaks we would be granted during in-person meetings. 
 
Below are the five research-based recommendations HBR suggested to help alleviate, or at least minimize, Zoom fatigue.

We are all human and we all make mistakes. Apologizing when we hurt someone else intentionally or unintentionally is a vital skill. 
 
Apologizing is hard. Admitting we were wrong is hard. Taking responsibility for hurting someone else is hard. Being vulnerable is hard.
 
But it is also a powerful reconnector.

An article in MindTools discussed how a sincere and properly delivered apology can go a long way to healing and rebuilding relationships.
 
An honest apology is more than just words. It shows remorse and acknowledges that your actions caused someone else pain.

There is a difference between living an easy life and living in ease.
 
Easy means without problems or difficulty. A life devoid of adversity.
 
Living in ease is striking a balance between effort and the effortless. It is following the rhythmic flow of life. Living in ease is a choice rather than an unrealistic ideal.
 
We all experience challenging times, periods when we have to stand firm, overcome, work hard, push through. But even during these seasons, we can choose ease. 
 
As humans, we often unconsciously seek out the most arduous path. Our ego thrives off external approval from others. We want to win. We want to be right. We want to impress. 
 
There is nothing wrong with diligence, working hard, competing or having others express their appreciation of us. But when we always live in this place, we move away from our own authenticity and instead focus primarily on pleasing others. This ultimately leaves us feeling overworked, overwhelmed, stressed and unfulfilled.