I’m researcher so many people recommend to me long and continuous work, not pomodoro-style work. But it really hard to accomplish. If I complete a long work session, I feel exhausted and like I should go home. Which is better?

I think it depends on your own pace and what you are trying to accomplish. More than anything, the person who knows you the best is you. You know how you feel and what is better to be efficient and maintain your workflow.

I like a hybrid approach – I use a Pomodoro timer, but if I feel like I'm on a roll I often skip my break, whereas when I'm switching to a different project, or if I'm having a hard day, I make sure to take my breaks.

It's true that long, focused work sessions are ideal, but since nobody can be focused all the time, maybe taking more breaks would make you more productive, not less!

I’m a researcher too and you have to find what works for you. I do the deep work thingy when I answer emails (30 mins) as it helps me focus on just that. Personally I break work into sections based on task then take a short break in between. That way I manage the long days that sometimes come with research. Remember to alternate brain tasks which make you tired with physical/easy tasks that will help you going longer. Take regular breaks there is more to life than the lab. Find your own flow and surf that!

Honestly it depends. There are some tasks I work on during the day where I’ll work those in 20-30 minute intervals because that task is taxing on my mind and makes me exhausted. Then I have some tasks, namely server related items (coding, database) or project plan related items that can’t be split up, and need to be worked in large swaths of time…. for those tasks, it’s easy to get “in the zone” and work without getting fatigued. If those tasks were broken up into smaller time intervals, it makes it harder to get back in the zone.

Taking intervals in between is better as it will not only make you regain energy but also make you efficient. You can do anything in break except seeing the screen as it is more exhausting for our brain. Calm your mind, relax take a power nap (if possible)and then start your work again. I hope this helps. Let me know either of the result. Adios!!🙂

I think you have to listen to your body and do what’s best for you. Some people are better at pushing through the long work sessions. Others need to work in sprints and then re-energize. I have found that while I thought I was a “long distance runner” I actually do much better as a “sprinter”. I get a lot more work done over the course of the day if I work for 25 minutes, then get up and walk around for up to 10 minutes, and then work another 25 minutes. I repeat that process all day long and feel a lot less physical and mental fatigue as a result.

I am not expert as I didn't persue research but I I do know that if you are to work very long then devide that work in one hour session and take 10 minutes break, in that break dance or do some physical exercise and never exceed break 10 min then see results

Pomodoro is a nice technique to get you going and keep you disciplined enough for the long run.all the breaks it introduces make for a nice self-care ritual. Like, you can work for so long before you need to eat, meditate, go to the toilet, whatever. It's better to get all those needs out of your way so you can get more time for work without burning out. And Pomodoro organizes you and your work to tick those needs off without them coming roaring back.

I think that different people have different ways to reach their optimal focus. The best is to try out different techniques so you can find what suits you the most. If pomodoros give you the possibility to get a whole day's of work done without you feeling exhausted, then those small breaks are helping you and not wasting time. A quick break can recharge you. We all are different. Do what is logical to you.

I'm a researcher too. Try the pomodoro technic with 1 hour long work sessions with 5 minutes breaks. After two or three you can have a longer caffee break.

I am doing a PhD and feel like I definitely need breaks between say writing a page or two and reading a long article or two. I think you can absolutely test shorter work sessions of deep work. Sometimes a long flow session can occur but I would not force it. Taking a short walk in the light can also give new creative ideas and energy.

Personally I prefer and recommend a long session of pomodoros with timed breaks, because I find it more efficient. Ultimately, I work much more time this way. My long sessions are not that long because I can't focus for long and afterwards I never get back to work.