youhavewonme:

I’m neurodivergent as well as disabled and “10 minute blocking” has changed my life.

I find completing tasks really challenging because I either get super overwhelmed, distracted, or my pain/fatigue levels rise too much and I get defeated.

So I recently introduced the 10 Minute Block rule. It’s super simple. I simply pick one thing I need to do, set a timer usually for 10 mins (+/- 5 mins depending on fatigue/pain levels) and then go go go! And I try and do as much of that one thing as I can within the time limit. The rule is that I have to stop after 10 minutes.

If I feel spurred on after the 10 mins is up, then I’m free to start another 10 minute block (either to carry on with the same task or start a new one) and do this repeatedly for as long as I wish, but I absolutely must stop after each block and assess how my body is doing and finish blocking when my body tells me to.

If I am feeling defeated or tired or whatever after 10 mins, even if the task isn’t finished, I stop. I rest, congratulate myself on doing those 10 minutes, and then find something fun/restorative to do instead without feeling guilty.

It’s really improved my perceived perception of productivity as well as taught me how to pace my body better.

I don’t know if this will be helpful to any of you, but it’s something that I wish I’d known about sooner and has helped me so I thought I’d share it.