Lately I’ve been swapping the standard timer for “real life Pomodoros”: limited-time events I have to wait for anyway, like waiting for my washing machine to finish so I can hang up the clothes. I start working knowing I can stop as soon as the washing machine is done. Using real life Pomodoros means I get extra benefits like doing something fun when I’m done working or keeping up with my housework.
I’ve recommended the same thing to parents who have to do school runs: tell yourself you will write for the ten minutes before you have to leave. Belle (I can’t see a surname) has more examples but also more of a rationale for how it works for her. Read the full piece.