If you think the optimum time to spend on a task is"until it’s done," you might be working less efficiently than youthink you are. Our ability to concentrate naturally ebbs and flows. Byscheduling regular breaks, we can maximize our ability to focus, and finallypower through that to-do list. 

There are several philosophies about how long to spendworking before taking a break. Here are three popular plans.

52 On / 17 Off

A 2014 study by Draugiem Group, a Latvian tech firm, foundthat their most productive employees focused on work for just 52 minutes everyhour, and then took a 17-minute break. The rhythm of focused work periods and thensubstantial breaks to stretch, snack, or chat with colleagues helped the mostproductive employees get more done in a day than people who spent longer hoursat their desk. Taking breaks allowed employees to reset their focus andaccomplish more in less time.

The Pomodoro Technique: Work 25 Minutes at a Time

Invented by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s, the Pomodorotechnique is named from the red tomato kitchen timer that Cirillo used to timetasks. The Pomodoro technique is simple: 

* Start with a to-do list

* Set a timer for 25 minutes, and work on the first task

* After 25 minutes, take a four-minute break. That’s one"Pomodoro".

* Keep working through your to-do list until you’vecompleted four Pomodoros, then take a longer 15- to 30-minute break

This technique helps to break tasks up into manageablechunks. It also helps make a game of working, with the promise of frequentbreaks as your reward.

The TED-Talk Way: Focus for 18 Minutes at a Stretch 

Did you know that all Ted Talks are capped at 18 minutes?There’s a good reason: research shows that most people’s attention span rangesfrom 10 to 18 minutes. We stop paying attention after that because of"cognitive backlog". To pay close attention and remember newinformation is very difficult. If we add one too many bits of information inone session, we tend to forget everything. If you are learning something new,break it up into 18-minute chunks for the best retention. 

The key with any of these techniques is the break. So, how can you maximizeyour break to help you come back to work refreshed? Here’s a few ideas: 

* Move around. Try a quick set of jumping jacks, push-ups,or a brisk turn around the block. Getting your blood flowing helps refresh thebrain and lets you come back with more energy.

* Drink some water. Your brain needs water to function atits best. In fact, studies show that 1% dehydration (easy to reach on a hotday) can decrease mental performance by 12%. 

* Go outside. Getting some fresh air can help oxygenate yourblood and refresh your energy.