The Pomodoro Technique

My new trick for organizing my time.. both to keep me focused (so my ADHD doesn't draw me away) and to prevent me from becoming TOO focused (so my OCPD doesn't suck me in)

1)  Divide your day into 30 minute chunks ( _Pomodori_ ).  Assign the tasks for each chunk.
2)  During each chunk, set a timer for 25 minutes.  If you finish the task earlier than that, devote the time to 'overlearning' (go over what you have done, or re-study the same skill etc)
3)  Take a 3-5 minute break! (this is a must even if - _especially_ if - it is a longer task that takes up multiple Pomodori)
4)  Repeat 2&3.  After you complete 4 Pomodori, take a longer break - the wikipedia entry says 10-15 minutes, but making the break a Pomodori of 25 minutes on it's own makes scheduling easier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique

I really like this technique because every half hour I can evaluate my needs.  Sometimes I'm hungry or thirsty (or need to go to the bathroom!) but I'm so absorbed in my programming that I don't even notice!

Another great thing I've discovered is that I can usually spot the errors in my code quicker and easier after coming back from a 3-5 minute break than I did when I would I relentlessly pursue them before leaving the computer (sometimes I even notice them before they've even shown up in runtime - because the loophole that could cause the mistake has never actually happened, but I can see where the loophole is and fix it before it becomes a problem!)