Last Updated on February 18, 2020 by Dr M
I’m about to let you in on a secret that will boost your ABPI exam revision…
Actually, it’s more of a tip for developing your ABPI exam super-power of focus.
Ever been in a GP surgery, hospital postgrad centre, or in your company’s head office 
and heard a resounding “ding, ding” clanging out from somewhere?
That’s the tell-tale sign of someone using a time management app, like Pomodoro.
Apps like Pomodoro help you to chunk your tasks, breaking up your ABPI exam study time. Using the so-called Pomodoro technique (named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer), you’re meant to take 3-5 minute breaks interspersed between work intervals of no more than 25 minutes. After the fourth work interval – or Pomodoro – your break should be of 15 to 30 minutes duration. This keeps you fresh and is thought to boost your mental agility [1,2].
Now, I’m as guilty as the next person of pushing through to get a task finished, especially when I’m working to a deadline. So, I know how hard it is to break off when you’re in the middle of something. But oddly perhaps, you DO remain more focused when you take a break. Whether it’s about recharging or giving your brain a bit of time for background processing, you benefit from taking a breather.
It’s also motivating to see yourself making progress. And if – horror of horrors – you’re actually just letting the time slip through your fingers, then it’s time to regroup: go do something else.
Meanwhile, a huge choice of apps are available, but because I don’t want to distract you further, get started NOW with this one. No time like the present, eh?
And, if you’ve got a minute, please leave me your comments, questions, or thoughts on using Pomodoro apps, or anything else about the ABPI exam.
Have fun.
Marie.
P.S. Get more tips like these, or CLICK HERE if you’d like to find out more about other resources to help you pass your exam.
References
- Shellenbarger, Sue (2009-11-18).”No Time to Read This? Read This”. The Wall Street Journal. Online.wsj.com. Available at: http://online.wsj.comarticle/SB10001424052748704538404574541590534797908.html
- Tambini, Arielle; Ketz, Nicholas; Davachi, Lila (28 January 2010).”Enhanced Brain Correlations during Rest Are Related to Memory for Recent Experiences”. Neuron 65(2): 280–290. Available at: http://www.cell.com/neuron/abstract/S0896-6273%2810%2900006-1