Home Assistant can create scripts either in the GUI or as shown below in the YAML syntax. An Input Number - This allows us to count our completed Pomodoro Work Flows.An Input Boolean - This allows us to indicate when we are in our “Work Flow”.Think of these Helpers as Variables in a typical programming environment. Home Assistant recently added “Helpers” to their automation stable. We are going to use a Phillips Hue Smart Dimmer to make our automation tactile. Automations - Our Stimuli (in this case pushing buttons on our Phillips Hue Remote) that kick off our Scripts.Scripts - These are the equivalent to the routines in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.Helpers - These are counters and toggles that we are going to use to keep track of our automations.We are going to use three different components in Home Assistant to make our Pomodoro flow (these can all be accessed from the Home Assistant “Configuration”): Now that we have the hardware, it is time to look at the actual automation. Here are two of the most popular lights (Phillips Hue and Lifx): Make sure that when you make your purchase, that you check for compatability. Most “smart” lights work for both the Amazon and Google Ecosystem. Google Routines happen at once, so you have to think a little harder about what will happen and when and plan accordingly. Alexa Routines are like steps in a cookbook, do this and then that. The main difference between Alexa and Google Routines is the manner in how you have to think about setting up the routines. I would test the commands to make sure that it works as expected before committing it to the routine. When you know what you want to happen, type the command exactly as you would say it. Anything that you can do with your Google Assistant can be a step in your routine. Notice that we defined all our action definitions in “Plain English”. (Optional) Use music to help set the mood for optimal productivity.This way you will know when it’s time to stop your rest phase. Start a timer called “ Work” for 25 minutes.This way you will know when its time to end your rest phrase. Start a timer called “ Rest” for 30 minutes.Give a Phrase (or group of phrases!) that will start your Automated Pomodoro Work Phrase.Creating a new Google Assistant Routine Steps to Create The Routine To get started, open the Google Home App, Navigate to Routines, and Hit the (+) button to create a new routine. Google Assistant’s automated workflows are also called routines. NOTE: You will have to tell Alexa to repeat the loop when you are ready for your next Pomodoro session. This allows me to see at a glance when I should be focusing vs resting. You’ll notice that I use my Office Lights to change colors in various phases of my Pomodoro sessions. You can use either Alexa to announce your notifications or use your integrated smart lights. Say a notification that your break is over.At the end of the 25 minutes say a notification to let you know its time to rest.Wait (or Play Music) for 25 minutes (your focus time).Provide a Confirmation Response that Alexa Heard You - you can use a Light Change or an Audible Notification.Give Alexa a Phrase to Listen for: “Alexa, I need to work”.You can access this by hitting the “More Button” on your Alexa app and choosing “Routines” Access Your Routines from the Alexa App Steps to Create The Routine Full Alexa Routine It’s easy to use and relatively cheap.Īmazon provides the ability to automate workflows via Routines. When I first started out, I started using the below timer. This technique does require tools to manage our flow. The benefits and theory are explained really well in the article below: These small work sessions are coupled with short breaks.īy achieving small bursts of concertation, the idea is that you aren’t overwhelmed with everything that you have to do, you are just focusing on “putting one foot in front of the other” for twenty-five minutes, i.e. To prevent yourself from being overwhelmed, you try to focus for only twenty-five minutes at a time. The Pomodoro technique is a great way to maintain your focus and combat distractions. Work on the tasks in front of me in short bursts.Schedule those tasks over the week, focusing on never over-burdening a day.I then transcribe those tasks and track them in Todoist. Break down those goals and activities into small manageable tasks.List my goals and activities at the beginning of the week (I use a Trello Board or some other Kanban Board).To keep me on task, I follow a four-step process, to make sure that I remain on task: Focusing at home can be hard, where there are housemates, TVs, and Video Games. Since that ship has sailed, we need to find a way to focus at home. Working from home was supposed to be a short term event. This post may contain affiliate links that the author will receive compensation if a purchase is made through the links.
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