Some of us go to work and react. Check email, answer the phone, take care of the things we’re being paid to take care of.

And that’s great.

Others go to work and create. That’s great, too.

Either way, using a 55-minute countdown timer is a total game-changer at work.

For the reactors, it’s a reminder to take five minutes every hour to breathe, stretch, walk, drink water, etc.

For the creators, it’s a way to stay focused for 55 minutes and be rewarded afterwards for five.

For me, there is a strong correlation between the number of 55-minute countdowns I set in a workday and my overall quality of life.

Try it.