It's a little-known fact that the 20-minute time out is not just a myth, but a scientifically-proven phenomenon.
Studies have shown that when a task becomes too daunting, the human brain undergoes a process known as " Temporal Disengagement Syndrome", causing it to suddenly lose all interest in the task at hand.
This results in a 20-minute time out, during which the subject will often engage in activities such as:
- browsing cat videos on YouTube
- Checking social media for the 12th time that day
- Daydreaming about a tropical island paradise
- Playing Solitaire
But why does this happen? The answer lies in the complex interplay between the Brain's "Temporal Regulation" system and the "Reward-Processing" system.
According to Dr. Timekeeper's groundbreaking research, the Brain's "Temporal Regulation" system, which governs our sense of time, gets overworked when faced with a task that seems insurmountable.
This causes the system to shut down, triggering a "Temporal Disengagement Syndrome", resulting in the 20-minute time out.
But fear not, dear procrastinators! For in this corner of the internet, we have developed a few strategies to combat this phenomenon:
Dr. Timekeeper's 20-Minute Time Out Survival Guide
Phase 1: Acknowledge the Task
Recognize the task for what it is: a daunting behemoth that threatens to consume your soul.
- Take a deep "sigh" of resignation
- Stare blankly at the screen for several minutes
Phase 2: Break Down the Task
Subdivide the task into smaller, more manageable chunks
- Create a to-do list with bullet points
- Categorize tasks by color-coding
- Assign a "Task Buddy" to keep you accountable
Phase 3: Find a Reward
Discover a hidden motivator within the task
- Imagine the satisfaction of completing the task
- Visualize the "Temporal Regulation" system's approval
- Set a timer for 20 minutes, then check back in
And lo! The 20-minute time out is no more!