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# A spell to prepare for rest
- URL: https://www.thefierywell.com/a-spell-to-prepare-for-rest/
- Published: 2022-10-26T19:32:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-15T01:52:31.000Z
- Author: Patty Ryan Lee
- Tags: Ritual of Work

When utilizing the [Pomodoro® Technique](https://www.thefierywell.com/pomodoro-primer-for-magic-makers/), do you know what you are going to do during your breaks? 

Witches of The Coworking Coven have:

- worked on knitting projects,
- stretched,
- done a bit of breath work,
- refilled water and snacks,
- watered the plant babies,
- scrolled social media,
- journaled,
- made art,
- chatted in the community,
- and otherwise pulled their brain *away* from their tasks.

This is critical to completing the work.

I repeat: rest is critical to completing your task

Don’t work through the breaks. 

Don’t do *other work* during the breaks.

Stop. 

Rest.

If you aren’t naturally inclined to take breaks (cough, internalized corporate world, and Capitalism), come into your Pomodoro session with a plan of *how* you will take breaks. Why do I reiterate this so much? Because not breaking and not resting invites the brain to wander and to look for rest during task time. 

## Your brain will seek rest. Give it some!

What can you do in five minutes?

- Stretch, breathe, meditate
- Stare into space
- Stare out your window
- Have a quick dance party
- Play with a pet
- Water your plants
- Water yourself
- Go to the bathroom
- Knit a row on a project
- Build Legos
- Doodle, draw, sketch
- Light a new incense or candle
- doing absolutely *nothing* is an acceptable break “task”

Take the fucking breaks.

You have your list of tasks, you have your list of go-to break ideas, now actually take the breaks.

Put down the work when the timer goes off and take a break. Rest. Disconnect.

It’s five minutes.

I know the urge to keep going, especially when you’ve hit a flow state. But try to stop. If you find that you consistently hit a flow state within 25 minutes, that’s a sign that your Pomodoro should perhaps be 30, 35, or even 40 minutes.

This is where *observation* of your work is critical to the success of your Pomodoro sessions. Next up, let’s take a look at [crafting a spell for observing yourself and your work](https://www.thefierywell.com/a-spell-for-observation/).