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10 minute timer

A ten-minute timer is long enough to finish a small task and short enough to start one without dread.

246810

10:00

Timer length
Pie color

Want it on your lock screen? See the free app

Finish one small task

Ten minutes suits work that is clear but easy to put off. Choose a single task before you start. If you finish early, stop and note how long it took. If you run over, the task needs more time next time. In class, ten minutes fits a short quiz or one round of group work.

A ten-minute desk reset

  1. Pick the one surface you will reset, such as your desk.
  2. Start the pie. Put things away first, then wipe the surface.
  3. Stop when the pie is empty, even if you are not done.
  4. Note what is left. Next time, start there.

What fits in 10 minutes

In the classroom

  • A spelling test
  • Centers rotation
  • Peer feedback on a draft

At home and at work

  • A shower
  • Loading the dishwasher and wiping the counters
  • Answering the emails that need one line

Try this

Pick the task first, then start the timer. Ten minutes on one clear task beats thirty minutes on "get organized".

The Hourpie app keeps a 10 minute timer on your lock screen.See the app

10 minute timer questions

How do I start a 10 minute timer?

Press Start. This page opens with the pie set to 10 minutes. When time is up, the timer plays three soft tones and counts the time over.

Can I show it to a class or change the length?

Yes. For a class, turn on Projector colors and press Full screen. To change the length, tap another length under the pie, or drag around the pie to set any time from 1 to 180 minutes.

What can you do in 10 minutes?

A shower, a round of group work, or a pile of one-line emails. Pick one task, start the timer, and see how far you get.

Is 10 minutes enough to make progress on a task?

Yes, if the step is clear. Write down the one step you will do before you start, so the ten minutes go to the work and not to deciding.