Witch Tip #2: Witchify-ing the Pomodoro Method
So, I’m a big analysis paralysis girlie. I find that the more tasks stack up (whether they be magical or mundane), the less brain power is left to figure out where to start.
Time management tricks like the Pomodoro Technique have been endlessly helpful for moments like this. Heck, I think I Pomodoro’d the entire way to my bachelor’s degree.
This classic technique requires you to set a timer, usually around 30 minutes, in which you work on one single task until the timer ends, then either take a break or work on something else. Rinse and repeat until the task is done, or until your workday (or study time) is over. Pomodoro timers are extra effective for tasks that I have been putting off because they seem too complex, daunting, or unappealing. For me, it’s always the laundry.
Here’s an easy way to utilize this tried and true trick, but make it witchy by adding just a touch more intention and a dash of whimsy: instead of setting timers, light a candle or incense and work until it has burned all the way down.
I especially like this technique because there are seemingly endless ways to customize it to your own spiritual practice. Remember that witchcraft is a deeply personal practice, and we all get to carve our own path following what resonates for us.
If reiki or energy work is part of your practice, you can use it to set an intention on the candle/incense beforehand. Try choosing a candle or incense whose color or scent aligns with how you’re using this time. You could also choose the smell of the incense with aromatherapy in mind (calming lavender for an anxiety-inducing task, or orange for a task you need more motivation for). You can ritualize this further by bringing in other parts of your relationship to candle magic, such as anointing the candle, carving in sigils or words, surrounding it with herbs, and so on.
Something to keep in mind is the length of time it takes for various candles/incense to burn down. Here are some examples of very approximate burning times:
Birthday Candles: 10 minutes (these are also my go-to for quicker spellwork!)
Cone Incense: 20 minutes
Stick Incense: 30-60 minutes
Chime Candles: 2 hours (the little ones found in your local crystal shop, this is mine, usually about 4 inches tall)
Tea Lights: 3+ hours
Most of these are pretty long-burning, but you can always cut an incense stick/candle in half to break things into more bite-sized chunks.
Not only does this candle-laden approach make a mundane task more magical, but I also feel like it works better for me than the traditional Pomodoro. This is partially due to the natural variability in something like an incense stick; I find that I am more at peace not knowing exactly how long I have left. It’s almost as if gazing at a stream of smoke versus checking a ticking timer have very different impacts! Another added bonus: since good fire safety necessitates that you don’t leave an open flame or lit incense unattended, this technique literally requires you stay present and on-task.
View the video that utilizes this tip on my TikTok.
All writing on this blog is generated by the brain, heart, and hands of the author––never generative artificial intelligence. The author occasionally uses tools like Grammarly for help with spelling and sentence structure.
