At this point in time, some of these time tracking tools only exist in museums, such as an incense clock. However, other devices, like a sand clock, can still be found in many households. That\u2019s why we\u2019ll demonstrate how to measure time with an hourglass, but with some additional time tracking tools as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to record time using different time tracking devices?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To show you how you can utilize diverse time tracking devices to record your daily activities, I\u2019ve tried several tools. Some of these are physical devices, like the Pomodoro kitchen timer, and some are time tracking apps, such as Clockify by CAKE.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the methods I employed is measuring time with an hourglass, or sand clock. These time tracking tools can measure both longer and shorter fixed periods of time. But, the most common types are those that last either one or three minutes. In my case, I used a three-minute sand clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, if you opt for an online hourglass, you\u2019ll be able to select your desired time frame. So, you can also plan your day by limiting the time for every task. This is known as the timeboxing technique<\/a>, which consists of setting time slots for each activity during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, in this article, we\u2019ll focus on a physical hourglass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you start measuring time with an hourglass, be sure to write down your task descriptions in a notebook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, this is the task I tracked by using an hourglass:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal is to review the outline and edit some parts if needed. This task should last 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, since I could only track three minutes with a sand clock, I decided to parse this 15-minute assignment into five sections. Thus, each section lasts three minutes, so I\u2019ll have to edit each section of a blog outline within three minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, begin timing your activity by rotating an hourglass. Whenever you take a look at a sand clock, you\u2019ll see how much time you have left to finish your task. Remember to flip an hourglass once the time is up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In my experience, keeping track of daily activities with a sand clock makes me aware of the movement of time. I constantly see the sand grains quickly falling, and I know that it\u2019s time to focus on tasks. Therefore, I always try my best to pay attention to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of the benefits<\/strong> of employing a sand clock as a time tracker, here\u2019s what I noticed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, instead of 15 minutes, it took me around 20 minutes to change the blog outline. But, thanks to these additional five minutes that I didn\u2019t plan, I was happy with the new version of the blog outline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, these are the downsides<\/strong> of using a sand clock as a time tracker:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, monitoring time with a stopwatch is a straightforward method that is especially useful for repetitive tasks. These are assignments such as replying to emails, waiting for the manager\u2019s approval, and attending meetings. If you\u2019d like to find out how much time you spend on recurring tasks<\/a>, just keep a stopwatch nearby when your next meeting starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, a stopwatch is a great tool for measuring time while doing personal activities, like going for a run or grocery shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Time tracking software used by millions. Clockify by CAKE.com is a time tracker and timesheet app that lets you track work hours across projects.<\/p>\n\n You won\u2019t need any fancy equipment. Your mobile phone, your watch, or even a fitness watch will do the trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before clicking on a \u201cStart\u201d button, remember to note down the name of the task. For example, I tracked the time I needed to go through all the emails first thing in the morning. Thus, the description of this task is \u201cChecking an inbox and replying to emails.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019re done, stop the timer and mark down the time it took you to complete the task. In this case, I\u2019m lucky not to have a lot of emails per day, so I finished this assignment in 5 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recording time with a stopwatch is a perfect fit for anyone who likes to keep things as simple as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, these are the bright sides<\/strong> of employing a stopwatch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there are some drawbacks<\/strong>, as well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another practical method of recording time is by using the Pomodoro technique<\/a>. This method consists of 25-minute work sessions (Pomodoros), followed by 5-minute breaks between work intervals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, to track your work sessions, you should utilize either a Pomodoro timer<\/a> app, like Clockify<\/a> by CAKE.com, or your kitchen timer. We\u2019ll explain both ways in the following section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get started with Clockify <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To take advantage of the Pomodoro timer, you\u2019ll first need to install the Clockify app for Mac or use the Clockify browser extension<\/a>. Then, create an account and log in. Next, go to settings and enable Pomodoro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, every time you start working on a new task, be sure to type what you\u2019re working on and start the timer. After 25 minutes, you\u2019ll get a notification, which means that it\u2019s time to take a break. You\u2019ll be notified when the break is finished, too. Then, you can continue working for another 25 minutes or stop the timer if you\u2019ve completed your task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pomodoro timer comes in handy when you have to deal with several smaller tasks or one more demanding task for a day. In the latter case, you\u2019ll probably need an entire day to complete an assignment. Therefore, to make things easier, be sure to organize your day by working in 25-minute increments. Of course, take quick breaks after every work session. If needed, you can prolong your Pomodoros to 45, 60, or 90 minutes. Just make sure you change these details in the settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, when writing a blog post, I feel like working only for 25 minutes is a brief time frame. I usually need a longer period, such as 45 minutes or even an hour of uninterrupted work. That way, it\u2019s more likely that I\u2019ll stay focused on the writing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see below, I parsed my main task for the day, writing a blog post, into several 45-minute sessions, along with brief breaks. In addition, each Pomodoro here contains the description of the assignment, like \u201cWriting section 1\u201d, \u201cWriting section 2\u201d and so on. When you name your work sessions, it\u2019ll be easier for you to know what parts of a task you have finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try Clockify by CAKE.com today<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pomodoro timer is a great solution if you\u2019re struggling to aim your attention at work. Whether you usually have one key assignment per day or a set of smaller ones, you\u2019ll surely benefit from recording your time with Pomodoro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, here are the advantages<\/strong> of using the Pomodoro timer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to the disadvantages<\/strong> of the Pomodoro timer, I hardly noticed any. But, here\u2019s the one that I experienced:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You probably use your Pomodoro kitchen timer when cooking pasta or boiling an egg. Apart from these culinary purposes, this handy device can help you monitor your work assignments, too. Unlike an online Pomodoro timer, a kitchen version might not be a perfect fit for monitoring an entire workday and all tasks. But, you can experiment by tracking assignments that you usually take care of every day and that last up to 10 or 15 minutes. In addition, you can employ it for recurring assignments. And, if you set your timer, you\u2019ll push yourself to finish these less demanding tasks within the time frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, I have a habit of writing a to-do list for tomorrow, before clocking out from work. These lists are extremely valuable because they ensure you won\u2019t forget anything important the next morning. Plus, making plans for tomorrow should become a part of your end-of-workday ritual<\/a>, which will also help you unplug from work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, I wanted to see whether the Pomodoro kitchen timer can help me be more efficient with this task. As you already know, the process couldn\u2019t be easier, you just have to set the timer and start working on your assignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This time tracking tool is practical when you don\u2019t want to waste too much time doing a repetitive task. For example, if you\u2019d like to declutter your desk or go through your inbox. Speaking of the assignment I mentioned earlier, writing a to-do list, recording time with the Pomodoro kitchen timer was quite handy. Even though I set the timer for 15 minutes, I managed to complete the task within 10 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what I liked<\/strong> about the Pomodoro kitchen timer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, here\u2019s what I did not enjoy<\/strong> about the Pomodoro kitchen timer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, the sound of the clock ticking all the time made me feel like I\u2019m in a TV contest, competing against someone. But, maybe this sound is what motivated me to be more efficient since I needed less than fixed 15 minutes to write down a to-do list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you usually switch between different project management, communication, or productivity apps during a typical workday? For instance, you have several Zoom meetings per day. Plus, you have to deal with tasks from Trello or Asana and check your email frequently. To stay on top of every assignment, you\u2019ll need a time tracking tool that allows you to record time from other apps, like Clockify by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To use time tracking integrations<\/a>, you first need to install the Clockify extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Once you do that and log in, the button will become visible. Next, when you begin working in a Google Doc, Figma, QuickBooks, or other apps, you just start the \u201cStart timer\u201d button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStart timer\u201d button in Google Docs<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, you\u2019ll notice how the extension\u2019s icon has changed its color – from gray to blue. For example, I used this time recording method when writing a blog post in Google Docs. So, the extension will name your task by taking the document name when it comes to Google Docs. But, you have to add the project name by yourself. Once I stopped the timer, the task was automatically added to my tracked time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Connecting the apps you commonly utilize throughout the workday with a time tracker can be quite beneficial. You\u2019ll be able to learn more about your productivity habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, here are the advantages of adopting Clockify<\/strong> integrations into your daily routine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of the disadvantages of Clockify integrations, there aren\u2019t any major ones. However, if your job requires you to work on one larger task during the day or if you only work in one app an entire day, maybe you won\u2019t find Clockify integrations much useful for your needs. In that case, you should only remember to write down your working hours<\/a> for the day and task descriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to time tracking, the good thing is that you can be creative. Depending on your tasks and their complexity, you can measure the time with a couple of simple tools such as a stopwatch or an hourglass. Or, you can try time tracking software, in case you need to add some precise details about your assignments. We hope we managed to spark your interest in time recording with some of the methods we tested for this article. And who knows, maybe you\u2019ll discover that a particular time tracking device suits your professional needs, while another tool helps you monitor your personal activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2709\ufe0f How about you? What time tracking tool do you usually utilize and why? Send your answers, suggestions, and comments to blogfeedback@clockify.me and we may include them in this or future posts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Record your time by using various time tracking devices. Find out what tool fits your needs by reading more about their advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":9086,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8841","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tracking-time"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8841"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8841\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36774,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8841\/revisions\/36774"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9086"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8841"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Tracking time with an hourglass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to track time with an hourglass?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Pros and cons of tracking time with an hourglass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tracking time with a stopwatch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/clockify\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nHow to track time with a stopwatch?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pros and cons of tracking time with a stopwatch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tracking time with a Pomodoro timer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to track time with Clockify Pomodoro timer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pomodoro_settings-min\"](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Pomodoro_settings-min.png\")
<\/center>\n\n\n\n![\"Pomodoro_overview-min\"](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Pomodoro_overview-min.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPros and cons of tracking time with Clockify Pomodoro timer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to track time with the Pomodoro kitchen timer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pros and cons of tracking time with the Pomodoro kitchen timer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tracking time inside apps for work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to track time with Clockify integrations?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"integrations_-_start_timer-min\"](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/integrations_-_start_timer-min.png\")
<\/center>\n\n\n\n![\"integrations_-_tracked_time-min\"](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/integrations_-_tracked_time-min.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPros and cons of tracking time with Clockify integrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n