The Pomodoro Technique is a popular productivity method based on time-limited work intervals, split by short breaks, proven to increase productivity. 

If you ever found yourself spending too long on a task that should’ve taken you minutes or simply find yourself procrastinating and having difficulties focusing – The Pomodoro method might just be the technique you’ve been looking for.

What is the Pomodoro Technique? 

The Pomodoro Technique is a productive approach to managing your time more effectively, somewhat similar to the Time-blocking technique.

It will help you sharpen your concentration and remain focused through its clever short sprints and breaks methodology. 

The technique requires 25-minute intervals, with around 5 minutes of break time between each interval.

After four intervals, which are called Pomodoros, a longer break is given to re-boost your energy levels. 

Suddenly, additional distractions are gone. There are fewer interruptions and a greater focus on the task at hand with these shortened working periods.

This process can be repeated multiple times, as many as you desire, to maintain motivation. 

Pomodoro Technique History 

The Pomodoro Technique (sometimes also referred to as the Pomodoro Method) dates back to the 1980s, where Francesco Cirillo brought the method to light.

Cirillo aimed to create a way to help people focus more productively and achieve more. 

Cirillo introduced this technique in his book, titled “The Pomodoro Technique.”

This book dives into the importance of a solid time management plan, discussing how work “sprints” can help everyone within their field of focus. 

Oh, and why is it called “Pomodoro”? It stemmed from the tomato-shaped timer that Cirillo utilized to complete his work as a student.

 

The book that started it all - The Pomodoro Technique

How effective is the Pomodoro Technique? 

Although the Pomodoro Technique may seem a bit illogical at first, the concept has been proven to be an incredibly effective method for executing productive work. 

The Pomodoro Technique is so effective because of 3 things: 

  1. By breaking down chunks of time, you can give yourself the recharge you need, as mandated by the technique. 
  1. The technique also encourages you to avoid most distractions that impact your productivity throughout the day, as the fast intervals are short enough to focus on your work. 
  2. It’s easier to commit to staying focused to a well-defined time interval, you know, has its limit, than to a task that can take hours.

As a result, your brain will train to center its attention during the sprints and learn to relax during the intermission.

This will allow you to focus more during your Pomodoro intervals and spend less time distracted as the breaks are just around the corner each time.

What are the benefits of the Pomodoro Method?

There are many benefits to the Pomodoro Method.

Working in short intervals allows for less burnout when working long hours to accomplish tasks and goals instead of working endlessly and ending up exhausted. 

Additionally, less stress is associated with the Pomodoro Method, as the breaks in between allow for relaxation and rebooting of energy.   

The method is also universally helpful, meaning that the technique can work for most people, making it an extremely effective and attractive method. 

The Pomodoro technique will leave you feeling significantly less overwhelmed.

Succeeding in staying “in-focus” also feels like a “win,” which will help you build momentum and morale throughout long days.

These factors provide solid evidence that the technique helps complete tasks that may feel overwhelming and tremendous through its interval process. 

The Pomodoro Timer

How to get started with the Pomodoro technique 

To begin utilizing the Pomodoro technique, all you will need is your list of tasks and a standard timer! 

So, let’s get to it:

Firstly, I’d recommend you create a list of tasks you want to achieve today. 

Once you start utilizing the Pomodoro method, it’s also easier to understand how much work time you plan to allocate in the day. So it’s important you prioritize your tasks wisely.

The Eisenhower Matrix can be a good resource to help you prioritize your tasks for the day.

Once you’ll have a list put together, it will make it easier for you to simply go through your tasks throughout the day.

Then, choose the first task that you would like to fulfill.

A good tip would be to “eat the frog” and start with the task you dread doing the most. 

Set your timer for 25 minutes, as this is the “sprint’ portion of the method. 

Once the timer goes off, your short break of about 5 minutes is allotted, allowing you to relax.

Then, move on to the next task and Pomodoro Session.

After 4 Pomodoro intervals, you should take an extended break. This can be 10 or 15 minutes.

Although it may be difficult to follow the strict regimen at first, you will be able to see the method’s effectiveness directly, allowing you to become more encouraged. 

These instructions will gradually become easier as you adapt to the interval timing, making practice the easiest method to start using the technique! 

How to get started with Pomodoro

What to do during Pomodoro breaks

The purpose of Pomodoro breaks is to spend time doing things that are beneficial to your schedule and fit within the time frames given to you. 

Remember that the breaks are your time to unwind, but also make sure you don’t lose total focus that’ll make it hard for you to regain concentration when the next interval starts. 

Here are some examples of great ways you can use your short breaks for:

  1. Bathroom break
  2. Getting more water
  3. Checking your phone
  4. Grabbing a snack
  5. Quick email check
  6. Stretching your legs
  7. Skim through social media updates.

What to do in pomodoro breaks

The Pomodoro timer

Though the technique initially used a standard Pomodoro timer (you know the one you use for cooking?), you can use plenty of alternatives.

There are Pomodoro apps for mobile devices such as iPhone and iPad and the different Android devices. Still, there are also desktop apps for Mac, Windows, or a Pomodoro timer chrome extension you can use to get started.

Regardless of the field of work that one is accomplishing with the Pomodoro technique, one can use this timer to execute the method perfectly.

Any.do leverages on the Pomodoro method using “Focus Mode”. 

Another popular Focus app you can also try is Forest App.

Any.do Focus Mode

Any.do Focus Mode

If you are looking for more options, there are plenty of free Pomodoro timers available, including : 

Pomofocus.io — Pomofocus.io is available as an app and on the mobile browser, allowing you to time your intervals, short breaks, and long breaks. Additionally, the platform lets you change the timing of the periods if you desire.

Tomato-timer.com — Tomato-timer.com is a website that provides a fundamental Pomodoro timer, with the allotted timing per section of the method. This is a very straightforward resource for beginners utilizing the technique. 

Tomatotimers.com — available on the internet, and an app, tomatotimers provides users with customized to-do lists that you can assign to a specific tab for Pomodoros. This can help you keep track of your tasks and follow the technique, all in one place!

These timers are free and do not require obtaining other materials to follow the process – so it should be easy for you to just get started.