How To Use The Pomodoro Technique
The pomodoro technique is a time management method and productivity hack used to stay focused while working. Originally invented by author and software developer Francesco Cirillo during his university studies in Europe, the technique is now being used by millions of people around the world.
How the pomodoro technique works
Fun Fact: “pomodoro” is the Italian word for tomato!
The technique gets its name for the tomato-inspired kitchen timer Cirillo first used when creating the method.
In this blog, a “pomodoro” refers to a fully-focused period of working.
The pomodoro technique can be broken down into six simple steps.
Set aside 25 minutes to work on a task: Although the pomodoro technique starts with just 25 minutes, this hack works best when you have an ample amount of time to get a task done in order to successfully complete all of the steps below. Start by ensuring you have enough time to complete multiple 25-minute pomodoros.
Work on the task for a full 25 minutes: Use the full 25 minutes you have to work on your task without getting sidetracked.
Take a short break: After diligently working on the task at hand for the full 25 minutes, take a short break. Take a stroll outside or around your office, refill your water bottle, scroll through social media – whatever it takes to reset before getting started again. Remember to save more time-consuming break activities for step 5.
Repeat this process 4 times: Completing 4 pomodoros means you’ve successfully completed over an hour and a half of work without any distractions. After the fourth round of pomodoros, you’re ready to take a longer break.
Take a longer break: After completing 4 pomodoros, reward yourself with a longer break. Use this time to catch up with a coworker, grab a coffee, or whatever you didn’t get a chance to do during your prior shorter breaks. This is also a good time to completely switch gears and focus on a new task when you return or move into the next step of the previous task you were working on. This break can be about 15-20 minutes or longer if your work schedule allows it.
Repeat: Last but not least, repeat the above steps until your tasks are complete or until the work day is over! If the technique works for you, you will successfully be able to get through your day with the perfect balance of work and down time.
Why the pomodoro technique works
Working nonstop throughout the day with no breaks might sound productive at first. However, in reality, this process can lead to a greater chance of frustration and fatigue or eventually, burn-out. On the other hand, breaking your responsibilities into smaller steps can make them easier to accomplish. When you know there is an end to your work or something to look forward to, getting started doesn’t seem as intimidating.
Tips for using the pomodoro technique
Choose a task to work on beforehand: Rather than using your valuable break time or pomodoro work sessions to get organized, figure out the task you want to work on ahead of time. Try starting your day by listing out your most important tasks to get done and then make your way through the list, using your breaks as a way to switch gears. Have one big goal for the day? Spend your working sessions fully focused with short breaks in between during your transitions into the next step. (i.e. say you’re writing a long article. Use your first pomodoros to research and then break in between before getting started on pomodoros filled with outlining or actually beginning to write!)
Use a timer: Set a timer on your phone, watch, or even use a handy online tool designed specifically for the pomodoro technique. This will give you the opportunity to focus on your work instead of constantly checking the clock to see how much time has gone by or how much longer until your next break.
Be flexible with your timing: Think of the intervals set by the pomodoro technique as a suggestion rather than a rule. If you find you're the most focused after working for 25 minutes, try switching to 30 minute or longer working sessions with breaks in between. Similarly, if a 5 minute break is just too long or too short, adjust to your needs and schedule accordingly.
Stick to your designated pomodoro or break: No cheating! In order to be the most productive you can be, stay on track of when you’re supposed to be working or taking a break. This means no taking breaks during work sessions and vice versa. If while working you do come across a distraction or think of a great idea for work during a break, write it down. This will allow you to finish your work without losing your focus and lessen your chances of becoming overwhelmed with the amount of work to do in one sitting.
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