In the busy world we live in, most of us struggle with deadlines. They may be work-related deadlines (most likely), exams for which we have limited study time, the time at which we have to leave for work (regardless of whether we finished our morning activities or not), presents to buy for a loved one’s birthday, and so on. Whenever we must do something with a time limit, we tend to panic and lose focus. Therefore, the Pomodoro technique may be a lifesaver for many of us. Millions of people swear by it. So, here is everything you need to know about a simple method that can transform time from an enemy into a friend.
The Pomodoro technique is a method for improving time management, focus, and accountability. It involves doing a focused activity (e.g., work, study, housework, drawing, writing, etc.) for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. The cycle repeats four times, after which the user takes a more extended break, 15 to 30 minutes, and starts over the four Pomodoro.
The technique was created by Francesco Cirillo at the beginning of the ‘90s during his university studies and developed over time. At first, he bet with himself that he could stay focused and study for 10 minutes. Then, he extended the period to 25 minutes and gave himself a 5-minute break. This remains the traditional Pomodoro method to this day.
Below you can find its original creator, Francesco Cirillo explaining how to use the technique.
The Pomodoro method requires you to focus on your task for an uninterrupted 25-minute period. Thus, the first thing you need is a timer. Cirillo used his kitchen timer (a tomato-shaped timer that gave the method its name), but you can use any timer you like, from one on your watch to an app or online timer.
The next step is to eliminate any possible distractions, and let’s face it, this is not something you can easily do these days. Eliminating distractions may mean putting your phone on silent or airplane mode, wearing noise-canceling headphones, locking the door to your office, negotiating a quiet time with your colleagues or partner, and anything else that can give you 25 minutes to focus on what you have to do.
If you struggle to evaluate an activity's length, start using the method and journal your observations. For many of us, tasks are repetitive, and, over time, we can improve our ability to divide tasks into Pomodoro sessions. For instance, if, after a week, we notice that answering emails takes us less than 25 minutes, we can add another task to its 25-minute slot. On the contrary, if we see that preparing our daily agenda and scheduling meetings takes more than 25 minutes, we can reserve two Pomodoro sessions for this activity.
The most important rule of the Pomodoro technique is to respect the timer. Until it rings, you don’t interrupt to do something else. Eliminating distractions and negotiating your time with people around you is key to ensuring you can do that. However, if something interrupts you anyway, take a 5-minute break and start the Pomodoro session again.
Another rule is to plan your Pomodoro session correctly. For example, tasks that take longer than 25 minutes should be broken down into 25-minute sessions. Divide the task into subtasks or smaller steps, achievable in 25 minutes. If you have to learn a couple of hours for an exam, plan your learning session in 25-minute slots followed by 5-minute breaks. And, if you think you’ve finished learning before the 25 minutes are over, use the remaining time to review the critical parts, reread the summary, or practice on what you consider your weak points. Don’t interrupt the Pomodoro session.
At the same time, although the Pomodoro method is not about multitasking, you can group shorter tasks in the same 25-minute slot. Checking your emails in the morning doesn’t take you more than 10 minutes. Group this activity with others, such as reading professional journals, networking, or preparing your daily agenda.
The Pomodoro method has immediate and long-term benefits. Probably the most appreciated are the following:
What is the Pomodoro timer?
Pomo focus online timerA Pomodoro timer is an app or online program pre-set to time 25 minutes followed by 5 minutes. It saves you the trouble of manually setting a kitchen timer, watch timer, or other analogue or digital timer.
How do you deal with distractions?
Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible before starting the Pomodoro sessions. For example, you can put your phone in airplane mode, shut down computer notifications (e.g., incoming emails), and negotiate a time for individual work with your colleagues. Cirillo suggested an inform, negotiate, and call back strategy to communicate your time needs to your colleagues and agree on a time to catch on.
During the 25-minute focus time, avoid browsing the internet, getting up to get water or coffee (prepare them in advance or during the 5-minute break), and switching from one task to another and back to the first one. Also, ensure the environment is suitable for your activity. For instance, you may want an ergonomic office chair to avoid thinking about back pain while working.
When to use the Pomodoro technique?
The Pomodoro technique is particularly efficient for long and tiring learning or working sessions, dull tasks you don’t like doing (e.g., repetitive tasks), long reading sessions that may become tiring, and important tasks that require your full attention.
What are the best Pomodoro timers, online or apps?
There are plenty of good online timers for all browsers and Pomodoro apps for Android and iOS users. Focus Keeper, Flora, Forest, Toggl, Pomodoro, Flowmodor, Llama Life, FocusBox, and Momentum Dash are some of the most popular.
Forest appFlora appIs there a book on the Pomodoro technique?
Yes. In 2006, Francesco Cirillo, the creator of the Pomodoro technique, published a book called The Pomodoro Technique, in which he explains the method in detail. Since then, the book has been re-edited a few times, with the author adding new chapters on how to use the method.
Discover our section of the top 10 Time Management Books.
What is the Pomodoro method for studying?
The Pomodoro method involves studying for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break. After four sets of 25-minute learning sessions and a 5-minute break, the student takes a 30-minute break. If necessary, the cycle is repeated.
Why is it called the Pomodoro technique?
The Pomodoro technique owes its name to the kitchen timer its creator used when experimenting with it for the first time. It was a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato, which, for the Italian Francesco Cirillo, translated into “Pomodoro.”
What are some interesting facts about the Pomodoro technique’s history?
Italian Francesco Cirillo (b. 1962) created the technique in 1992 and started teaching others to use it in 1998. The trigger was his way of studying, organizing, and interacting with his colleagues. The first step was betting on himself to study for an uninterrupted 10 minutes. Cirillo used his kitchen timer for this.
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