Is your to-do list constantly growing, but you never seem to have enough time to get everything done? If so, you may benefit from using the Pomodoro technique.
If you’re looking for a way to boost your productivity, look no further than the Pomodoro technique. This time management strategy has been shown to be effective for a variety of tasks, and can help you get more done in less time. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what the Pomodoro technique is, and how you can start using it to improve your productivity.
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What is the Pomodoro technique?
The Pomodoro technique is a time management process developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 80’s.
It is based on the idea of working in short sprints, taking short breaks between them to recharge, and longer break at the end of each work session.
The method was named after the productivity aid used to assist with focusing on work during periods of intense concentration.
A Pomodoro is an interval of time measured in multiples of 5 minutes, tasks are typically performed for 25 minutes on average with 5 minute breaks in between.
After four or five pomodoros (or “pomodori” as they are known in Italian), the longer break is taken. However, you can vary the length of work sessions and the frequency of breaks if needed.
How does the Pomodoro technique work?
The Pomodoro technique is often praised for it’s simplicity and applicability to any type of work. Additionally, it’s flexible since the individual can decide how many pomodoros to complete each day.
The basic steps are:
- Choose a task to be accomplished.
- Set the timer for 25 minutes
- Work on the task until the timer goes off
- Take a 5 minute break
- Repeat steps 2-4 for a total of four Pomodoros
- Take a 20 minute break
- Go back to step 1
What should I do during a pomodoro break?
Ideally, when you’re taking your break during the Pomodoro technique, you’ll want to get up and move around a bit.
You can go for a short walk, practice deep breathing or listen to some music.
This will help to refresh your mind and give you a chance to take a quick break.
Alternatively, you might be more inclined to get up and do a task that’s completely unrelated to the work you’re doing.
This is perfectly fine as well; just make sure it doesn’t take up too much of your time and attention during your break.
It’s important to note that when using the Pomodoro technique, your breaks are meant for resting and re-energizing, so try to refrain from using this time for things that will significantly drain your brainpower, like playing video games.
Read also: 19 Easy ways to increase your brain power.
"Time = life; therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master your time and master your life." - Alan Lakein
Does the pomodoro technique really work?
Working in short, highly focused work sessions of 25 minutes, followed by a short break to give your mind some time to rest and recover from the intensity of concentration, can be very effective.
The idea of taking longer breaks after every four “pomodoros” is to help you recharge and come back to the task with more motivation, thus increasing productivity.
Additionally, you can use the Pomodoro technique in combination with other productivity methods that are based on building momentum.
However, if you’re looking for a time management system that’s based on scheduling activities to the minute then you should try out different techniques until you find one that works best for your productivity levels.
Read also: Ultimate guide on personal productivity
List of reasons why the Pomodoro techniques is so effective
The goal of the Pomodoro technique is to get the most out of each day and work in intervals that will help you complete several tasks from your to do list.
It’s a great time management tool which helps you get more done in less time.
Here are 9 reasons why the Pomodoro technique is so effective:
Motivation
The short, scheduled breaks of the Pomodoro technique will help you take time out to rest, recharge and stay motivated even to challenging tasks.
It gives you more time
Once you get used to working in intervals it becomes easier for you to complete tasks quickly, giving you several more hours each day for other activities.
Easy planning of tasks
You can plan your day in advance and schedule work sessions to finish a certain task.
Meeting deadlines
Since the work sessions of the Pomodoro technique are quite intense and focused, you’ll find it easier than usual to meet deadlines.
Easy time management
It’s easy for you to manage your tasks in blocks of 25 minutes helping you complete several tasks in a single day.
No interruption from a phone or an email
You can use a timer instead of the phone to alert you when a task is completed and the ticking of the clock will help keep your mind focused on completing your work.
Keep track of time spent per task
Time tracking is very useful when it comes to being productive, you’ll find it easier than usual to manage your tasks and also see how much time is spent per task which will help you re-evaluate your workload.
A great habit
You can turn using the Pomodoro technique into a lifelong habit of getting more done in less time every day. After all, it’s just 25 minutes, not a lifetime commitment.
It’s flexible
With the Pomodoro technique, you can work in intervals of 25 minutes or 30 minutes or 40, whatever works best for you.
"One day we will be more creative, more productive and yet more relaxed." - Francesco Cirillo
Who can use the Pomodoro technique?
The Pomodoro technique can be used by anyone who wants to get more done in less time.
However, since the work intervals are quite intense, it may be more challenging for those who easily get distracted or have trouble concentrating.
FOR PRODUCTIVITY ENTHUSIASTS
The Pomodoro technique is a time management process that helps increase productivity. In fact, the motivation of working in small chunks will help you accomplish much more throughout the day.
FOR BUSY PEOPLE
It’s ideal for people who are always on the go, and don’t have very long chunks of uninterrupted time in which to get things done.
The method is great when you need to find a way to maximize your productivity in small pockets of time throughout the day.
FOR WORKAHOLICS
The Pomodoro technique is also perfect for people who are workaholics. It may help with managing your time more efficiently.
As an added bonus, it’s even possible to use this in conjunction with another productivity methods.
You can apply the same principle to any task that you find yourself wasting time on, or procrastinating about doing.
FOR STUDYING
The pomodoro technique was originally meant to help with productivity, but it’s possible to use this process for studying as well.
This might be something that works especially well for people who need to take smaller chunks of time out of their day in order to study, or for those who are busy with school or work.
If you find that you study better when taking short breaks to recharge, rather than having hours long sessions, the Pomodoro technique might be helpful.
Additionally, you can use the Pomodoro technique to divide your week and plan out when you’ll complete different tasks, like studying specific classes or topics.
It’s important to note that the pomodoro technique is not a “study hack”, and it won’t make studying itself easier.
In fact, the best way to ensure you’ll stay on track with your studying is to create a compelling reason why it’s important for you.
Read also: 11 Tips to stay motivated to studying that actually work.
How can the Pomodoro technique work for you?
If you find yourself working too many hours each day and trying to get more tasks done in a single day, the Pomodoro technique may help.
However, it will take some time to get used to working on tasks in intervals of 25 minutes with short breaks in between.
As such, you’ll need to be disciplined and committed if you want to implement the Pomodoro technique in your daily schedule.
Notably, if something doesn’t get done in the 25 minutes, don’t beat yourself up, it can always be completed in the next pomodoro.
You can also use the Pomodoro technique as a way to break up a longer tasks until their completion.
But, it’s helpful to have a timer with you so that you can keep track of the time and make sure that you’re taking the necessary breaks.
Read also: Self-discipline: The magical formula for success
“Perfectionism prevents action. Waiting until you have devised the perfect solution to something is merely a form of procrastination.” ― Staffan Noteberg
Why should you use a pomodoro timer?
It’s easy to become distracted if you’re trying to keep track of time yourself.
As such, using a timer may be best to let you know when your break is over, without having to guess how much time has passed.
Notably, using your phone as a timer can be distractive, as you can get alerts for all sorts of things on your phone.
This visual timer will help you improve your time management and encourage productive learning.
Final words on the Pomodoro technique
Efficient use of time is possible with any technique or methodology as long as it fits your needs and gives you results.
In fact, it truly comes down to the individual’s way of working; what works for one person may not work for another.
However, if you find yourself working under constant pressure to get more things done in less time you may want to try out the Pomodoro technique and see if it works for you.
If you feel the Pomodoro technique will help with your productivity, then go for it!
Are you going to give the Pomodoro technique a try? Let me know in the comments below.
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References
Almalki, Kholood & Alharbi, Omnia & Al-Ahmadi, Wala’a & Aljohani, Maha. (2020). Anti-procrastination Online Tool for Graduate Students Based on the Pomodoro Technique.
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