I’ve never really been into productivity tips and techniques. Rather, I prefer to keep things rather basic. I look at my planner, make a list of the things I want to do that day, and get to work.
However, I thought I might give the Pomodoro Technique a shot since I’ve heard so much talk about it. I’ve heard from so many different folks who have expressed how it helps them become more focused and productive. I reasoned that it wouldn’t harm to give it a try, and if it worked out, perhaps I might even discover a new strategy for completing my never-ending to-do list.
How do you apply the Pomodoro Technique and what is it?
A time-management strategy called the Pomodoro Technique pushes people to work with, not against, their available time. The fundamental actions are:
- Decide which one task to concentrate on.
- Set a 25-minute timer and dedicate all of your attention to the task at hand.
- Take a five-minute break after 25 minutes.
- Go through stages 1-3 four times.
- Take a more extended 15–30 minute break.
You divide your workday into 25-minute focus sessions and five-minute breaks by using the Pomodoro technique. After the tomato-shaped timer that was initially used to test the method, each of these concentrate periods plus a rest interval is referred to as a Pomodoro.
Why does the Pomodoro technique work so well?
The method’s underlying premise is that the timer creates a sense of urgency. You realize that you only have 25 minutes to complete a task, so you don’t waste those valuable work hours on diversions feeling like you have limitless time to get everything done during the workday.
The forced pauses that are imposed on us periodically serve to reduce the feeling of exhaustion and frazzle that most of us have at the end of the day. You won’t have unknowingly spent hours in front of your computer using this method. Rather, the ticking clock serves as a reminder for you to stand up and take a break.
Four best practices for applying the Pomodoro Technique
To help you make the most of the Pomodoro Technique, consider the following tips:
- Arrange your Pomodoros ahead of time.
Know what you’re going to do with your 25 minutes before you begin your first timer. This prevents you from wasting time considering what to do first and allows you to get right to work.
- Take breaks.
The concept of breaking up my workday and, gasp!, squandering time on breaks felt completely illogical because I was so accustomed to working in those large blocks of time (during which I believed I was being productive). How might putting in less work really enable me to get more done?
Every day ended with me feeling better because I had to push myself to get up and take a break from looking at my laptop screen. I felt as like I had completed a fair day’s work, and I also felt less tense, dizzy, and congested. Strangely enough, it does help to stand up a few times during the day.
- Don’t be scared to alter it.
You can always shorten your breaks and focus periods to find the perfect balance for your workday if the timing of each time block doesn’t feel quite right.
- Locate a Pom companion.
Find a partner to try the strategy on to increase your own accountability. At the same moment, tap start and tell each other what you’re going to do with your Pomodoros. Next, use your breaks to check in with each other and offer encouragement and congrats. It’s not necessary for your partner to work with you or even be in the same location!
If you are unable to locate a partner to test the method with, consider telling a buddy about your goals for each time block. This extra level of accountability will help you stay on track.