🍅What is a Pomodoro Timer?
The Pomodoro method is commonly used for time management and to boost productivity.
This method was originally created by Francesco Cirillo whilst he was studying at university in the 90s. He decided to challenge himself to work in short stints, with a break in between to see how much it would help.
To carry out this method, he used a tomato-shaped timer he found.
Hence the name Pomodoro (Tomato in Italian).
✨ The basics are; Set a timer for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. After 4 of these 25-minute sessions, you can take a longer break of up to 20 minutes.
This method is to boost productivity, to get a sense of urgency in your work, feel like you're challenging yourself and encourages you to plan your time and to-do list more efficiently.
⏰ How to Use The Pomodoro Method
The Pomodoro method is quite simple to understand, however, it might take a while to get used to entering the focus mode and having short breaks.
- First, you need to write your to-do list. You can choose how to order your tasks, either the highest priority first, how long they will take, or short easy ones to begin with.
- Now set your 25-minute timer. Use this online timer, a real timer (a tomato-shaped one would be great) or download an app to help. has a built-in Pomodoro timer!
- Eliminate any distractions. Snooze your emails, and your phone and pop a do not disturb sign on your door! Or, just let people know what you're doing…
- Begin your focus period. Start the timer and focus on your work until the timer goes off.
- Take a 5-minute break. Use this time to move your body, get some water, pet your dog etc.
- Restart the process. Set that 25-minute timer again, and repeat it four times.
- After four sessions, take a long break. Now you've completed four sessions of 25 minutes, you can take a longer break, up to 20 minutes!
If you haven't finished all your tasks and want to continue, start again from the beginning.
🌿 Why Should I Use The Pomodoro Method?
The Pomodoro method works best for tasks that can be completed in shorter amounts of time. If you have a task that may take a few hours, a different method may be better, like the
✨ If your tasks can be completed in a few sessions of 25 minutes, this method is a great idea.
- You can dedicate time to one single task, rather than trying to multitask and reduce your productivity.
- There’s less chance of burnout when taking breaks little and often.
- There isn't much time to procrastinate when you only have a 25-minute timer.
- You will feel motivated to get the work done before the timer ends.
- A five-minute break will satisfy your need to be away from the screen, saving you time and allowing you to get back to work.
❌ Negatives of The Pomodoro Method
These aren't reasons why you shouldn't try, just reasons why this method might not be the best for you, depending on the task.
- You might rush the task, creating lower-quality work.
- The task you are performing is taking too long and you might become easily distracted.
- Your work schedule may not allow you to work within 25-minute sessions, with breaks in between. This could be due to meetings, calls, etc.
⭐️ Tips For Getting The Best Results With Pomodoro Method
- Break down your tasks into 25-minute sessions beforehand. Estimate how long it will take you to complete separate steps so that when you are focusing, you know exactly what to do, and how long the entire project will take.
- Group small tasks together to get them done quickly. Routine lifestyle tasks that only take a few minutes can be piled together to make the most of your time.
- Don’t use another device once the timer starts. No picking up your phone, or logging into your emails to check something. Have everything you need beforehand.
- Don’t watch the clock… Ignore the timer, just wait for it to go off!
💡 Other Helpful Resources
Here's a quick video about the importance of a to-do list and the Pomodoro method. ⬇️
- For more, check out Todoist’s article ⬇️
- A guided Pomodoro focus session (with breaks included) ⬇️
