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Abstract

eps 1 and 2 three more times (to have a total of 4 rounds of 25 minutes, with a break of 5 minutes between each session)</li><li>After the fourth round, take a long break for 15–20 minutes</li><li>Repeat the first four steps as necessary</li></ol><p id="28ff">Cirillo discovered that you stay focused when you work with time, not against it. The concept behind the Pomodoro Technique is that this time limit instills a sense of urgency. Instead of feeling like you have limitless time in a given day to get things done to the point where you start getting distracted and wasting your precious work hours, you know that you only have 25 minutes to get as much as possible done on a given task.</p><p id="ce3c">Not only that, but the forced breaks also help you get up and take a breather. How many days have passed while you worked relentlessly, hours and hours spent in front of your computer without you even realising it?</p><h2 id="a176">How to get started?</h2><p id="5911">By practicing this technique for a couple of days, you’ll soon find it easier to break up your busy workday into workable chunks and reasonable breaks.</p><p id="9db4">For me, the idea that I had to keep detailed track of my day was a bit ponderous. To make things easier, I downloaded a pomodoro timer on my phone. If you’re an <i>Android</i> user, try <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.superelement.pomodoro&hl=en">Focus To-Do: Pomodoro Timer & To Do List</a>. If you’re an <i>iPhone</i> user, I suggest <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/focus-keeper/id867374917?mt=8">Focus Keeper</a>. Meanwhile, if you prefer a <i>web</i> version, check out <a href="https://pomodor.app/timer?utm_source=zapier.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=zapier">Pomodor</a>. Of course, there are many other great options out there, so go with what makes you more comfortable and focused on the tasks at hand.</p><h2 id="2bb0">What about interruptions?</h2><p id="6c3b">If you start the Pomodoro Technique, you know that you want to focus for 25 minutes before you take a 5-minute break to catch your breath. But what if something comes up? An emergency or a colleague bumps in with a request? You would then have two options:</p><ol><li>End the pomodoro straight away</li><li>Avoid external distractions until the session is completed</li></ol><p id="d334">More often than not, you can tell your colleague that you’ll reach out in 10 minutes. If, however, you can’t, then follow Cirillo’s approach “inform, negotiate, schedule, call back”.</p><ul><li>Inform the other party that you’re in the middle of s

Options

omething important</li><li>Negotiate a time to tackle the issue</li><li>Schedule it</li><li>Call back or reach out when the pomodoro is over</li></ul><p id="adc5">As for internal distractions like having a new idea or article to read, jot down your thoughts on paper and get going with your work until the Pomodoro timer rings.</p><h2 id="9c1f">Why does the Pomodoro Technique work?</h2><p id="140f"><b>Better concentration</b></p><p id="7c32">It is common when faced with large tedious tasks or an array of tasks that it can be hard to get started or to keep up a high level of motivation. But when you break your work into shorter intervals that are followed by short breaks, tasks become more doable because you are more focused one at a time.</p><p id="f762">The technique trains your brain to focus and make progress despite the never-ending distractions out there.</p><p id="5eaa"><b>Better feeling</b></p><p id="723a">Because you are forced to leave your screen and get up between every pomodoro, you will find yourself feeling better at the end of each day. The main reason is that you did not only finish your tasks efficiently, but you were also well-rested throughout your workday and gave yourself time for some short and long breaks. Less stress, less blurry eyes, and fewer cramps.</p><p id="1340"><b>Decrease back pain and mental fatigue</b></p><p id="253d">Again, thanks to the regular breaks, you get to constantly walk around, fill up your water bottle, grab a snack, chitchat to someone, or maybe even rest your eyes. Getting up to stretch your body prevents your back from getting too stiff. As for drinking, eating, and talking to others, you let your mind wander for a few minutes. A good combination of physical and mental relief will leave you feeling more focused and productive.</p><h2 id="6403">Final Thoughts</h2><p id="ad6b">To sum it up, I would like to reflect on my own experience with the Pomodoro Technique because I know it’s important to highlight the good and bad. The only challenge was when I had a day full of meetings or calls that I could not so easily yell to my colleagues “reach out in 5 minutes” every time. I just ended up deactivating my timer during these meetings. However, overall, I was surprised to find that I actually liked the technique and I think it did not disappoint with all its promises that it increases focus and productivity. I plan to use it regularly, especially on days that are not bombarded with numerous meetings. I am grateful that it gets me into the zone and recharges my energy through the help of the regular breaks.</p></article></body>

Boost Your Productivity Using The Pomodoro Technique

Before I get into the topic, let me first explain my situation. To be honest, I’ve never been a big fan of productivity hacks and tricks. I would always keep it minimal and simple. My planner was the closest thing I had to my daily planning (and yes, a real paper planner — not my phone). I would take a look at my planner, jot down a list of things I want to get done that day, and then start working my way from there.

All of a sudden, I got introduced to this technique called ‘Pomodoro Technique’ while watching a video on YouTube. I then started reading more about it and got hooked on it after reading so many good reviews and how it has transformed the lives of so many people; people who are very much like me, very amateur. The technique is special in ways that would help people greatly improve their focus and increase their productivity. I thought to myself “Well, at least I should do my part and give it a try. Trying this won’t hurt. After all, I’ve already watched tons of videos and read lots of articles on how to become more productive. Most of which did not work. I’ve got nothing to lose”.

Here, I will explain the origin of the technique and how it works, advise you on how to integrate it into your daily rituals, tell you how to deal with obstacles, and finally conclude with the ultimate benefits of using this technique.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that was invented by Italian Francisco Cirillo in the late ’80s. It stimulates people to do what they have to do given the time at hand. A great example of this is to study more efficiently. How does it work? You simply break your day into 25-minute chunks and you take 5-minute breaks between each chunk. These intervals are known as pomodoros. After your fourth pomodoro, take a longer break of 15–20 minutes.

In summary, here’s exactly what you need to do:

Focus on a task for 25 minutes
Take a break for 5 minutes
Repeat steps 1 and 2 three more times (to have a total of 4 rounds of 25 minutes, with a break of 5 minutes between each session)
After the fourth round, take a long break for 15–20 minutes
Repeat the first four steps as necessary

Cirillo discovered that you stay focused when you work with time, not against it. The concept behind the Pomodoro Technique is that this time limit instills a sense of urgency. Instead of feeling like you have limitless time in a given day to get things done to the point where you start getting distracted and wasting your precious work hours, you know that you only have 25 minutes to get as much as possible done on a given task.

Not only that, but the forced breaks also help you get up and take a breather. How many days have passed while you worked relentlessly, hours and hours spent in front of your computer without you even realising it?

How to get started?

By practicing this technique for a couple of days, you’ll soon find it easier to break up your busy workday into workable chunks and reasonable breaks.

For me, the idea that I had to keep detailed track of my day was a bit ponderous. To make things easier, I downloaded a pomodoro timer on my phone. If you’re an Android user, try Focus To-Do: Pomodoro Timer & To Do List. If you’re an iPhone user, I suggest Focus Keeper. Meanwhile, if you prefer a web version, check out Pomodor. Of course, there are many other great options out there, so go with what makes you more comfortable and focused on the tasks at hand.

What about interruptions?

If you start the Pomodoro Technique, you know that you want to focus for 25 minutes before you take a 5-minute break to catch your breath. But what if something comes up? An emergency or a colleague bumps in with a request? You would then have two options:

End the pomodoro straight away
Avoid external distractions until the session is completed

More often than not, you can tell your colleague that you’ll reach out in 10 minutes. If, however, you can’t, then follow Cirillo’s approach “inform, negotiate, schedule, call back”.

Inform the other party that you’re in the middle of something important
Negotiate a time to tackle the issue
Schedule it
Call back or reach out when the pomodoro is over

As for internal distractions like having a new idea or article to read, jot down your thoughts on paper and get going with your work until the Pomodoro timer rings.

Why does the Pomodoro Technique work?

Better concentration

It is common when faced with large tedious tasks or an array of tasks that it can be hard to get started or to keep up a high level of motivation. But when you break your work into shorter intervals that are followed by short breaks, tasks become more doable because you are more focused one at a time.

The technique trains your brain to focus and make progress despite the never-ending distractions out there.

Better feeling

Because you are forced to leave your screen and get up between every pomodoro, you will find yourself feeling better at the end of each day. The main reason is that you did not only finish your tasks efficiently, but you were also well-rested throughout your workday and gave yourself time for some short and long breaks. Less stress, less blurry eyes, and fewer cramps.

Decrease back pain and mental fatigue

Again, thanks to the regular breaks, you get to constantly walk around, fill up your water bottle, grab a snack, chitchat to someone, or maybe even rest your eyes. Getting up to stretch your body prevents your back from getting too stiff. As for drinking, eating, and talking to others, you let your mind wander for a few minutes. A good combination of physical and mental relief will leave you feeling more focused and productive.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, I would like to reflect on my own experience with the Pomodoro Technique because I know it’s important to highlight the good and bad. The only challenge was when I had a day full of meetings or calls that I could not so easily yell to my colleagues “reach out in 5 minutes” every time. I just ended up deactivating my timer during these meetings. However, overall, I was surprised to find that I actually liked the technique and I think it did not disappoint with all its promises that it increases focus and productivity. I plan to use it regularly, especially on days that are not bombarded with numerous meetings. I am grateful that it gets me into the zone and recharges my energy through the help of the regular breaks.