Pomodoro Technique: How it Boosts Productivity

Focus and productivity are necessary in everyday life, but they can be hard to come by for some people. Not everyone has the motivation to begin a task and complete it. A fair number of individuals struggle with distractions and procrastination, which can make it difficult to get work done. Fortunately, various productivity hacks out there can get you out of some of those bad habits and turn you into a productive worker. The Pomodoro method is one such hack.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro system is a time management framework that Francesco Cirillo created in the 1980s. Cirillo was a student looking for a way to focus on his schoolwork better. He came up with an uncomplicated, yet effective strategy. Using a timer, he worked for 25 minutes then took a break for 5 minutes. Cirillo used a tomato-shaped timer, hence the name ‘Pomodoro,’ which means tomato in Italian. The short work intervals are pomodoros.

Over the years, the Pomodoro technique has become popular, receiving high recommendations for its effectiveness and simplicity. Any person can apply the time management system, whether it’s for work or school. The method lets you work in short sessions that allow you to keep up with deadlines. It is suitable when you have a string of tasks to get through in a day. Workers in different fields will find this system more than satisfactory. It’s especially beneficial for freelancers and people working from home.

How the Pomodoro Method Works

You don’t need any sophisticated tools or apps to execute the Pomodoro. All it takes is a timer and your focus. From your to-do list, select a task. Set the timer (pomodoro) for 25 minutes. Settle down and tackle the task for the entirety of the session until the timer rings. Pause for a 5-minute break then return. After four 25-minute intervals, take a longer break. It can between 15 to 30 minutes. Then restart the timer for another round.

Remember to get rid of distractions before you begin working. If it’s at the office, avoid talking to colleagues and close unused tabs on your browser. When working from home, close the door, put the phone on silent and get off social media.

You can do anything during the break. The idea is to give the mind a moment to recharge. Find something that takes your mind off that task, even for several minutes. You can return a call you might have missed, chat with colleagues or walk around. During the long breaks, you can grab a cup of coffee, make a sandwich or walk up and down a flight of stairs to get in your daily steps. Get as creative as you wish.

Pomodoro Technique Productivity Checklist

Select Task

Create a checklist of tasks you need to complete.

Select the first task you are going to focus on and accomplish.

Set Timer

Set your pomodoro timer for 25 minutes

Focus

Immerse yourself in one focused task.

Avoid trying to multi-task as this is not productive.

Tick Complete

25 minutes focus complete.

You want to keep track of you completed pomodoros as you are aiming to complete 4 pomodoros before a longer break.

Rest

Take a 5-minute break to give your brain a rest.

Do something to help you relax like meditation, short walk, get yourself a drink.

Now back to step 1 if you are not on your 4th pomodoro.

Four Pomodoros

After four pomodoros you need a longer break of 15–30 minutes.

Why It Works

The success of a time management system is in how much it enhances productivity, efficiency and focus. It’s about getting things done.

Firstly, the Pomodoro technique reduces the risk of burn-out when working. Almost every person experiences this. Do you sometimes focus too much on a task that at the end of it you feel like the brain will shut down from exhaustion? That burn out can make it hard to complete other tasks on your checklist.

Working in short bursts affords you some relaxation. You have the energy to concentrate on a particular task and minimise mistakes.

Keeping track of the work you accomplish is another huge plus side. In the Pomodoro technique, you need to have a checklist that you tick off every time you finish a task.

At the end of the day, you see how much work you got through. When you have a million things to attend to, the Pomodoro system is a good way to tackle them.

The Pomodoro method is an actionable time management strategy that you can implement in any capacity. Try out the technique and see if it suits your demands.