Are you constantly switching your browser tabs to check on your social media accounts while at work?
Do you tend to lose focus easily while working on something and instead waste your time watching some Youtube clips online?
Do you often think there's never enough time to get all your work done in a day and because of that, you procrastinate even more because you feel hopeless?
(Oh God, I sound like a salesman right now about to introduce some lousy product...)
Well, allow me to introduce to you...
(Drumrolls sound effect in the background)
The Pomodoro technique!
What is it you say?
The Pomodoro technique. This is a time-management method invented in the early 1900's by Francesco Cirillo during his university days when he was looking for ways to get more things done in less time.
Pomodoro basically means tomato in Italian. Cirillo named it as such based on the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that he used when he was studying in a university.
Well, how does it work?
The Pomodoro technique is a method of using a timer with a duration of 25 minutes (also called a Pomodoro session) to time one's self when doing a task. For every session, a short break of 5 to 10 minutes will follow, repeating the process until the task is finished. This technique encourages people to be more time-conscious and to focus on the task at hand without any distractions.
Basically, it runs like this:
1.) Choose a task to accomplish
2.) Set a timer for 25 minutes
3.) Work on your task with no distractions until the timer hits zero
4.) Take a short break for 5 to 10 minutes
4.) Repeat steps 1 to 4 until you accomplish your task. Please note that for every 4 Pomodoro session, it is advisable to take one longer break (15 to 25 minutes will do)
It's super easy to do right? I've been using the Pomodoro technique for a while now and I gotta say, it has helped me become more productive with my work.
Why does it work?
Using this technique is very effective because of the way it allows you to budget your time (you only have 25 minutes per Pomodoro session) and to work on your tasks with full focus and concentration.
Note that it is better to turn off all distractions when doing a session (e.g. activate silent mode on your phone, close your social media apps, etc.) in order to maximize the efficacy of this method.
The short and long breaks are there to allow time to recharge and refresh one's self in order not to overstress and burn out.
Take a short walk outside.
Drink some water and grab a snack.
Go stretch yourself out for a bit.
Watch a short video on Youtube.
This is your free time to do what you want. And when your break is up, you continue on with your task by doing another Pomodoro session until it's done.
Where can I find a Pomodoro timer?
There are lots of free apps and websites to choose from but I personally use the web app since I usually do most of my work on my laptop. Heck it's so easy and convenient to use even my grandma could do it (God rest her soul by the way). Below are just some of the free apps available to choose from:
Tomato Timer (Web app)
Simple Pomodoro (Android)
Focus Timer (iOS)
Conclusion
Before, whenever I have work to do, I usually do it in one go. Rarely do I get up from my seat to take a break. In the long run, I got overwhelmed with stress and from time to time, I get burned out too. I underestimated and neglected my body's need to stand up and take breaks especially when doing long hours of work and I suffered from it.
Now, I am wiser with my approach to work and I implement the Pomodoro technique whenever I can. I'm actually in my 5th Pomodoro session now writing this post and I'm about to wrap this one up. But first let me leave you with some questions:
Are you currently using the Pomodoro technique when it comes to doing your work? If so, how many Pomodoros can you finish in a day?
And for those who haven't tried this method yet, do check this one out because it will definitely help with your productivity.
I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
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Image source:
All images courtesy of Pixabay