Boost productivity with the Pomodoro technique
Have you ever felt that too many tasks are coming your way?
Have you ever struggled to stay concentrated and focused while working on a project?
You are not alone. I have had this so many times in the past. Until someone told me about time management and that I should dedicate a small block of time to one single task. Stay focussed on it for 30 minutes, drop everything, get up, and do some small exercise for 30 seconds.
You will be surprised how much work you can do in such a short time if you only have to focus on one thing.
Later on, I discovered that this was a variation on the Pomodoro technique.
The Pomodoro technique is a very simple but effective time management technique that helps you beat distractions and boost your productivity and focus.
Welcome to the Pomodoro technique
What is the Pomodoro technique
And here comes the genius part: each segment takes 25 minutes, and then you have to take a 5-minute break. In these 25 minutes (called a 'Pomodoro'), you only focus on one task, ignoring everything else: not checking your emails, not checking your phone, not going to the coffee machine, ...
During the 5-minute break, you must get up from your desk, walk around, have a drink, stretch yourself, etc. In these 5 minutes, you mentally (and physically) prepare yourself for the work you must do in the upcoming 25 minutes.
How to use the Pomodoro technique?
Implementing the Pomodoro technique in your workday is very easy and straightforward.
You only need a pen, paper and a timer.
1. Write down a list of tasks you want to do that day
2. Break down these tasks into smaller sub-tasks
3. Select a task and set the timer to 25 minutes. And start.
4. During this Pomodoro, only focus on that one single task. Don't check your emails, put your phone on non-disturb, don't get a cup of coffee, etc. Get rid of all distractions and focus on your task.
5. When your timer rings, immediately stop what you are doing. Even if you are in the middle of writing a line of code. It is break-time
6. Time to take your deserved 5-minute break. Leave your desk, have a walk, get yourself a cup of coffee, ...
7. Start from number 3 again. And remember, every 4th Pomodoro, you should take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
the Pomodoro rules
How does the Pomodoro technique boost your productivity?
It is not only a perfect way to plan your day, it also
enhances your focus and concentration
As the Pomodoro technique minimizes the breaks, it allows you to have combined hours of full focus. This leads to better problem-solving and idea generation.
reduces procrastination
increases motivation
provides you a better time-management
Why is it called 'the Pomodoro technique'?
While he was a student, he struggled to keep his focus for longer than 10 minutes. He found out that when he put a timer, he was able to study and concentrate until the timer went off. He did some tests and discovered that the best work/break relationship was a segment of 25 minutes of focus and a 5-minute break.
The timer he used was an ordinary kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato.
And ... the Italian word for tomato is ... pomodoro.
