The Pomodoro Technique is the study hack revered by students and professionals everywhere
By Onnie Stone
An Italian guy, a kitchen timer and a to-do list walk into a bar – which is a terrible start to a joke, but a great start to tackling your mounting to-do list.
The Pomodoro Technique was coined by Francesco Cirillo, named “Pomodoro” for the tomato-shaped timer he used to hone his productivity and time-management.
The technique follows a series of timed steps. Start by setting a timer and work on a task for 25 minutes. When the timer goes off, set the timer to five minutes and take a short break. You will repeat these two steps a few times. Then, set the timer for 20-30 minutes and take a longer break. Rinse and repeat until you’re satisfied with how much work you’ve done.
As you work, resist any temptations that will take you out of your work. You are committing a set amount of time to your task and would be doing yourself a disservice to break your flow. Plus, the break is never too far off.
Try to resist working during your set break time. The breaks are an essential part of this technique, and your mind and body will appreciate the breaks.
Some say to stick to a set amount of time for each step, but I welcome some flexibility. The important part is finding what works for you.
Pro tip: You may be tempted to reach for your phone when it’s time for your break, but avoid spending most of your break on your phone! The break gives you time to check in with yourself and your body. Do you need to go to the bathroom? Could you use a snack or some water? When was the last time you stretched? Is your pet getting enough attention? Plus, your eyes need the break; did you know that blinking is reduced by 66% when looking at a screen?
If you want to give the Pomodoro Technique a try, there are plenty of websites and apps to help you get started. My personal favorite is Flocus. The Flocus productivity dashboard is customizable and offers the perfect amount of aesthetic appeal to keep you motivated. Really, though, any old timer will do the trick.
Pomodoro makes to-do lists less daunting and helps empower you to accomplish your goals, big or small. Seeing how much you’ve gotten done by the end of a session is rewarding and will motivate you to do more in the future. Even if you lose track of the timer, you’ll already have gotten started on your work, and isn’t that the hardest part?
For a student struggling to focus, the right study technique really can feel life-saving. Whether it’s school, work or personal pursuits, the Pomodoro Technique is a tried and true method for getting work done.
