What is the Pomodoro technique?
ThePomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by a stressed student, Francesco Cirillo, in the late eighties. Cirillo devised the technique while studying for the upcoming exams, using nothing but tenacity and a basic tomato-shaped cooking timer (hence Pomodoro’s curious name). Cirillo realized that submitting to having to sit at his desk hour after hour wasn’t helping him study. His approach wavered. He wasn’t learning effectively. And he found it hard to remember what he had just learned. Is the same thing happening to you?
How the Pomodoro Technique Works
To solve the problem, Cirillo turned on the kitchen timer for 10 minutes and worked solidly until the timer went out. He then rewarded himself with a break, before setting the timer for another 10-minute study session. Even with the rest time, Cirillo found that he managed to improve his performance. Later, Cirillo refined the technique. Finally, he based his famousPomodoro Technical On the following:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes (I call each session «Pomodoro»)
- Work consistently until the timer turns off.
- Take a five-minute break.
- Turn on the Pomodoro Technique timer again for 25 minutes.
- Work again without rest until the timer turns off.
- Repeat the process until four consecutive Pomodoros have been completed.
- At the end of the fourth Pomodoro, take a longer break of 15 to 20 minutes.
If you were just browsing about thePomodoro Technique, you can leave it here. On the contrary, if you want to delve into this technique, keep reading… These seven steps are summarized in the following two phases:
Preparing for the focus phase
Before starting with the first Pomodoro, organize your study and follow the following tips to the letter:
- Make sure there is nothing fighting for your attention.
- Turn off all notifications on your computer and mobile.
- Close all browser tabs.
- Forget about social media.
- Leave your mobile phone in airplane mode to avoid random interruptions by someone calling or messaging you.
- Close the doors of the office to prevent your colleagues from interrupting you at work.
Your entire focus is dedicated to the task at hand. Follow this regimen for the next twenty-five minutes. Make sure you make a true digital disconnect. When the «focus» phase is at the end, take that five-minute break mentioned above. In case you have a more extreme personality, like me, resist the temptation to continue working. Even if you started a new task, just before the «focus» session ends, write down where you are, what the next step is, and take a break. You must remember that for the Pomodoro Technique to work for you you must avoid exhaustion.
Rest phase
What are some of the activities you can do during your break? The author of the Pomodoro technique recommends that you leave your desk physically. Go for a walk or just look at the scenery from a window. In fact, the Edinburgh Inter-Chamber of Knowledge Association (ESALA) (s/f) argues that the outdoors and nature have positive effects on mood and energy levels. What can you do if you live in the center of a city and it does not have a natural place that you can visit? The best advice is to get your blood moving. Perform short exercises and stretch your muscles. Your body and mind will thank you. Another great unrelated work activity you can try during your break is reading. I refer specifically to physical books. Reading them in digital format, you can awaken your temptation to check social networks.Is your library full of books you want to read in the future? Excellent! You can usepomodoro technical t’s breaks to get your reading plan flowing. https://catalogo-decursos.com/habitosytecnicas/como-hacer-un-plan-de-estudios/ The last suggestion for your rest time that I want to give you is that you should try daydreaming (or wandering around your mind). This actually helps you focus when it’s time to do the next Pomodoro session. Wandering around the mind also stimulates problem solving and boosts your creativity. The reason is that the disturbance of the mind helps your brain connect seemingly unrelated concepts that could be useful when applied to your current task.
Why is the Pomodoro technique so effective?
Working withPomodoro’s technique is sometimes called practicing «spaced repetitions.» It has been shown to support better productivity and greater learning ability. ThePomodoro Electric T’s timer not only improves your ability to get things done, but it’s also a great way to avoid sitting down to study for hours. Here I leave you an excellent video of the Inter-American Development Bank. The video explains the enormous risks of sitting for a very long time. The content is quite brief, but very substantial. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDJ_6gIFlRw Research has shown that this type of sedentary behavior is a major health risk. Getting up for lunch or going for coffee can help, but taking regular breaks, where you move after each «Pomodoro» is even better.
How to handle distractions during a Pomodoro?
ThePomodoro Technique can also help you overcome procrastination. If you’re distracted by a thought during a session, just write it down and then get back to work. This is so, knowing that you can approach the thought in more detail at the end of the 25 minutes. As you practice the technique, you will find that your ability to concentrate and productivity will improve during each session. https://catalogo-decursos.com/habitosytecnicas/como-hacer-un-plan-de-estudios/ What if you are taken off work during a Pomodoro? Cirillo suggests a «report, negotiate, and call back» technique. ThePomodoro Technique is meant to let the person who distracts you know that they are working on something at this time. You can negotiate a moment to talk later, for example, in ten minutes. This will help you feel more in control of your day and has the advantage of letting your colleagues know that you respect your time while helping them respect theirs.
More benefits of the Pomodoro technique
Performing big tasks in 25-minute sessions can also make projects of enormous proportions feel more manageable. And, the fixed time limit means you’re less likely to skip lunch. You also avoid falling asleep or stopping social interaction and physical activity. All of this is essential for effective stress management. Best of all, The Pomodoro technique is free! You can use a regular kitchen timer ord dig one of the many extensions available for your browser or smartphone. Some apps even have built-in trackers, so you can see when you’re most productive and when to reward yourself with a longer break.
Which Pomodoro app can I use?
Since you know in detail the importance of thePomodoro Technique, we are going to share some of the most efficient applications, so that you can put it into practice as soon as possible.
- The Marinara timer is a browser-based application with a lot of flexibility and nothing to install.
- Tomighty is a desktop timer that works with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems, and can be easily customized to suit your schedule.
- For Android, you might consider installing the free open-source simple Pomodoro that integrates into Google Chrome and helps keep track of your daily Pomodoros. The Pomodoro Tracker is ideal. It is also available as a browser extension.
- For iOS, the official Pomodoro app (now called Focus Timer ) is one of the best productivity apps and is available for free or as a paid version.
Una respuesta a “The Hidden Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique”
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never seem to get anything done.