How to Get Things Done With the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that is based on breaking down your activities into periods of 25 minutes of work and a 5-minute break. Its name comes from the Italian word “pomodoro” for “tomato.” The technique was developed by Francisco Cirillo who used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer.

The principle

The method is based on estimating the number of pomodori that are needed to complete your task and record with an x each time your 25-minute block is over. You have a 5-minute break after each block of work. You then take a longer break, ideally 30 minutes, after a set of 4 pomodori.

This is very efficient to stay laser focused on completing a task and to manage distractions. However, I find that it is not always adapted to my agenda when I have activities that depend on other people (such as meetings or phone calls).

That is the reason why I do not practice fully the method. I mainly use it when I want to focus on a task that requires less than two hours to be done. I would then set a timer and have a 5-minute break every 25 minutes. Because the block of 25 minutes passes so fast, it really helps me concentrate on my work and get things done efficiently.

The timer I use

I use Focus Booster, which is a free application that you can install on your computer. I haven’t signed up for their online tracking system as I only need their timer that rings after 25 minutes and also displays the time for the 5-minute break.

The application offers a few settings to configure your timer, and I like having the option to display a mini timer on my screen rather than a large one.

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A healthier life

The Pomodoro Technique is not only an effective way to manage your productivity, but it also helps improve your life. The 5-minute breaks are good reminders to stay away from your screen for a short amount of time, to get a glass of water, to stretch, or to do other healthy actions that you could forget if you spend long hours in front of your computer without taking any break.

By having things done more efficiently, you can finish your work earlier and get back some free time for your personal life with the feeling that you have accomplished a great amount of work.

Let me know in the comments below if using a timer makes a difference in your productivity.