I first learned about the Pomodoro Technique early on in my career but it wasn’t until I took a productivity course a few years ago that I really put it into practice. As homework, this course required that we choose one productivity tactic and use it for a week, and then report on the results in the following week.
I started with a simple online timer I found on Google to track my sessions and I noticed a difference immediately. After just that first 25 minute block, I could clearly see how useful this tool was. And I’ve been using it ever since.
Fun fact: This technique was developed in the late 1980s by Francesco Cirillo and takes its name from the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used. “Pomodoro” is the Italian word for “tomato.”
Online Pomodoro Timers
There are lots of choices when it comes to online timers. Here are a few:
- Google has a timer-feature built into search. Type “25-Minute Timer” into the search bar and the timer will start.
- StudyWithMe is a popular timer because it has aesthetically pleasing backgrounds and a Spotify widget built into the page.
- The creator of the Pomodoro technique has free apps on his site, pomodorotechnique.com
- There are browser plugins, such as the Pomodoro Chrome Extension
- There are even videos on YouTube, such as this one with three 25-minute sessions and soothing background music
How I Use Pomodoro in My Daily Routine
Over time, I moved from online timers to a physical Pomodoro timer that I love. I was tempted to get an actual tomato timer like Cirillo used, but I opted for something a little more modern, so I bought this one (affiliate). Though, I’m still considering picking up a tomato timer, because I wouldn’t mind having a collection of Pomodoro timers!
It’s a small cube with different preset times on each side: 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 25 minutes, and 50 minutes. I mostly use the 25-minute setting for focused work sessions and the 5-minute setting for breaks.
When I start my workday, I already have my tasks planned out. Most of my tasks take longer than 25 minutes to complete, but I use the timer to break them into manageable chunks. Even if I don’t finish a task in one session, I take a break when the timer goes off and then start again after my five minute break. The key for me is not to let the time limit stress me out. Instead, I use it as a tool to stay focused and avoid distractions.
The Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique
Since using the Pomodoro Technique, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my focus, productivity, and time management. The 25-minute work sessions help me stay on task without distractions – no social media, no unnecessary browsing, just focused work. It’s also motivating because I know that after each session, I get a short break to do whatever I want – all those little things that popped into my head while working.
One of the biggest advantages of this method is that it makes work feel more manageable. A 25-minute session is such a small commitment that it doesn’t feel overwhelming, but those focused bursts of effort add up over time. I find that I get a lot of work done without feeling exhausted or burned out.
The Challenge For Me Is Actually Using It
The biggest challenge I run into is simply turning on the timer! Some days, I get into my work and forget to use it, or just decide not to use it, even though I know it would help. By the end of the day, I always look back and wish I had turned it on.
One strategy I plan to implement is setting a daily goal for the number of Pomodoro sessions I complete. I already use a habit journal, so tracking my Pomodoro sessions alongside my other habits could help reinforce the routine.
Customizing Pomodoro for Maximum Productivity
I stick to the traditional 25-minute work sessions with 5-minute breaks, but I have combined the Pomodoro Technique with other productivity methods to make it even more effective. One tool I’ve found useful is the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps me prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. By first organizing my tasks into high-priority and lower-priority categories, I ensure that my Pomodoro sessions are focused on what truly matters.
One thing I don’t recommend is changing the length of the Pomodoro sessions. The 25-minute work period is effective because it’s short enough to stay focused but long enough to make meaningful progress. Extending it to 30 or 35 minutes might seem like a small change, but it can quickly feel overwhelming. Sticking to the standard time frame keeps the process simple and sustainable.
Advice for Beginners
If you’re new to the Pomodoro Technique, my best advice is to keep it simple. You don’t need a fancy setup – just go to Google, search for a Pomodoro timer, and try it out. Choose a few tasks for the day, set your timer for 25 minutes, and see how much you can get done. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break, then start again.
One mistake to avoid is ignoring the time limits. The real power of the technique comes from strictly following the 25-minute work period.
There’s something called Parkinson’s law, which says “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” You’re probably familiar with this in your own life. If you have two weeks to finish a work project, you’ll often take the full two weeks to finish it. But if the same project is due in three days, you’ll finish it in three days.
This is why the Pomodoro technique works.
If you extend your work sessions beyond 25 minutes, it starts to lose its effectiveness. Also, a 25 minute block feels manageable but a small shift to 30 minutes starts to make it feel like a larger block of time and can create a mental block in your mind.
If you find the technique helpful, I highly recommend getting a physical timer. I use a small cube timer, which keeps me from having to search for a digital timer online. It eliminates distractions and makes it even easier to stick to my Pomodoro sessions.
Final Thoughts
The Pomodoro Technique has been huge for my productivity. It keeps me focused, helps me manage my time more effectively, and prevents burnout by encouraging regular breaks. If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to boost your productivity, give it a try. You might be surprised by how much you can accomplish in just 25 minutes.