How to use the Pomodoro technique?

Let’s face it — we’re human and can’t work like robots.

It’s just not possible to be a fully functional working machine that doesn’t rest and can be 100% productive all time.

So how do we tackle that? How do we cope with the exhaustion from working? Whether it’s on your studies, a project, work-related, or just doing the bills?

Maybe the answer is right under our noses, perhaps it’s been there the whole time, and we haven’t paid attention to it.

Or maybe the answer is a plain old tomato…

What is the Pomodoro technique?

The Pomodoro technique is a time-related plan that helps you be more productive and energy-efficient.

Its creator’s name is Francesco Cirillo and when he was a student, he decided to end his struggles with his studies by setting a timer for 25 minutes and then taking a break for 5 minutes.

The word “Pomodoro” is Italian for tomato, and in Cirillo’s case, the timer that he used was in the shape of a tomato.

The method turned out so effective that Cirillo wrote a 130-page book on the topic.

Waste time to save time!

The genius of the technique is in its simplicity. When we need to be focused and decide to power through a project, our brain starts to wander after 30 minutes or so.

Instead of constantly finding ways to occupy yourself with everything except the project why not just plan to waste time?

Think of it as a reward for the last half hour that you read, wrote, etc., and take those sweet five minutes to reload and unwind your mind.

It’s estimated that this can boost your attention span and increase your productivity up to 40%.

Not to mention that it leaves you more fulfilled with the work you managed to check off your itinerary.

So, how does It work and how to use it

The idea behind the technique is really simple, and you have to follow these steps:

Get a sheet of paper and a timer for starters.

You need to write down all the things you have to be done with and focus on them one at a time.

This is important because you need to bother yourself with only one thing at a time so as not to preoccupy your brain activity and start to slouch.

Don’t cheat the timer.

The timer should be set for 25 minutes in which you stay focused and that is it, no more, no less.

If you want the method to work, you need to let the timer do its work and focus on your task without any interruptions — especially the ones that include messaging someone or returning emails.

Write down your progress.

After you’re finished with your work session, put the 5-minute break mark on your timer and write down one Pomodoro on the sheet of paper.

Then you can record what you’ve done until now and let your brain rest. It’s really important not to spend those five minutes browsing the net or looking at your phone.

Just relax and rest up for the next 25 minutes.

Patience is a virtue, especially if you follow the plan as instructed.

After you’ve got four pomodoros written down, you can take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. This is key for pumping up your stimulation and widening your efficiency span.

In these extra minutes, you can do some squats, or push-ups, just to get your body to feel more active than static. Also, light snacks that are good for brain activity, like nuts, are also recommended.

After a while, you will see how these small things become a part of your work routine, and you get better and better results the more you practice this technique.

To Wrap It Up…

Managing energy and productivity may be a hard task, especially with the amount of information we’re bombarded with in the modern-day world.

If you are finding it hard to keep your attention span and focus on a point, do give this technique a shot!

Have YOU tried the Pomodoro technique? Share your experience down below!