If you are finding it hard to keep your attention span and focus on the point, do give the Pomodoro Technique a shot!
Let’s face it – we’re human and can’t work like robots. It’s not possible to be a fully functional working machine that doesn’t rest and can be 100% productive all time. That’s where the Pomodoro Technique comes in.
This productivity technique helps you to tackle multiple work tasks, cope with exhaustion, and increases your time management skills. This popular productivity and time-management strategy asks you to break down your tasks and alternate Pomodoro’s, otherwise known as focused work sessions and take frequent breaks in between sessions.
So, if you want to learn how to work or study more efficiently, then read this post on how to use the Pomodoro technique for writing, working, cleaning, and various tasks.
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 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 wonder after 30 minutes or so.
Instead of constantly finding ways to occupy yourself with everything but not the project why not just plan to waste time…? Think of it as an award for the last half an 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.
If you are finding it hard to keep your attention span and focus on the point, do give the Pomodoro Technique a shot! #productivitytricks #productivitiy Share on XHow Does The Pomodoro Technique Work?
The core idea of the Pomodoro Technique is to complete 25-minute work sessions. It’s a simple idea that can work on any area of your life including school, work, and at home. To start using this productivity method, you must follow these simple steps:
- Get a sheet of paper and a timer: 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.
- Just relax and rest up for the next five minutes: It’s really important not to spend those five minutes browsing the net or looking at your phone. Instead, use these 5 minutes to practice some quick self-care and check-in with yourself. Doing this will help you to avoid potential and extreme burnout.
- Repeat Steps 1-4, and after four Pomodoro’s start taking 15-30 minute breaks: 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 use the Pomodoro Technique efficiently there are several productivity hacks to keep in mind.
Productivity Hacks For Using The Pomodoro Technique
Break Down The Large-Scale Tasks
Each Pomodoro takes 25 minutes. So, if you have a large project that requires additional time or even days, then it’s best that you break it down into smaller and more manageable tasks that fit into this productivity method.
Breaking this larger projects down will help you to complete the tasks faster, not feel as burdened by the work ahead, and manage your time better. It will also help you to efficiently evaluate your current progress against the SMART goals you’ve set previously.
Group Smaller Tasks Together
Smaller tasks that take 5-10 minutes to complete should be grouped into one Pomodoro session. This will help you to clear off your to-do list and focus on tasks that require longer attention. The main goal for using the Pomodoro Technique is to make daunting assignments easier, so wasting the sessions on small tasks is waste of time.
Avoid Disruptions During Pomodoro Session
I know how tempting it is to check your Facebook messages, play mobile games, or even reach out to loved ones. However, one of the most important things you must do is avoid disruptions. While you’re working, there are several things you can do to help eliminate distractions and improve your ability to focus.
- Turn on “do not disturb” or turn off your phone
- Delete certain social media apps (TIKTOK)
- Tell people to not text you for a certain amount of time
- Leave your phone in another room
- Change the scenery
- Drink water and eat high fiber foods
- Practice meditation
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. When used correctly, the Pomodoro Technique is an excellent productivity tool for improving time management skills, completing your to-do list, and making more time for having fun.
If you are finding it hard to keep your attention span and focus on point, do give this technique a shot! Have YOU tried the Pomodoro technique? Share your experience down below!
These are some great actionable tips! Simple productivity tricks for a great work life. Thank you.
You’re welcome! Use these techniques well!
I love this and need it in my life! I will be sharing! Thank you so much!
You’re very welcome Lindsey! I’m glad this post can help you.
This is an interesting concept. And it’s pretty cool and I would love to try it as well. Thank you for sharing!
Please try it out and let me know your thoughts!
I had never heard of this. Might need to give it a try. Giving your brain a rest is very much needed!
Yes you should definitely give this a try.
Great tips! Love when you said just plan to waste time. It’s sooo true we spend so much time trying to stay on task when we could just give ourselves a short break to let our minds wander without the guilt!
YES! We need to let our brains just relax and stop stressing it out.
I haven’t heard of this technique before. Thanks so much for sharing all about it. I learned a lot!
You’re welcome!
I haven’t heard of the Pomodoro Technique before, but it does sound really helpful for focusing on tasks. I’ll have to try it out because I do find that after a while, my mind does wonder so taking short breaks would be beneficial
I get the same way, especially when I’m bored. Please give these tips a try and let me know your thoughts.
We love this concept and have been using this technique from time to time. It really helped us to manage our time and improve our productivity.
That’s wonderful to hear!
I’ve heard of this technique before but haven’t read much about it; this was a really useful breakdown of info about it. I can see this being really beneficial so thank you for sharing it here.
Thanks for reading Molly. Have you considered on how you will apply this to your own life?
this is an interesting technique. i’ll have to apply it to my routine. thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!
This sounds like a great technique. We all need a proper rest in between concentration. I think I subconsciously I do this, but not as strict as the timings. Trying it out this week!
Please let me know if this method works for you!
I’ve always heard about the Pomodoro technique, but this post really broke it down and made it sound simple. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for reading! I hope this method will help you in the near future.
I need to try this technique. Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks for reading.
never heard of that technic but it sounds AMAZING to me! I am very impressed with the approach. In fact, I feel a little sad I can’t really try it right now because reading this blog post is my relaxing me-time and is the final act for today before a small vacation. I will leave it open and will do it during my next working day. I have so much to do and so little focus (and I know it will be even harder next week after the resting) I am sure it will help majorly.
Well, please don’t feel sad. Enjoy your vacation, you could always try this productivity method when you return.
Had never heard of this technique, this is such a smart way to go about working effectively on one task as a time but also ensuring you don’t get board. And with the added focus of breaks within the cycle it helps with managing energy. Thank you for sharing this, will be implementing it!
Thanks for reading and writing Charlie-Elizabeth. Please let me know if this method worked well for you.
This is something I need to try! I’m saving this, because I have a tendency to work forever and never feel like I’m getting anything done. Or I’m easily distracted and fidgety. I had never heard of the Pomodoro technique before this, but I think it is something I definitely need in my life, and I’m saving this to try.
Hi Erica, I also struggle to get any work done. I use the Pomodoro Technique a lot and I find that it helps me to split up my duties and keep me from feeling bored, which tends to lead to 100% of the distractions. Hope this helps.
I like the productivity hack of breaking larger projects down into more manageable tasks. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps you realize you really are making progress. This process can be applied to many things, including catching up retirement savings after a late start.
OOH I like how you applied this to financial savings. I didn’t think of it, but you’re absolutely right.