The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro technique was invented by Francesco Cirillo, and it is called the Pomodoro technique because he used a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato.

The technique is very simple:

You work in “Pomodoros”: these are time blocks of 25 minutes. You set a timer (this can be the timer on your phone or computer) and you get to work.

When the timer goes off, take a five-minute break.

Then set the timer again for 25 minutes and work undistracted.

After four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 20–25 minutes.

There are a few “rules”:

You don’t get distracted by other things while working on a Pomodoro.

You work on one task and do nothing else.

If you get distracted, reset the timer and start over.

If you find this difficult, put your phone on airplane mode.

During your break, you really step away from your work.

Go for a walk, make coffee, talk to a colleague, flip through a magazine—whatever helps.

But you are not busy with work.

You either do it or you don’t: if you get distracted, reset your timer and start over.

Teach yourself to work on a task continuously for 25 minutes. That’s it. Simple, right?

I used the Pomodoro technique years ago, but I’ve started using it enthusiastically again since I began using a planner daily.

This planner includes to-do lists that you complete using this technique.

You estimate in advance how many Pomodoros a task will take and then record how much time it actually took.

Working with this technique ensures that I stay focused and concentrated, and that I get into a flow faster.

I work without distraction—no WhatsApp, no checking Instagram, nothing. Just concentrated work for 25 minutes without switching.

You work toward that five-minute break, which literally and figuratively gives you breathing space in your work.

Because you take a real break—even if it’s only five minutes—you clear your head and can return to work focused.

I am much more productive!

This technique works for many types of work, and it’s especially useful for studying too.