When you are trying to get work done efficiently, the Pomodoro technique is the perfect tool to help you. Learn how to use a Pomodoro timer to achieve more in less time. Find out creative ways to implement the Pomodoro technique today!
When I work, I am usually able to get into a flow state, but there are other days when work feels like pulling teeth.
On other days, I struggle with remembering to take care of my bodily needs while I work. On some occasions, I’m more distracted by the personal to-do list that I still have to tackle.
For those difficult days, my personal favourite work style is the Pomodoro technique.
Today, I want to tell you about this style of work that helps me achieve more in less time on my more difficult days of work. I hope you will find it useful for your own workday!
But before you start, grab your own Pomodoro session guide so that you can take what you learned here and do a Pomodoro session at home! Sign up below to get your freebie!
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro technique was a time-management tool created by a man named Francesco Cirillo. People use this approach in many different ways now, but his original approach is six steps:
Step 1
Decide on a task that you want to complete. Don’t choose a massive goal; just pick something that is manageable.
Step 2
Set your timer for 25 minutes.
Step 3
For those 25 minutes, work on the task without allowing any distractions.
Step 4
When the timer rings, put a checkmark on a piece of paper and take a 3-5 minute break. Cirillo traditionally used his short breaks for reflection, but you can use them for whatever you’d like.
Step 5
Repeat steps 1-4 until you have four checkmarks on your page, then take a longer 15-30 minute break.
Additionally, it is recommended that you write the tasks you completed on a piece of paper so that afterwards you can feel proud of what you accomplished.
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How is the Pomodoro Technique useful?
Using a Pomodoro timer can help you:
- Improve focus
- Get tasks done faster
- Remove distractions
- Remember to take breaks
- Stay motivated for longer periods of time
- Develop a greater sense of accomplishment
- Integrate reflection into the routine
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5 Creative variants of the Pomodoro Technique that you can try
Though the original technique has its own guidelines, you don’t necessarily have to follow them perfectly.
You can play around with how you would like to do the Pomodoro technique in your own life to find the best fit for you!
Down below are some ideas of creative ways you can use this technique.
1. Follow the original structure, but don’t use the breaks for reflection.
In this variation, you do everything pretty much the way that it was originally created, but when it’s time for your breaks, don’t stay at your desk. Find something a little more active you could do with your breaks.
Here are some ideas:
- Do some exercises or stretches to move your body
- Go to the bathroom
- Make yourself a warm beverage or get some water
- Do a small cleaning chore that you have to do later
- Cross a small to-do list item off of your list
- Rest your eyes
- Play a quick game of something
Though reflection is good, I find that this variation is helpful for people who forget to care for their bodies at work or for people who have a lot of house chores on their daily list on top of work.
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2. Change the length of the Pomodoro timer
For this style of the Pomodoro technique, the only thing that changes is the amount of time you set on the timer.
For some people, 25 minutes is not enough time to truly get into a task. If you are someone like that, then you could set the timer for 90 minutes (a common time people prefer).
You could also choose to have your time set by an event, instead. For example, if you are baking a cake, you could use the time it takes for the cake to bake in the oven as your focus time.
3. Use the timer, but don’t write down specific tasks
If you are someone who actually finds it a waste of time to physically write down what needs to be done, then try using the timer without writing any of your tasks on paper.
Sometimes, all you need is the reminder to stay focused, which the timer can do on its own.
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4. Only use the Pomodoro Technique for tasks you don’t like
Personally, I like to use a Pomodoro timer on days when I am feeling particularly distracted.
On those days, I struggle to get into the flow of my work and I need a little extra push.
I don’t use a Pomodoro timer every day, but I like to use it when I need a way to improve focus.
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5. Use a “Study with Me” video on YouTube to guide you
Lately, I’ve been enjoying “Study with Me” videos because they create a nice work aesthetic.
Some YouTubers use the Pomodoro Technique themselves and have really beautiful videos that guide you through a Pomodoro session.
If you don’t want to set the timers and get everything ready yourself, you can just watch one of these videos instead!
What is the best timer app?
There are lots of great tools online that you can use to do your own Pomodoro session at home. Take a look at the list below and try some of them out for yourself!
- Pomofocus.io has a timer that lets you write down the tasks you want to do!
- Pomodoro Tracker has a timer and a place to write down tasks, as well.
- This Google Chrome extension is great for a more long-term solution. Plus, it keeps your work data, which is great for those of you who like to keep a record of your work progress!
Next time you’ve got a day packed full of tasks, try out the Pomodoro technique yourself!
Using a Pomodoro timer can really help you to achieve more in less time without forgetting to take care of your body’s needs. It is also helpful for days when you have a lot of housework to accomplish throughout the day.
When you try it out, remember that what works for one person doesn’t work for everyone. Let yourself experiment with different techniques and approaches to find the one that is a perfect fit for you, and enjoy the journey!
How do you use the Pomodoro Technique to get work done efficiently?
Very interesting! I’d never heard of this technique. I will have to try this and see if it helps my productivity!
I really hope that you find it useful!
I have heard of this technique a few times before, but never really understood how it worked. Thanks for this excellent explanation. I am excited to try it out to see if it works for me!
Yes, the term is tossed around a lot, but not many people seem to actually explain what it is. I’m glad you found this helpful! I’d love to hear how it worked out in your own routine!