Does the Pomodoro Technique Work?
Turns out interval training is not just good for your physical health, it’s good for your productivity, too.
Working hard in intervals, taking a short break, and repeating that cycle again and again can help you cram more into the workday while actually freeing up some of those wasted hours you lose to inefficiencies or distractions.
The Pomodoro Technique in a Nutshell
Developed in the 80s by Francesco Cirillo, this time management technique follows a few simple steps to making the most out of your minutes. Here’s how it works:
- Find your task list and grab a timer (Cirillo used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer when he initially developed the technique – hence, the “Pomodoro” in the name, which is Italian for tomatoes).
- Set your timer for 25 minutes – During this time, focus on just one task. While you won’t be able to complete the entire task in that amount of time, fear not. You will return to it. And the whole idea is that you’ll be more productive and focused because you only have 25 minutes to do it.
- Take a 5-minute break when the timer goes off – After your first interval of 25 minutes is up, record what you’ve accomplished and take a very short break.
- After 4 Pomodoro cycles, take a longer break – Once you’ve completed this cycle 4 times – so 100 minutes of actual work – take a more restorative break of up to 30 minutes. Go for a walk. Eat lunch. Reset. And then get ready to start your next cycle.
The Pomodoro Technique is particularly effective when you apply some basic principles:
First, break down larger, more complex projects into smaller items you can take action on. That way you’ll know when a task is accomplished. Plus, you won’t feel so overwhelmed by a large and looming project.
Second, if you have smaller tasks that you could accomplish in less than a single Pomodoro cycle, group them together.
Third, abide by the timer. Keep working until the timer rings. Don’t look at your phone, check emails, or let any other distraction interrupt you during your focused minutes.
If you struggle with procrastination or find yourself easily distracted by the endless amount of things that come up during the day, give the Pomodoro Technique a try. It’s surprisingly satisfying to see how much you can accomplish when you focus your time and work.
