The Pomodoro Technique: An Introduction to a Life-Changing Productivity Tool
Have you ever been in the middle of a task and suddenly felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work that needs to be done?
Are there days when you feel like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to get anything done?
If so, it might be time for you to try out the Pomodoro Technique. This simple productivity tool has helped millions of people focus on their tasks, break through procrastination, and reduce stress. Let’s explore what the Pomodoro Technique is and why it works.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s as an effort to improve his personal productivity. The technique involves working in 25-minute bursts with five-minute breaks in between each session.
During this short period of time, users are encouraged to focus on one task at a time without any distractions or interruptions. Once the 25 minutes is up, users take a five minute break from their tasks before getting back into another 25 minutes of focused work. It's suggested that after four rounds of this cycle you take a longer break (between 15-30 minutes).
Why Is It Called Pomodoro?
Pomodoro means tomato in Italian. The mechanical twist timer that manually winds to a specified time, usually under 60 minutes. The old-school timers were shaped in forms of a tomato or piece of fruit or and egg.
I’m glad the man who invented this technique called it Pomodoro and not the fruit technique or the egg effect. Although I can kind of get down with the egg effect.
When I was younger I would play with the timer my parents had. Ours looked like an orange. My brother and I would manually twist the timer down to zero and then throw it across the room as the timer blare loudly. We would take cover behind the nearest chair or furniture pretending like we just launched a grenade. Needless to say these things can take a beating.
If you want a more modern approach to this timer, you can set your timer on your phone. I don’t like this approach because inevitably you will get distracted by a notification or message and then down the rabbit hole you go.
Instead I own a cube timer that has the increments built into the time. All you need to do is simply flip the cube so the amount of minutes you want is facing up. The one I use is linked here and allows you to pick either 5, 15, 25 or 45 minutes.
How Does It Work?
The basic idea behind this technique is that our brains can only focus on something for so long before we need a break to recharge our mental energy. By working in focused 25 minute increments, we don't become easily distracted and are able to stay productive throughout the day without burning ourselves out.
During those five minute breaks, users can take a walk outside or do some light stretching exercises to help relax their minds and bodies before getting back into another round of work. We recommend you checkout Tension Toners 3 minute posture exercises to combat any forward slouching posture you have.
It's important to note that during these 25 minute sessions, users should avoid all distractions such as checking emails or scrolling through social media feeds as these activities can disrupt their focus and interrupt their workflow.
Additionally, if thoughts come up during this period of time that don’t relate directly to the task at hand, it’s best not to dwell on them but rather jot them down for later when you have more time and space for those ideas.
Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique
So what are some of the benefits associated with using this technique?
First off, using this method helps increase your focus and productivity as it allows you to stay focused on one task at a time without becoming easily distracted by other activities such as emailing or browsing social media sites.
Secondly, it helps reduce stress levels since taking frequent breaks gives your brain some much needed downtime which can help clear your mind from any negative thoughts or worries about deadlines or projects due soon.
Lastly, we are sitting now more than ever before… and it’s killing us! This technique will combat the ill effects of sitting too long, the importance of which we discuss here.
Use It During Your Workouts Too
As I mentioned, the timer that I use has four preset timers to choose from - 5, 15, 25 or 45 minutes. I like this for when I’m warming up so I can make sure I’m getting a sufficient amount of time doing dynamic stretches.
Also if I’m doing a freestyle workout (that is a workout that is not planned), then I don’t like to go over 45 minutes. I never have. In my personal experience I have found that anything more than 45 minutes hampers my motivation and progress because the intensity I apply drops drastically. So it’s perfect that the time comes with a 45 minute preset as well.
A Refresher on the Pomodoro Technique
In summary, using the Pomodoro Technique is an effective way to stay productive throughout your day while reducing stress levels caused by overwhelming workloads and tight deadlines. By working in 25 minute intervals with five-minute breaks in between each session, you are able to avoid distractions such as social media feeds or emails.
These short bursts of work help you stay focused on one task at a time while still recharging their mental energy throughout the day with regular breaks in between tasks. Incorporating this method into your daily routine offers numerous benefits including increased focus and productivity as well as improved stress relieving capabilities and better schedule management abilities overall!
Try out this method today and leave us a comment below if it helped you.
