By Divya Munjal

Do you race with time to meet your deadlines? Pomodoro technique can prove as a game-changer for you. Let’s try to understand how it works.

Introduction

During these uncertain times, our attention keeps wandering from one thing to another. We often find our minds distracted and our work suffers. At such times, we feel the need of a tool that could infuse some discipline in our lives. The Pomodoro technique is a time management technique that can discipline our brains to stay focused.

Most of the corporates struggle to meet their deadlines. The Pomodoro technique is a system that teaches the corporates to be smarter and more productive. More than two million people have already transformed their lives with the help of Pomodoro technique. Are you ready to know more about it?

The Pomodoro technique was devised by Francesco Cirillo in late 1980s. It got its name from a tomato-shaped kitchen timer (“Pomodoro” is an Italian word for “tomato”) that Cirillo used during his college days. This technique suggests the creation of a to-do list. This list will give us an estimate of the time needed for completion of each task. Then, we need to divide each bigger task into smaller tasks. Each of these smaller tasks needs to be accomplished in one Pomodoro cycle, which is completed in 25 minutes. Each Pomodoro cycle is followed by a short break of 5 minutes. This method helps in enhancing the focus by minimizing the effect of external and internal distractions.

After completion of a task, if some time is still left in the current Pomodoro cycle, then it can be dedicated to checking the quality of the completed task. This will ensure the result to be error free. We can also use this time to plan for the task that will be completed during the next Pomodoro cycle.

The main process of the Pomodoro Technique involves six stages:

1. Let’s pick an assignment that we want to complete

Whether big or small, you can choose any task that you have been procrastinating for quite some time. However, it should be something that demands our full attention.

2. Let’s set the Pomodoro timer for 25 minutes

We need to commit to ourselves: “For the next 25 minutes, I will work on this task without being distracted. I know I can do it! After all, it’s just 25 minutes”.

3. Let’s work on the assignment until the Pomodoro timer rings

We need to give our undivided attention to the task in hand for the next 25 minutes. If any other important task comes before the completion of Pomodoro, then we need to note down the task on a piece of paper and plan for it after completion of the current task. Noting down the task on the paper will reduce the chances of missing any important task.

4. When the timer rings, let’s put a tick mark on a paper

I cannot believe that I just completed a distraction-free Pomodoro and completed an important task. This achievement deserves a big round of applause.

5. It’s time to take a short break – just a short break please

As this break is going to be just for 5 minutes, we can consider doing the things that can be done in 5 minutes. For example, we can meditate or do some breathing exercises to relax our muscles. We can also get ourselves a cup of green tea or coffee. We need to remember that these 5 minutes will prepare our brain to work attentively for another 25 minutes.

6. Take a longer break after four Pomodoro cycles

After completion of four Pomodoro cycles, it’s time to take a longer break of 20 minutes. This break will prepare our brains to absorb the new data and relax before the next Pomodoro cycle.

Modern versions of Pomodoro timer

There are some apps that act as a modern version of the original Pomodoro timer. One such app is Pomodoro™ Timer Lite (available for download via Play Store). In this app, we can customize the time of Pomodoro cycles and intermittent breaks. Although a Pomodoro cycle of 25 minutes works for most of the tasks, there may be some tasks that require longer attention span. For these tasks, the timer can be set for 40–45 minutes. However, after longer Pomodoro cycles of 40–45 minutes, we can take longer intermittent breaks of up to 10 minutes. In these breaks, we can work on the things that can be completed in 10 minutes.

Did you find the Pomodoro technique useful? Would you like to try this technique for planning your work? Please share how you feel about it in the comment box.

Watch this video to see the application of Pomodoro technique in our day-to-day lives: https://fb.watch/8L_13aQbzM/.

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