The Pomodoro Technique

You've heard about the Pomodoro Technique and want to know more. Is it just another productivity hack? Does it really work? Will it work for you?

You will finish each day with a sense of accomplishment by doing nothing more than working in 25-minute blocks (called pomodoro sessions), followed by 5-minute breaks.

Implementing the Pomodoro Technique is simple and requires minimal setup, making it a powerful tool for boosting productivity. All you need to do is plan your day and use the pomodoro timer in Time Stream. It is all there for you, easy!

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The pomodoro technique is a time management framework that improves focus and productivity. It encourages you to work with time rather than struggle against it.

You will finish each day with a sense of accomplishment by doing nothing more than working in 25-minute blocks (called pomodoro sessions), followed by 5-minute breaks.

The pomodoro technique is popular with freelancers wanting to track time, students wishing to study more effectively, and anyone looking to improve at work or in their projects.

The pomodoro technique is simple yet highly effective.

How to use the Pomodoro Technique

Choose a task

Pick a task you want to focus on.

Focus

Minimize distractions. Close your email, shut down social media, turn your phone on Do Not Disturb, and close the door. It's only 25 minutes, stay focused.

Work

Start a 25-minute timer and get to work. Don't pause the timer; stick to the task and note any distractions for later.

Short break

When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Step away from your desk, stretch, clear your mind, or grab a refreshment.

Repeat

Start another Pomodoro for another 25 minutes of focused work.

Long break

After completing four Pomodoros, take a more extended 20-minute break. Return refreshed and ready to tackle more work.

How to implement the Pomodoro Technique using Time Stream

Time Stream allows you to implement all facets of the Pomodoro Technique, including planning, timing work, taking breaks, and recording sessions.

Using Time Stream, you will know what you want to do and what you did (or didn't do), and you can review your progress over time against your plans.

Here is our guide to using Time Stream to implement the Pomodoro Technique.

You can begin a session by clicking the play button next to the task you wish to work on first. When the session starts, the timer page will open.

The timer defaults to 25-minute sessions. You can change this by managing your preferences.

Take a short break

You can begin a session by clicking the play button next to the task you wish to work on; this will take you to the timer page. Your first session has begun.

The timer defaults to 5-minute breaks. You can change this by managing your preferences.

Repeat

After your break, start another session and continue this cycle until you have completed four pomodoro sessions.

The timer defaults to four pomodoro sessions in a cycle, and those sessions restart automatically until your long break is complete. You can change these settings by managing your preferences.

Take a long break

Take a long break. Step away from your desk, grab a coffee or lunch, and clear your mind.

The timer defaults to a 25-minute long break. You can change this by managing your preferences.

Review your progress

At the end of your day, navigate to the Today screen and analyse your progress. Did you complete all your planned sessions, end up working on a different priority, or go over your planned sessions on some tasks? Considering how you went will help you better plan your day tomorrow.

Why does the Pomodoro Technique work?

Getting started or staying motivated can be difficult when faced with an enormous task or series of tasks. The Pomodoro Technique helps you focus on one task at a time by breaking work into manageable intervals.

This method trains your brain to resist distractions and allows you to make continuous progress.

As Staffan Noteberg said in Pomodoro Technique Illustrated:

"Perfectionism prevents action. Waiting until you have devised the perfect solution to something is merely a form of procrastination."

Do you need the Pomodoro Technique?

If you often find yourself...

Disappointed with your achievements

The Pomodoro Technique will help you break down tasks into manageable pieces and get started.

Wondering where the time went

Pomodoro will make time management visible so you can track how much you've done.

Easily distracted

If you feel like the day slips away in a blur of emails, blog posts, and social media, the Pomodoro Technique will help you stay focused.

Lacking focus

If you end your day feeling like you've accomplished nothing, Pomodoro will help you prioritise.

Lacking motivation

If you need help starting big projects, Pomodoro makes it easy to begin with a single, short sprint.

Feeling exhausted

If you're burnt out and not taking regular breaks, the Pomodoro Technique ensures you stay fresh with regular intervals for rest.

Will the Pomodoro Technique work for you?

The Pomodoro Technique is ideal if:

You have a long to-do list and jump between tasks throughout the day.
You often finish the day by asking, "What did I actually accomplish?"
You're working on large projects that seem endless or overwhelming.

Tim Ferriss Recommends the Pomodoro Technique; "The biggest problem (for those having a hard time starting an important task) is that people bite off too much. Start small. I like the Pomodoro Technique for this. Commit to one sprint (using a timer). It will help overcome the procrastination inertia (or lack thereof)."

Ready to try the Pomodoro Technique in Time Stream? Get started.