Timer

Time Stream incorporates two time tracking methods, a Pomodoro and a continuous timer, for extra flexibility.

The continuous timer is a standard count-up timer. It is a simple tool that measures elapsed time continuously from zero. It has no predefined intervals or breaks; it keeps track of time as it progresses. Unlike a Pomodoro timer, it doesn't have built-in intervals for work and rest periods. It allows you to manually start, pause and stop your timer, ensuring you capture the time you spend on your tasks.

Based on the time management framework of The Pomodoro Technique, the Pomodoro timer will improve your focus and productivity. It encourages you to work within your time rather than struggle against it by breaking work into intervals, usually 25 minutes each, separated by short breaks. The timer helps individuals stay focused during these work periods. It encourages regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain mental freshness.

Here is a guide to using each timer type and the universal features;

The Pomodoro technique helps to boost focus and encourages greater productivity. Use it to stay on task.

When using the Pomodoro technique in Time Stream, the timer is set up with 25-minute blocks (called Pomodoro sessions), followed by 5-minute breaks. There is also a 20-minute break after four sessions before repeating the process. All these timings are editable in preferences. The Time Stream timer is set to Pomodoro by default (the infinity icon will be grey).

Pomodoro sessions

To start a Pomodoro session, minimise distractions or potential interruptions, hit play, and focus only on the task you are working on.

If you use the default settings, a session will run for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. During your break, step away from your desk to rest.

The default settings have a 20-minute break after four consecutive pomodoro sessions, called a long break. The break length and number of sessions are configurable in preferences.

Pomodoro count

The Pomodoro count displayed above the timer visually indicates the number of completed Pomodoro sessions. It will reset to zero after the long break.

Here is a user guide for the Pomodoro count:

• It displays the number of completed Pomodoros.
• Double-click this icon to reset the count.
• The count will automatically reset after your long break.
• The Pomodoro count will be greyed out and disabled when the infinity timer is active.

Auto-start/recurring sessions

Time Stream automates Pomodoro time tracking by providing the option to auto-start Pomodoros. This feature allows you to automatically start Pomodoros to avoid forgetting to start/stop the timer.

Here is a user guide for the auto-start Pomodoro feature:

• Find the auto-start pomodoro icon above the timer; it is purple and switched on by default when in pomodoro mode.
• Toggle the icon to turn it on or off. It will turn grey when disabled.
• This toggle will be greyed out and disabled when the infinity timer is on.

There might be situations where you want to work on a task with a solid block of time rather than in Pomodoro sessions. The infinity timer is a continuous count-up timer that only pauses or stops when you manually action it.

Infinity timer

Here is a user guide for the infinity timer:

• Click the infinity icon, the first toggle button from the left above the timer, to switch from a Pomodoro to an infinity timer.
• When the infinity timer is selected, the icon turns purple, and the timer reads 00:00.
• Click the play icon to start the timer.
• Click the stop icon to pause/stop the timer.
• When the timer pauses, click the small play icon to continue playing or the circle icon to restart the timer.
• You can change the timer mode by clicking the infinity icon when the timer is idle.

Now that you know the two types of timers available on Time Stream, let's examine some universal features.

Session metadata

These three features allow you to store data against each session and review your progress and process to optimise how you work.

Notes

Adding a note to each session helps you track your time spent on different tasks more effectively, giving you valuable information when you review sessions for the day.

Here is a user guide for adding a note:

• Click the pen icon underneath the timer.
• On the pop-up modal, enter a note for the session.
• Click Save.
• The note entered will be displayed under the timer.
• Click the pen icon to edit or delete the note.

Tags

Tags help organise tasks into different categories. They also allow you to understand better how you have spent your time.

Here is a user guide for adding a tag to the session on the timer screen:

• Click the tag icon underneath the timer.
• Click in the tag field on the pop-up modal, and all your available tags will appear in a dropdown. Assign one or more tags for the session.
• Click Save
• The tag will display under the timer.
• Click on the tag icon again to assign or remove tags.

Linked tasks

When starting a task from the Today page, a session will automatically start and link to the task. If you have toggled the auto-play option, associated sessions will be played and linked based on the estimate for the tasks.

If you wish to remove the linked task relationship, click on the purple chain link icon to remove it.

After removing the linked task, the note for the session will remain, and the linked task icon will turn grey.