I first started using the Pomodoro Technique in 2014, when some of my coworkers introduced me to it during a brainstorming session. The Pomodoro method strives to enhance productivity and focus while minimizing distractions using basic timers, and I found it works wonderfully for me.
If your work environment is anything like mine, you're contending with a smattering of competing attention-grabbers. Whether you're in an office, working remotely or in a hybrid situation, distractions lurk all around. In an office, coworkers can pop their head into your cubicle at any time, and there’s the noisy copy machine. At home, you have Slack or email notifications, attention-seeking pets and partners on their own Zoom calls.
Even outside of work, a Pomodoro app timer can be nifty around the house. I'll often use it when clearing out my personal email inbox or organizing files in my Google Drive. I first began working from home full-time in 2016 and experimented with various techniques to give my day structure. Ten years later -- and continuing to work remotely full-time -- I still keep a tab open with TomatoTimer for time management.
Here's how I use the Pomodoro Technique to stay (largely) focused, and why you should consider using it.
The Pomodoro method strives to improve focus, boost productivity and limit distractions
Pomodoro means "tomato" in Italian. The Pomodoro Technique gets its name from those tomato-shaped kitchen timers and was created in the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo. The premise is that you choose a task and focus on just that task for a set period of time. When you're finished, you take a short break, then do another Pomodoro session. After you've completed your fourth Pomodoro, you take a longer break, then get back to it.
Usually, a Pomodoro is 25 minutes, a short break is five minutes and a long break is 15 minutes. Here's what a typical loop looks like over roughly two hours:
1. Pomodoro
2. Short break
3. Pomodoro
4. Short break
5. Pomodoro
6. Short break
7. Pomodoro
8. Long break
You can customize a Pomodoro to your liking. The important aspect is keeping the deep focus, break, deep focus structure intact. For instance, here's how I might spend one of my Pomodoro sessions:
1. Focus: Editing
2. Break: Answering work emails and Slack messages
3. Focus: Editing
4. Break: Grabbing a coffee refill, answering Slack messages
5. Focus: Editing
6. Break: Walking my dog
7. Focus: Writing
8. Longer break: Replying to Slack messages and emails, preparing for a meeting
Why the Pomodoro method works
After using the Pomodoro method for eight years, I've noticed a decided uptick in my productivity because of three main benefits. It fosters focus, minimizes distractions and makes you more mindful about your work.
The Pomodoro Technique creates dedicated focus time
When you're in a Pomodoro session, the goal is to pick a task or tasks to work on during that timeframe. Essentially, you're creating an artificial deadline -- when the time goes off -- which should keep you more engaged than when left to your own devices.
There's built-in time for your mind to wander
Our brains need breaks, and sometimes when we step away from working on a project, background processing -- thinking about something subconsciously -- provides helpful breakthroughs. Often, when I'm stuck on how to proceed with something while writing or editing, I'll later have an epiphany while walking my dog or making lunch. The Pomodoro Technique allows for mental breaks and fosters work-life harmony.
You'll probably be more mindful about your work
Before embarking on a Pomodoro session, you'll choose what to work on. Then, during your break following that time, it's an opportunity to reflect on what you accomplished, or didn't. Maybe you finished earlier than expected, perhaps you've still got more work, or possibly you got distracted and focused on something else entirely. Regardless, using the Pomodoro method can make you more mindful of your work by building in regular goal-setting and to-do list checking.
Here are my tips to get the most out of the Pomodoro method
Having used the Pomodoro Technique for several years, I've learned a lot about how to use it most effectively. Here's how to maximize your productivity.
Use a timer app
While you can use a watch or phone, I suggest using a dedicated Pomodoro timer. That way, you're not constantly checking the time on your watch or phone. The free TomatoTimer app -- which I use -- runs in a web browser. There's also the browser-based Marinara Timer and Session for MacOS, iOS and iPadOS. Or there's Toggl Track, which provides time-tracking capabilities along with a Pomodoro timer. If you want a timer that's not on your phone or computer, the Ticktime is a neat desktop Pomodoro device.
Reduce distractions any way you can
During focus sessions, I recommend eliminating distractions as much as possible. I close as many tabs as possible and also rely on the OneTab Google Chrome extension,vwhich my CNET colleague Mike Sorrentino introduced me to. I snooze notifications on Slack and my email, because answering messages gets blocked into my breaks between focus sprints. I also use a pair of noise-canceling headphones, the Sonos Ace, to foster a quiet environment (save for the movie soundtracks I play on Spotify while hammering away at the keyboard).
Be flexible, but not too flexible
The Pomodoro Technique is a set of guidelines, not a strict mandate, so it's okay to bend the rules. For example, if I'm in the middle of a writing groove and my timer goes off signaling a break, sometimes I'll just restart and skip the break. If you're in the zone and want to ride that wave of productivity, then keep going. Likewise, if I get an urgent Slack message at the beginning of a long deep focus session, I'll answer that. You probably don't want to leave a coworker waiting for an important reply. But by the same token, don't be too lackadaisical. You don't want to start doom-scrolling on Reddit when you should be working, or even replying to non-urgent Slack messages while you should be concentrating on another task.
Review your to-do list regularly on short and long breaks
The built-in breaks are a great opportunity to review your to-do list, see what you accomplished during earlier Pomodoro sessions and check what you still need to do. I like to use my short and long breaks to reflect on what I've gotten done and look ahead at what I have left.
For instance, I'll look at what I initially jotted down to concentrate on during previous focus period, like editing a draft or writing. Reviewing what I've accomplished gives me momentum, like a second wind while running. Alternatively, seeing that I strayed from my initial objective -- like answering emails when I should have been writing -- motivates me to stay on task during my next deep focus session. This rumination can often lead to reshuffling priorities.
The Pomodoro method can boost productivity, but it's not for everyone
While the Pomodoro method works for me, it may not work for you, so you'll need to try it to find out. If you do find it helpful, chances are you'll need to customize it to your liking, such as selecting a tomato timer app and figuring out how long you want your different work sessions or breaks to be.
For more tips, try these productivity hacks, learn how to become more efficient working from home and discover if these habits are ruining your productivity.