Work in twenty-five-minute segments.
When youโre working on something that requires you to concentrate for an extended period of time, such as coding, writing, or analyzing data, you tend to get distracted after a short while. After a brief mental break, you will find it easier to resume focus and return to the task at hand. The Pomodoro Technique encourages you to work this cadence deliberately into your scheduleโworking for twenty-five minutes, then stopping for five.
When people follow this method, they often report better clarity, higher levels of attentiveness, fewer mistakes, and increased productivity. Structuring distinct work and break times also helps alleviate the urge to escape work because you know a scheduled break is on the way.
Set a timer for twenty-five minutes. While the timer is running, focus entirely on work; donโt engage with distractions such as texting or checking social media. At the end of twenty-five minutes, when you hear the alarm, take a five-minute break to do whatever you feel likeโrespond to a few emails, take a bathroom break, do a quick meditation. Set your timer to ensure that the break doesnโt exceed five minutes. After four twenty-five-minute sessions, take a longer break (fifteen to thirty minutes) to restore your energy and mental sharpness.
Some people find it helpful to stick precisely to the segments dictated by the timer. They stop work even if they are in the middle of a sentence and restart the moment the five minutes are up. Others prefer to give themselves a little flexibility while still maintaining the basic framework.
Digital Pomodoro timers are easy to find, or you can simply use the alarm on your phone. Some people even find it helpful to use a physical timer. At first, the Pomodoro approach can feel rigid, but those who stick with it generally find that it enhances their productivity considerably. You may want to give yourself a few sessions to experiment with it and try to find a rhythm that works for you.
The Pomodoro Technique: The Acclaimed Time Management System That Has Transformed How We Work,ย by Francesco Cirillo (Crown Currency, 2018).
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