Understanding the Pomodoro Technique to Increase Productivity

To increase productivity, many methods are used, one of which is the Pomodoro Technique. If you have never heard of “Pomodoro,” you should try to learn about it.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique was developed in the 1980s by a student named Francesco Cirillo. At that time, Cirillo was struggling to focus on his studies and complete his assignments, but he felt overwhelmed and finally committed himself to focusing on studying for 10 minutes. With that challenge, he found a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato (pomodoro in Italian), and the Pomodoro Technique was born.

Cirillo wrote about this technique in his book, and the essence of the Pomodoro Technique is that you try to focus on an activity for 25 minutes, then you take a 5-minute break. Then you repeat it. If you have done this more than 3 times, then extend the break time to between 15-20 minutes. Of course, you need a timer to count the time and write down your to-do list in an application or on paper. If you need an application to record your to-do list, here are the Best To-Do List Applications.

This technique forces you to think about your to-do list and eliminate the thought that you have a long time to do that day. So you won’t procrastinate on your tasks.

How to Use the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is very easy to do, although it may be slightly different, this is the best practice, and of course, you can adjust it.

1. Create a To-Do List First

Before you start, you must create a list of tasks that you will complete first, either in the evening or before you start your activities. You can write your to-do list on paper or in an application, or you can see the Best To-Do List Applications.

If you don’t know what to write on your to-do list, just write down notes about what you want to achieve that day. This will make it easier for you to divide your tasks later.

Tips: When you create a to-do list, you must predict how much time you will spend completing your tasks. If your task takes less than 25 minutes, then group those tasks. If your task takes more than 25 minutes, then you can break it down into several tasks.

2. Set the Timer to 25 Minutes

You don’t have to use a tomato-shaped timer like Cirillo; you can use the timer in your smartphone’s clock application. Then set your timer for 25 minutes.

3. Focus on Your Task Until the Timer Rings

Do your task for 25 minutes without interruption. Stop checking social media notifications or WhatsApp from your girlfriend or other distractions.

If you have a lot of free time before the timer rings and are confused about what to do, you can tidy up your tasks or reflect on the tasks you have completed. Avoid taking breaks early and use that time as best as possible for productive things.

4. Take a 5-Minute Break

If your timer has rung, meaning 25 minutes have passed, you can take a 5-minute break. Consider this time to go to the restroom, refill your water bottle, or stretch your body. Rest your eyes from looking at the monitor screen.

5. Repeat steps 2 - 4

Repeat steps 2 to 4. If you have repeated these steps 4 times, you can proceed to the next step.

6. Take a Longer Break

Now it’s time for you to take a longer break. You can rest for 15-20 minutes. Use this time to relax, or maybe it’s time for lunch. Get ready to do more tasks.

That’s how to use the Pomodoro Technique in productive activities. Easy, isn’t it?

Is Pomodoro Effective?

Many reviews on the internet say that Pomodoro is effective for them because they have to focus on productive activities for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break.

The time needed varies. Some adopt 10 minutes of work and 5 minutes of rest. I myself do 25 minutes of productive activity and 5 minutes of rest.

Case studies show that short breaks help a person stay focused. Pomodoro helps eliminate distractions that cause a lack of focus in a job.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Pomodoro Technique

Of course, every method will have its drawbacks and advantages.

Advantages of the Pomodoro Technique

1. Eliminates multitasking habits, although it looks good, multitasking actually hinders productivity.
2. Reduces mental fatigue, with activity intervals interspersed with breaks, you will be more relaxed and reduce stress due to accumulated tasks.
3. Avoids procrastination, we often procrastinate, such as playing social media, looking out the window, or other distractions.

Disadvantages of the Pomodoro Technique

1. Limited time, not all activities are suitable for this technique. It is certainly suitable for coding, writing, and studying. For example, a tailor cannot apply this technique.
2. Cannot be disturbed, when you are doing productive activities and there is a sudden meeting, it will disrupt your productivity time. Pomodoro is only suitable for those who have full control of their time.

Conclusion

Not all productive activities can apply the Pomodoro Technique, but you can try Pomodoro if you…

1. Have few distractions.
2. Consistently work with optimal productivity.
3. Have many open tasks with unlimited time (e.g., studying for exams, research for blog posts, etc.)