Time Management: The Pomodoro Technique

Have you been trying to figure out a way to manage your time well whilst taking regular breaks to reduce burnout? I’m about to hook you up with something, let’s walk and talk.

Task Initiations, Timers and Results

As the title hints, The Pomodoro Technique is a time management tool that breaks work into intervals. Each interval is known as a pomodoro and this is how to best utilise one:

1. Choose a task
2. Set a timer (typically for 25 minutes)
3. Work on the task/pomodoro with full focus and no distractions for your set time.
4. Take a short break for 5 minutes.
5. Repeat – as many times as needed.
6. If repeated 4x, have a longer break of 20-30minutes.

The great part about this technique is how versatile it is. You can use it to initiate a variety of tasks that you have in mind wherever you are (e.g. exam preparation, cleaning, replying to unread messages, organising Excel spreadsheets, etc.). The purpose of the technique is to reduce the effect that interruptions have on your attention and flow when tackling a task. This means you’ll lock in for a set period where it matters most and then be rewarded with a break that rewards you for your hard work.

As a Year 12 student with tough subjects and COVID, the amount of distractions which arose were insane. The urge to work was at an all time low but then I came across this tool which really helped me to sharpen my focus. It meant that I could get my work done effectively and with that, any kind of tasks that I set for myself. Today, I’m finding it really useful for completing to-do-lists and finishing repetitive tasks at work. After a pomodoro, I’ve noticed how it improves focus, minimises my distractions and boosts my urge to complete the next task. I definitely hold myself more accountable because I set my own expectations.

Easing Access & Target Audience

If you want this to work, you have to ensure that you reduce the barrier of entry for your task of choice. For example, if your task is to clean out your whole room, think about how each pomodoro will focus on a specific part of your room. You’ll see that the accumulation of all your pomodoros will help you to finally achieve your goals. It’s easier to commit to 25 minutes than a long stint of work with seemingly no end.

So this technique is for the procrastinators, the ones who get overwhelmed but also for the ones who want peace in all the noise. Most importantly, this is a true winner if if you really like tomatoes. You should definitely give this simple technique a try if you’re struggling to manage your time. Good luck!