Pomodoro technique: implementation

There are many techniques that help to improve productivity, to get work done in less time. But the truth is that none is as interesting as the Pomodoro technique, which helps through proper time management in order to create habits and take advantage of study or work hours with creativity.

Therefore, if you currently carry out an activity in which it is necessary to do several tasks and you find it difficult to concentrate in order to complete them, this technique is just what you need.

What is the Pomodoro technique?

It is a time management method in which it is suggested to work in 25-minute intervals without any distractions, adding 5-minute breaks, in order to improve productivity.

Each of the time intervals are called pomodoros, and once 4 of them are completed, extended breaks between 15 and 30 minutes can be taken, as long as the number of the first 4 consecutive work intervals has been completed.

This technique is very useful to be implemented in studies and in cases of teleworking.

How does it work?

Pomodoro is a simple method to follow, just follow the basics:

• Make a list of tasks and get a timer.
• Set the timer to 25 minutes and concentrate only on one task until the countdown is over.
• Once the session is over, mark the first pomodoro and record it as completed, and rest for 5 minutes.
• When 4 pomodoros are completed, a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes is taken.

The 25-minute work intervals are the core of this technique, although it is made up of certain rules, such as that small tasks go together as long as they require less than one pomodoro. Complex projects should be broken down, i.e. when a task requires more than 4 pomodoros to complete, it should be divided into smaller activities.

In addition, once the pomodoro is established it cannot be broken, because for the technique to work there must be no interruption whatsoever.

Main benefits

• The application of the technique is simple, it only requires a physical or digital timer running for all kinds of tasks. From study activities, work, household chores, etc.
• It takes advantage of the peak period of productivity and creativity, helping to improve the daily schedule and determine schedules that are easier to work in intervals.
• It is a great productivity tool for businesses.
• It turns the complex into something actionable.
• It focuses on leaving out distractions, allowing to be present in the activity and study.
• It leads to great ideas, as an organised mind is productive.
• It is not limiting or too demanding.

Application of the technique

To apply the technique, just activate the timer, do not stop working during those 25 minutes. Avoiding interruptions, and take an immediate break as soon as the timer ends.

Once the 5 minutes of rest are completed, start with the new pomodoro of 25 minutes more, and repeat the same until reaching 4, to finally take a long break. After implementing this technique for 7 consecutive days, positive conclusions are reached, as the person begins to be productive and the temptation of distraction disappears.

The 5 minutes used for the break helps to be more focused.

Brief origin of the technique

This technique was discovered by Franceso Cirillo during his first year at university, after he realised that he was very distracted and did not use his study time efficiently. So he took a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato and set it for 10 minutes and tried to work for that time without doing anything else.

After several tests and adjustments he decided on a structured framework which he called pomodoro, meaning tomato, referring to the kitchen timer he originally used.

In this way he forced himself to concentrate before rewarding himself with a break. Helping him to do more and learn more by applying this technique, so it has become important for students to study.