The Pomodoro Method: Study Smarter, Not Harder

Time management is essential when you’re under a deadline or studying for an exam. Sometimes, you might struggle to maintain your concentration and become easily distracted. The Pomodoro study method can help you develop efficiency skills by allowing you to spend less time studying or working while improving your focus and productivity. 

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Read more: 7 Essential Time Management Skills

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management tool that helps individuals complete a task. The idea behind the technique is to provide a break at specific intervals to help with focus and concentration. 

The Pomodoro Technique uses a timer to alert you when it’s time to take a break. The time tracker, called the Pomodoro timer, is available as a manual timer or an app. The concept involves taking planned breaks to complete a task within a specified time frame. Each interval should include something other than what you’re working on or even something school-related. For example, you can stretch, walk, get a drink or something to eat, or meditate.

The technique’s developer used a tomato-shaped manual timer and named it “Pomodoro,” after the Italian word for tomato. You don’t need anything fancy to track the time; websites offer free timers, such as the TomatoTimer, which offers the option of a five or ten-minute break between intervals.

Who created the Pomodoro Technique?

Francesco Cirillo created the Pomodoro Technique as a college learner in the late 1980s. He came up with the idea when trying to study for an exam and couldn’t focus.

Cirillo used a red kitchen timer shaped like a tomato and made a bet with himself that he could stay focused for two minutes. He succeeded and gradually increased the time. When he got to one hour, he realized it was too lengthy, so he decided to break it into 25-minute intervals with two- to five-minute breaks. 

Who uses the Pomodoro study method?

Anyone can use the Pomodoro Technique. Students studying for exams or graphic artists working under deadline pressure can benefit from the timed breaks. 

The method benefits those working remotely while having family obligations, as it can help them stay on track. If you’re working or studying in an isolated environment, you may experience temptations to check social media or text a friend. The Pomodoro Technique can help you avoid the distractions that keep tasks from being completed.

Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique helps students study better with minimal distractions. In addition, timed studying can prevent temptations, such as checking email or losing momentum at the end of the day. It can help you stick to one task at a time when you have multiple goals to complete by breaking them down into chunks.

The technique helps you manage time and be more productive. It provides structure, and focusing on one task at a time allows you to focus better and concentrate on tasks without distractions.

The Pomodoro study method also helps streamline multiple tasks that are due, so you aren’t trying to go back and forth between them and get distracted by different things. It can also help you know when to take breaks rather than pushing through to get a task finished in one sitting.

How to use the Pomodoro method to study more efficiently

The Pomodoro method requires five steps you can adjust to meet your needs. You can schedule breaks for two to five minutes or however long you feel you need to relax and recharge. 

1. Choose the task you need to complete.

2. Set your timer for 25 minutes.

3. Work on the task until the timer goes off.

4. Take a short break according to the time you schedule.

5. After four Pomodoros, schedule a more extended break.

You can also adjust the length of time you work on a task. You can try variations of task time and breaks to decide what works best for you. 

How to get more from the Pomodoro Technique 

To maximize your results with the Pomodoro technique, set study goals so you only do one task at a time to avoid becoming distracted when the timer is running. Use breaks to recharge and avoid activities that could cause break overruns, such as watching a video on social media or chatting with a friend. 

If you’re focused and fully engaged in your task when the timer goes off, you can keep working so you don’t lose momentum. When the timer runs, avoid looking at it to see how much time is left. Don’t let the timer become a distraction. You may feel the urge to check it occasionally, but you should refrain from doing so. 

5 free Pomodoro timer apps

Free Pomodoro timer apps are available for mobile phones, PCs, and MacBooks. These companies offer free app versions with paid upgrades of varying prices.

• Pomodoro offers a basic 25-minute timer. Upgrading to a pro account will give you access to features such as goal setting and weekly statistics. After you download the app, you’ll need to create an account. 

• Focus To-Do app has a free timer, a to-do list, and statistics for time-tracking. The paid version offers cloud storage, folders, and reminders; you can sync it with other devices.

• Focus Keeper offers a bright red screen with a sliding timer and a pause feature. The paid version includes task management and daily goal setting.

• Kanban Flow is a free app with a Pomodoro timer and a paid version that offers a wide variety of features, such as analytics and team sharing.

• Emphasis offers a basic free plan for tracking time, which you can personalize. The paid version provides more features like productivity statistics and color-scheme options.

The Pomodoro method doesn’t require a specific app. You can use a regular kitchen timer or the timer on your phone or computer if you don’t need other features.  

Getting started with Coursera 

The Pomodoro study method is a popular time management and productivity technique that helps you stay focused for short bursts, motivating you with the reward of a break. The timer allows you to focus on one task at a time without fear of giving in to distractions, making it a great tool for studying. 

You can enhance your study skills with Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects by Deep Teaching Solutions on Coursera. This beginner-friendly course can help with procrastination and memory techniques. 

Leading Oneself With Personal Excellence by the University of Colorado Boulder, also on Coursera, teaches how to increase focus and avoid distractions. The course is entirely remote, and you can start as soon as you register.