Did you know that procrastination habits are on the rise? In fact, a Calgary professor found that 39% more people now identify themselves as chronic procrastinators.
If that describes you then you need to check out the Pomodoro technique and the Pomofocus app now. Let's dive into what that is and how it can help you focus today.
What Is the Pomodoro Technique?
Pomodoro technique is a time management productivity hack that has helped thousands of people to get more done. The concept is simple but it can drastically change the way you focus and stop procrastinating when it comes to your to-do list.
The main concept that sets Pomodoro apart from the rest of the crowd when it comes to productivity is the focus on short work intervals. You set a timer for a set period, usually 25 minutes, and then get to work. By only committing to focus for a set amount of time that isn't very long you counter the usual procrastination excuses such as not having enough time or not knowing what to do.
After the first 25-minute work session you then set a shorter timer such as five minutes and walk away from your work at hand. Completely get away from your workstation or desk so that you can make the most of your short break. Then come back and complete another short work session.
These short work sessions battle the usual fatigue that can come from trying to focus for a longer marathon session. Additionally, if you need to check in with your team or family you can do so on a regular basis during your five-minute breaks. After four intervals of sprints and breaks, it's usually suggested to take a longer break such as fifteen to twenty minutes so you can maintain your stamina and energy over time.
Why Does the Pomodoro Technique Work?
There are a few key reasons why this technique has worked for so many years and many different people. Namely, the short work sessions that are a set amount of time breaks down seemingly overwhelming projects into reasonable chunks.
Second, the short breaks give you time to recharge and get ready to complete another sprint session. And last, but not least, is the fact that for many the most common procrastination reason is not having enough time to schedule long focus work times. With these short sessions, you can schedule these in between meetings or first thing before your day gets started.
Over time you can train your brain to stay focused because it knows the routine that a break is coming. And you're sure to find that the short breaks are exactly what your brain needs to relax and recharge so you can actually work longer and stay focused for more time in the long run.
Is It Scientifically Proven?
Don't let the simplicity of this method fool you, it is highly effective in boosting productivity. In fact, in science, the simplest answer is usually the best one. When it comes to productivity this is very true with the Pomodoro method.
If you've studied Ultradian Rhythms, then you understand that the rest periods are as important as the focus time. Without regular and consistent breaks your body and your mind will become sluggish and your productivity will decline. These breaks will renew your mind and keep your productivity at peak levels throughout your day.
If you've ever grabbed an afternoon energy drink to drag you through your usual slump then you've probably skipped the all-important five-minute breaks. Listen to your body and as you feel those slumps start to come, take a break and walk away from your computer.
Take a short walk and breath deeply for a few minutes. Or consider a healthy snack to allow your brain and body to recover. This will help you to regain the necessary energy to continue to focus when you return to your desk.
What Are the Benefits?
As you work through the Pomodoro focus method you're sure to see the same benefits that so many before you have. Some of these benefits include:
- Fights procrastination habits
- Builds good work and focus habit
- Inhibits multi-tasking facade
- Enables you to focus on the task at hand
- Decreases fatigue and afternoon slump
For many people, by using the Pomodoro technique they have found that these benefits have been life-changing. If you're known more for procrastinating and multi-tasking rather than getting things done then you need to try the Pomodoro technique and the best tool to do that with is the Pomofocus app.
Different Pomodoro Techniques
Everybody has different ways to implement the Pomodoro technique and the key here is to find the best one for you and your specific personality and work habits. For Francesco Cirillo, the father of Pomo, a simple kitchen timer was all he needed to focus while at university and get his studies completed.
However, today there are several different tools available to help you successfully implement Pomo. Today, people everywhere are customizing this technique to fit their unique situations and personalities. For you, the key is to create your list, schedule your work sessions, and then get to work.
Pomofocus App and the Pomodoro Technique Timer
The key to the Pomodoro technique is that you need to completely focus during your 25-minute work session. This includes not looking at the clock. Don't try to pay attention to the time while you're working. You need a timer to truly dive in and focus on your work at hand during your work sessions.
Your timer is key to the successful implementation of the Pomo method. Your brain needs to focus fully on your work if you want to see the ultimate results. So, take the time to find a timer that works for you.
For some, they can use their timer on their phone. For others, they find that they need to put their phone in another room to avoid the temptation of checking messages or notifications. If that includes you then consider using an app such as the Pomofocus app (or the website).
According to its website, Pomofocus is a customizable pomodoro timer that works on desktop & mobile browser. The aim of this app is to help you focus on any task you are working on, such as study, writing, or coding.
We love the Pomofocus app because you can use it on both your computer and as a mobile app. Additionally, it allows you to customize your work times, break times, and even create a task list so you know exactly what needs to be done next. Don't waste your time checking your calendar, email, or other to-do lists, instead, stay focused with the Pomofocus app.
What to Do During the 5-Minute Break?
There are several different ideas you can use on your break. The key is actually to take a break, don't simply switch tabs and work on something else or check email. Get up and walk away from your computer.
Some ideas for your five-minute break include:
- Stretching
- Deep breathing
- Short walk
- Restroom break
- Get some water or a small protein snack
- Check-in with team members or others reliant on you, especially if you're working from home
Think about what gives you energy and do that during your break. Don't get distracted by other tasks that need to get done as it will make getting back to work more difficult. The point of these breaks is to give your body and brain a break from work for a short amount of time.
Why Is Pomodoro 25 Minutes?
As mentioned earlier, our natural work rhythms favour shorter focus periods broken up with small break times. The exact number of minutes can vary from person to person and even from task to task. The key is to find the right length of time to truly focus without becoming overly tired.
If you're feeling fatigued and find your concentration waning then you might need to shorten your focus time a bit. For other people, they find that they are just getting revved up for work at the 25-minute mark. For these people, they might choose a thirty or forty-minute work session.
Regardless, the key is to find the best length of time for you and your natural work rhythms. Pay attention to your body and energy levels to determine the best work intervals for you.
Pomodoro Technique for Studying
When Cirillo first discovered this technique he was a student at university. He found that he kept procrastinating studying even though he knew he should and needed to get it done. When he first started, he would set his kitchen tomato timer for ten minutes and focus on one class at a time.
Eventually, he found that this method for studying helped him to not only get all his work done but also be very successful in class. He shared this method in a free book and students everywhere have since used this method to pass their studies as well.
If you're behind in your classes and studying then getting caught up can feel overwhelming. Don't try to do it all at once, you'll find yourself burn out and lose motivation to keep going. Instead, use the Pomodoro technique to help you stay focused while studying.
Pomodoro Technique App
Just as Cirillo did, you can use your kitchen timer to work through your short work sessions. However, using an app can help you focus also. Many have found that an app gives you more features that can help you succeed over a simple timer.
Many can track your work sessions and show your progress over time. Others allow you to create your task list in the app so you don't have to switch tabs and risk losing your train of thought. Still others like that they can automate their work and break sessions so they don't have to keep messing with the timer.
Find What Works for You So You Can Get to Work
For you, you need to find the right tools, the right length of work, and break sessions so you can make the most of this famous time management and productivity method.
The Pomofocus app is a great solution for many and it might just be the right answer for you too.
Whether you're working from home or heading back to the office, the Pomodoro technique is right for you. And as you transition to your new normal, you might find that your home and car insurance could be outdated. Check out your options here from us at Insurdinary so you can get the most from your money and your time.
