Did you know the Pomodoro Technique is now one of the most popular techniques for increasing studying and working productivity? This technique allows users to give their 100% focus on their target task for a fixed time and take a break afterward. How where did it come from?
Francesco Cirillo, born in Italy, introduced the technique in the late 90s for time management. He named the technique Pomodoro, which means tomato in Italy. The reason behind the name is that the timer Francesco used to keep track of time had the shape of a tomato or Pomodoro.
But how does this Pomodoro Technique work? And how effective is it in ensuring productive studying for students? You will find out everything about the Pomodoro technique in the rest of this article.
Is Pomodoro Technique Effective For Studying?
Studying can be monotonous if you keep studying for hours non-stop or stay seated in the same place for too long. That is why we are always advised to take breaks after some time and move around before getting back.
The Pomodoro Technique comes in handy in that case. It allows you to create a list of the tasks that need your focus and work on them until the break time arrives. Thus, it prevents boredom, tiring studying, and mental exhaustion.
However, this technique will not be effective if you do other things besides studying during the time you are supposed to work. So you must keep yourself away from all kinds of distractions and can turn off other devices to make it effective.
How Does The Pomodoro Technique Work?
The Pomodoro Technique is simple: you list your tasks, set the timer, and take a break once the time is up. Still not clear? Well, let me explain the details of this technique with an easy step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Prepare Your Task List And Set The Timer
Before you start, you must have a to-do list that you want to complete with the Pomodoro Technique. That is why it is best to have a journal with you the entire time. Having a to-do list is handy for keeping track of the things you need to do or subjects you need to cover in time.
Step 2: Set Your Timer
To set your Pomodoro time, you can use any timer, such as a stopwatch, alarm clock, phone alarm option, or any Pomodoro app. Because of the technique’s immense popularity, app stores and browsers allow you to download such apps that work as a Pomodoro Timer. Whatever you use, you need to set your focus time to 25 minutes before the break alarm rings.
Step 3: Keep Your Distractions Away
Remember that this technique is used to ensure 100% focus on the target work. It means you should not do anything that distracts you. Turn off phones, computers, or other electronic devices if you are not using them during your study hour.
And if you need them to work with, make sure to put them on the Airplane or Do Not Disturb mode so that no one can disturb you. However, it is natural to have trouble at the beginning of the Pomodoro Technique. In that case, you can use your journal to note those distractions so that you can take care of them later.
Step 4: Take A 5-Minute Pomodoro Break After The Time Is Up
If you have set up a timer, it will go off after 25 minutes. Stop everything once the timer goes off and take your first 5-minute break. Remember that this break time is for relaxing or maybe to have some coffee. So get up from your work or study desk because the rule is to not take a break at the same place you are taking a break from.
Step 5: Reset The Timer And Repeat The Process 4 Times
Reset your Pomodoro timer so that it goes off again after 25 minutes. Some apps and timers allow you to set the ensure timing thing at one go so that you don’t have to reset it every time. Now, repeat all these steps until you get four 5-minute breaks.
Step 6: Take Your Biggest Pomodoro Break And Repeat
Once you study for 25 minutes after your 4th 5-minute break, it is time for your longest Pomodoro break time. Your 5th break should be about 20 minutes. The longest breaks allow you to relax more and help you collect energy to repeat the technique from the beginning.
Benefits Of The Pomodoro Technique
You can see that the Pomodoro Technique is to ensure more focus and concentration in your work and study. The technique helps eliminate distractions to complete your goal from start to end. But this technique comes with more benefits, and here they are.
Prevents Procrastination
Procrastination is the culprit behind all the tasks you set aside for tomorrow. But when you include them in your Pomodoro to-do list, you know they are meant to be completed at a fixed time.
Helps Break Down Complex Projects
Studying a complex subject or doing a complex task without a break can be tiring, and you will hardly know what you are doing. But the Pomodoro Technique helps you break down the task into several parts to complete them efficiently.
Helps Ignore Distractions
Another part of this technique is to keep your distractions at bay. You ignore calls, texts, or anything else when you concentrate on your studies. Once it becomes a habit, ignoring the distractions becomes a piece of cake you no longer crave.
Related Query: Advices to achieve an optimal concentration on study
Helps Refresh Mind And Energy
Taking small breaks in between continuous study can be very helpful in refreshing your mind. It also helps you gain the lost energy to get back to your reading desk until the next break arrives.
Final Words
The Pomodoro Technique is a proven method to work effectively for various purposes. And students can be highly benefited if they follow this technique regularly.
Remember that it will be challenging to keep your mind straight at the beginning, and you may keep losing concentration. But it is best not to let these discourage you from continuing to follow the guidelines until it becomes a habit.
