If you’re struggling to be productive, finish assignments, meet deadlines, or keep your revision going smoothly, the Pomodoro Technique could make a difference. A time management hack, it’s all about breaking tasks (and time) down into shorter, more manageable chunks and taking regular breaks.
Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s when he used this technique at university, it’s an effective tool that could help you to get more done. Let’s take a look at how it works.
Do some preparation
This technique isn’t magic, unfortunately – you’ll still need to put in a bit of prep and make sure you follow through.
First, work out what you want to achieve and what time you have available to complete your tasks. You’ll also need a timer – these days, you’ll probably find one on your phone or computer.
If you find you’re loving this technique, there are also plenty of apps that make it a breeze, some of which you can try or use for free.
The Pomodoro Technique – Step-by-step
Ready to start? Here’s how it works.
Set your timer
Set the timer for 25 minutes and commit yourself to working on a single task without interruption. If something else pops in to your head while you’re working, jot it down so you don’t forget, but don’t allow yourself to deviate.
When time’s up
When the buzzer goes off, stop working and take a break. The key to the technique is to not be tempted to keep working – walk away from your desk for at least 5 minutes.
One cycle complete
One session of work and a break counts as a cycle or Pomodoro, and it’s just 30 minutes in total. Keep track of how many cycles you’ve completed by making a note on a piece of paper – this can help you remember how long you need to accomplish similar tasks in the future.
Repeat
Go back to your task and repeat the Pomodoro cycle. After 4 or 5 Pomodoros, treat yourself to a longer break – 20 to 30 minutes is recommended.
Finishing up
Use a few minutes out of your last Pomodoro to go over all the work you’ve done and assess your progress. Stop when your task is complete or when you’ve run out of time for the day – whichever works best for you.
Wondering what the benefits are?
There can be quite a few benefits to using this technique, and the more you use it, the more effective it becomes.
You’ll start learning to anticipate how long tasks will take you to finish, allowing for easier future planning. This all counts as building your planning and time management skills, which employers love to see in any job.
The technique can also teach you how to stay on track and avoid interruptions. If you’re a major procrastinator, this is a really valuable skill for both study and work.
Taking regular breaks can prevent you from feeling burnt out and frazzled at the end of the day. Giving information time to sink in during breaks also increases your understanding and retention of what you’ve been learning.
Why not give it a go?
You might have to try the Pomodoro Technique out for a few days to get used to it and decide whether it works for you, but it’s definitely worth a try if you’ve been struggling to keep up with a hectic study schedule.
And if you want more study tips, we have heaps more on our website here.