The Pomodoro technique is a simple and surprisingly easy way to boost your work/study efficiency without pain. The concept is that short periods of concentrated study followed by frequent breaks improves productivity.
To get started all you need is a timer, and the desire to commit to the regime. Timers can be found anywhere; your phone, for example, will have in-built timers, otherwise there are a multitude on the web - this is my personal favourite one.
Here's the basics:
- Decide on what needs to be done.
- Set the timer for 25 minutes.
- Work on the task until time runs out. Once the time has elapsed, mark where you are up to so that you may resume next time.
- Take a 3-5 minute break.
- Repeat, every 3-4 work periods take an extended break of 15-30 minutes.
The technique only works if there are no distractions during the 25 minute period in which you are working.
Where to from here?
Some consider 25 minutes to be too short, I personally do, and as such extend the 25 minute block up to 45-50 minutes. It may take some time to be able to complete 45-50 minutes of work without a single distraction, and therefore must be worked up to.
History
The Pomodoro Technique was created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980's. The 25 minute block of uninterrupted work was termed "pomodoro" by him, which translates to "tomato" in Italian. It was named so, after the tomato shaped kitchen timer Francesco used to time his work whilst he was a university student.
So, I've got the technique, but I'm struggling to remain distraction free, what do I do? Why you read our article - The Secrets of Distraction Free Studying!