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The Pomodoro Technique: a way to increase study productivity

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April 29, 2021

The article will cover the following points:

  • What is the Pomodoro technique?
  • What are the steps I must follow?
  • What are the effects of the method?
  • Why is this method effective?

What is the Pomodoro technique?

The Pomodoro method was developed in 1980s by Francesco Cirillo [3]. Cirillo was having a hard time concentrating as a University student so he used a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato to study [4]. He was inspired by this and later created the Pomodoro technique (pomodoro is Italian for tomato). This technique is characterised by its simplicity. It is popular and very easy to learn. It includes focused study sessions followed by frequent short breaks [4].

It has been found effective in people who get easily distracted or when having to study for long periods of time, such as when preparing for an exam. It is also helpful when you overestimate your ability to get a lot of things done quickly or if you are a goal-oriented person and enjoy a challenge [4].

What are the steps I must follow?

The steps of the Pomodoro method are very simple and easy to follow [2]. The procedure is comprised of 5 steps [4]. Firstly, you should select a task you would like to finish, for example read one article for your research. Secondly, you must put a timer of 25 minutes. Thirdly, focus on your selected task for 25 minutes, until the time is over. Step four is to take a short break of 5 minutes. Start again for 25 minutes; every 4 pomodoro sessions you are instructed to take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. Many apps and websites have now been developed to aid this procedure.

During those 25-minute intervals it is best if you divide complex tasks into smaller and easier tasks. Moreover, the method is more effective if you combine simple tasks that could be completed in one pomodoro session all together. In case you finish a task in less than one pomodoro session, you are advised to spend even more time on the acquired skill in order to improve even further.

One tip when following this method is to avoid using your phone or computer on your breaks. Another tip is to take some time to plan out your day and what you need to complete in advance. Then, try to estimate how many pomodoro sessions are required for each of your tasks. In this way, you will have a much clearer picture of your goals.

Note: Having a 25-minute session is not an unmodifiable “rule”. You can practice and experiment with the length of your sessions to decide what suits you best!

What are the effects of the method?

An advantage of the Pomodoro technique is the fact that it decreases mental fatigue and promotes concentration. You will notice that your tasks will become less exhaustive or depleting. [1]. Instead, you will become more motivated and refreshed [3]. This is because the task complexity is diminished, as complex tasks are broken down to smaller, easier tasks.

This method also stimulates optimal productivity because you are aware that you have a particular time interval to accomplish a goal rather than the whole day [1]. For this reason, you do your best to finish your tasks within a specific given time.

Why is this method effective?

The Pomodoro technique produced positive results for multiple reasons. Firstly, it is easy to get started. It is not hard to spend a short period of time on a task compared to trying to complete a whole research at once. In this way, the short length of pomodoro sessions ceases the avoidance of studying and procrastination because you divide your tasks, and your focus is expanded.

Secondly, whenever you get distracted from texts and other notifications, it is not easy to regain your focus and attention. However, in each pomodoro session you are focused on only one task, away from distractions.

Lastly, the Pomodoro technique challenges the planning fallacy. The planning fallacy can be noticed whenever you underestimate the time necessary to complete a goal, for example when you believe that you will be done with a proposal in two days when in reality it will take twice as much. The Pomodoro method produces estimates of time needed that are more realistic, which aids in developing a more concrete measurement of time.

If you are interested and would like to know more, here are some additional resources:

  1. POMODORO TECHNIQUE- My favorite tool to improve studying and productivity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNBmG24djoY
  2. App: Pomodoro Timer

References

  1. Boogaard, K. (2020, June 19). Take it From Someone Who Hates Productivity Hacks—the Pomodoro Technique Actually Works. The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/take-it-from-someone-who-hates-productivity-hacksthe-pomodoro-technique-actually-works
  2. Collins, B. (2020, February 19). The Pomodoro Technique Explained. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryancollinseurope/2020/03/03/the-pomodoro-technique/?sh=728fe4353985
  3. The Pomodoro Technique® - proudly developed by Francesco Cirillo | Cirillo Consulting GmbH. (n.d.). Francesco Cirillo. https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique
  4. The Pomodoro Technique — Why It Works & How To Do It. (n.d.). Todoist. https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique

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