I was an overwhelmed graduate student when I first heard of the Pomodoro Technique, sometimes also called the Pomodoro method. In Italian, the word pomodoro means “tomato.” What, you might wonder, do tomatoes have to do with productivity?
Not much, except that kitchen timers are sometimes shaped like them. The technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo, who used a kitchen timer as a student to get work done, and found it an effective tool for time management.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The key to the Pomodoro Technique is timers. When faced with a task, set a timer for 25 minutes (called a “pomodoro”), then take a 5-minute break. Set the timer for 25 minutes again, then take another 5-minute break. After a few pomodoros, take a longer break (about 30 minutes) if you plan to start the cycle again and continue doing pomodoros.
There are variations on the method; some people, for example, may advocate for 50 minutes of focused work, followed by a 10-minute break. As for me, sometimes I only have time for a 10-to-15-minute work sprint followed by a short break before going on to whatever I need to do next.
Ultimately, though, I find that the 25-minute time frame works best for me, and I can get a solid chunk of work done before taking a break. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much I can do in that amount of time.
How the Pomodoro Technique helped me finish grad school
I would not have finished my dissertation without the Pomodoro Technique or variations of it. I’d set a timer and tell myself that I only had to spend the next 25 minutes making edits on a chapter draft. (And there were a lot of edits.) Knowing that there was a clear end in sight, after which I could take a break, kept me motivated.
When I was really not in the mood to work on the dissertation (which was often), I’d use any already-constricted time as what I’ll call micro-pomodoros. I’d scribble out edits while riding the train to work, while waiting at the doctor’s office, or while heating up dinner. Sometimes, when I was especially un-motivated, I’d put a show on Hulu and make edits during the 90 seconds of commercials. It sounds a little desperate, and it was, but those 90-second sprints all added up and helped move me one step closer to being done.
How the Pomodoro Technique helps with “fun” writing
For my current writing projects, what I have referred to as “fun” writing since finishing my dissertation, I’ll also use pomodoros. Whether it’s doing tricky research, or whether it’s editing a piece that’s due, I’ll set that timer, put on some music, and focus.
Knowing that I have those 25 minutes to focus on a single task helps immerse me in my work. I might be doing another 25-minute stretch–or three or four more 25-minute stretches–right after it, but the timer holds me accountable. This is what I’m supposed to be doing in this moment. And sometimes, when I get into a flow state, I keep working even after that timer goes off.
Where and how else have I used timers to get things done?
Though I consider myself to be a relatively organized person, I can get easily distracted when I have multiple tasks to tackle, jumping from one thing to the next without much focus. When I’m feeling scattered, pomodoros come to the rescue. For instance:
- On a typical Sunday afternoon, I might have to do laundry, finish a piece that’s on deadline, read for a writing group, do meal prep so that I have lunches to take to the office, or pack for a work trip–but often it’s some combination of all of the above.
- On a Monday morning at the office, I might divide my tasks into 25-minute chunks to avoid the usual beginning-of-the-week overwhelm. For example, I frequently answer emails in 25-minute batches!
- On a Thursday evening, one of my typical house-cleaning days, I might do modified pomodoros, spending 15 minutes on the kitchen, 10 on the living room, etc.
It sounds regimented, but honestly, it doesn’t feel that way. What it does feel like is holding myself accountable for time spent, and making sure I use it wisely. I actually enjoy writing out my Sunday afternoon and early evening schedule, which I give credit for chasing away the “Sunday Scaries.” The Pomodoro Technique also helps me get through–and even make a game out of–the tasks I’m less excited about, like emptying the dishwasher. (Cue the Mary Poppins music–what was it she said about finding the “element of fun”?)
When I’m more mindful of how I spend my time, I feel like I have more time to relax and enjoy other activities, like curling up with a book for a couple of hours on Saturday morning, going for a long walk, watching my latest favorite on Netflix, or having dinner with friends.
And yes, I also wrote this post in pomodoro stretches.
Image: Pixabay, kat7214
