Set Timer for 25 Minutes: How Does the Pomodoro Technique Work?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method where you set timer for 25 minutes to work/study and take a 5-minute break after.

It’s actually pretty simple; you just need to think in tomatoes 🍅. Yes, I’m talking about that fruit-based sauce served in a red slice of heaven 🍕.

I mean the Pomodoro…which by the way is also Italian for “tomato.” 

The Pomodoro Technique was the very first productivity method that I ever tried.

And it’s still one of my favorites, why? Because it works!

Want to know how?

Continue reading for a full rundown of this technique and why I think it’s so effective.

What is the Pomodoro Technique and How Does It Work?

Do you feel like your schoolwork is always piling up? You’re not alone.

Even Francesco Cirillo, the mastermind 🧠 behind the Pomodoro Technique, faced similar struggles back when he was a university student.

So he decided to try a different approach by challenging himself on having 10 minutes of focused time.

Committed to the challenge, he found a tomato-shaped kitchen timer. 

As I mentioned, Pomodoro means “tomato” in Italian. 

And you guessed it, he then called this study method the Pomodoro Technique. 

Cirillo wrote a whole book about this productivity technique, and its biggest strength is how easy it is to use.

So how does the Pomodoro or tomato technique work?

Let’s find out.

Set timer for 25 minutes

First, set your time for one Pomodoro.

Going forward, when we talk about Pomodoro, one Pomodoro is equal to 25 minutes. It is the standard time of every Pomodoro timer.

Francesco committed to 10 minutes of focused time, so why set it to 25?

Well, 25 minutes or one Pomodoro is the optimal amount of time to focus on doing your task without feeling too much pressure. 

It’s enough time for you to finish one task and then move on to another without feeling like you rushed through it.

Choosing a task to work on

After you’ve set your Pomodoro timer for 25 minutes, you can start working on a task. It could be anything you need to get done, from schoolwork to house chores.

You can create a list to help you remember all the tasks you need to accomplish.

Don’t panic if your list 📜 gets too long; that’s what the Pomodoro technique is for. The idea is to break down your tasks into smaller bits so that it’s easier to accomplish them. 

Kind of like eating a big meal—one bite at a time.  

Working on the task until the timer goes off

Now that you have your task and timer ready, it’s time to get started. Work on the task until you reach 25 minutes.

You can’t stop 🚫 working before this time or else you’ll get distracted by something else. Don’t worry about finishing the task at this point; focus on getting as much done as possible during those 25 minutes.

There may be some tasks you can finish in 5 or 10 minutes. In that case, you can shift to doing other tasks. This way, you’ll get many tasks done in one sitting.

Taking a short break

When the timer goes off, you can reward yourself with a short 5-minute break. This short break is a good time to get some water, stretch or just take a moment to relax.

You can also reward yourself for getting so much done in one sitting. 

Relax for a few minutes by taking a walk or eating a snack. Or you can use this break to organize your workspace and make sure you have everything you need for the next round of tasks.

You earned this break, so enjoy it! 

Repeat the cycle for multiple Pomodoros

You can repeat the cycle 🔄 of 25 minutes of work followed by 5 minutes of rest multiple times. You can use this format for as many Pomodoro sessions as you need to complete your tasks for the day.

Taking longer breaks after completing multiple Pomodoros

You can take longer breaks (around 15-30 minutes) once you complete multiple Pomodoros (usually after 4 Pomodoros). 

While it’s tempting to go back to your tasks right away, taking a long break will help you recharge your energy and come back recharged.

6 Benefits of Pomodoro Technique

So, now that you know how to use the Pomodoro Technique, let’s take a look at some of its benefits:

1) Increased productivity

By working in focused bursts, you’ll be able to accomplish more in less time. Plus, regular breaks will help you avoid burnout and stay energized throughout the day.

2) Improved focus

It can be strenuous to stay focused on a task for an extended period. But by breaking your work into smaller chunks, you’ll be able to maintain your concentration and avoid distractions.

Plus, having 5-minute breaks will help you enjoy your work more.

3) Enhanced time management

With the Pomodoro Technique, you’ll be able to plan your day more effectively and prioritize your tasks. By having a clear plan in place, you’ll be less likely to waste time on unimportant activities.

No more wandering around aimlessly or doing unproductive work. 

5) Reduced stress

Many people feel overwhelmed by their to-do list and struggle to manage their workload. But by using the Pomodoro Technique, you can break your work into smaller, more manageable tasks, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

6) Increased motivation

By setting achievable goals and working in short bursts, you’ll be able to build momentum and feel a sense of accomplishment that will motivate you to keep going.

You experienced being ‘in the zone’ before, right? Pomodoro Technique can help you get there more often. 

4 Tips for Successfully Implementing the Pomodoro Technique

Ready to try out the Pomodoro Technique? Here are some tips for making it a success:

1) Choose the right tasks

When using the Pomodoro Technique, it’s essential to choose tasks that you can complete in a 25-minute timeframe. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stay focused.

If you think that you can’t finish a task in 25 minutes, then you should divide it into smaller chunks.

2) Avoid distractions

During your Pomodoro sessions, it’s crucial to eliminate distractions. You can turn off your phone. Close unnecessary tabs on your computer or device. Let your colleagues or family know that you’re not available during this time.

What I did before was to turn my phone into airplane mode, then use it as my timer. You can also use a Pomodoro app, which is helpful if you’re new to the technique.

3) Find the right balance between work and breaks

While it’s essential to stay focused during your Pomodoro sessions, it’s equally crucial to take regular breaks to avoid burnout.

Try to commit to your Pomodoros and breaks. If it is break time, don’t try to get any work done during that time.

4) Make adjustments as needed

The Pomodoro Technique is not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you find that 25 minutes is too long or too short, adjust the length of your Pomodoro sessions accordingly. 

For some people, 50-minute sessions with a 10-minute break are more effective.

And if you find that you’re struggling to stay focused, consider trying a different technique.

Set timer for 25 minutes (FAQs)

What to do next?

Now that you know the basics of the Pomodoro Technique, it’s time to put it into action. Don’t feel like you need to use it exactly as it’s described in this guide. Experiment with the technique, find what works best for you, and make it your own.

If it doesn’t work for you, remember that the Pomodoro Technique is just one of the productivity tips. There are plenty of other methods to improve your productivity, too.