The Pomodoro technique has become popular in recent years, mainly through social media. This technique helps eliminate distractions and enhance concentration and productivity. Francesco Cirillo developed this method in the late 1980s. Pomodoro derives from the Italian word “tomato” since Cirillo was inspired by his tomato-shaped kitchen timer. Cirillo once said that through his invention, we could learn how to improve our effectiveness and be better able to estimate how long a task will take to complete by recording how we utilize our time.
So what is the Pomodoro technique, and how can we use it for studying?
Contents
- What is the Pomodoro technique?
- How to use it for studying (a step-by-step guide)
- Pomodoro technique apps
What is the Pomodoro technique?
This technique helps to optimize your studying time by measuring your work time in intervals. Each interval is known as a Pomodoro. Typically, each interval is 25 minutes long, and short breaks separate each. Traditionally, we use a kitchen timer to measure time hence the name Pomodoro technique.
During the 25-minute study session, you commit to a single task and eliminate any distractions in your surroundings (like your telephone!). This short period of concentration will help you to focus solely on the task at hand, and you will take more from those study sessions. This way of studying will prevent you from procrastinating and enhance your overall concentration. All of these will save you time to do what you want.
It is important to predetermine the structure of your time intervals and set a timer. This way, you won’t have to keep track of the time. You can adapt your intervals according to your preference. Usually, a study session consists of four 25-minute working sessions followed by 5 min break. You can then have a 15-minute break before starting over.
Regular short breaks help prevent mental fatigue and maintain your overall productivity. That’s why if you want to adapt the Pomodoro technique to your need, you must keep a certain amount of breaks.
Another benefit of that time management technique is that after a while, you can estimate how long a task takes you to complete. You’ll be more in control of your time and can better plan your study sessions.
How to use it for studying (a step-by-step guide)?
Plan your study sessions. Studying a little bit daily is always better than intensively learning an entire day. This helps improve learning retention by preventing too much mental fatigue. Of course, adapt your study time according to your exam schedule. Start studying early!
Before starting studying, you should set a goal for Pomodoro sessions or tasks to be completed. And stick to it! This could be reading a chapter, solving practice problems, or drafting an essay. It is easy to plan how much time you will spend studying with this technique since it is time-based. This will ensure you a balanced study routine.
When you are ready, set the timer! Choose beforehand your intervals. During the 25-minute work period, focus entirely on your studies.
After completing a Pomodoro, take a 5-minute break. Use this time to stretch, grab a snack, or simply relax. Avoid going on your phone! This will help you maintain your energy levels. After completing four Pomodoros (approximately 2 hours), take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This extended break allows your mind to recharge before diving back into focused work.
And that’s it!
Pomodoro technique apps
This is an adorable app! You plant a tree at the beginning of your study session, and if you can finish it without looking at your phone, the tree grows. Otherwise, it will die. The objective is to grow a forest. You will be able to see your progress visually. It is a great way to motivate yourself to study!
This app makes tracking your sessions easy since it integrates with other task management tools (Trello, Asana, and Todoist). It is an easy setup and has an intuitive interface.
This app gives detailed reports of your session and helps you get an overview of your productivity. You will be able to plan your studying better.
Tomato Timer is a web-based Pomodoro timer with a customizable interface. Very simple and straightforward to use.
This app allows you to customize your study sessions and keep track of your progress.
A complete app that provides background music while tracking your sessions. The piece is designed to enhance your focus and productivity.
Like the last one, Tide provides natural sounds while tracking your sessions. It helps reduce stress and increase focus.
The Pomodoro Technique can transform your study session by making it highly efficient. You’ll be able to manage your time better studying by keeping track of your efforts. Not only this time management technique is there to help you implement a study routine that’ll enhance your productivity, but it will also be a great tool to avoid procrastination. You’ll reach your goals faster!