Pomodoro Technique: how it works and advantages

If you are facing problems with time management in your daily life, Pomodoro Technique promises to help in this matter.

This is because this technique relies on a strategy that consists of timing the time for each task, which provides focus to complete it.

So, especially if you suffer from procrastination or always take longer than planned on some tasks due to distractions, read on to learn how to solve these problems with this technique!

Pomodoro Technique: learn about this time management strategy 

Time management is one of the biggest problems for anyone who has a huge list of tasks to complete every day.

And, if you have noticed that your hours are not working as well as they could and many tasks on your list are being postponed until the next day, it is important to invest in strategies to change this.

One of the most famous strategies for this purpose is the Pomodoro Technique, created in 1988 by Francesco Cirillo, who focuses on time management through the use of a stopwatch.

In practice, the technique works as follows: divide your time into periods of 25 minutes, with a 5-minute break between them. These 25 minutes must be put on a timer, and you must complete a certain task before the time runs out.

The idea is to reduce distractions by knowing that there is a set amount of time to complete that objective. Furthermore, by having a short break time, the person tends to complete the task within the period so as not to disrupt the complete schedule.

Read too: Burnout: find out if you are experiencing professional burnout syndrome  – SpreadKnow.

What are the advantages of the Pomodoro Technique?

When it comes to time management strategies, it’s very difficult to talk about what works and what doesn’t, as it varies from person to person.

Some people deal well with pressure, while others completely freeze when they see a clock in front of them marking the time to complete the task.

That said, if you are a person who deals well with pressure, it is worth knowing the advantages of the Pomodoro Technique.

Reduces procrastination 

Procrastination usually comes from worrying about the time it will take to complete a certain task.

We end up postponing the start of projects because we think that it will take many hours of the day, so it’s better to do other things first.

But, when you divide this project into periods, giving yourself time to complete each phase, it becomes easier to obtain a positive projection about completion.

So, the Pomodoro Technique is an interesting strategy for those who want to reduce procrastination in their daily lives.

Helps with organizing routine 

If you tend to end the day with your to-do list half completed, it’s a sign that your routine isn’t as organized as it should be.

It’s common for us to end up relaxing after finishing a boring task, and as a result we delay progressing on all the other items on the list.

With the Pomodoro Technique, the rest time is shorter, so you avoid leaving tasks for later, which would be difficult to complete due to lack of time.

Helps you achieve goals that seem difficult

There are tasks that we tend to put off because we find them boring and tiring. Who has never left a pile of clothes to fold on a chair, which ended up becoming part of the home decor after sitting there for weeks?

The Pomodoro Technique offers advantages in this type of situation, as it gives you time to complete the boring task, so you feel challenged and complete it in one go.

Does this strategy have disadvantages?

As we saw previously, the advantages of the Pomodoro Technique are visible to people who have trouble starting tasks because they consider them time-consuming or boring.

But does this strategy have disadvantages? Unfortunately yes, and we will see what they are below.

Very short time for certain tasks

Not everything in life can be resolved in 25 minutes, and we are not robots capable of completing almost everything in that time, so when applying the Pomodoro Technique you may feel like you are always late.

Considering that the break time between tasks is only 5 minutes, a basic delay in an item on the list can cancel out your rest, or make your day longer.

So, if you have time-consuming and complex tasks in your day, you may need to break them down into smaller parts so they fit into the Pomodoro Technique.

Possibility of increasing the level of anxiety

Previously we talked about the fact that some people don’t deal well with pressure, so for them, the Pomodoro Technique method may not work.

This is because having a timer telling you how long you have to complete an objective can bring a certain discomfort and even despair.

Therefore, if you have problems with anxiety, this strategy is not recommended.

How to apply the Pomodoro Technique not day by day

To apply the Pomodoro Technique in your daily life, it is important that, before anything else, you establish a routine.

Highlight which tasks are really important and need your maximum attention, in order to adapt them to the technique’s time schedule.

For example, if you have a list with the following items:

• Do your college work (2h);
• Wash clothes (20 minutes);
• Write the work report (1h);
• Take the dog for a walk (40 minutes).

Realize that some tasks take more than 25 minutes, in this case, separate them into parts that fit within that time.

Once done, organize a schedule considering how many hours you have available, and always follow it, respecting the 25-minute timers and 5-minute breaks.

In the end, applying the Pomodoro Technique in everyday life is not that difficult, but remember to check if the timer strategy really works for you.

FAQ

1. What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It involves breaking work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. These intervals are known as “Pomodoros.” After completing four Pomodoros, you take a longer break.

2. How does the Pomodoro Technique work?

To use the Pomodoro Technique, follow these steps:

1. Choose a Task: Select a task you want to work on.
2. Set a Timer: Set a timer for 25 minutes (one Pomodoro).
3. Work on the Task: Focus solely on the task until the timer goes off.
4. Take a Short Break: After the timer rings, take a 5-minute break.
5. Repeat: Start another Pomodoro. After completing four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

3. What are the benefits of the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique offers several advantages:

• Improved Focus: Short work intervals help maintain concentration.
• Enhanced Productivity: Frequent breaks can boost overall productivity by preventing burnout.
• Time Management: Helps in breaking down tasks into manageable intervals.
• Reduced Stress: Regular breaks can reduce stress and prevent mental fatigue.

4. Can the Pomodoro Technique be adapted?

Yes, the technique is flexible. While the standard interval is 25 minutes, you can adjust the length of Pomodoros and breaks to suit your preferences and work style. Some people find 30 or 45-minute intervals more effective.

This might interest you: 7 Tips to Stop Procrastinating at Work – SpreadKnow.