The Pomodoro method is rightfully considered one of the most effective time management techniques. In Russian, it is also called the tomato method, the tomato rule, the 25-minute technique, the Pomodoro timer, etc.
Many scientists have tested the effectiveness of Pomodoro. For example, Federico Gobbo and Matteo Vaccari did the following experiment: one group of programmers used technology to increase productivity, while another group did not. As a result, the results in the first case were better than in the second. Another study found that workers who took only one lunch break were less productive than those who took several breaks during the day.
What is the Pomodoro method?
This is a technique in which periods of focused work and rest alternate between each other. At the same time, intensive work takes 25 minutes, and a break of 5 minutes. You need to complete 4 sets, which end with a 30-minute rest.
What do tomatoes have to do with it?
The author of the method is Francesco Cirillo, an Italian who was a second-year student in 1980. This is not to say that he skipped classes or ignored his studies. No, he was working hard, but only when it was time to take the exams did the young man realize that he was completely unprepared for them. He almost panicked, but he quickly pulled himself together and went to the kitchen... No, no, not for a snack! Francesco took an ordinary tomato-shaped timer from the locker, which he wanted to force himself to focus on the material for at least 10 minutes. Francesco did it, and he really liked the freshly invented technique. He called it the Pomodoro method and continued to modify it until it took its current form.
Why does this work?
Any task can be broken down into small tasks that can be completed in a series of short time intervals. Knowing that the work won't last too long, we easily get involved in the process, and this leads to tremendous results.
Pomodoro Technique Rules
- Before we start “tomatoes”, we prepare a list with important tasks.
- We remove from view everything that can distract attention during the process.
- For 25 minutes, we focus only on the task from the first point.
- If extraneous ideas or important thoughts come to mind, we quickly write them down and continue to “tomato”.
- If you managed to complete the first task faster, let's move on to the second one, etc.
- If you notice that someone nearby is “tomatoes”, you should leave them alone.
- If you do get interrupted, use the “inform, negotiate, call back” strategy, which Francesco Cirillo also came up with. It consists in telling the person that you are busy when you are free and calling back as soon as the next “tomato” is over.
- You can listen to unobtrusive music if the task is not too difficult. It is better to turn off the soundtrack if the job requires deep immersion.
When to use the tomato method?
This is a key technique that helps motivate yourself to work. As mentioned above, you know that you only have to work for 25 minutes and you can easily get involved in the process. Gradually, you feel the urge to keep going and maybe even go into a streaming state. In this case, it is recommended not to interrupt for a 5-minute break, but to set the timer for another 25 minutes. However, then you should add the same 5 minutes to the rest.
An important point! If you plan to work or study all day, then a break is very desirable — this will increase brain endurance and you will not experience rapid burnout.
How to relax?
The best way to relax is to get up, warm up, stretch, do a few sit-ups, pour water.
The main thing is not to get into the phone, not to monitor social networks, not to include videos on YouTube. All these activities will not allow the brain to rest properly.
Method modifications
Everyone is different, and longer periods of focused work are suitable for some. You can set the timer for 35 minutes and rest for 7 minutes while doing three sets. Or “tomato” for 50 minutes and then rest for 10 minutes, reducing the number of sets to two. Then you should rest for 20-30 minutes.
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