Do you ever feel like you have so many things to do but not enough time to get it done? Or, maybe you do have the time, but it’s a struggle just to get started?
Focusmate gets you.
That’s why our platform gives you the option to use the Pomodoro Technique to help you get into your ultimate focus mode.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique uses a timer to break working sessions into 25 minutes of work and approximately 5 minutes of break.
Basic Steps:
- Select the task you will be working on
- Join your 25-minute Focusmte session
- Work on the task during those 25 minutes
- Stop at the 25-minute mark and take a quick 5-minute break.
- Repeat steps 1-4 until you complete your task
*If you do more than 3 sessions, take a longer break of 20-30 minutes before starting up again.
Why does this work?
Fewer Distractions: Knowing you have a limited timeframe to get your task completed, allows you to focus on a single task with fewer distractions.
Behavioral Triggers: The start of the timer (or Focusmate Session) helps trigger your brain to get “in the zone” while the break gives you time to rest so that you have more stamina to work at a regulated pace.
Breakdown of Larger Tasks: Not every task can be done in 25 minutes, and longer tasks can feel especially overwhelming (how will I ever finish that 20-page paper, I need to create my project plan, but I don’t know where to start, etc.) When you write your larger tasks down, you can write sub-bullets of the smaller steps and assign each one to a 25-minute session.
Gamification: Think of the start of your 25-minute session as a race. The adrenaline you feel right while you’re waiting for the race to start—the ultimate focus you have on getting to the finish line. Then the sweet relief (and water break) you get when you’re done. The Pomodoro Technique is the same structure, but applied to a race in your mind.
Other questions:
Does this work with groups?
If you are co-working with a group or have a team project that needs to get done, the Pomodoro Technique can be highly effective. The 25-minute limit forces participants to focus only on the important things and keeps the session moving. The 5-minute break can be used to relax, have pleasant small talk, and ease your brain out of the work mentality.
When the break is over (after checking your emails, messages, or getting your coffee), you can go back into focus mode.
How rigid are the rules?
As you experiment with the Pomodoro Technique, you might find that shortening or lengthening your work to break ratio could work better for you. This structure is flexible as long as you are consistent with the time frames you select.
Can I use the Pomodoro Technique in longer 50-minute sessions?
Of course! Just do two Pomodoros and take a quick 5-minute break in the middle of the session.
Where can I find more Pomodoro Users?
Check out the Focusmate Facebook Group and feel free to leave a post.
Fun fact: The Pomodoro Technique was named after a tomato-shaped timer used by Cirillo when he was a university student.
Let us know how the Pomodoro Technique is working for you! We would love to hear your feedback.
