Study or Work Smarter, Not Longer: Meet the Pomodoro Technique

Sitting at your desk for three straight hours, trying to finish that course module, draft that assignment, or power through a task is rarely productive. You start strong, but somewhere after 45 minutes, you’re staring into space, scrolling on your phone, or googling “Is it too late to change careers?” 😩

The problem isn’t you, it’s your approach and that’s where the Pomodoro Technique comes in.

So… what is it?

Created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s (he used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, hence “Pomodoro”), this method breaks your work into short, focused bursts called Pomodoros, followed by short breaks. Here’s the magic formula:

• 25 minutes of focused work
• 5-minute break
• Repeat this 4 times, then take a longer break (15–30 minutes)
  

Why it works 

Your brain wasn’t designed for marathon sessions of non-stop focus. It needs breaks to recharge and reset (which is probably why you’re tempted to reach for your phone.🥲). The Pomodoro Technique works with your brain’s natural attention span, helping you stay fresh, motivated, and less overwhelmed.

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Plus, knowing there’s a break coming makes it easier to ignore distractions. Suddenly, that “I need to check Instagram” urge feels less urgent as you’ve only got to wait 20 more minutes.

How to get started

You don’t need anything fancy to try it out. Here’s what to do:

1. Pick one task you want to work on (be specific).
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes.
3. Work with full focus until the timer goes off (no multitasking!)
4. Take a 5-minute break—stand up, stretch, dance, hydrate.
5. Repeat the cycle 4 times, then enjoy a longer break.
   

If you lose focus in the middle of a Pomodoro, no worries. Just reset and try again. The point is progress, not perfection.

When to use it

• Studying for exams or completing online courses
• Writing reports, blog posts, or content
• Tackling boring tasks you’ve been avoiding
• Breaking down big, scary projects into doable chunks
• Even job hunting or prepping for interviews!
  

The Pomodoro Technique isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters better. It helps you create rhythm, reduce burnout, and get things done without feeling like you’re dragging yourself through the day.

So next time you catch yourself spiraling in unproductive guilt or scrolling aimlessly in the name of “research,” try this instead: Set a timer. Focus. Break. Repeat. You’ll be surprised what you can achieve 25 minutes at a time.

Bonus Tip: You can customize it

Not a fan of 25 minutes? Make it 45. Or 15. The power of Pomodoro is in the structure, not the numbers. Make it yours.