What is the Pomodoro Method for Focused Work?
The Pomodoro Method consists of 3 to 4 intervals of 25-minute focused work with a 5-minute break in between intervals. A longer break of 15 to 20 minutes is encouraged after 3 or 4 intervals of focused work. It is called the Pomodoro method because of the tomato shaped kitchen timer that the inventor of the method, Francesco Cirillo, used.
What are the benefits of the method?
- Tasks become more digestible in 25-minute chunks.
- Folks have permission to focus on one task at a time, with a reward of 5 minutes break for their effort.
- Feelings of satisfaction having produced something tangible and/or taken a step forward within the 25-minute focused work effort.
- Ability to break down complicated and complex tasks into smaller steps.
- Less phone distractions as the timer is the first thing one sees when they pick up their phone.
How do I use the Pomodoro Method?
Step 1 |  | Pick a task |
Step 2 |  | Set a timer for 25 minutes |
Step 3 |  | Work on task until the timer goes off |
Step 4 |  | Take a 5 minute break |
Step 5 |  | Repeat steps 1 to 4 |
*Take a longer break after 3 or 4 repetitions of the above steps.
Additional Considerations
- The 25 minute focused work to 5 minute rest ratio is not set in stone. If you are starting out, consider 20 minutes of focused work if that is your starting point.
- Oppositely, if you can focus for longer than 25 minutes at a time consider lengthening the duration of your focused time.
- Enjoy the Pomodoro!
Contact with us at info@trybarefoot.com if you wish to explore alternative tips and tricks to promote healthy productivity at work.
Nino Kovačević
Associate Facilitator
Barefoot Facilitation Inc.