What is the Pomodoro technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Italian student Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique was named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used as a university student.
Using a timer, work is split into intervals know as 'pomodoros' (typically 25 minutes long). Each pomodoro is followed by a 3-5 minute break and after 4-6 pomodoros you take a 15-30 minute break.
The science behind the technique
The main piece of research for the pomodoro technique comes from the attention span of humans (mainly students).
Various studies have found that the attention span of most adult humans lasts around 20-25 minutes. After 25 minutes, some studies found information missed to be as high as 95%. Some scholars think this might be due to technology as 87% of teachers (2,500 sample size) believe new technologies are a distraction. Of course, like with any psychological research, there is a fair share that disagree with this assessment.
Furthermore, the work-break pattern of the pomodoro technique is not only motivational but allows for more concentration and allows you to use less willpower. Our brains love routines because it gives them something to expect, they know what's happening next and most importantly: willpower is a limited resource and by following a routine requires less willpower.
Check out this amazing video from the Studytube Project for more information!
The pitfalls of the technique
Despite all the advantages of using the pomodoro technique, like any other time management theory it has its downfalls. Firstly, the technique isn't applicable to all jobs/tasks. In my experience, whole past papers and individual past paper questions rarely fit into 25-minute slots. Secondly, some distractions are unavoidable. Parents working from home have kids, students working from home have their parents, in the workplace, people need to ask you questions, meetings need to take unavoidable events pop-up and urgent email need to be read and sent. Finding a peaceful 25-minutes when you want to work can be hard. Thirdly, the pomodoro technique isn't for everyone. Some people prefer to work for longer and have longer breaks so their flow isn't interrupted.
Conclusion
The pomodoro technique is useful and can help you if you're if struggling to find the motivation to do work. Try it out and see if it works for you and leave a comment!
Thank you for reading!
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