Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique? Well I sure hadn't until my girlfriend told me about her experience in a exploring healthcare class, a field that requires the utmost amount of focus. The Pomodoro technique was developed by Franceso Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique involves a timer which is used to break down work into intervals, traditionally by 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. The intervals are called pomodoros, which is the Italian name for tomato, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used as a student.
When Can I Use The Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique was used in a student setting, but it can be applied to any situation in where you have a lot of work to get done. This technique would go perfectly with a to-do list. When you wake up you can write a small to-do list of things you want to accomplish throughout the day. Make it small because you do not want to overwhelm yourself. Make sure the list consists of things that would at least take you an hour, if not more. The whole idea behind the Pomodoro Technique is to help you focus, but also to increase your mental agility.
What Do I Need To Utilize The Pomodoro
It does not take much to start using the technique. Franceso used a kitchen timer, but since then the technique has reached new heights. In modern day, the Pomodoro technique can be found on our cell phones. As an iPhone user, I searched through the app store in hopes that there would be an app that resembled the traditional technique. My favorites are Pomodoro, Focus Keeper Free, and Tide. The first one costs about a dollar for some extra features, but I find that the other two, which are free, are just as good with visually pleasing features. I would highly recommend getting one of those three apps for your device because that will encourage you to disconnect from your phone for at least those 25 minute intervals so that you can focus and accomplish your tasks for the day.
Some Tips For Remaining Focused
Still having control staying focused? Well in the spirit of finals week, here are a few more tips. The environment you are in can play a major role on how focus you can remain, so I recommend finding a quiet place, such as the library or a room in your home, which will create a positive setting for your mind. Another major issue with staying focused is distractions! When you are doing a Pomodoro for example, do not eat any food, get up and walk around, or procrastinate. The reason you are even doing a Pomodoro is to get stuff done, so don't waste that time doing other unproductive things. Lastly, find something that motivates you to finish your work. I love music, so I always listen to music when I am studying or doing my homework. If music is a distraction, then try rewarding yourself with something like going out with friends, or to go watch a movie, or just something that is healthy for your body and mind. Now, go and give it a try!
