Pomodoro Timer Online

The Pomodoro Technique, What is it?

Pomodoro Technique is a time management strategy that was created in the late '80s by Francesco Cirillo. The technique is based on the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he invented while in university, and consists of using short breaks between work intervals, usually 25 minutes. Every 4 intervals (known as "pomodoros") there is a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

The method is successful because it does not make anyone feel burned out, it just feels urgent. You don't have to waste time procrastinating if you agree to do 25 minutes of focussed effort. The short break that follows serves as a reward, and will keep your brain fresh and your motivation alive through hours of hard work.

Here’s how to use this Pomodoro Timer.

• Choose your mode. The standard setting is for 25mins of concentration, 5mins of a short break and 15mins of a long break. Use the + / − buttons to change any of the phases.
• Set your cycles. The default is 4 pomodoros followed by a long break. Change this from the drop down if you'd like to use 2, 3, 5 or 6.
• Label the task (optional). Write down what you're working on, to stay on purpose. It's displayed during your focus session as a reminder.
• Press Start. A progress bar is shown on the screen showing the time remaining on the timer. The remaining time is displayed as the title of the browser tab, allowing you to see it on other browser tabs.
• Let it auto-cycle. At the end of a phase a gentle bell is heard and the timer automatically switches to the next phase (unless Auto start has been switched off).

The Science Behind Pomodoro

The research in cognitive psychology backs the concept that small breaks in tasks, during the course of the day, enhance sustained attention. According to a study published in the journal Cognition, short breaks from a task could significantly enhance concentration for long periods of time.

This is where the Pomodoro Technique comes in handy, as it sets up "natural" breaks. The block time is 25 minutes and provides your prefrontal cortex with just enough time to immerse itself in its deep learning, before it gets cognitive fatigue and begins to yield.

Plus, the cycle structure aids in what psychologists refer to as “time chunking” or dividing up the large workload. This will minimize anxiety and help you to actually get started rather than procrastinating.

To make the most of Pomodoro, here are some suggestions:

• Make a total effort in the focus time. Turn off social media, turn off notifications and don't check email until the time is up.
• Any distracting thought will bubble up, write it down on a notepad and go back to it at your break. This is referred to the "inform, negotiate, call back" approach.
• Take breaks actively, stretch, walk and hydrate. Taking a break to read on your phone doesn't really refresh your mind.
• For deep work (programming, writing), 45/10 or 50/10 intervals are preferable to 25/10.
• Keep a count of how many pomodoros you have done every day. Even keeping an eye on your week-to-week productivity gives you some idea of trends.

For whom are the Pomodoro Timers more beneficial?

• Pupils who require focused study time for exams or for writing papers.
• Those employees who work remotely and find that the lack of office organization and outside accountability are an issue.
• People who struggle to get started, but who can find a time of 25 minutes to devote to their creative endeavours.
• Anyone that does not want to switch between their development environment and a different one in order to take frequent breaks to prevent burnout.
• Individuals who have ADHD or have trouble with attention who need outside structure and lots of reinforcement.

Pomodoro is one of several focus techniques.

The Pomodoro Technique is part of a range of focus techniques, but it has one thing in common: It's simple.

• Time blocking is an agenda where you plan all of your time for the whole day, which is helpful for planning but inflexible. More flexible and task-agnostic is Pomodoro.
• For some, the 52/17 rule (52 minutes of work, 17 minutes of break) is effective, but for those who are unable to get started, the longer breaks can be challenging.
• When it does occur, flow state is strong, but not consistent. Pomodoro provides you with a consistent framework that is not based on "inspiration".

Frequently Asked Questions

Try It Now

Choose your time, click start and let Pomodoro take off. No account, no download, no distractions – just dedicated working intervals and auto break reminders, right in your browser.