Concentration hack#1- The Pomodoro Technique

New Life At Ease
Jun 6, 2020
3 min read

Updated: Jun 25, 2020

Sometimes getting stuff is boring and we don't concentrate much on it. We think we have a workload on us. We see it a big mountain to cross but we exactly don't know how to break a task into parts. Sometimes, when you work you will remember that you need to mail your client or call a friend which will ruin your flow of work. So, to overcome all this we bring you a concentration hack- THE POMODORO TECHNIQUE

Pomodoro technique is a popular time-management method that helps you to concentrate and focus on your work keeping away distractions. This will help you to break your tasks into parts and get it done in less time. It is all about setting a timer for some time and taking breaks in between your work which will help you avoid distractions and get your work done.

What is exactly the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro technique is a method invented by Francesco Cirillo, a developer, entrepreneur, and author . The word 'Pomodoro' means tomato named after the tomato-shaped timer he used as a university student to get his tasks done by taking frequent breaks in the 1990s. The methodology is very simple. When you have a large task to do, you break into shorts tasks, timed intervals called Pomodoros that are spaced by small breaks. this trains your mind for a short period and improves your concentration. If you work in short sprints by taking breaks in between you tend to do more work. This will also boost your motivation.

What are the steps to be followed?

The Pomodoro Technique is one of the simplest ones to follow. You don't need a tomato-shaped timer as above. You can use your mobile phone, make sure that will not distract you. There are also many apps in the AppStore and PlayStore which will automatically set the timer for you

Steps:-

Choose a task to be accomplished
Set the Pomodoro for 25 minutes
Work on the task until the timer ends with an intense focus and strike out the task
Take a short break for 3-5minutes
Do it all over again and after 4 Pomodoros take a long break of 15-30 minutes

In the short breaks, you can fill up your water bottle, use the restroom, or get a walk but it is not advised to check your social media or talk to a friend. In the longer break of 15-30 minutes, you can do anything that refreshes you like reading a book, call a friend, have lunch, or get a long walk.

What are the problems?

Make sure you are all ready to do the task, get your things ready before. It is an indivisible unit of work- that means if you are distracted by something or someone you have to end it there to start a new one. It is better to avoid distractions while your Pomodoros. For this problem, Cirillo suggested some method that is called the 'Inform, negotiate, and call back' strategy.

Inform:- Inform the people around you that you are working on your tasks and not to disturb you.
Negotiate:- Negotiate a time when you get time to get back to them. Tell them that they will do the task when your task is done.
Schedule:- Schedule that follow-up immediately.
Call back:- Call back the person when your task is complete and you are ready to tackle the issue.