Pomodoro Technique: How to Use It to Manage Time?
Imagine if you were asked to run a marathon of 20 kilometers. If you don’t run every day, chances are you won’t be able to do it. Running such a distance at the same time without any training is extremely difficult and extremely exhausting.
What if you could take a break every 100 meters? In this case, you will have a much better chance to run all the distances of the marathon and reach the goal. The same logic could definitely be applied to student papers – especially if you’re not employing a paper writing service.
The same goes for the Pomodoro Technique, which is a way to manage time.
Why Use Pomodoro?
Reason 1. In this method, time is not your enemy. You do not live in constant fear of the deadline. Pomodoro will help you make the most of your time. This makes you work or study more productively, not more.
Reason 2. Frequent and planned breaks will help avoid fatigue and burnout. Yes, rest is part of the plan!
Reason 3. Facebook, phone, and other “distractions” will no longer “paralyze” your work or study. You will be able to focus only on the most important tasks.
Reason 4. Using Pomodoro will improve your work-life balance. Many people on a productive day cannot fully relax in their free time. Thanks to the tasks with Pomodoro, you will feel better after work!
Reason 5. Effective time management is first and foremost an opportunity for better results at work or in science. As a result, you can, for example, enter the university of your dreams, get a good job or promotion.
The Pomodoro technique was invented in the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo. The Italian was inspired by a kitchen timer in the form of a tomato, which he used during training (Pomodoro – tomato in Italian). Many professionals, like the ones at GradeMiners, employ this technique to extreme effectiveness.
How to Use the Pomodoro Technique
First of all, prepare a timer – it can be any device that measures time (for example, a timer in your phone). Create a to-do list (on a sheet of paper or electronically). These can be a few small goals (such as calling a customer, writing an email to a team, sorting through folders on a computer, etc.). Or a large task, divided into smaller parts (for example, read 1 chapter in the manual, research the article, write an introduction and the first paragraph of the text, etc.).
The task is to sort from the most important to the least important. Each task must be completed in 25 minutes. If you know this will take you more time, divide them into smaller parts.
Set the timer for 25 minutes. Turn it on and focus on the first task on the list. During these 25 minutes, try to achieve your goal. If you suddenly realize that you need to perform an additional task, add them to the list as a separate item.
When you hear the timer ring in 25 minutes, mark the task as done in the list. After the first Pomodoro, you have time for a short, about 5-minute break. During this time, do not do anything related to work or study. You can walk around the apartment or office, stretch, pour a glass of water, or go to the balcony.
With short breaks, you will be able to maintain concentration for 25 minutes on Pomodoro and avoid fatigue. After a short break, start another 25-minute Pomodoro. Repeat this pattern 4 times (25 + 5 + 25 + 5 + 25 + 5 + 25). After the fourth “tomato” takes a longer 15-30 minute break. This is a good time to make coffee or tea, eat or talk to a friend. During this time you will rest and prepare your body for the next round of four “tomatoes”.
If the task takes you more than 5-7 Pomodoro, divide them into smaller parts. If you, in turn, know that you will complete the task much faster, deploy it. Also, remember that the Pomodoro method should not be used in your free time – focus on relaxation!
Pomodoro Technique in Practice – How to Improve It?
Disable messages from apps like Facebook or Messenger on your smartphone. Turn off the sound and vibration on your phone. Plus, you can put your smartphone face down – this way, it won’t distract you anyway. Close the page with your mailbox. If you don’t need them, turn off your computer and phone. Make a list of tasks on a plain sheet of paper.
Ask your family members or colleagues not to bother you. If you work on a computer and use the Internet, close all pages that are not related to your task in the browser.
Undoubtedly, the most difficult element of the Pomodoro method is the rejection of “distractions”. Not everyone can refrain from answering a friend’s call, reading a message, or smoking a break with friends at work. Pomodoro is a good way to start making big changes in the way you work or study. This technique primarily teaches you to focus and give up small distractions.
Do Anything You Want with It
Remember, however, that you can adapt this technique to your needs. If you can work in concentration, for example, for an hour – great! Change the length of each interval. Do you need longer breaks? No problem – rest, for example, 15 minutes.
Thanks to this technique, you will not only start to perform tasks more efficiently but, above all, you will learn which style of work suits you best. This way, you’ll know exactly which assignments to do yourself and which ones to delegate to others: https://www.sfexaminer.com/marketplace/comprehensive-reviews-of-5-best-academic-services-in-2021/.
BIO:
Introducing Benjamin Oaks – the man of many talents, including academic writing. Graderminer to the backbone, Benjamin takes great pride in helping new generations of college graduates in the U.S. to get their diplomas successfully and be able to pay off college loans faster. Also, Benjamin is a cool guy to talk to on non-work-related topics, from sports to high cuisine.