Pomodoro Timer
Stay focused and productive with the Pomodoro Technique. Work in 25-minute focused intervals with short breaks in between.
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What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It uses a kitchen timer to break work into focused intervals (traditionally 25 minutes) separated by short breaks.
How to Use the Pomodoro Timer
- Choose a Task: Select what you want to work on
- Start Timer: Work with full focus for 25 minutes
- Take Short Break: 5 minutes to rest and recharge
- Repeat: After 4 pomodoros, take a longer 15-minute break
- Track Progress: See your completed sessions and focus time
The Science Behind Pomodoro
Why 25 Minutes?
The 25-minute interval is based on cognitive research showing that:
- Optimal Attention Span: Most people can maintain peak focus for 20-30 minutes before mental fatigue sets in
- Manageable Commitment: 25 minutes feels achievable, reducing procrastination
- Ultradian Rhythms: Our bodies naturally cycle through 90-minute periods of high and low alertness; 25-minute work + 5-minute break fits well within this
Benefits of Regular Breaks
- Prevents Burnout: Short breaks prevent mental exhaustion
- Improves Focus: Returning from breaks refreshes concentration
- Enhances Creativity: Breaks allow subconscious processing of problems
- Reduces Decision Fatigue: Structured schedule eliminates "should I take a break?" decisions
Pomodoro Technique Best Practices
During Focus Time (25 min)
- Work on ONE task only—no multitasking
- Eliminate distractions (phone on silent, close email/Slack)
- If interrupted, pause timer and restart pomodoro
- If task is done mid-pomodoro, review or over-learn until timer ends
- Jot down intrusive thoughts on paper to address later
During Short Break (5 min)
- Step away from your workspace
- Do light physical activity (stretch, walk, water)
- Avoid screens and work-related content
- Don't start another task
- Rest your eyes (look at distant objects)
During Long Break (15 min)
- Leave your work area completely
- Eat a healthy snack
- Take a short walk outside if possible
- Do breathing exercises or meditation
- Disconnect fully before next work session
Customizing Your Pomodoro
While 25/5/15 is traditional, you can adjust based on your work style:
| Variation | Work / Break | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | 25 / 5 min | Most tasks, beginners |
| Extended | 50 / 10 min | Deep work, complex tasks |
| Short | 15 / 3 min | Easy tasks, high distractibility |
| Ultradian | 90 / 20 min | Flow state work, creative projects |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I get interrupted during a pomodoro?
If it's urgent and unavoidable, pause the timer, handle the interruption, then decide: (1) Resume the pomodoro if interruption was brief, or (2) Restart a new pomodoro if you lost focus. Track interruptions to identify patterns and minimize them.
Can I skip breaks if I'm in flow state?
It's tempting, but breaks are essential for sustained performance. Working 2+ hours without breaks leads to diminishing returns. If you're flowing, take a shorter break (2-3 min) but don't skip entirely. Your brain needs recovery time.
How many pomodoros should I do per day?
Most people can do 8-12 quality pomodoros daily (4-6 hours of deep work). Beyond that, quality decreases. Don't force more sessions—focus on quality over quantity. Some days you'll do fewer, and that's okay.
What if my task takes 10 pomodoros?
Break it into smaller sub-tasks. Instead of "Write report" (10 pomodoros), try: "Outline report" (2), "Write introduction" (1), "Research section 1" (2), etc. This makes progress visible and maintains motivation.
Should I use Pomodoro for creative work?
Yes, but be flexible. Creative work often needs longer uninterrupted blocks. Try 50-minute or 90-minute pomodoros for creative tasks. The key is still taking breaks—even creative brains need rest to perform optimally.
Can Pomodoro help with procrastination?
Absolutely! Committing to "just 25 minutes" feels manageable and lowers the activation energy to start. Often, starting is the hardest part. Once you begin, momentum carries you forward. One pomodoro beats zero progress.
⏱️ Maximizing Pomodoro Effectiveness
- Plan Your Day: List tasks and estimate pomodoros needed before starting
- Single-Task: One task per pomodoro. Multitasking kills the technique
- Batch Similar Tasks: Group emails, calls, admin work into dedicated pomodoros
- Protect Your Pomodoros: Train colleagues/family that you're unavailable during focus time
- Track & Improve: Log completed pomodoros and refine your estimates
- Be Consistent: Use Pomodoro daily for 2 weeks to build the habit
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Breaks: Breaks aren't optional—they're what makes the technique work. Without breaks, you're just working with a timer.
Checking Phone During Breaks: Scrolling social media isn't a break. Your brain needs actual rest, not more stimulation.
Being Too Rigid: If you need 30 seconds to finish a thought at the end of a pomodoro, that's fine. The technique serves you, not vice versa.
Not Planning: Starting pomodoros without knowing what to work on wastes precious focus time. Plan before your first session.
The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity tool. Effectiveness varies by individual and task type. Experiment with timings to find what works best for you. This timer works best in modern browsers with JavaScript enabled.