The Pomodoro Technique is one of the simplest ways to beat procrastination and stay focused. It was created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, who timed his study sessions with a tomato-shaped kitchen timer; “pomodoro” is Italian for tomato.
How it works
- Choose one task.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work only on that task until it rings.
- Take a 5-minute break: stand up, stretch, get water. Don't check your phone if you can avoid it.
- After four pomodoros, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
That's it. The Pomodoro timer runs these cycles for you, with a task list, sounds and notifications.
Why it works
- Starting is easier. “Work on this for 25 minutes” feels manageable when “finish the assignment” feels overwhelming.
- Breaks keep you fresh. Regular short breaks reduce mental fatigue, so you can keep working well for longer.
- It shows where time goes. Counting pomodoros tells you how long tasks really take, which makes planning more realistic.
- Distractions get noticed. When something else pops into your head, write it down and get back to the task. You'll deal with it in the break.
Choosing your timings
| Focus / break | Good for |
|---|---|
| 25 / 5 | The classic. Revision, reading, admin work and getting started on things you've been avoiding. |
| 50 / 10 | Writing, coding and other work where it takes a while to get into the flow. |
| 90 / 20 | Long stretches of deep work, once you're used to focusing. |
Try the classic first for a week, then adjust. The best timing is the one you actually keep using.
Tips for exam revision
- Plan your day in pomodoros: “Chemistry, 4 pomodoros; Maths past paper, 3 pomodoros”.
- Use the first pomodoro of a subject to review what you studied last time.
- Put your phone in another room, or at least face down and silent.
- During breaks, move your body: it helps your concentration more than scrolling.
- Stop when the long break comes after your planned number, even if you feel you could keep going. Rest is part of learning.
To plan which subjects to study on which days before an exam, use the study planner, and test yourself with flashcards.