More focus, less procrastination
Focus on one task for 25 minutes. Take a break. Repeat. That’s the Pomodoro technique in a nutshell. Here’s how to use it to boost your productivity.
Pomodoro timers to improve your focus
Stick to one task for 25 minutes
Start by jotting down a list of tasks you want to accomplish. Then pick one, set a timer, and get to work. You can do it with Be Focused — a simple Pomodoro timer for your menu bar.
Don’t worry if your task is too big to be completed in 25 minutes. The main idea is to focus on one thing at a time. Challenging, we know, but satisfying once you master it. You’ll be surprised by much you can do in 25 minutes when nothing interrupts you.
Then rest for five minutes
Take a five-minute break after each pomodoro. Stretch out, move around, or even peek in your Reddit feed if it helps you relax. Apps like Be Focused notify you once it’s time for a break, so don’t ignore them. Otherwise, you’ll quickly get distracted in your next session.
Take a longer break after four pomodoros
Once you’ve completed four sessions, reward yourself with a longer break. This will help you reduce strain and keep yourself motivated. You can customize the break duration — we recommend 15-30 minutes for a good recharge.
Block distracting apps and websites
Prevent all those news, social media, and chats from highjacking your attention. Session — another handy Pomodoro app — lets you block selected websites and apps while working.
You can also mute your Slack team for more focus.
Reflect on your progress
The Pomodoro technique sounds easy but may be tricky to adopt. It’s fine! That’s why Session offers you to reflect on each focused interval. What went well and what didn’t? What helped you focus, and what stole your attention?
Session also shows your progress over time, so you can see when you’re most productive, identify the patterns, and adjust your workflow accordingly.
Hope this how-to will help you solve tasks faster, and enjoy solving them, too! Check out more how-tos picked for you below.
