A time management method that alternates work sessions with breaks. The technique's creator, Francesco Cirillo, used a tomato (pomodoro) shaped timer to manage his time.

The Pomodoro Technique

Expand all

1. Identify a specific project to work on for 25 minutes (set a timer)

Commit to working only on this task. You can do it!

2. Focus on the task until the timer rings

When the timer goes off, check your progress.

3. Take a short 5-minute break

Stretch, relax, grab a cup of coffee, or do something else relaxing (i.e., not work-related). 

4. Set your timer to 25-minutes again

Return to the task, or if you finished it, start a new one.