DID YOU KNOW

Set a Timer for the

Pomodoro Method

How this strategy can help you work smarter and faster while avoiding burnout.

By Jack Shearer

When a task seems insurmountable or too huge to finish, procrastination is usually the result. You might think you work well under pressure, but getting stressed all the time in order to get work done isn't healthy. Even more, it could lead to burnout. The best way to tackle your work and stay focused throughout is by using the Pomodoro Method.

What is the Pomodoro Method?

This work strategy, which was created by Francesco Cirillo, involves working for 25 minutes then resting for five minutes. After the fourth work period, you can take a longer break of 15 minutes. However, this is completely customizable, so you can change the break times to make them work for your situation.

How is This Different From a Regular Approach?

The Pomodoro Method makes a task seem much more manageable because you're able to break it down into smaller segments. Instead of working for long, uninterrupted periods of time, these breaks allow you to rest and regroup. This helps to prevent burnout.

The Pomodoro Method is especially effective when considering what tasks you need to prioritize. When you know exactly what you need to work on, you can determine what needs to be done first and outline the amount of time you will need for each step. Breaking it down into 30-minute intervals and giving yourself more time than necessary will make it easy to complete the task without experiencing burnout.

Flexibility with the Pomodoro Method

The best part about the Pomodoro Method is that it can be applied to anything. If you're a student, it's an amazing way to organize your study and homework sessions. It's easy to get distracted, especially in a social setting like a college or high school, so planning out your studying and homework this way will make it much easier to do everything on time and efficiently.

It also applies to any other project or task. No matter what your job, you can use it to complete what needs to be done. It's the gift that keeps on giving — a habit that, once learned, can save you tons of time down the road. While hobbies shouldn't necessarily be as monitored and structured as work, it can also be used to work on passion projects efficiently.

This is just the start of the many benefits of the Pomodoro Method. As long as you focus during those 25 minutes without any means of distraction, it works wonders. Whether you're already productive and want to try something new, or you're someone who tends to drag out tasks that can be done quickly, consider trying the Pomodoro Method to save yourself valuable time.

COMPASSION IS CONTAGIOUS

There’s something going around. Only this time it’s not a cause for concern, but celebration. At Nemours Children’s Health, an infection of courage, compassion and never giving up has been spreading unchecked since the day we opened our doors. Compelling us to do whatever is necessary for the health of children everywhere. Whether that means new and innovative medical breakthroughs or better, more convenient ways of bringing them to our patients. Because at Nemours Children’s Health, we’ll never stop spreading the best of what the human spirit has to offer. Learn more at Nemours.org/WorthCatching