Ever caught yourself procrastinating in the morning, only to feel overwhelmed at the end of the day? These two fluctuating states trick you into thinking you can “make” more time for yourself. When at best, you can only organize it. This is exactly what the Pomodoro Technique intends to do: break work into manageable chunks to keep your mind sharp and ready.
Pomodoro Timer Pro 2.2.0. Pomodoro Timer is a tool that can help you increase your productivity and quality of your work. The Pomodoro Technique® was found in the 80's and continues to be one of the most popular time management techniques used today. A Pomodoro ™ lasts only 25 minutes and you must avoid all interruptions during. If you want to change the background color, set different goals, or customize the sounds you can 'Go Pro' for $1.99. Paying for the app will also unlock a full 30 days worth of efficiency charts.
Let’s see what this productivity method is all about, along with the best Pomodoro apps to use to get you started.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique was invented by Francisco Cirillo in the late ’80s as a means to study more efficiently. He used a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato (“pomodoro” in Italian), forced himself to study for exactly 25 minutes, then took a break of 5 minutes. And it worked!
Cirillo discovered that to stay focused you have to work with time, not against it. To follow his advice, divide your projects and tasks into short sprints and reward yourself with regular breaks to recharge before the next sprint. This will boost your productivity and keep the creative juices flowing, without relying too much on your willpower.
Is this it? Frankly, yes. And that’s why the Pomodoro Technique is so attractive. You only need a timer and a paper to keep track of your pomodoros and focus single mindedly on a task.
Backgrounds 7 13. I’d argue that the length of a work session and break can vary since it takes approximately between 5 and 15 minutes to achieve a flow state.
But here’s how the basic process looks like:
1. Choose a task you want to work on.
2. Set the Pomodoro timer to 25 minutes, the standard pomodoro duration.
3. Work on the task until the Pomodoro timer rings, then put a checkmark on a paper.
4. Take a short break of 5 minutes to do something non-work-related like stretching or making a call.
5. Take a longer break of 20-30 minutes after every 4 pomodoros. This will help you regroup your thoughts and rest before the next batch of pomodoros.
How the Pomodoro Technique works
Notice a couple of things here. You need to approximate how many pomodoros it takes to finish a task. This information is not ready accessible, but through some trial and error you should get the hang of it.
You also need to set up a timetable. Block your most important pomodoros for when you’re most creative (for me it’s the afternoon) and leave the rest for when you tend to get distracted. The point is to have a clear limit and motivate yourself enough to push things forward, as well as a clear boundary between work and spare time.
As for the pomodoro, know that it is a non-negotiable time unit. This means that whenever an emergency or colleague bumps in with a request, you have to either end the pomodoro right then or protect it from outside distractions until completed. In most cases, you can get by with telling your colleagues to reach out in 10 minutes. Otherwise, use the “inform, negotiate, schedule, call back” approach proposed by Cirillo:
Inform the other person that you’re in the middle of something important.
Negotiate with them a time to address the issue.
Schedule it.
Call back or give them a nudge when the pomodoro is over.
For distractions that are internal by nature like a new idea or article to read, write it down on your paper and proceed with your work until the Pomodoro timer rings.
The benefits of using the Pomodoro Technique
To get a taste of how your life will look like after using the Pomodoro Technique, here are a few benefits to consider:Mp3 tag editor.
Improved concentration power
Not all of us can focus for extended periods of time. But everyone can make a little effort to put their heads down for 25 minutes, work, and take a break after.
In fact, a couple of researchers discovered that brief breaks actually improve the overall concentration power, or vigilance as they call it. They actually reset it, allowing you to start with a clean slate. Much like the bonus parts in most video games.
The Pomodoro Technique rests on the same principle. After each pomodoro, take full advantage of your break to recharge and keep your mind fresh for the next session of work. You’ll reduce the number of mistakes caused by a lack of concentration and avoid burnout in the long run.
Decreased back pain
Ever wondered why everyone is so obsessed with making 10,000 steps each day? As cliche as it may sound, sitting is the new smoking. I’m referring here to the health risks associated with excessive sitting, like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Which, according to this study, can’t be compensated by occasional leisure activities even if they exceed the minimum level of physical activity recommended.
In this context, the Pomodoro method becomes your greatest ally for slipping in more movement throughout the day. Use the five minute break to do a stretch, fill up your water bottle, or just chat with a coworker in the lobby area. Your back and shoulders will thank you later.
Get rid of the perfectionist mindset
This is the creator’s curse, also known as Parkinson’s Law, which I talked about in another article. According to it, work expands to fill the time available for its completion. To put it simply, if you have to complete a one hour task in two days, you’ll probably take the full two days. That’s because perfection sets in, making you fine-tune the task until the very end.
By all means, do what you need to do to create your best work. But don’t get stuck in endless revisions and ship it! Use the strict time limit of a pomodoro as a race to get things done and free up more time for other creative endeavors.
Best Pomodoro apps to try out
Enough with the benefits, time to get to the real work.
Again, because of the method’s simplicity, you only need a kitchen timer and a notebook or piece of paper to keep track of your pomodoros. That’s it. Nothing less, nothing more. This doesn’t give you enough insight into timesheets, the nature of your interruptions, or how did you progress on each of your tasks.
To automate the system and customize it to fit your workflow in terms of session lengths, ticking sounds, alerts, and so on, try out these Pomodoro apps:
Best for: using the Pomodoro Technique with a separate task or project management software
PomoDone connects with a wide variety of project management tools, allowing you to directly import tasks and time entries from the ones that already have a time tracking module – like Paymo.
If you are looking for modern and customizable all in one project tools that have already a time tracking module, here’s a list with software project management tools.
If you don’t use one, then you can add your own tasks directly into the app. Then clock in using their Pomodoro timer. A pretty robust one I have to say, since you can customize your own session lengths, set auto breaks, and add up an interruption note so you don’t have to rely on a notebook anymore.
PomoDone also comes with a great Chrome Extension that embeds the Pomodoro tracker in certain project management apps and blocks distracting websites if you know yourself to be a slippery procrastinator (I sure am from time to time).
Price:
Lite plan ($2.29/month), with 3 integrations included
Ultimate plan ($4.01/month), with unlimited integrations and unlimited log access
Focus Booster seems to be a Pomodoro app that’s more oriented towards freelancers and agency owners since you can choose which client to track time for. All pomodoro sessions get automatically logged under a timesheets area, with the possibility to create manual entries on your own. The best part? You can actually export them into a CSV format so it’s much easier to invoice your client at the end of a month or project.
Data nerds, you’re in for a treat. In terms of analytics, you have complete visibility into how you’ve spent your time over a certain period thanks to the Reports Dashboard. This one also includes stats regarding your profitability and percentage of tracked time per each client, so you know which client brings in more cash.
I also like how you can save incomplete sessions and resume them when ready, a feature that will serve well first time Pomodoro users and hybrid fans.
Price:
Free, but limited to 20 sessions
Individual plan ($2.99/month), with 200 sessions and extended settings
Unlimited plan ($4.99/month), with unlimited sessions and invoicing
3. Focus Keeper (iOS)
Focus Keeper tracker and chart views
Best for: iOS users
By far, the Focus Keeper Pomodoro app is the closest one to the authentic Pomodoro experience. It features a red background that lets you change the length of the pomodoro through a simple swipe (breaks have a blue one). And a ticking sound to know it’s focus time.
You can also set a goal in terms of the number of sessions you wish to accomplish each day, which I find very helpful. Too bad you can’t name them to know what you’re working on. The app has a notification centre though to remind about your session if you browse other apps on your phone.
There are many ways of customizing this app, from different themes to sounds and alarm levels for each session, short, and long break. Charts over the past 14 and 30 are days are there to help you monitor your productivity, limited to only the past 3 days with the free version.
The Pro one brings 10 premium ticking sounds to get more productive or relaxed, depending on the moment of the Pomodoro cycle, and a full view over your stats.
Price:
Free, limited charts for the past 3 days
Pro ($1.99/month), unlimited charts plus 10 ticking sounds
4. Focus To-Do: Pomodoro Timer & To Do List (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android)
Focus To-Do Mobile App
Best for: Android users
As the name states, Focus To-Do is an all-in-one Pomodoro timer and to-do list. Quite practical, as you can create projects to better categorize sessions, as well as set task priorities for a clear picture on what to work on first. It’s a bit unclear how many projects I’m allowed to create, since the app introduces you in a free trial of the premium version.
Other than that, I like the “Forest” feature which gamifies the whole user experience and let’s you contribute with your actions at growing a plant. If you don’t complete the daily challenges, you guessed it, the plant dies. An interesting way to build up motivation and stick with the Pomodoro Technique.
This Pomodoro timer also comes with a trend chart of all your completed to-dos and statistics over how you’ve spent your time for each project.
Best for: teams who want to share their online Pomodoro timers
If you’re looking for a simple Pomodoro app that doesn’t require any setup whatsoever, not even a signup, then Marinara Timer is the way to go. Just open it in a separate web browser tab and pin it there.
In terms of options, you’re lucky enough. The team behind this app thinks the Pomodoro method is a bit too rigid, that’s why they made three timers available:
A traditional pomodoro with the 25-5 minutes cycles
Custom one, where you can change the length of each work session and rename them
Kitchen one, where you set a time limit and let it run backwards
What sets it apart though is the ability to share your timer through a URL. In case you wish to synchronize work with your team and take a break together, or just share your pomodoro clock with a manager. There are two links, an admin one and a viewer link, to avoid stepping on each other’s feet and make sure no timer is stopped by accident. A cautious feature indeed!
Price: Free
Are Pomodoro apps for everyone?
No, not really. The method is best suited for creatives, those who need to ship work and have deadlines in place for them: designers, developers, copywriters, and so on. For them, the boxed sprints might catalyze productivity while also making sure they don’t waste too much time and effort on trivial things.
But what about if you’re a customer support rep or someone who has to do continuous work as it comes in? You can still hack the method and run a few pomodoros back-to-back until you finish the self-imposed target: 50 tickets in one hour, 30 emails in under 30 minutes, you name it. Do a break, then pick up work from where you left it.
It’s not advisable to use a Pomodoro timer when you are engaged in fast-paced projects where changes can occur at any minute. Or when you’re someone who requires a lot of input from the others, like a team leader or sales ops manager.
How does the Pomodoro Technique work with other productivity methods
In essence, a pomodoro focuses more on doing tasks in a timely manner as opposed to planning them. That’s why it’s better to combine it with other productivity methods.
Like the Getting Things Done (GTD) method. Use it to process and organize work, then rely on the Pomodoro Technique to actually get things done. It also works well with the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to prioritize tasks before actually doing them, as well as the Kanban method which relies on continuous delivery and improvement of your workflow. A practice that is also encouraged by Cirillo who insists on spending the first and last 5 minutes of a pomodoro session to recap and review work. For improvement purposes, again.
Note
Don’t overdo this part or else you’ll ruin the simplicity provided by the Pomodoro method.
Final thoughts
With the existing theory and best Pomodoro apps at hand, you should already be able to use the method on your own. Yes, it will take some time to get the hang of it, but you can only reap its benefits if you try it first hand.
Before we part away, remember that the Pomodoro method is just that – a way for you to get into the zone and recharge your energy with regular breaks. If you happen to be half way through your work and the Pomodoro timer has ringed, stop it, continue with your task, and take a break only after you’ve finished it.
Under all conditions, don’t try to push it if it doesn’t work for you. To put it Ryan Holiday’s words:
What we need is something sustainable. Something balanced. Something deliberate without being forced. Purposeful without being obsessed with productivity.
Jump to Section
Pomodoro Technique definition The benefits of using the Pomodoro Technique Best Pomodoro apps to try out Are Pomodoro apps for everyone? How the Pomodoro Technique works with other productivity methods
Francesco Cirillo created history when he created Pomodoro technique in the year 1990. He named it so because he used to track time using a tomato-shaped timer. That’s why tomato is often used as a symbol for Pomodoro Chrome extensions and mobile apps. It was designed as a way to get things done using the hyper-focused method. You set a timer for 25 minutes and do as much as you can do in a single go. You then take a 5-minute break to refresh your mind, drink water, maybe take a walk, and then come back repeat the same cycle. Once cycle is called one Pomodoro. Every four Pomodoros take a longer break—usually 20-30 minutes
Some lesser-known benefits of the Pomodoro technique are improved focus, frequent and enough time to refresh the mind and improve productivity. A cyclical way to complete tasks in short bursts of time. Let’s take a look at those Chrome extensions I was talking about.
Also Read:8 Best Pomodoro Timer for Windows to Boost Your Productivity
Pomodoro Chrome Extensions
1. Timer 25: the Minimalist Timer Timer
Timer 25 does only one thing and it does it well. Once installed, the extension shows a minimal icon in your tool. Click once and it’ll start a 25-minute timer, which is perfect for Pomodoro. Once the time is up, it plays a sound. Of course you can customize the time by going to the options.
There are not many features baked in the extension, which is its USP. It’s simple, light, and open source. Check it out.
Download Timer 25: the Minimalist Timer: Chrome
2. Habitica Pomodoro SiteKeeper
Habitica is one of our favourite RPG based goal tracking app. And this Chrome extension from them takes combine Pomodoro technique with website blocking on Chrome browser.
Wasting too much time on social media, adult sites or gaming on the web? You can now decide which sites you want to visit and which you want to block using this simple Pomodoro Chrome extension.
To get started, install the extension, and then visit the website you want to block – like Facebook, YouTube, etc. You can then block a site by navigating to it and clicking the block site. It will ask you to enter a cost. From there onwards, you will then need to pay to visit these sites in Habitica currency. Some might think of it as too much but is a good way to break old, hard to break habits. You can then use the built-in Pomodoro timer to keep track of time spent on doing tasks. For each habit followed or not followed, you will be scored.
Download Habitica Pomodoro SiteKeeper: Chrome
3. Marinara
If you are looking for a Chrome extension with Pomodoro timer that offers detailed analysis and stats, Marinara is a good option. It comes with a toolbar icon where you can see the timer with short and long breaks. Going inside the extension, you can view a detailed history of all the Pomodoros you have completed so far.
You can also set audio notifications if you think the visual display is putting too much pressure on you or is distracting you. The cool thing is that you can choose from a range of 20 different sounds. On the other hand, if you thrive under pressure, choose a ticking sound for the timer. Don’t worry about your data as the Chrome extension is open-sourced.
Download Marinara: Chrome
Also Read:6 Best Pomodoro Apps for Mac to Get Shit Done (2018)
4. Pomodoro Timer Pro
Chrome extension Pomodoro Timer Pro comes with a really easy to use UI. It gets right to business by starting your first Pomodoro the moment you install it. You can configure Pomodoro duration, short and long breaks, and a message that will be played after each break. Useful to motivate or remind you of what needs to be done after the break ends. Either way, that was a thoughtful addition.
Another feature is the site block feature that we saw earlier. You can block all sites that disturb you or takes you further away from your goals. Again, the process is rather simple and fast. Pomodoro Timer Pro intends to make timing tasks and sticking to it easy and simple.
Download Pomodoro Timer Pro: Chrome
5. Pomotodo
Pomodoro technique was designed to complete tasks in short bursts of time. But how do you keep track of these tasks? Pomotodo wants to make this process easier and more fun. Using the extension, you can easily create a list of tasks that you are working on and begin the timer. Now, mark each task as done to know how many timers or Pomodoros did it required.
Another reason to use Pomotodo is the cross-platform sync. The app for this extension is available for all major platforms including – Web, Windows, macOS, Chrome, iOS, and Android. So, doesn’t matter which platform you are working, all your Pomodoro (focus session) will be collected under one umbrella.
Using this new and improved Pomodoro technique has multiple benefits. You can track tasks and time spent on the same, get more productive, and get things done but only faster. There are two tabs. One for Tasks and the other is for Pomodoros. Creating an account is optional so you can skip it.
Download Pomotodo: Chrome
Also Read:7 Best Pomodoro Apps for Android
6. FocusMe
FocusMe comes with a Pomodoro timer that you can manage more effectively. You can not only create and set Pomodoro(s), but you can also start and stop the timer when you want. This goes for breaks too. Adjusting the time is easy and quick so you can create your own schedule. After all, not all tasks are made equal and not every one of them can be completed in 25 minutes flat.
You can always reset the timer when you are done early. Finally, there is a site blocker that we saw earlier in some Chrome extensions for Pomodoro timers. This is no different. You just enter each site that distracts you from focusing in a list that can be edited easily. The visual timer looks good and you can customize audio cues if you want.
Download FocusMe: Chrome
7. PomoDoneApp
PomodoneApp is not a regular Chrome extension for Pomodoro timers. It is an advanced app that works with a number of project and task managements apps like Trello, Asana, Basecamp and many others. This makes it one of the most powerful and versatile Pomodoro timer app for Chrome.
Needless to say, it is not free. There is a pricing plan and there are also mobile apps that you can download and install on your smartphones. Plans begin at €2.00 per month, but is worth it if you are using any of the apps that it connects with using API. Otherwise, you are better off with one of the above extensions.
Download PomoDoneApp: Chrome
Pomodoro Time Pro
Pomodoro Chrome Extensions
There are quite a few options available on the web, and some of them are really powerful and advanced. But not everyone is looking for project management app integrations like PomoDoneApp offers. For the rest of you, there are Pomodoro extensions like FocusMe, PomoTodo where you can create tasks and Marinara which is quick and hassle free.
Pomodoro Time Pro 1 2019
How are you using Pomodoro technique to get things done and what Chrome extensions or apps do you use to measure goals.