What is the Pomodoro method for studying?
This is a method for better managing study time (or any activity that requires concentration). The idea is to eliminate wasted time and optimize our efforts. Often, we study for hours, with minimal effective learning time. This wasted time prevents us from doing other things and makes us see the task as boring, decreasing our attention in a vicious cycle.
Why is this form of study called Pomodoro?
This technique was created in the early 1980s by Francesco Cirillo. To manage study times, he used a tomato-shaped timer or stopwatch, like those usually used to see the cooking time of food. In Italian, the tomato is called "pomodoro", hence its name.
What benefits does the Pomodoro Technique generate?
From the first moment you can obtain the following advantages:
- Mental organization. You will be aware of the milestones to be achieved, seeing the goal and objectives clearly, organizing the mental resources for it.
- Board. You will eliminate empty moments and save time for other activities.
- increased concentration. You will always have a high attention curve, since from time to time you will rest, eliminating it from decreasing due to fatigue.
- Greater learning. By increasing concentration you will assimilate more concepts in less time.
- Confidence. You will be able to manage your own impulses, putting your ideas in order and managing the situation yourself.
- Motivation. You will see effective progress and your interest in improving will increase.
- Decreased anxiety. The feeling of frustration will be eliminated, since you will use all your abilities and achieve the set objectives.
How is the Pomodoro Technique applied?
It's very simple. It involves establishing 25-minute study slots (pomodoros) with 5-minute rest intervals. Every 4 pomodoros (block) a 30-minute break is established to begin new rounds. In the end, 2 hours pass between the start of the first study interval and the fourth. If we wanted to start another second block, we would do so only if we rested as necessary.
Example: Pomodoro 1 (25 min) + Rest 1 (5 min) + Pomodoro 2 (25 min) + Rest 2 (5 min) + Pomodoro 3 (25 min) + Rest 3 (5 min) + Pomodoro 4 (25 min) + Break 4 (30 minutes)
The rules to correctly apply this technique are:
- Set goals beforehand in each pomodoro. There's no point in starting a block if you don't know what the goal is.
- Have the resources at hand. Books, calculator, pens...don't put yourself in a pomodoro to look for things and waste time.
- When you rest, try to get up and take a short walk away from the study table. You have to break the mental pattern.
- Be strict with time. Both with the pomodoro and with rest.
- Be realistic. Don't load yourself with 3 blocks lasting 6 hours if you know you won't be able to.
- At first you may find it difficult to concentrate. Don't worry. It is the beginning of your new habit and training.
Is the Pomodoro Technique effective?
Our personal experience, after using it for 10 days, is that you find that you have a greater ability to concentrate and that your productivity increases, eliminating downtime and distractions.
Like any technique, if it's not used properly, you won't get the expected results. If you're not feeling well one day, due to medical problems, fatigue, or simply going through a rough patch, save this method for when you can perform at 100%. This study method requires you to give your full effort in small, short bursts. If you don't work properly during a Pomodoro, you won't reap the benefits. Don't use the Pomodoro Technique when:
- Don't be at your usual study place
- You are not at 100% mentally and physically
- Don't have a timer on hand
- Have stimuli around you that can distract you
And that's all. We hope this technique can help you. It can be used alone or combined with others. If you want to know more Study Techniques, check out our page and you will be able to see ways to organize and improve your study and results.
