Andi Dela Torre Griffiths
- Feb 23, 2022

Avoid Burnout with this Simple Technique

The Pomodoro Technique- you’ve probably heard of this simple yet effective method that helps boost productivity and reduce stress. It was developed in the early 1990s by then university student Francesco Cirillo. The idea started when he tried compressing the amount of time spent for work into 25-minute intervals, then having a 5-minute break before doing the same thing again. He used a kitchen timer to do this, which came in the shape of a tomato, hence the name (pomodoro is Italian for tomato).

🍅 25 MINUTES OF EFFICIENCY: HOW TO DO IT 🍅

This technique is simple, but first, you have to identify the tasks you have at hand (making a list would help). Remember to break down the bigger items into manageable ones that you can accomplish with the given amount of time.

Tip: Be intentional in accomplishing your goals to make the technique work for you.

What you need: any gadget that can work as a timer or has a timer feature.

Set your timer to 25 minutes, then start with the first item in your checklist. Again, make sure that the complex ones have been divided into chunks so that each task is manageable to accomplish within the given time. Focus on the first task until the timer rings.
Once time is up, you can now tick the item off your list. Congratulations! You’re done with your first “pomodoro”.
Take a 5-minute break and do something completely different. You can sing one song, watch a video, or just rest your mind.
Go back to your list and start with the next task.
Repeat.
After 3 or 4 pomodoros, you can take a longer break before doing the whole thing again until the day’s responsibilities.

The Pomodoro Technique Cirillo | A Lifestyle Blog by Andi | Philippines

🍅 Making Modifications 🍅

What works for one doesn’t always work for others, so if you feel customizing this technique according to what best fits your style, feel free to do so. If you want to change 25 minutes to 20, or 30, then do it. A 10-minute break is also what you prefer, then that’s fine.

For as long as you follow the time or conditions you have set upon yourself, it will work.

🍅 Reminders 🍅

Do your best to stay away from distractions. Keep your phone at a distance, turn off the TV, and select a conducive area where you can work in peace;
If during the 25 minutes you get distracted by anything, start from scratch (it might be bothersome, but you’ll get the hang of it).

When I need my phone and can't use it as a timer, I look for a 25-minute instrumental on YouTube and use it instead. It's an alternative timer, and you can never go wrong with instrumentals.