Focus guide
Master your focus.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that helps you work with the time you have—rather than against it.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique breaks work into focused intervals—traditionally 25 minutes—separated by short breaks. Each interval is called a "pomodoro" (Italian for tomato, named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used).
How it works
- 1Choose a task
Pick something you want to work on. It can be anything—studying, coding, writing, or any work that needs your attention.
- 2Set the timer for 25 minutes
Commit to focusing on your task for the entire session. No multitasking, no distractions—just deep work.
- 3Work until the timer rings
Immerse yourself fully in the task. If a distraction pops into your head, jot it down and get back to work.
- 4Take a short break
When the session ends, take 5 minutes to relax. Stretch, grab a drink, or just breathe.
- 5Repeat and take longer breaks
After four pomodoros, reward yourself with a longer 15-30 minute break to recharge.
Eliminate distractions
The key to a successful focus session is removing anything that might pull your attention away. Here are the most important steps:
Put your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb mode. Better yet, place it in another room. Even seeing your phone can reduce your cognitive capacity.
Quit your messaging apps during focus sessions. Those "quick" messages can wait 25 minutes. Set your status to away so colleagues know you're in deep work mode.
Email is a constant source of interruption. Close it completely during your session. Most emails don't require an immediate response.
Turn off desktop notifications for all apps. Each notification breaks your focus and it takes an average of 23 minutes to fully refocus.
After your session
When your focus session ends, take a moment to reflect. Log your mood and any notes about what you accomplished. Then feel free to:
- Check your messages on Slack or Teams
- Review any emails that came in
- Respond to notifications
- Take a proper break before your next session
The beauty of this system is that you're not ignoring your responsibilities—you're just batching your responses to be more efficient.
Why it works
25 minutes feels manageable. Starting is often the hardest part.
Knowing the timer is running creates positive pressure to stay on task.
Regular breaks keep your mind fresh throughout the day.
Tracking sessions helps you understand how you spend your time.