Pomodoro technique for studying

How to Use the Pomodoro Technique for Studying

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Last Updated on September 9, 2024 by Alexandra Markin

If you have a lot of coursework to do but are feeling overwhelmed, procrastinating or struggling to stay focused, using the Pomodoro technique for studying is the perfect solution to help you push past these challenges.

A study published by SpringerLink and conducted by Almalki, K., Alharbi, O., Al-Ahmadi, W., Aljohani, M. (2020) found that the Pomodoro technique “helps graduate students on managing their time, increasing their productivity and decreasing procrastination.”

By breaking study sessions into short, focused intervals with regular breaks, this is my go-to study method when I’m struggling to finish tasks.

This blog post will guide you through the 5 simple steps to efficiently achieve 1 hour and 40 minutes of focused study time.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

Pick one task to focus on
Set a timer for 25 minutes
Work on your task until the timer goes off
Take a 5 minute break
Repeat for 4 rounds

The Pomodoro technique is an interval-based time management method.

It helps to improve focus and productivity by breaking study time into 25-minute intervals ( a “Pomodoro”) followed by a short 5 minute break.

After completing 4 Pomodoros, a longer break of 30 minutes is taken before starting the cycle over again.

This technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s during his time as a university student. Pomodoro is Italian for “tomato,” so-called after Cirillo used a red tomato-shaped kitchen timer to track his intervals.

How to Use the Pomodoro Technique

As an online Bachelor of Commerce student, using the Pomodoro technique is a game changer on those days when I really don’t feel like studying.

Consistency is key to academic success.

Want more ways to keep yourself on track? Read the post How To Study When You Don’t Feel Like It for 20 tips to keep your consistency high.

1. Pick one task to focus on

Take out your study plan and choose ONE specific task you need to complete.

Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks allows you to stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

For example, instead of me saying “Work on Lesson 1” which is an entire module, my specific task for a pomodoro would be:

“Work on Learning Activity No. 10: Solve exercise 22, page 581 manually and using Excel.”

Word document on a computer screen of a detailed study planner
How I break down modules into small study chunks in my Statistics for Business and Economics II course.

2. Set a timer for 25 minutes

Use a timer to set a 25 minute study interval – the “Pomodoro.”

Some of my favourite timers are:

Pomodoro technique for studying
Using the Flip Clock app on my iPad to time my pomodoro intervals.

3. Work on your task until the timer goes off

For the next 25 minutes, focus solely on your chosen task. Avoid checking your phone, browsing the internet, or anything that interrupts your concentration.

During a pomodoro block, I prefer to turn off all notifications on my phone and computer for email, instant messages, social media, phone calls, etc., before you set the timer.

4. Take a 5 minute break

When the timer goes off, take a 5 minute break – you can set a timer for this if you wish.

It’s really important to get up and step away from your study area. Stretch, grab a snack or make a cup of tea to give your brain a rest.

Keep a tally of how many pomodoro blocks you complete. It can be really easy to loose track!

5. Repeat for 4 rounds

After your break, set the timer for another 25 minute study session.

Repeat for 3 more rounds.

After your 4th round, you will have completed 1 hour and 40 minutes of focused study – a total of 1 hour and 55 minutes including breaks.

6. After 4 pomodoros, take a 30 minute break

After you’ve completed 4 pomodoro rounds, take a longer break of 30 minutes.

Have a meal, go for a short walk outside or spend some time with a pet.

Tips for Using the Pomodoro Technique for Studying

Because no study method is perfect, here are my tips for when things go awry:

Vary interval times

25 minutes is the original technique interval length, but you can set your pomodoros for as long or short as you want.

If you feel really in the zone, try a 50 minute session. Or on days when you’re really struggling, try 10 minute sessions to get back on track.

It may take some time to learn what works best for you, and every day can look a bit different.

Getting ready for your session counts

I get it. Some days it’s extremely difficult to even bring yourself to sit down at your desk.

On days like this, set your clock and make your pomodoro include the time it takes to round up your books, pull out the required supplies and login to your online course platform.

Just showing up is half the battle.

Keep your focus

Aside from turning off all potentially distracting digital notifications, sometimes your own mind can distract you.

If thoughts unrelated to your specific task pop into your head when your timer is on, write them down on a piece of paper for later and get back to your task.

If you have a distraction that you can’t ignore (your child phones you, your pet is in distress, etc.), stop the timer and deal with the distraction.

Take a 5 minute break to recharge, then set your timer and focus.

The Pomodoro Technique – Next Steps

By using the Pomodoro technique for studying on a consistent basis, you can improve your focus, manage your time more effectively and make your study sessions more productive.

So pull out your favourite timer and make a cup of coffee and let’s do this!

If you found this post helpful, sign up for my email list below and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest to join our online student community – you don’t have to go through your study journey alone!

How do you use the Pomodoro technique? Let me know in the comments!

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