Easy strategy to study in small timeframes with planned breaks
As I mentioned in Study Less with Study Smarts, to optimize our time and study less we need to increase our focus. Once you have identified some study sessions in your day, let’s talk about how to help create real focus during those sessions using the Pomodoro technique. Named after a tomato-shaped timer that Francesco Cirillo used to track his own work as a college student, this technique is simple and easy to start using right now.
Increase Your Focus with Pomodoro
The Pomodoro technique is so simple and powerful. It requires a single tool you already have (a timer), and just four steps:
- Set a timer (25 minutes)
- Activate your ninja-like focus and work until the timer goes off
- Take a short break (10 minutes)
- Every 4 Pomodoro’s, take a longer break (30 min)
To be effective it requires intention and focus while the timer is running. It also clearly defines a start and end to your focus. Mentally this can be an amazing motivator. I like to plan ahead of time what my break is going to be so I have it to look forward to as extra motivation. Maybe I’ll plan to brew some fresh coffee, go play a game of hide-and-seek with my daughter, or finally find out what happens at the end of the TV show I am watching.
Pomodoro Technique With Your Schedule
I think there is a lot of power in this simple technique, though I am less in love with step 4, to complete four consecutive Pomodoro study sessions and then take a longer break. The risk here is deciding you don’t have a full hour to work through four Pomodoros so you decide not to study at all.
A normal way of thinking, but definitely not helping us meet our goals. Here is how I adjust the technique:
- Plan your day so you know how long your study session can last. Let’s say your first study session is for 30 minutes.
- Set a timer for 30 minutes
- Activate your ninja-like focus and work until the timer goes off
- Take a short 5-10 minute break
- Continue on with your day until your next scheduled study session
Doesn’t it feel painless? I can do just about anything for 30 minutes! Even if you are studying something and it is not inspiring you, you can work at it for 30 solid minutes. Then you get to move on to something more engaging.
If you do have an hour to study, then, by all means, use this technique to complete two iterations!
If you are procrastinating and struggling to make progress in your studies, this is a great strategy to start making forward momentum. Use this strategy to increase your focus and pair it with the #1 way to beat procrastination and you’ll be feeling better about your studies in no time!
Free Resources to Get Started
To get started practicing the Pomodoro technique you need a timer of any kind. A kitchen timer works, or use the built-in timer on your smartphone. For those who want a specialized tool, there are lots of free options. Try out some of these free Pomodoro tools:
- pomodoro-tracker.com – free web app
- Clockwork Tomato – free Android app
- Focus Keeper Free – free Apple app
Have you tried Pomodoro? What was your experience with it?
Try It Yourself: 30-minute Challenge
- Identify 30 minutes of your day tomorrow to study. At this time:
- set your timer for 25 minutes
- focus and study until the timer goes off
- take a 5-minute break
- move on with your day!
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Arpit Mishra says
Great piece of content. Thanks for sharing! I would like to suggest everyone to use Pomodoro timer. This is purely from my positive experience. It has been a great help during my exams.
Victor says
Thanks for sharing these techniques
Janvi says
I have studied virology and done 2 set using pomodro app !
Thank you for your advices . They really do work !Grateful🤗
Jessica says
That is fantastic!!
Nosibusiso says
Today I will study 2 page of my book, and set a time
Jessica says
This is a FANTASTIC goal!
Avipsha says
I have done today..4 blocks of 30 mins pomodoro today…feeling good..I am in Day 1 of 7 Day Study Challenge!
Jessica says
That is fantastic!!! Keep up the excellent work.
Rizkiya says
wow it is so a great techniques. so much effective for me. thank you
Jessica says
That is great! Thank you for the feedback.
Blue says
Sometimes this techniques works best but at times, i feel very unfocused. I feel like i am not fresh and sometimes when i force myself i get headache. I want to stay focused everyday for atleast 6-7 hours because i have to cover a lot of work. Please help.
Jessica says
Start smaller and build up to it. Study for 25min, take a 5 min break, study for 30min again, take a longer break. Then repeat. The breaks are key to building up your focus over long periods of time.
Brena says
I’ve been trying to focus on my studies, but it really hard. I’m a very distracted person.
I gonna have it a goal
Thanks a lot
Kisses from Brazil
Jessica says
It can be hard! Take away all distractions, start with a short time period of focus, and you can do it!
Raj Jamariya says
Thank you. It really works for me. I read all your articles it really inspired me a lot. And Now I’m focused on my goal. Thank you very much. And Please confirm my request for the membership of your FB group.
Thanks 🙂
Jessica says
Fantastic, Raj! Keep up the good work!
Jasia Hashmi says
It really works.I completed most of my work through it.Thank you Jessica ,you are awesome
Jessica says
I’m so glad this strategy was helpful. Keep up the good work!
Rachael says
Yes!! This study technique is the best! I use this all the time! The important part to remember is to keep super focused on the topic you are working on, or studying. It’s too easy to let our minds wander!
Jessica says
Absolutely. I have to put in earplugs to get really focused and stay away from distractions. 🙂
Lucrezia says
The Pomodoro technique is as easy to implement as effective! Thanks for sharing! It really does make a huge difference!
Jessica says
Glad that you’ve tried it out and liked it as much as I do.
Lacy Ngo says
These tips are so good. I follow several of these like taking a break. I find that I work better and get more done when I focus for small increments. I get less overwhelmed by working this way.
Jessica says
Yes! The goal is to cut down on overwhelm. When your brain feels calm it also feels motivated to keep working.