Introduction
It is a difficult task for students to keep focus and remain productive at the same time. Even after spending hours at the desk, students fail to study effectively and retain very little information. This phenomenon happens due to an environment full of distraction and a lack of productive study methods.
In this article, We are going to talk about the Pomodoro Technique for studying. After reading this article, you will be much more productive in your studies and other aspects of your life.
What is the Pomodoro Technique for studying?
Pomodoro means “tomato” in Italian. The word comes from a kitchen timer that looks similar to a tomato.
Francesco Cirillo introduced this technique in 1980. He wrote a complete book about this technique about all the best ways to get the most out of the Pomodoro Technique.
Although the book describes the technique thoroughly, we have analyzed the Pomodoro Technique through first-hand experiences. This article is a reflection of those experiences.
Things you need for the Pomodoro technique
One of the advantages of this technique is the simplicity it beholds. You do not need any fancy things to execute it.
The things you need are:
- A timer
- A pen and a paper
- A quiet, serene environment
Yes, that is all. If you can manage three of these items, you are set to apply this technique for studying.
How does the Pomodoro Technique work?
The steps are as follows:
- Set up a timer for 25 minutes and start your task.
- When the timer rings, stop immediately and take a break from the task
- The gap should last 5 minutes
- After 5 minutes, again start a session for 25 minutes
- After four sessions, take a longer break for 30 minutes
This is the basic structure of the Pomodoro Technique. Here, each 25-minute session is considered a ‘Pomodoro,’ and 3-4 sessions together are regarded as a ‘Block.’
You are free to tweak the time of each of them according to your wish. But make sure to keep the basic structure similar. I would suggest that you use a pen and paper to tick each time you complete a Pomodoro.
This action will provide you with the instant gratification of completing a task and act as inspiration for future Pomodoros.
When not to use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro technique should not be used in activities that we do in our leisure. It was made explicitly for tasks that require maximum output. If you are reading a book in your past time, you should not apply the Pomodoro Technique.
Pros of the Pomodoro Technique
Increased Focus: Students don’t have problems in retention but attention difficulties. In this modern world full of distractions, it is hard to stay focused on a single specific task. The Pomodoro technique helps us to give and maintain attention to a single task. This technique provides increased effectiveness and more retention of information in the long run.
Prevents Multi-tasking: One of the prime reasons we fail to get the most out of our study is Multi-tasking. Students are very much likely to take notes simultaneously scrolling through social media. But the Pomodoro technique helps to prevent this phenomenon. When you have only 25 minutes to study, you are more likely to be concentrating on the single task at hand rather than multi-tasking.
Dividing the stress: Long work hours, study hours both can harm our productivity and output. Pomodoro Technique helps us to ease our brain through 5-minute breaks. We can calm our minds and be ready for the next Pomodoro without being stressed out. This is one of the prime reasons why the Pomodoro Technique gives us maximum productivity.
Cons of the Pomodoro Technique:
Cannot enter the flow state: When you start a task, you don’t reach the peak of your abilities immediately. You slowly get the momentum. After a certain period, you enter the flow state when you work without friction and at the peak of your cognitive function. But when you have to stop your task after 25 minutes, you lose all the momentum and need to regain it in the next Pomodoro.
Distraction is the enemy: One of the critical requirements of the Pomodoro Technique is a clean and calm environment. Even the slightest of distraction can lead to wasting of a complete Pomodoro Session. Though we can control distractions in some instances, there are always things out of hand that will continue to distract us. So the Pomodoro Technique works poorly in a distracting environment.
What happens if everything goes wrong in a Pomodoro?
There might always be uncertainty, distractions, emergencies, and more. If, due to any reason, your Pomodoro session went off track, try to restart from the next Pomodoro.
If you are tired, You are free to lengthen your breaks and decrease the Pomodoro sessions.
Remember, Time is a greedy player who wins without cheating, every round!
What are the objectives of the Pomodoro Technique?
- Finding out how much effort each topic/task requires.
- Cutting down both internal and external interruptions and distractions.
- Identifying the effort behind every activity related to studying.
Pomodoro Technique Apps to use
Pomodone App: This app is available for all devices. It can help already organized people who use other productivity apps. Pomodone app can be integrated with other famous apps like Todoist, Basecamp, Asana, etc. It also provides a chrome extension that will help you to block unimportant and distracting websites.
Forest: This app has an aesthetic but straightforward interface. I would personally suggest you use this app because of its beautiful concept.
You can set a time for 25 minutes, and there will be visual animation of a growing tree. If you open any other app, the plant will wither. It enables you to retain your focus and remain productive through gamification.
Focus To-do- Pomodoro Timer and To-do-list: As the name suggests, this is an integration of Pomodoro Timer and a To-do List. This app is also available for all devices. You can use the to-do list feature to mark the number of Pomodoros you have completed each day. It also has a unique ‘ Forest ” feature similar to the ‘Forest’ app.
Is the Pomodoro Technique for studying effectively?
Yes, definitely. If you use this technique in the right way, it is going to give you great results. Although some might argue otherwise, many CEOs, entrepreneurs, content creators have been using this technique for a long time and getting significant results. Take a look at these 32 tales of people whose lives changed through the Pomodoro Technique. Reading these tales may inspire you to give this technique a try.
Conclusion
The Pomodoro Technique is an effective technique for students, entrepreneurs, content creators, and everyone. It will provide infinite value if you can implement it properly. It will boost your performance, attention and get more done.
Give it a shot, and I hope you get your desired results. Best of luck
3 thoughts on “Pomodoro Technique for Studying: The Ultimate Guide (2021)”
good job
thank you for sharing this valuable information , keeping going with this good work we will support you
Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for all the support. Do share my blog with your friends and family if possible
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