Pomodoro Technique
What does Pomodoro mean?
The Italian word Pomodoro means ‘tomato,’ but the Pomodoro Technique is a time-management study method created by Francesco Cirillo to optimize flow and attention when studying. It is called the Pomodoro Technique because Cirillo used a tomato-shaped timer to help him study when he was in university.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique consists of a few main steps:
Decide on the task (ex. studying for midterms).
Set a timer for 25-30 minutes and ONLY study for that time.
When the timer goes off, get up and go do something you enjoy for 5-10 minutes. No studying or working is allowed during this time.
After five minutes, set your 25 minute timer again and repeat this cycle four times.
After you have completed this cycle four times, instead of having a 5-10 minute break, you give yourself a longer break of 20-30 minutes, then repeat the four cycles before another long break.
Tips & Tricks:
There is a video on YouTube called “Marty Lobdell - Study Less Study Smart” that also might be useful to you. It mainly explains that studying for six hours before a test is less useful than studying a little bit everyday, and gives examples and further explanation.
also, when I am using this technique and I am in the middle of one of the 25 minute study only time periods, if I get up to sharpen my pencil, go to the bathroom, etc., I will pause the timer or wait until the full 25 minutes of study time is over.
My biggest tip! When you are taking a break from studying (whether or not you are using the Pomodoro Technique), I would recommend not scrolling on your phone/using social media! The reasoning behind this is when you are scrolling, your brain is constantly being fed new information extremely fast, and is deciding whether or not this information is worth watching/remembering - which means scrolling is not taking a break, it’s just an easier way for quick dopamine and new information. Instead of going on social media, I personally like to draw, talk to someone, get a snack/water, stretch, or do something off my to-do list (like organizing my bathroom drawer).
Why Does This Technique Work?
This method works because (some) students who don’t use this technique study for longer periods of time, eventually leading to exhaustion, or they don’t study at all.
“In 2025, a scoping review found: ‘Time-structured Pomodoro interventions consistently improved focus, reduced mental fatigue, and enhanced sustained task performance, outperforming self‑paced breaks.’” (Wikipedia)
The Pomodoro method utilizes attention and ‘flow’ to study when your brain is refreshed and ready to store information.
Examples of Using the Pomodoro Technique:
Let’s say I had a math final coming up, and I wanted to get maximum retention of information but don’t want to be pulling an all-nighter trying to study. I would set all needed materials on my desk (or wherever you focus best when studying). then, I would set a timer for 25 minutes, and only study for that 25 minutes. when the timer goes off, I drop my pencil and go do something fun/relaxing for five minutes until the cycle is to be repeated.