The Pomodoro Technique

[Geoffrey Firmin]

I have used a variety of time management techniques in the past.I learnt a lot about it as a Chef and then adapted and used that knowledge in the HR sector. Recently someone gave me a hand out on the Pomodoro Technique. I wonder is there anyone here who uses it and have they found it beneficial in terms of personal productivity, output and focus in particular to lengthy written work?

 

[papa kot]

This technique saved my professional life and I highly recommend it to anybody who struggles with time management or has ADD. I used to have a timer on my desk, but then I started drinking coffee during my buddies' coffee brakes. Works like a charm.

 

[otc]

I've given it a try a few times...mostly using it to force myself through household chores without getting distracted. It works...but most of the time I get through things without needing it.

I do run Workrave on my work PC. It monitors keyboard/mouse usage and asks you to take a break after a configurable amount of time. I started running it because I was having wrist pain, but I think the breaks themselves are helpful to clear my mind. My current settings are a 30 second break every 10 minutes and a 5 minute break every 50 minutes. It only counts time when you are actively using the computer, so if I get up to go to the bathroom and get coffee and come back after 5 minutes, the timer will have been reset to 50 minutes. Same goes for the 30 second break, those often occur naturally , but it is nice to get a reminder that says "Hey, you have been typing/mousing for 10 minutes straight--take a few seconds to shake your wrists out and blink your eyes a few times".
You can also power through the warnings if you really want...if you just keep typing or moving the mouse (say you are trying to get out an urgent email), the app will postpone and wait for you.