We at Online Clock are big proponents of time management. And why not? Our own simple online clock tools can work wonderfully to help increase your productivity, when used in conjunction with some time management strategies.
We’ve blogged about Pomodoro Time Management already, here on the Alarm Clock Blog, but our posts on this subject were either about a background on the Pomodoro Technique, or else went into detail on how you can use our online clocks as “Pomodoro Timers“. What we’re going to do today is to give you a succinct look at how to use this time management technique (which, of course, is not limited to using just the timers found on our website).
An introduction to the Pomodoro Time Management includes learning how it works in everyday situations. You’ll also discover the many benefits that you may receive. The major principle in the method involves taking more breaks than you may be used to. However, there is much more than that.
The Pomodoro Method
This method is first introduced by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s. He devises a system that separates work into sections that are twenty five minutes long. These sections are called “pomodori“, which translates into “tomato” in Italian. His method employs five basic steps.
1. Determine what needs to be taken care of. After all, you must have a work plan before you begin. It is best to have as definite a plan as possible, to help you focus.
2. You need to employ a manual timer, and set the timer for twenty five minutes. In this method, many people use a special timer that is shaped like a tomato. This can help to remind them what they are doing.
The use of a manual timer is stressed a great deal in this process, at least when you’re starting out. The entire procedure is also best done in a low tech manner. For example, try to work with simple pencil and paper.
When you wind up the mechanical timer, it helps to program the task into your mind. You then can associate this process with the timer, and this may help some people to condition themselves for better organization. Also, you can hear the definite “tick, tick” of the timer and relate it to the task at hand. You know that the seconds and minutes are ticking off, and slowly you may develop a definite work rhythm. This kind of timing is the inspiration for many computer programs that employ similar features.
3. Work on what you are doing without interruption. Do not look around the room, and try very hard to keep yourself from being distracted. Keep focused on what you are doing until you hear the timer go off.
4. When the timer goes off, stop what you are doing. It is time to take a short break from your work. After five minutes, you can return to your task, and start the process all over again.
5. Continue this pattern for a while. However, you will need to mix in some longer breaks of about twenty minutes duration. This can be done on every fourth break.
Now that's a lot of Pomodoros!
Pomodoro Principles
It is important to follow the five basic instructions in the method. In step one for example, you are in the planning stage. You need to use this stage to make up a “to do” list for the day. This makes it much easier to determine how long you will need to complete each task that you are planning.
Make sure to keep detailed records of what you are doing. After each twenty five minute period or “pomodori“, you need to record exactly what you accomplish in each period. This gives you some reference material to study your progress. It also provides one with information on how they can improve their efficiency.
Another important reason for this procedure is to lessen interruptions. It is easy to become distracted by simple sounds and happenings that are going on around you. When you concentrate on keeping track of what you are doing, you can stay focused.
The Benefits of Frequently Taking Short Breaks
Taking short breaks is a good way to increase your efficiency and health. It also can help to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. This can eventually lead to a lower risk of cardiovascular problems and disease.
Stress can be a major inhibitor of productivity. It can interfere with the ability to concentrate and think clearly. It also can be a contributing factor in many kinds of illness, and lost time at work. When you lessen stress, you can increase the human immune response. You also may have less risk for repetitive strain injury, like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Don’t Forget:
Every fourth break should be about twenty minutes long. This can help to increase your overall efficiency and health. At first it may seem foreign, but after a while, you may adjust to the new process, and find that it is very effective.
So, there you have it folks – a very efficient summary of Pomodoro Time Management, if we do say so ourselves.
Please give this time management technique a try…you’ll be surprised by how effectively it truly works GREAT!
In Online Clock‘s opinion, the entire world owes a debt of gratitude to Francesco Cirillo for inventing this technique.
More detailed information on the Pomodoro Technique can be found on their official website.
Pomodoro Time Management In A Nutshell is a post from: Alarm Clock Blog, the official blog of the original Online Alarm Clock.
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