How to increase Productivity at work? Pomodoro Method [Everything you need to know]

Time flies!!! Work gets piled up. Have you noticed how your work speed increases when you are about to go for a lunch break or before going home? Has it happened that you had to work extra hours and you could not complete the work within the stipulated time because you were distracted?

 If the answer is YES? I have a solution to your problem.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?
Pomodoro is an Italian word for Tomato. Francesco Cirillo named the system “POMODORO” after the tomato-shaped timer he used to track his work at the university as a student. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. 

Pomodoro is a cyclical system in which the work is broken into short sprints and taking breaks to prevent the mind from exhaustion. The only resource needed is a timer. 

For every sprint of 25 minutes, we are rewarded with 5 minutes break. (we all love rewards, Isn't it?)

Steps to follow:

• Identify the tasks for the day

• Set the first timer for 25 minutes

• Work for the duration of 25 minutes

• Take a break of 5 minutes

• Repeat 4 times

• Take a long break of 15-30 minutes depending on the level of work done.

• Repeat until the work is complete for the day.

The only catch here is NO DISTRACTIONS.

If someone gets distracted then there are 2 ways First postpone the distraction for the next 25 minutes (don't even go to the loo) Second, if it’s too urgent, in that case, the person has to stop the Pomodoro and begin again later after the urgency is met.

If the option selected is former, Cirillo suggests the following strategy:

• Informing others beforehand not to disturb before 25 minutes.

• Negotiating a time so to get back later on the issue to be solved.

• Scheduling the follow-up tasks immediately after Pomodoro
  
  
• Calling back the people whoever would be waiting immediately and informing them about dealing with the issue.

Why would you work with POMODORO Timer?

There are a lot of benefits which is why today it has become so popular. Let us understand the reasons.

• Improving output: This technique is a game-changer in increasing the output, of course, when used correctly as prescribed. 
  We start by taking one task at a time. And eventually escaping the discussion. 
  Just imagine you are writing an email (how many minutes will it take) and the phone rings. What will be your first attempt to pick it up thinking “I will write the email later.” And then it takes hours to finish just writing an email. So those 25 minutes our focus and concentration are at pick because we will be getting 5 minutes break as a reward.

• Managing expectations: As soon as productivity increases it will be easier to meet the expectations. We will not procrastinate on working until deadlines. Working with Pomodoro time frame we can manage our work-life balance effectively. When we meet the expectations of our boss and client, we all know what happens next. Tantannnnnn!!!!!! Appreciation letter (Ohoo! You know right.)

• Decrease decision fatigue: Another good news is that we all get to take enough breaks when we can work around in the office or at home, fill the water bottle, wash hands, grab a cup of coffee or tea that will result in our mind staying fresh & restocked after working for 12 hours and we can again work on our hobbies or enhance our skills or do anything we like. Allowing our mind to wander around brings back the energy to start the next sprint. Mind it, initially, it can be a little difficult but with time it will become a cakewalk.

• Stimulating the willpower: There are so many apps that block the distraction. Like limiting the use of social media. But failure is definite. Do you know why? Because these are all external things blocking from outside. It fails to push our inner energy to focus on the task to achieve the goals. When we once get the will to complete and get the result after the 2-3 attempts of Pomodoro Technique, it will feel AHHHHH!!!!!!!! “What a productive day I had”

• Flowing with time: When someone starts to work with the Pomodoro time set, he/she understands that till now he/she was fighting against the time. Hence never had enough time to finish the task or goal. Let’s get into little more detail
  →We tend to focus only on 25 minutes that’s it. We need not force more or less. So remember time time timeeeee (We have enough time).
  →Stress level is less because we can see work progressing there is no requirement of multitasking or interruptions. (Recollect the 4 ways to stay away from distractions)

Now I know the question will arise is it perfect? How can a technique be perfect?
And my answer to the question will be if anyone is passionate about their work, definitely, they don’t need this. Like hobbies. But in our life, we all have highs and lows and during the times our energy is low but piled up with work, we can successfully achieve the goals with the help of this technique.

Apart from all these, I know there are some unavoidable circumstances where we cannot skip the distraction like meetings but still want to continue with Pomodoro Technique. Go ahead. Remember! We do not need to impress anyone, the basic idea is just to get the work done within the time required.

I have heard people say that they have started respecting TOMATO (eating as well)😂😂😂😂

Best Pomodoro apps to try out:

1. PomoDome
   Usage: Pomodoro Technique with a separate task or project management software.
2. Focus Booster
   Usage: Timesheet feature that records your sessions and has a detailed dashboard. The free plan has 20 sessions per limit.
3. Kanban Flow
   Usage: Ability to manage time-tracking via initiating Pomodoros directly from tasks on the Kanban board. A Free app for unlimited tasks and boards, the Pomodoro timer, and productivity reports.
4. Pomello
   Usage: Directly connects to Trello and turns your cards in Pomodoro tasks. It is also a Free app.
5. Focus To Do
   Usage: Separates the multiple tasks ina channelized manner with Pomodoro timer. It is Free for the main app.
6. Pomodoro Tracker
   Usage: Simple and basic features for starting with the Pomodoro Method. It is Free and best for beginners.

Conclusion:
Tomorrow when you wake up, list down all your "To-do list" and start following the steps mentioned above. By the end of the day, there will be a chance that you not only finished all the tasks but also have time left for spending time with friends and family. 👪👭

NOTE: Let me know your experience in the comment section or you can connect with me on Instagram. I am excited to know your story.

**** Thanks to Aron Visuals (Unsplash) for image****