Pomodoro Technique for Smarter Students
Nov 4 · 2 min read
In time management, timeboxing allocates a fixed time period, called a timebox, within which planned activity takes place. The purpose of timeboxing is to ensure that you use your time productively. To use this technique, you assign a specific deadline to each task. This is known as a timebox and when it’s finished, you analyze your progress and move on to the next one.

Pomodoro technique for timeboxing
The Pomodoro technique suggests you should break every hour into 4 slots. A 25-minute working slot followed by a 5-minute break slot. Then…
- Select a task that you need to get done. Eat that frog in the morning — the most difficult task should be done earlier in the day.
- Set the timer for 25 minutes and make a commitment to yourself. Unless the fire alarm goes off or the Aliens land on Earth you are going to work on this task and nothing else for the next 25 minutes. No Social Media, no email (turn off all notifications), no calls. Focus is what delivers the best results.
- Work on the task until the alarm goes off.
- Tick off the task. If there is more to do on this task add the remaining work to your task management system
- And relax. Take 5 minutes for yourself.
- Go for a short walk — sitting all day is bad for you. Moving is better than being stationary.
- Go outside — spending time in nature will boost your creativity and ability to focus.
- Stretch — whatever you need to do to get a moment to relax
- Daydream — the less you’re concentrating, the better (it will ease stress and boost your mood).
- Declutter your desk or doodle — this should get your mind off work for a moment (and help you come back re-focused).
- Talk to people — friends and co-workers
- Give your eyes a break — Look away from your screen for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes (the 20–20–20 rule)
- Have a snack/take a coffee break — your brain needs fuel to work properly.
6. Off to your next box now.
Don’t stick to 25 minutes working slot, but check what it is working for you.
- This University of Illinois study suggests taking a break once every hour.
- Based on the study of professional musicians, Robert Pozen of the MIT Sloan School of Management suggests taking a break every 75 to 90 minutes.
- Time-tracking app Desktime says it’s best to take a break every 52 minutes (followed by a 17-minute break).
If you think you don’t have time to take a break, you need twice the time during a break :)
