How to use the Pomodoro technique
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The Pomodoro technique, created by Francesco Cirillo, splits work into short focused sessions with breaks in between. It sounds too simple to matter, which is exactly why it works on days when starting is the hardest part.
Start a focus sessionPlan sessions into your timeOpens in your browser — no install or sign-up needed.
The basic cycle
Pick one task. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work only on that task until it rings. Take a five-minute break away from the screen. After four sessions, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. That is the whole method; the rest is about protecting the session.
The timer does two jobs. It makes starting easy, because 25 minutes is not intimidating. And it creates a unit you can count: “this report took six pomodoros” is far more useful for planning than “it took all afternoon”.
Step by step
- Choose one task and write it down. Make it concrete: “draft section 2”, not “work on the report”. Link it to the timer so the minutes count towards it.
- Remove the easy distractions. Silence notifications, close chat and put the phone out of reach for the length of one session.
- Run the timer. Work until it rings. If you finish early, use the remaining minutes to review or improve what you did.
- Take the break for real. Stand up, drink water, look away from screens. Do not start reading messages; that is not a break.
- After four sessions, rest longer. Fifteen to thirty minutes. This is when you can check messages and reply in a batch.
- Count and adjust. At the end of the day, look at your focus minutes. Next time, plan the task with that number in mind.
Type these lines into Pladay
Each line below was read by the same parser the app uses. The task, date and repeat rule are what you get when you type it.
| You type | Task | Due | Repeats | Try this |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Focus on report tomorrow at 9am ~25m | Focus on report | Sat, Oct 10 9:00 AM | — | Try this |
Study chemistry every weekday at 7pm ~50m #study | Study chemistry | Fri, Oct 9 → Mon, Oct 12 → Tue, Oct 13 · 7:00 PM | Every weekday | Try this |
Inbox zero every day at 4:30pm ~15m | Inbox zero | Fri, Oct 9 → Sat, Oct 10 → Sun, Oct 11 · 4:30 PM | Every day | Try this |
Deep work block monday at 10am ~2h | Deep work block | Mon, Oct 12 10:00 AM | — | Try this |
Handling interruptions
When something pops into your head during a session, write it down in one line and return to the task. When someone interrupts you, the classic advice is “inform, negotiate, call back”: tell them you are in the middle of something, agree a time, and follow up after the session. Genuine emergencies end the session; everything else waits 20 minutes.
Choosing a session length
- 15 minutes: for tasks you are avoiding, or on low-energy days.
- 25 minutes: the classic length; a good default for most knowledge work.
- 45–60 minutes: for deep work once you are warmed up, such as writing or coding.
- Whatever the length, keep the break. Skipping breaks feels productive for an hour and costs you the afternoon.
Setting it up in Pladay
- The focus timer offers 15-, 25-, 45- and 60-minute sessions, starts a 5-minute break automatically, and can be linked to the task you are working on. Your daily focus minutes appear on the timer and in your stats.
- Take the longer break after four sessions yourself; the free Pomodoro planner shows how many sessions and breaks fit into a morning.
- Note interruptions with quick add without leaving the session: one line goes to the inbox.
FAQ
Is 25 minutes the right length?
It is a good starting point. If you regularly get interrupted by the bell while in flow, try 45 minutes; if you struggle to start, try 15.
Can I use the Pomodoro technique for studying?
Yes, it is popular with students. Plan the subject per session and use the longer break for a short review. See also the exam study plan.