What is the Pomodoro Technique—and how do you use it?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that encourages people to work with the time they have—rather than against it. The basic steps are:

• 1

  

  Choose a single task to focus on.

• 2

  

  Set a timer for 25 minutes and work only on your selected task.

• 3

  

  After 25 minutes take a five-minute break.

• 4

  

  Repeat steps 1-3 four times.

• 5

  

  Take a longer break of about 15 to 30 minutes.