How the Pomodoro method works
You split your time into short blocks of focus and rest. Francesco Cirillo of Italy started it with a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, which is where the name comes from: pomodoro means tomato.
- Pick one task and press Start.
- Work only on that task for 25 minutes.
- When the sound plays, rest for 5 minutes. The break timer starts by itself.
- After four rounds, take a 15-minute break.
If 25 minutes feels short
If you already focus well, try the 50 + 10 button. Its long break is 30 minutes. There is no single right length, so try both and keep what works.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do on a break?
Stand up, drink some water, or move around. Picking up your phone makes it easy to run past 5 minutes.
What if I get interrupted?
Press Pause and resume later, or press Reset to start again from round one.
Can I stop the next timer from starting by itself?
Turn off Auto-start next. You then press Start yourself each time.