Pomodoro Technique – Increase Your Productivity as a Software Engineer

If you’re a typical student or a working professional and have an attention span of a goldfish, you’re pretty much distracted most of the time throughout the day. We’re not saying this. According to research conducted by Dr. Larry Rosen, professor emeritus at California State University, Dominguez Hills, “the typical student” is “distracted for at least five out of every 15 minutes they set aside to study,” most often as a result of texting and social media use. 

One more study revealed that as much as 70%-99% of office employees feel distracted, with an average employee experiencing as many as 56 disruptions per day. If you’re nodding your head while reading this, then this productivity hack technique called the “Pomodoro Technique” is made, especially, for you.

Getting distracted while working on an important project or not being able to meet deadlines or feeling overwhelmed when too many tasks are allotted to you to finish by EOD, and you don’t know how to manage everything without cumbering down is a major question everyone’s been wondering about. Let’s be real – everyone feels work burnout and managing time becomes a difficult task when you’re feeling absolutely lost. This is where the Pomodoro Technique comes to the rescue. 

In this article, we’ll talk about how this most famous time-management technique can help you achieve your daily task with less effort and anxiety. So, let’s dive in.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is the productivity or time-management method that comprises the processes and principles built on self-awareness and observations. This technique, not only helps students to study better but also professionals like software engineers or developers to meet deadlines without getting exhausted by EOD. In general, it helps everyone achieve their goals within the timeline without many struggles.

But before we deep dive into this topic, let’s understand who introduced this Pomodoro technique and why?

In the late 1980s, the Italian Francesco Cirillo invented the most effective time-management method: The Pomodoro Technique. He experimented with several time management tools to find out the best way to get things done. He used his tomato-shaped kitchen timer for dividing his tasks into 25-minute work intervals and five-minute breaks. 

While practicing it, he found out that he was able to complete tasks more effectively than before. On that observation, he concluded that if you divide a large task into small manageable time units then it becomes easy to complete it. Later on, he named this method after his kitchen timer which was shaped like a Pomodoro which means “tomato” in Italian. 

Now that we are familiar with the history of Pomodoro, let’s understand how it works. 

How Does Pomodoro Technique Work?

It’s not a hidden fact that we perform best when we are fully involved in the task. However, sometimes, it becomes hard to stay motivated throughout the work duration. That’s when “breaks “come in. Because during these short breaks, our minds assimilate the new information and prepare themselves for the next round. So, basically, the Pomodoro technique works on the same principle.

It helps you stay consistent throughout the task by breaking it into small manageable time units so that your mind gets enough time to rejuvenate and perform its best without getting burned out. This technique, not only helps you complete your task on time but also enhances your attention and concentration power.

How to Use the Pomodoro Technique? 

To apply this technique to get your daily tasks done on time, follow these simple steps. 

1. Select a Project

Out of all the assigned tasks, finalize the one which is important and needs to be done on priority.

2. Find a Silent Workplace 

Once you have decided on the project you want to begin with, find yourself a place with the least disturbance. A silent room would be the best but a room or a corner with minimum people would also work.

3. Get a Buzzer or a Timekeeper

You can either set an alarm on your phone or download any app. There are many Pomodoro technique app available on the Play Store that helps you follow this technique. You can check out them. But a simple reminder on phone is also enough. 

4. Set a Timer of 25 Minutes

Analyze how much time will it take to get your project done and then divide the time accordingly. The standard time is 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of break. But if you feel, it will be hard for you, you can start with 15 minutes of work and then 5 minutes of break and gradually you can move to 25 minutes.

5. Take a Break of 5 Minutes

Once the buzzer rings, take a small break of 5 minutes and relax. One thing to note here is that how you utilize these 5 minutes of break defines your next working hours. There are high chances of losing track in these breaks. 

So, here are the things you should avoid doing in order to continue your workflow with Pomodoro Method.

• Do not involve yourself in any work that utilizes your brain energy: If you put yourself in any work that requires your most attention and concentration then it won’t be counted as a break. Make sure you don’t indulge in any of the work that exhausts your mind more. 
• Do not use social media: While you are checking your phone, your brain is still active as it involves reading and processing information. So, this doesn’t count as a break. Therefore, make sure you are not using any social media platform or simply your phone during this time unless it’s very important.

So, what can you do during a 5-minute break?

• Go on a short walk: You can take a short walk on your balcony, corridor, or outside of your workplace or house. It is a good way to refresh your mind and relax while getting some fresh air. Don’t you think so?
• Get yourself a tea or a coffee: Preparing yourself a tea or a coffee is another good option. This doesn’t involve complex steps. You can easily do it in just 5 to 10 minutes. And sip it while staying focused on your work.
• Do light exercise: You can do a little stretching or exercise in such short breaks. So that your body and mind get active.
• Get your water bottle refilled and close your eyes for two minutes: During a 5-minute break, the shortest thing you can do is fill your water bottle, drink some juice, get fresh, and relax for a while. But make sure closing your eyes for 2 minutes doesn’t mean taking a short nap of 30 minutes!  

These are some of the simple activities that you can do during your break without disturbing your work mode. These things do not involve any complicated steps and don’t consume much time. So, it’s better to stick to just a 5-minute break and don’t extend it.

6. Repeat the Process

Once the 5-minute break is over, resume your work for the next 25 minutes and repeat the process.

Also, don’t forget to put your phone on either DND or just avoid checking notifications in between. Otherwise, it will break your flow. Try to negotiate with time. In case, you get a call from your friend or message, if you can attend it later or talk to them later, just let them know and get back to your work quickly. Also, if you recall any important task in the midst of the work, note it down somewhere and then resume your work. Repeat the process 4 times. If your work doesn’t get over within these 4 sessions, take a long break of 30-40 minutes and then again follow the same steps.

In case you complete your task before 25 minutes or 1 complete Pomodoro, (4 sessions of 25 minutes form a complete set of 1 Pomodoro), utilize this time to review your task, or if it is left, prepare materials for the next Pomodoro session. Make the most of this productive environment.

But why 25 minutes only?

The research says, on average a human brain can concentrate for 25 minutes straight, and then you slowly start feeling low on energy and lose concentration. But, during these 25 minutes of duration, the chances of losing concentration or attention are very less. However, to continue the workflow with the same enthusiasm, a short break of 5 to 7 minutes would do good. It helps your mind feel calm and prepare itself for the next task.

You can also set your timer for more than 25 minutes, i.e., 30 minutes or 40 minutes at your comfort. But make sure you are not tiring yourself. Don’t be a rabbit and stop mid-way. Be like a tortoise, and maintain your energy and enthusiasm throughout Pomodoro.

Bottomline:

Many people have benefitted from this Pomodoro technique and if you’re working as a programmer or a software developer, you surely can use this Pomodoro method to increase your productivity. But it’s not magic. It depends on you how you create magic using this technique. So, be loyal to yourself and put this technique into your day-to-day work and achieve your target on time without panicking. And if you face difficulty in following it in one go, it’s completely fine. At least you tried! And when you try, try and try, you’ll definitely succeed. So, take baby steps and don’t quit too soon. All the best!