The first quarter is more than halfway finished, yet many of us still struggle with our new workloads. The long list of tasks and assignments that pile up as the school year progresses can overwhelm and become difficult to manage. It feels like an endless flow of expectations, especially when many students fall victim to procrastination. So, how can we overcome procrastination and efficiently complete tasks?
The short answer? Tomatoes. The Pomodoro Technique—pomodoro meaning tomato in Italian—was invented by a university student named Francesco Cirillo, who struggled with an overload of assignments and an intense study schedule. The technique got its name when Crillio challenged himself to just 10 minutes of concentration using a tomato-shaped kitchen timer to commit to his promise.
The Pomodoro Technique is proven to increase concentration and eliminate procrastination, and millions of people swear by its effectiveness. And the best part is it’s a fairly simple method to follow. So, how does it work?
In the article “Taking Breaks” published by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the author explains that “Contrary to popular belief, taking breaks—if they are the right kind—can actually increase productivity rather than decrease it.”
The pomodoro follows this very logic by centering around a system of timed 25-minute intervals called pomodoros in which one works to complete tasks on their to-do list. After each pomodoro, check off the completed tasks and enjoy a 5 minute break. After four pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break. This system of structured break times helps reduce mental fatigue and create an efficient work schedule.
The Pomodoro Technique also helps to organize smaller tasks and break up larger tasks, making them seem less intimidating. If an assignment takes more than four pomodoros, it can be broken up into smaller, actionable tasks to more clearly view progress after each pomodoro. Additionally, smaller tasks that take less than one pomodoro can be grouped together. With these smaller tasks combined, managing a To-Do list becomes much easier.
Overall, its stability makes the Pomodoro Technique work so well. The routine established by the method helps build more consistent productivity rather than simply waiting for motivation and a mild sense of panic to strike.
Ultimately, no method can completely rid one of procrastination. However, the Pomodoro Technique increases time use and efficiency when studying or working on assignments, and it can greatly decrease the occurrence of procrastination. So, if you’re looking for a way to get your grades up, better manage your To-Do list, and reduce the stress of unfinished tasks, start a timer and give the Pomodoro Technique a try!
