Every student believes their generation faces the toughest challenges. The pressure they have is greater than what Atlas had to endure when he carried the heavens on his shoulders — that’s Greek mythology in case you don’t know.

Anyway, back to the challenges of studies. Yes, studies are very tough, but students today are lucky as they have lots of tools and tips, besides books of all kinds, on their finger tips. And thanks to a lot of new research and its easy availability for all to benefit from, learning can be easy and more productive if done the right way.

Researchers have identified different types of learners, countless methods and techniques for mastering any subject, and offered simple and innovative solutions for any problem a student may face. The wise ones look up all these study methods and follow the ones that suit them.

With exam season here, you can benefit greatly if you follow the experts and approach your exam preparation in a more scientific and systematic manner. So we are going to look into one such method right now to help you manage your time better while studying for exams.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It is an innovative and simple way to manage your study time well and gain more from your study sessions. This technique advocates short, focused study sessions with regular breaks, making it easier to stay productive while maintaining the right energy levels.

Let’s explore how the Pomodoro Technique works and why it is a game-changer for students preparing for exams.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique derives its name from the Italian word for ‘tomato’. The main reason it is called ‘tomato’ is because the name was inspired by the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used while developing this method. It involves breaking work into intervals, usually 25 minutes of focused work followed by a five-minute break. Each 25-minute session is called a ‘pomodoro’ (yes, a tomato) and after completing four Pomodoros, a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes can be taken.

This method is based on the idea that frequent breaks helps the brain by improving focus, reducing mental fatigue, and boosting overall productivity. For students, this means maximising the quality of their study time while avoiding the common pitfalls of cramming or long and exhausting study sessions.

How to use the Pomodoro Technique Choose a task

Start by selecting a specific topic or task you want to focus on and learn. If the task is very large, break it down into manageable parts that can be done within a 25-minute time frame.

Use a timer

Use a timer to keep track of your Pomodoro session. You can set the timer on your watch or phone, and there are even apps and websites like Focus Booster, Pomodone, or TomatoTimer, designed specifically for this technique.

Focus intensely for 25 minutes

Once your timer starts, concentrate on the task you want to accomplish. Avoid all distracting and multitasking. Do not let your mind wonder and take no calls. If there is anything that comes to mind and is distracting you, such as the need to ask a friend a study-related question, note it down on a piece of paper to refer to it later. This will make it easy for you to get it out of your mind so that you can focus on the task at hand.

Take a five-minute break

Once the timer rings, take a break. Your mind may not feel the need for the break at first and could feel all charged up to continue studying longer, but resist the urge.

Step away from your study space. Grab a snack or drink — basically just relax to reset your focus and mind.

Repeat the process for four Pomodoros

After four Pomodoros, which is 100 minutes of studying, take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. This break is to give yourself a full recharge so that you can sit down for another study session.

Customise your time intervals

While Francesco Cirillo recommended 25 minutes of studying, after a few sessions, you can access what length of Pomodoro suits you more. Catering to your individual natural mental rhythm is important, so adjust the 25 minute study time to make it longer — making it shorter will not work. If you are stretching your Pomodoro sessions to 35 or 40 minutes, then you can extend the break following it to 10 minutes. And do four Pomodoro sessions for maximum results.

Try this method a few times and you will get used to it and understand it more to see how it works best for you.

Rules to follow for maximum productivity

Besides the work and break sessions Pomodoro requires for best results, here are rules to follow to make the most of it.

Remove distractions from your study space: Before starting, select a place to study where you will not be disturbed by the activities going on around the house. Let the family know that you cannot be disturbed during this time.

Remove all distractions, like put the phone on silent or away from your study space.

Break down complex tasks: Since the study sessions are in chunks, you also need to break down your task into smaller, doable parts so that you are able to complete these parts in the 25-minute interval. If the tasks are more complex and take longer, you will not feel you are making any progress and may give up.

Do small tasks together: If some tasks, such as learning definitions, doing maths problems, will be over in minutes, pile them together in one session so that you keep studying until the timer rings.

Stick to the set timings: Once you have set a Pomodoro, stick to it. It is very important to establish your mental discipline and get you into the habit of the Pomodoro method.

The Pomodoro Technique is not just a tool for students, but rather a life skill that helps in accomplishing any task, since it fosters discipline, focus and productivity. At the core of this method is accomplishing tasks successfully, something one needs to do any stage of life.

So try out the Pomodoro Technique today and study smarter, not longer.

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 30th, 2024