When you’re studying for multiple exams and working on countless assignments, it’s hard to keep on track, and even harder to keep your brain focused on just one task. If you’re starting to feel burned out, or if your mind is flitting from subject to subject, from task to task, then simply trusting yourself to work and not let your mind wander might not be enough. Consider trying the Pomodoro method.
The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo as a system to increase productivity for university students, is now in use more broadly, by many professionals in many fields (so you’ll be able to use it when you graduate as well). The best part is that you don’t need anything fancy. You just need a timer (an egg timer, a kitchen timer, even your phone), and a quiet place to work.
Here’s how to use the system:
Studies suggest that you can master this technique after just a week if you use it consistently.
This method works well for everything from keeping your mind focused on readings, to keeping your brain alert in assignments, to keeping yourself awake while studying for finals. Many students have already discovered it. If you scan through the library around exam time, you’ll see many egg timers.
Sometimes, you’ll find that you’ve worked so hard that you can’t rely on your own self-discipline to get work done. So don’t. Instead, count on your egg timer. Try it. The system works.
The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo as a system to increase productivity for university students, is now in use more broadly, by many professionals in many fields (so you’ll be able to use it when you graduate as well). The best part is that you don’t need anything fancy. You just need a timer (an egg timer, a kitchen timer, even your phone), and a quiet place to work.
Here’s how to use the system:
- Choose one task. Decide on one activity that you need to get done, one subject to study, or one assignment to complete. The system does not allow for multi-taking.
- Set your timer for 25 minutes and start to work. One 25 unit of work is called a Pomodoro. Don’t switch tasks during the Pomodoro. Try as hard as you can to stay focused on just the one task that you set out to complete.
- After the timer rings, put a check on your Pomodoro paper, and take a break of five to eight minutes. Make sure that you don’t look over your work during this break. Try to stand up and walk to another location. Check your email. Go for a quick walk. Do anything that takes your mind off your work.
- Set the timer for 25 minutes again, put another check and take another break. Make sure that you have just one task for each Pomodoro session, and that you walk away to take a break between each one.
- After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break of 25-30 minutes. Consider timing this break as well. Let yourself relax.
- Repeat another set of four Pomodoros.
Studies suggest that you can master this technique after just a week if you use it consistently.
This method works well for everything from keeping your mind focused on readings, to keeping your brain alert in assignments, to keeping yourself awake while studying for finals. Many students have already discovered it. If you scan through the library around exam time, you’ll see many egg timers.
Sometimes, you’ll find that you’ve worked so hard that you can’t rely on your own self-discipline to get work done. So don’t. Instead, count on your egg timer. Try it. The system works.
