How to use the Pomodoro timer
- Pick one task to work on and press Start.
- Work without distractions until the alarm rings after 25 minutes.
- Take the 5-minute break: stand up, stretch, get water. Avoid email.
- After four focus sessions, the timer switches to a long break.
Why the Pomodoro Technique works
Short, fixed sessions make big tasks feel manageable and give you a clear point to stop and rest, which reduces mental fatigue. Knowing a break is coming makes it easier to ignore distractions for 25 minutes. Counting completed pomodoros also shows how long tasks really take, which makes planning more accurate.
Tips
- Silence your phone and close chat apps during focus sessions.
- If an idea or to-do pops up, write it down and come back to it in the break.
- For deep creative work, try 50/10 instead of 25/5 in Settings.
Related: Wheel Spinner, Days Between Dates.
What to do during breaks
Breaks are part of the method, not a reward you can skip. Stand up, stretch, look at something far away to rest your eyes, refill your water or step outside for a moment. Avoid starting anything that is hard to stop, such as social media, email or news, because it tends to stretch a 5-minute break into 20. Longer breaks every four sessions are a good time for a snack or a short walk.
Handling interruptions
If someone interrupts you, the classic Pomodoro rule is to either postpone the interruption until the break or, if it really can’t wait, stop the session and start a fresh one afterwards. Keep a notepad next to you: when you remember something unrelated, write it down and get back to work. You will deal with the list during your break.
Using Pomodoro for studying
Students often use 25/5 for reading and revision, and longer 45/15 or 50/10 sessions for problem sets and writing. Plan your day by estimating how many pomodoros each topic needs; after a week you will know how accurate your estimates are, which makes exam planning far easier.
Keeping track
The counter shows how many focus sessions you have completed. Your duration settings are remembered in your browser, and the remaining time appears in the browser tab title so you can glance at it while working in another tab. Allow notifications when asked to get an alert even if the tab is in the background.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
A time-management method created by Francesco Cirillo: work with full focus for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and after four focus sessions take a longer 15–30 minute break.
Does the timer keep running in a background tab?
Yes. The timer is based on the clock, not on screen updates, so it stays accurate when you switch tabs. The remaining time is shown in the tab title, and an alert sound plays when a session ends.
Can I change the durations?
Yes. Open Settings to set focus, short break and long break lengths, and how often the long break happens. Your settings are remembered.