In teleworking, are you struggling to manage your time well? Then the Pomodoro method may be for you. This technique developed in the 80s remains unstoppable against procrastination and distraction. Explanations.
Many people are faced with working from home because of the precautions taken against Coronavirus. However, while some are adept at it, for many telework may seem complicated and give the impression of being less productive. If you are one of the easily distracted people who want to multitask (without knowing where to start), the Pomodoro method based on time management, can be particularly useful during this period of confinement. We tell you all about this technique to become a pro du home office.
What is the Pomodoro method?
Theorized in the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo, the Pomodoro method is based on a system of time management. To apply it, Francesco Cirillo used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, "pomodoro" in Italian, hence the name of this famous method.
The principle is simple: focus on a task for twenty-five minutes, then allow yourself a five-minute break, and repeat the operation four or five times before allowing yourself a longer break of fifteen or twenty minutes.
To get started, nothing could be easier:
- Define a specific task you need to work on.
- Program a timer from 25 minutes. During this period of time, it is forbidden to be distracted, except in the event of an extreme emergency.
- When the buzzer sounds, make a 5 minute break (even if you haven't finished your task). Stretch, drink a glass of water, tea or coffee, meditate, in short, do everything unrelated to work.
- After finishing 4 pomodori, take a longer break 20 to 30 minutes. This allows your brain to really rest to better absorb new information.
The advantages of the Pomodoro technique
- Focus on one task
One of the great advantages of the Pomodoro method is that it helps us to devote ourselves to a single task. Do you plan to work on a project for 25 minutes? So just do that. The idea is to mobilize your work capacities on one task at a time and to avoid as much as possible the "multitasking" (to accomplish several tasks at the same time) which tends to deconcentrate us by an overflow of information.
This method helps organize your work over a period of 25 minutes. Why ? Because it is the average amount of time the brain can focus on one thing without going astray.
This technique therefore allows you to improve your faculties of concentration.
During a 25-minute session, you may be surprised at the number of times your concentration weakens. It is completely normal at first.
In addition to pushing you to reach a goal (the timing will motivate us to finish on time), this method helps to resist distractions. We don't answer emails or the phone, we don't check our Twitter feed or Instagram feed for the umpteenth time. We cut everything for at least 25 minutes. I promise, it will be fine!
Before starting your work day, take the time to define your priorities. Make a list of the tasks (and "sub-tasks") that you have to accomplish in order to best organize each pomodoro. Keep track of your actions during the day and take stock at the end of the day. This will allow you to see how many sessions are necessary to complete a task and then adapt the method if necessary.
- Be less tired thanks to breaks
The Pomodoro technique reminds us of the importance of taking regular breaks. Without them, you will not be able to remain efficient in your work. These cuts help eliminate stress and help you focus better, so don't overlook them.
Pomodoro method: what to do during breaks?
It is essential to take breaks, but you still need to know how to take them. Short breaks between two sessions must not be occupied by an activity that affects work. Do not check your professional emails, do not fill in your to-do list and do not make a phone call.
You will surely be tempted to consult your social networks or turn on your television. Avoid as much as possible and take advantage of these few minutes to do simple activities that take you away from work and screens (prepare a tea or hot chocolate, fill your water bottle, do some stretching, water your plants … ).
During the longest breaks, you need to shut down completely with your work environment. Find moments of real break, whether through visual, physical activity (doing a yoga session) or sound (listening to music or a podcast). You can also download a meditation app like Petit Bambou, Calm or HeadSpace to relax.
The tools of the Pomodoro technique
Concretely, the Pomodoro method does not require any special necessities except motivation and concentration. However, here are the basic materials required to put you in good working conditions:
- A timer. The stopwatch function on your smartphone will also do the trick, but if you want to avoid being tempted to open the Instagram app, we recommend a small kitchen timer.
Digital kitchen timer, € 9.99 to shop here - A notebook to list all your tasks at the start of the day and tick them off as you go (a word document or a management app if you prefer a digital version).
To-do List notebook, € 5.99 on Amazon - And a pen!
For further :
The Pomodoro technique – 25 minutes to boost your productivity at work, Francesco Cirilli, ed. Diateino, € 16.90