How to use it
- 1Choose one task and type it above the timer, so you know what this round is for.
- 2Press Start and work on that task only until the chime sounds. The browser tab shows the time left.
- 3The break starts by itself. Stand up, look away from the screen and drink some water.
- 4Press Start for the next round. After four rounds the timer gives you a long break.
Why a timer helps you focus
Twenty-five minutes is short enough to start on a task you have been putting off, and long enough to get somewhere. The break keeps you fresh, and counting rounds shows how long your work really takes. The Pomodoro technique guide explains the method in full. In Plenzu the focus timer starts from a task and adds the minutes to it, so your next plan is more honest.
Questions
What is a Pomodoro timer?
A timer that splits your work into focus rounds of 25 minutes with a 5-minute break after each, and a longer break after four rounds. The method was thought up by Francesco Cirillo, who used a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato (pomodoro in Italian).
Does a round have to be 25 minutes?
No. Twenty-five minutes is a good start, but for deep work 45 or 50 minutes with a 10-minute break often fits better. Choose your own lengths under the timer.
What should I do in the break?
Something that rests your head: walk around, stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. Email and social media are not a break, because they give you new things to think about.
What if I am interrupted during a round?
Write down what came up and carry on if it can wait. If it cannot, pause the timer, deal with it and start the round again afterwards.