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🍅 Focus & Flow

Pomodoro Timer

Master your productivity with the scientifically-proven Pomodoro Technique. Work in focused sprints, take restorative breaks, and accomplish more with less burnout.

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⚙ Timer Settings

25 min
5 min
15 min

Why Pomodoro Works

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Beat Procrastination

Starting is the hardest part. Commit to just 25 minutes — anyone can do that. Momentum carries you forward.

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Maintain Flow

Single-tasking eliminates context switching. Deep focus produces better work in less time.

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Prevent Burnout

Regular breaks recharge your brain. Sustainable productivity beats marathon cramming.

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Track Progress

Visual progress builds motivation. See your daily focus time grow session by session.

The Pomodoro Technique

1

Choose a Task

Pick one thing to focus on. Be specific: “Write introduction” not “Work on blog.”

2

Set Timer to 25 Min

Work with complete focus. No phone, no email, no distractions. Just you and the task.

3

Work Until Ring

If distracted, gently return to task. If urgent thought arises, jot it down quickly.

4

Take a 5-Min Break

Step away from screens. Stretch, walk, hydrate. Let your brain consolidate learning.

5

Repeat & Long Break

After 4 pomodoros, take a 15-30 minute break. Celebrate your focused work!

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. Named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer (“pomodoro” is Italian for tomato) he used as a university student, this technique has become one of the world’s most popular productivity systems.

The core principle is simple: work with intense focus for short bursts, then rest deliberately. This rhythm matches your brain’s natural attention cycles, preventing the fatigue that comes from marathon work sessions.

The Science Behind Pomodoro

Research in cognitive psychology supports the Pomodoro approach:

  • Attention Restoration Theory: Directed attention fatigues after 20-30 minutes. Brief breaks restore focus capacity.
  • Zeigarnik Effect: Incomplete tasks create mental tension that improves memory. The timer creates healthy “cliffhangers.”
  • Parkinson’s Law: Work expands to fill available time. The deadline pressure of 25 minutes increases efficiency.
  • Flow State Protection: Knowing a break is coming prevents anxiety about “when should I stop?”

Optimal Pomodoro Variations

While 25/5 is standard, customize based on your work type:

Work Type Focus Break Best For
Standard 25 min 5 min General tasks, writing, email
Deep Work 50 min 10 min Coding, design, complex problem-solving
Micro 15 min 3 min Quick tasks, admin, when tired
Creative 90 min 20 min Flow states, artistic work

Tips for Pomodoro Success

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Be Specific

“Draft email to client” not “Check email.” Specificity reduces starting friction.

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Capture Distractions

Keep a “distraction list” nearby. Jot intruding thoughts, then return to task.

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Digital Minimalism

Turn off notifications. Use website blockers. Protect your focus aggressively.

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Move on Breaks

Don’t scroll social media. Physical movement restores cognitive resources faster.

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Sound Cues

Use consistent start/end sounds. Audio triggers help your brain shift modes.

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Track & Review

Count pomodoros per task. Use data to estimate future projects better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Skipping Breaks

“I’ll just finish this first.” Breaks are part of the technique, not optional. Your brain needs them.

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Working Through Interruptions

If truly interrupted, reset the pomodoro. Partial credit undermines the psychological benefit.

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Tasks Too Big

If a task needs 6+ pomodoros, break it down. Uncertainty kills motivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pomodoro Technique free?

Yes! Our timer is completely free with no registration required. The technique itself is public domain.

What if I get interrupted mid-pomodoro?

Cirillo’s rule: if the interruption is brief (<2 min), handle it and continue. If longer, reset the timer. The 25 minutes must be uninterrupted to count.

Can I pause the timer?

Technically yes, but purists avoid it. The urgency of an unpausable timer is part of the psychological effect. Use pause for emergencies only.

Does this work for teams?

Absolutely! Many teams use “synchronized pomodoros” where everyone focuses together, then breaks together. It reduces interruptions.

Why 25 minutes specifically?

Cirillo found it through experimentation. Long enough to make progress, short enough to feel achievable. Adjust if needed — the principle matters more than the exact number.

Is my data saved?

Yes, locally in your browser. We don’t store anything on servers. Your session history stays private on your device.

Start Your First Pomodoro Now

25 minutes of focused work awaits. Click start and see what you can accomplish.