The Pomodoro technique is a simple yet effective tool for focused work. In fact, science credits the periodic workflow of the technique, its reward-based approach, as well as its attempts at managing distractions for its effectiveness.

The time management system encourages people to work with the time they have rather than against it. With this method, we break our workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. These intervals are referred to as pomodoros. Here’s how you can set it up –

1. Choose an assignment or a work to do

2. Set the timer to 25 minutes and work until the timer rings

3. Take a 5 minute break, then repeat the cycle

4. Take longer breaks of 15 to 30 minutes for every four pomodoro intervals

The idea behind the technique is that the time instills a sense of urgency. Twenty-five minutes isn't super long (science says it’s the perfect length of time to help us not procrastinate), so once we begin we know we need to work hard on the task because the 25 minutes is going to end soon.

Also, working for long hours on a task can reach a finale of cognitive boredom. Research confirms that this weariness encourages a distracted mind. Put simply, cognitive boredom takes a toll on our focus but following a work-break-work pattern can solve this issue.

And that break is important. Working all day isn’t something our body is meant to do; it bores the brain and chips at our focus since our brain isn’t registering any change or being stimulated. Breaks that include physical movement at regular intervals throughout the day can help shift our brain’s attention, boosting focus.

Finally, the technique’s approach of dividing work into ‘task’ and ‘break’ sessions increases our brain’s incentives for reward; the shorter the time between rewards, the stronger the drive to complete a task and gain the reward.

Getting things done on time is the goal for many of us; nothing gives as much joy as ticking off items on our “to do” list at the end of a work day. As science credits the periodic workflow of the Pomodoro Technique and its reward-based approach as effective, it might just be the tool you are looking for to help you become more productive.