Ever caught yourself procrastinating in the morning, only to feel overwhelmed at the end of the day? These two fluctuating states trick you into thinking you can “make” more time for yourself. When at best, you can only organize it. This is exactly what the Pomodoro Technique intends to do: break work into manageable chunks to keep your mind sharp and ready.
Let’s see what this productivity method is all about, along with the best Pomodoro apps to use to get you started.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The 25 best new productivity apps for 2020 It’s not easy being productive right now, but these tools can help with everything from staying focused to generating new ideas. Source image: marish.
- Clockify – time tracker and timesheet app. Clockify is a free time tracker and timesheet app that lets.
- The PomoDone App is designed around the “Get it done and have a fun mantra” through a flawless integration of the age-old Pomodoro technique. If you are looking for an application that sets asides all the clutter and just gets to a minimalistic UI with a timer, look no further.
The Pomodoro Technique was invented by Francisco Cirillo in the late ’80s as a means to study more efficiently. He used a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato (“pomodoro” in Italian), forced himself to study for exactly 25 minutes, then took a break of 5 minutes. And it worked!
Cirillo discovered that to stay focused you have to work with time, not against it. To follow his advice, divide your projects and tasks into short sprints and reward yourself with regular breaks to recharge before the next sprint. This will boost your productivity and keep the creative juices flowing, without relying too much on your willpower.
Is this it? Frankly, yes. And that’s why the Pomodoro Technique is so attractive. You only need a timer and a paper to keep track of your pomodoros and focus single mindedly on a task.
I’d argue that the length of a work session and break can vary since it takes approximately between 5 and 15 minutes to achieve a flow state.
But here’s how the basic process looks like:
1. Choose a task you want to work on.
2. Set the Pomodoro timer to 25 minutes, the standard pomodoro duration.
3. Work on the task until the Pomodoro timer rings, then put a checkmark on a paper.
4. Take a short break of 5 minutes to do something non-work-related like stretching or making a call.
5. Take a longer break of 20-30 minutes after every 4 pomodoros. This will help you regroup your thoughts and rest before the next batch of pomodoros.
How the Pomodoro Technique works
Notice a couple of things here. You need to approximate how many pomodoros it takes to finish a task. This information is not ready accessible, but through some trial and error you should get the hang of it.
You also need to set up a timetable. Block your most important pomodoros for when you’re most creative (for me it’s the afternoon) and leave the rest for when you tend to get distracted. The point is to have a clear limit and motivate yourself enough to push things forward, as well as a clear boundary between work and spare time.
As for the pomodoro, know that it is a non-negotiable time unit. This means that whenever an emergency or colleague bumps in with a request, you have to either end the pomodoro right then or protect it from outside distractions until completed. In most cases, you can get by with telling your colleagues to reach out in 10 minutes. Otherwise, use the “inform, negotiate, schedule, call back” approach proposed by Cirillo:
- Inform the other person that you’re in the middle of something important.
- Negotiate with them a time to address the issue.
- Schedule it.
- Call back or give them a nudge when the pomodoro is over.
For distractions that are internal by nature like a new idea or article to read, write it down on your paper and proceed with your work until the Pomodoro timer rings.
The benefits of using the Pomodoro Technique
To get a taste of how your life will look like after using the Pomodoro Technique, here are a few benefits to consider:
Improved concentration power
Not all of us can focus for extended periods of time. But everyone can make a little effort to put their heads down for 25 minutes, work, and take a break after.
In fact, a couple of researchers discovered that brief breaks actually improve the overall concentration power, or vigilance as they call it. They actually reset it, allowing you to start with a clean slate. Much like the bonus parts in most video games.
The Pomodoro Technique rests on the same principle. After each pomodoro, take full advantage of your break to recharge and keep your mind fresh for the next session of work. You’ll reduce the number of mistakes caused by a lack of concentration and avoid burnout in the long run.
Decreased back pain
Ever wondered why everyone is so obsessed with making 10,000 steps each day? As cliche as it may sound, sitting is the new smoking. I’m referring here to the health risks associated with excessive sitting, like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Which, according to this study, can’t be compensated by occasional leisure activities even if they exceed the minimum level of physical activity recommended.
In this context, the Pomodoro method becomes your greatest ally for slipping in more movement throughout the day. Use the five minute break to do a stretch, fill up your water bottle, or just chat with a coworker in the lobby area. Your back and shoulders will thank you later.
Get rid of the perfectionist mindset
This is the creator’s curse, also known as Parkinson’s Law, which I talked about in another article. According to it, work expands to fill the time available for its completion. To put it simply, if you have to complete a one hour task in two days, you’ll probably take the full two days. That’s because perfection sets in, making you fine-tune the task until the very end.
By all means, do what you need to do to create your best work. But don’t get stuck in endless revisions and ship it! Use the strict time limit of a pomodoro as a race to get things done and free up more time for other creative endeavors.
Best Pomodoro apps to try out
Enough with the benefits, time to get to the real work.
Again, because of the method’s simplicity, you only need a kitchen timer and a notebook or piece of paper to keep track of your pomodoros. That’s it. Nothing less, nothing more. This doesn’t give you enough insight into timesheets, the nature of your interruptions, or how did you progress on each of your tasks.
To automate the system and customize it to fit your workflow in terms of session lengths, ticking sounds, alerts, and so on, try out these Pomodoro apps:
1. PomoDone (Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android)
PomoDone Desktop App
Best for: using the Pomodoro Technique with a separate task or project management software
PomoDone connects with a wide variety of project management tools, allowing you to directly import tasks and time entries from the ones that already have a time tracking module – like Paymo.
If you are looking for modern and customizable all in one project tools that have already a time tracking module, here’s a list with software project management tools.
If you don’t use one, then you can add your own tasks directly into the app. Then clock in using their Pomodoro timer. A pretty robust one I have to say, since you can customize your own session lengths, set auto breaks, and add up an interruption note so you don’t have to rely on a notebook anymore.
PomoDone also comes with a great Chrome Extension that embeds the Pomodoro tracker in certain project management apps and blocks distracting websites if you know yourself to be a slippery procrastinator (I sure am from time to time).
Price:
- Lite plan ($2.29/month), with 3 integrations included
- Ultimate plan ($4.01/month), with unlimited integrations and unlimited log access
2. Focus Booster (Web, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android)
Focus Booster Mobile App
Best for: freelancers who do client-related work
Focus Booster seems to be a Pomodoro app that’s more oriented towards freelancers and agency owners since you can choose which client to track time for. All pomodoro sessions get automatically logged under a timesheets area, with the possibility to create manual entries on your own. The best part? You can actually export them into a CSV format so it’s much easier to invoice your client at the end of a month or project.
Data nerds, you’re in for a treat. In terms of analytics, you have complete visibility into how you’ve spent your time over a certain period thanks to the Reports Dashboard. This one also includes stats regarding your profitability and percentage of tracked time per each client, so you know which client brings in more cash.
I also like how you can save incomplete sessions and resume them when ready, a feature that will serve well first time Pomodoro users and hybrid fans.
Pomodoro App Apple Watch
Price:
- Free, but limited to 20 sessions
- Individual plan ($2.99/month), with 200 sessions and extended settings
- Unlimited plan ($4.99/month), with unlimited sessions and invoicing
3. Focus Keeper (iOS)
Focus Keeper tracker and chart views
Best for: iOS users
By far, the Focus Keeper Pomodoro app is the closest one to the authentic Pomodoro experience. It features a red background that lets you change the length of the pomodoro through a simple swipe (breaks have a blue one). And a ticking sound to know it’s focus time.
You can also set a goal in terms of the number of sessions you wish to accomplish each day, which I find very helpful. Too bad you can’t name them to know what you’re working on. The app has a notification centre though to remind about your session if you browse other apps on your phone.
There are many ways of customizing this app, from different themes to sounds and alarm levels for each session, short, and long break. Charts over the past 14 and 30 are days are there to help you monitor your productivity, limited to only the past 3 days with the free version.
The Pro one brings 10 premium ticking sounds to get more productive or relaxed, depending on the moment of the Pomodoro cycle, and a full view over your stats.
Price:
- Free, limited charts for the past 3 days
- Pro ($1.99/month), unlimited charts plus 10 ticking sounds
4. Focus To-Do: Pomodoro Timer & To Do List (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android)
Focus To-Do Mobile App
Best for: Android users
As the name states, Focus To-Do is an all-in-one Pomodoro timer and to-do list. Quite practical, as you can create projects to better categorize sessions, as well as set task priorities for a clear picture on what to work on first. It’s a bit unclear how many projects I’m allowed to create, since the app introduces you in a free trial of the premium version.
Other than that, I like the “Forest” feature which gamifies the whole user experience and let’s you contribute with your actions at growing a plant. If you don’t complete the daily challenges, you guessed it, the plant dies. An interesting way to build up motivation and stick with the Pomodoro Technique.
This Pomodoro timer also comes with a trend chart of all your completed to-dos and statistics over how you’ve spent your time for each project.
Price:
- Free
- Premium (£2.99/3 months), with unlimited projects, app whitelist, daily/weekly/monthly report, repeating tasks,reminder tasks
5. Marinara Timer (Web)
Shareable links in the Marinara Timer
Best for: teams who want to share their online Pomodoro timers
If you’re looking for a simple Pomodoro app that doesn’t require any setup whatsoever, not even a signup, then Marinara Timer is the way to go. Just open it in a separate web browser tab and pin it there.
In terms of options, you’re lucky enough. The team behind this app thinks the Pomodoro method is a bit too rigid, that’s why they made three timers available:
- A traditional pomodoro with the 25-5 minutes cycles
- Custom one, where you can change the length of each work session and rename them
- Kitchen one, where you set a time limit and let it run backwards
What sets it apart though is the ability to share your timer through a URL. In case you wish to synchronize work with your team and take a break together, or just share your pomodoro clock with a manager. There are two links, an admin one and a viewer link, to avoid stepping on each other’s feet and make sure no timer is stopped by accident. A cautious feature indeed!
Price: Free
Are Pomodoro apps for everyone?
No, not really. The method is best suited for creatives, those who need to ship work and have deadlines in place for them: designers, developers, copywriters, and so on. For them, the boxed sprints might catalyze productivity while also making sure they don’t waste too much time and effort on trivial things.
But what about if you’re a customer support rep or someone who has to do continuous work as it comes in? You can still hack the method and run a few pomodoros back-to-back until you finish the self-imposed target: 50 tickets in one hour, 30 emails in under 30 minutes, you name it. Do a break, then pick up work from where you left it.
It’s not advisable to use a Pomodoro timer when you are engaged in fast-paced projects where changes can occur at any minute. Or when you’re someone who requires a lot of input from the others, like a team leader or sales ops manager.
How does the Pomodoro Technique work with other productivity methods
In essence, a pomodoro focuses more on doing tasks in a timely manner as opposed to planning them. That’s why it’s better to combine it with other productivity methods.
Like the Getting Things Done (GTD) method. Use it to process and organize work, then rely on the Pomodoro Technique to actually get things done. It also works well with the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to prioritize tasks before actually doing them, as well as the Kanban method which relies on continuous delivery and improvement of your workflow. A practice that is also encouraged by Cirillo who insists on spending the first and last 5 minutes of a pomodoro session to recap and review work. For improvement purposes, again.
Note
Don’t overdo this part or else you’ll ruin the simplicity provided by the Pomodoro method.
Final thoughts
With the existing theory and best Pomodoro apps at hand, you should already be able to use the method on your own. Yes, it will take some time to get the hang of it, but you can only reap its benefits if you try it first hand.
Before we part away, remember that the Pomodoro method is just that – a way for you to get into the zone and recharge your energy with regular breaks. If you happen to be half way through your work and the Pomodoro timer has ringed, stop it, continue with your task, and take a break only after you’ve finished it.
Under all conditions, don’t try to push it if it doesn’t work for you. To put it Ryan Holiday’s words:
What we need is something sustainable. Something balanced. Something deliberate without being forced. Purposeful without being obsessed with productivity.
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The benefits of using the Pomodoro Technique
Best Pomodoro apps to try out
Are Pomodoro apps for everyone?
How the Pomodoro Technique works with other productivity methods
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Why do tomorrow what you could do the day after tomorrow?
Sadly, that mantra isn’t so helpful when you’ve got a work from home job. When you’re remote, it’s entirely up to you to structure your schedule and get stuff done.
You’ll be need to be self-directed and self-motivated, and you’ll need strategies for beating the procrastination monster that chase us all. Fortunately, there’s an app for everything these days, including beating procrastination.
Whether you need to cut yourself off from scrolling Facebook or disappearing down a rabbit hole of YouTube videos, check out these helpful anti-procrastination apps for eliminating distractions and staying on task.
25 anti-procrastination apps for work from home success
Social media and endless Reddit threads will steal your time no more with these “stop procrastinating” apps and websites! Here are 25 of the most useful available for iPhones, Androids, or on your web browser.
1. AppDetox
If you’re looking for a digital detox, AppDetox can help you stick to your guns. You set the rules for when you want to use apps and for how long, and AppDetox lets you know if you’re violating your rules or spending too much time on-screen but off-task.
You can download AppDetox for Android on Google Play.
2. BaTo.Life
BaTo.Life uses a simple concept to help you set boundaries on surfing the web. You open up the site in your browser and indicate how long you want to surf online. The time tracker will notify you when you time is up so you can get off Facebook and get back to work.
3. Beeminder
If you’re into negative reinforcement to break bad habits, Beeminder is here for you. With this tool, you can set any goal that’s quantifiable, such as spending a set number of minutes on Facebook. If you stick to your goal, Beeminder is free, but if you go off track, you’ll have to pay a fee. As the company says, this tool motivates by “reminding with a sting!”
4. Checky
How many times per day do you check your phone? According to some research, Americans check their phones every 12 minutes, or up to 80 times per day. Collectively, all that phone checking adds up to 8 billion views on a daily basis.
If you want to conquer your phone habit, the Checky app could help. It lets you know how often you’re looking at your phone, so you become aware of this often unconscious habit. By becoming more aware, you could take steps to cut down on all that screen time.
Best Pomodoro App Mac Reddit Windows 10
Download the Checky app for iPhones here or Androids here.
5. Finish
The Finish app describes itself as “the procrastinator’s to-do list.” You enter your tasks and due dates, and Finish organizes your work into timeframes. It will also send optional notifications when a deadline is approaching, as well as track how much time has elapsed on certain tasks.
Thanks to its smart auto-management of tasks and timeframes, Finish could be your secret weapon against procrastination. You can download it for iPhones here.
6. Focus
Focus is a Mac app designed to optimize your computer for working. With Focus, you can quickly block websites and apps that distract you from the task at hand. To minimize online distractions, check out Focus here.
7. Focus @ Will
Although Focus@Will isn’t one of the anti-procrastination apps that blocks distracting websites or organizes your to-do lists, it can help you focus with music optimized to get you into a flow state. According to the site, listening to the right kind of music for your personality can sharpens your focus and make you more productive. Focus@Will hooks you up with music channels that will help you get into deep concentration mode.
8. Forest
The Forest app gives users a visual incentive to stay focused on their work. When you want to focus, you open the app and plant a virtual tree. If you stay focused during this time, the tree will grow, but if you leave the app, the tree will die.
Over time, all your focused time could build a forest — and not just in the virtual world. Forest partners with a tree-planting organization, so when users earn virtual coins, it donates to its tree-planting partner in the real world.
You can download Forest on your iPhone or Android.
9. Freedom
If you’re looking for a tough love approach to beating procrastination, the Freedom app will give it to you. With Freedom, you can block an unlimited number of distracting websites or apps, as well as sync block settings across all your devices. You can even block the internet entirely if you need some offline time to work on a project.
You can install Freedom on Mac or Windows, or add an extension to Chrome, Firefox, or Opera.
10. Lanes
Lanes is an all-in-one planner, calendar, journal, and time manager designed to help you manage tasks. Along with getting you organized, Lanes also tracks time so you can see if you’re staying on track. You can sign up for the free version or upgrade to Lanes Plus.
11. Mindly
![Best pomodoro app ios Best pomodoro app ios](/uploads/1/3/3/9/133933811/855671891.png)
Mindly is a brainstorming tool for capturing your creative ideas and “organizing your inner universe.” You can create summaries of your ideas and plan projects. Download Mindly on iOs, Android, or Mac OS X.
12. Momentum
Momentum is a Chrome extension that inspires you to be more productive. It helps you track tasks and set a daily intention, plus it show you an inspiration photo and quote each day to start your morning off right.
13. Pomodoro.cc
The Pomodoro technique of time management has you focus deeply on a task for 25 minutes followed by a break of five minutes. After three or four 25-minute sessions, you’ll take a longer break of 20 to 30 minutes to clear your head.
Pomodoro.cc makes it easy to follow this technique with its online timer. You’ll write in your task and get started, and Pomodoro will let you know when your 25 minutes are up.
14. Rescue Time
RescueTime helps you become more intentional and aware of your work style. It runs in the background while you work and later gives you detailed reports about your online activity. It reveal how much time you spend on certain apps and websites so you can take control of your internet habits.
15. Self Control
SelfControl is another blocking tool that lets you block your own access to time-sucking apps and websites. It’s available for Macs.
16. Simple Habit
While not directly a “stop procrastinating” app, Simple Habit provides meditations for five minutes per day to reduce stress and improve focus. By incorporating this simple habit of short meditations into your daily routine, you might find it easier to avoid distractions and get down to business. It’s available for iPhones and Androids.
17. StickK
Stickk is a “commitment platform” dedicated to helping you set and stick to your goals. You’ll sign a commitment contract for your goal, and can get support and accountability from the community of Stickk users. While other anti-procrastination apps help you get through you daily to-do lists, Stickk is more about making progress toward your big-picture goals.
18. Strict Workflow
Like Pomodoro.cc, Strict Workflow is a Pomodoro-technique based timer that keeps you on task for 25 minutes before reminding you to take a five-minute break. You can add Strict Workflow as an extension to Chrome.
19. Take a Five
Take a Five helps you get back to work after a break. You’ll set the timer for however long you want your break to be and open a tab. When your timer is up, Take a Five will automatically close your tab so you know your break is over.
20. Timewaster Timer
Like Beeminder, Timewaster Timer takes a punishment approach to modifying behavior — specifically, to reducing the amount of time you spend on Facebook. You put $5 into your Timewaster account, and the app charges you $1 every time you use Facebook for more than hour per day.
21. Toby
There’s no sweeter relief than the feeling of closing tons of tabs at once. If you’re prone to opening a million tabs and windows while you work, try Toby for organizing your browser tabs. Not only will it declutter your online space, but it also helps you quickly access any web pages when you need them.
22. Todoist
Todoist helps you track all your tasks, organize them by priority, keep track of deadlines, and build good habits. This tool makes it easy to map out your projects for the week ahead and check off tasks as you go. Plus, it’s managed by Doist, which made my list of 26 companies that are 100% remote and offer excellent employee benefits.
23. Toggl
Toggl offers easy-to-use time-tracking software so you can keep tabs on how much time you spend on certain tasks. You can label each task differently and look back over the week to evaluate whether you’re meeting your goals. Like Doist, the Toggl team works from anywhere; in fact, the company employs more than 65 people across 19 different time zones.
24. Tomato Timer
Tomato Timer is another Pomodoro-based time tracking tool to help you divide your work into 25-minute sessions and keep your breaks to five or 10 minutes. With Tomato Timer, it’s easy to go into settings to set custom times and audio reminders.
25. Wunderlist
Wunderlist has all sorts of features for keeping track of your to-do list and managing multiple projects. Whether they’re work-related or not, you can make lists and track deadlines, as well as work collaboratively with colleagues. It makes it easy to organize your various obligations and goals all in one place.
Find productivity strategies that work for you
With all the distractions around us, it can be tough to stay focused on work. It can be especially tough to concentrate when you work from home and can mess around on the internet, binge-watch Netflix shows, or walk around your neighborhood whenever you want.
If you’re having trouble staying on track or prioritizing your to-do list, these anti-procrastination apps can be a big help, whether by blocking distracting websites, timing you with the Pomodoro method, or organizing your work in a coherent way.
They all use different approaches for implementing habits and changing behavior, so consider which would be most effective for you. By finding productivity strategies that work for you, you’ll be one step closer to finding work-from-life balance in your remote career.