Use the Pomodoro Method to Learn More Efficiently

You may have heard of the Pomodoro Technique before —perhaps even here at Lifehacker —and you may already know that it’s a solid way to increase productivity. But by applying it in a different way, I can actually be more than that: this technique is also a great learning tool that can help you maximize focus and retention.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

Despite the fancy name, the technique itself is simple: if you have a big task to complete, you should break it down and schedule breaks to reward yourself in between completion. The schedule is the key part: you should only set the alarm for 25 minutes and 25 minutes. So, work for 25 minutes, and when the alarm goes off, take a five-minute break, maybe to have a snack, pour yourself a coffee, or scroll through social networks. When five minutes are up, get back to work. Do this again and again, but every four cycles take a longer break for yourself, up to half an hour.

In case something distracts you – be it your phone or another person – you should reset your timer, so instead try to be direct and tell them that you are busy and will be able to contact them again in a while. Then set them aside until a five-minute break, or even after the entire task is complete.

It works because you know you’re getting that little reset once your 25 minutes are up. You can plunge headlong into the task, knowing that a little pleasure awaits you. And while you’re relaxing, your brain is processing everything you’ve just learned.

How to use for study

We usually discuss the Pomodoro Technique in terms of professional work, especially when you have a big project to complete, but in fact its origins come from the academic realm. The technique was invented by Facesco Cirillo, a developer and entrepreneur, but he came up with it when he was a student. He’s actually named after the little tomato-shaped timer he used when he was studying.

You can use this method to prepare for a test by breaking down the content you need to review. You can do this by chapter, by content, or by “chunk” if you ‘re using the “chunking” method to divide up your study load (as you should). This is a good way to focus on a task if you get easily distracted, and separating topics will help you remember them better. However, it’s not ideal for quick cramming, as you need at least two hours to digest the four Pomodoros. Do it on a day when you have enough time to devote to your studies and, of course, rest.