Pomodoro timer

The Pomodoro Technique, created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, breaks work into focused intervals separated by short breaks. Committing to just 25 minutes makes it easier to start difficult tasks, and regular breaks keep your attention fresh over a long day. This timer runs the cycle for you in the browser.

How to use it

1. Choose one task to work on.
2. Start the 25-minute focus timer and work only on that task.
3. When it rings, take a 5-minute break away from the screen.
4. After four focus sessions, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

Why it works

• Lower barrier to starting: 25 minutes feels manageable, which helps beat procrastination.
• Protected focus: during a session, notifications and emails wait.
• Built-in recovery: short breaks reduce mental fatigue and eye strain.
• Better estimates: counting pomodoros per task shows how long things really take.

Handling interruptions

If something comes up, write it down and return to it after the session. If you must stop, the pomodoro is abandoned and you start a fresh one later; the point is uninterrupted focus.

Adapting the technique

• Deep technical work may suit longer sessions, such as 50 minutes with 10-minute breaks.
• Use breaks to move, stretch or drink water, not to scroll social media.
• Plan the day as a number of pomodoros, which makes realistic to-do lists easier.

Keep the tab open so you hear the alert at the end of each interval.