Recently, I found a studying technique on Pinterest while I was browsing through it, called the Pomodoro Technique. It really stood out to me because the picture that I first saw when I clicked on the link was a tomato, that’s right, a tomato. At first it was confusing to understand how it all works but I read this article that really opened my mind to the idea and I wanted to learn more about it and see how efficient the technique really is.

According to that article, the Pomodoro technique is a good way of managing time and setting your tasks into different 25 minute interval sections. This incorporates “time-boxing” which is a simple time management technique that focuses your attention for a small amount of time (to do a task or a part of a task) and then take a mental break after each interval of work. By completely these tasks in small chunks, you’ll build a mental momentum so you’ll feel more productive which in itself leads to getting more tasks completed. All you need for this technique is a timer. Here are the steps in which you need to take in order for the method to work.

1.  Identify the task at hand.

2. Set your timer to 25
minutes.
3. Work on the task until timer goes off.

4. Take a 5 minute break (get up and stretch).

5. For every four 25-minute intervals, take a longer break (15-20 minutes is a good time)

According to a study (mentioned in this article) at the University of Illinois in 2008, being stuck at your desk for long periods of time actually decreases your ability to focus and reduces your productivity and attention on the task at hand. The study showed that regular short breaks help keep you attentive and more energized. Numerous other studies have concluded that sitting at your desk for a long time can increase your chances of developing health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and a higher overall risk of death. I know, it is crazy to think that just by sitting at your desk, you are at a risk of getting these conditions due to extended periods of inactivity. Research done by scientist Dr. Elin Ekblom-Bak, in 2010, concluded that even though exercise is needed for good health, taking regular breaks from whatever task you’re doing that requires you to sit at your desk for a duration of time can reduce those health risks.

Personally, I think that my research on this studying technique is something to consider when I’m sitting at my desk in my room working on a research paper or studying for a big exam (finals week is coming up). I want to be able to minimize extended periods of inactivity and take advantage of the Pomodoro method. There’s no harm in taking breaks and being more productive in the end. Am I right?