Pomodoro Your Way
Have you ever found yourself having a significantly difficult time studying because you simply could not focus?
Having a difficulty focusing is not unique to you; it is a universal struggle.
During my time in the classroom, I searched for ways in which I could help students focus on the task ahead, and one of the most effective tools I still use is the Pomodoro Technique. Developed by Francesco Cirillo, this time management system is excellent at boosting productivity and helping individuals focus on the task at hand. The way it works is simple and attainable: you set a timer for 25 minutes of work, followed by a 5-minute break. After four “Pomodoros” (one hour), you reward yourself with a longer pause (usually 15 minutes).
It’s simple, structured, and backed by research on focus and productivity.
However, there is something I constantly tell my students: it doesn’t have to look exactly like this to be effective.
When I introduce this method to my students, many feel overwhelmed at the idea of working for a full 25 minutes. For some, even ten minutes feels daunting and impossible.
Here is how we make Pomodoro your way: you can start with just 5 minutes of work, followed by by 5 minutes of movement, and repeat. Slowly, you can increase the work intervals until focusing for longer stretches doesn’t lead to burnout and exhaustion at the end of a study session.
This incremental approach helps build stamina and confidence. Instead of setting yourself up for frustration, you’re building a practice of sustainable focus.
The real key to success for this method is not the timer, but awareness. A way to begin building awareness is to check in with yourself throughout the work session. Ask yourself:
How am I feeling right now?
Am I really focused, or just getting through so I can be done with this work?
What kind of break/movement do I need at this moment to feel refreshed?
Mindful studying keeps you tuned in to your body and your brain, so you can recognize when it’s time to push through and when it’s time to step away.
One of the most important truths about being mindful is also simple: if your phone is anywhere in your study space, your brain knows it. Even if you’re not looking at it, or if it is set to silent, research shows that its presence alone drains your attention.
Try leaving your phone in another room. If music helps boost your focus and your phone is the only way to listen to it, be sure to turn on “Do Not Disturb” and set it away from your sight. You can check on your phone during your breaks, but never during the study session.
The most important part of Pomodoro isn’t the 25/5 ratio; it is the rhythm and intention. For some, longer work sessions with fewer breaks feel natural. For others, short bursts are more sustainable. The goal is consistency over perfection. Experiment until you find the balance that works best for your energy, schedule, and goals.
Studying smarter is about building habits that respect your needs as a learner. Whether that looks like traditional Pomodoro, a 5/5 warm-up cycle, or your own hybrid system, the method is a tool—not a rule.
Mindful and intentional study sessions not only increase your productivity, but they also help you reduce stress and feel confident in your abilities. If you’d like more personalized strategies for focus, productivity, and academic success, Ivy is here to help you make studying feel less like a chore and more like growth.