Photo: Student preparing for class in Reynolds Hall
As semesters run on and your workload and stress grow, your motivation likely isn’t keeping pace.
That newly released video game or the shining sun is calling your name, and the only thing standing in your way is your to-do list.
Sometimes the hardest thing to do with getting things done is starting, especially when learning online, so we want to share a great strategy to help you fight off burn out and start crossing things off your to-do list: The Pomodoro Technique®️.
Try a New Technique
The Pomodoro Technique (not to be confused with tomato-based pasta sauce) is a study technique where items on your to-do list are completed in intervals of deep-focused work followed by a short break period.
This method has been helping students accomplish their goals since its creation in the late 1980s. It was created by Italian university student Francisco Cirillo. Equipped with nothing but a tomato-shaped kitchen timer and a mile-long to do list, he developed this study method to combat burn out.
Here’s How it Works:
- Define what work needs to be done to complete your tasks
- Set a timer for 25 minutes
- Work diligently with minimal distractions until the timer expires
- Set your timer for 5 minutes and take a short break
- Repeat the cycle a few more times
- Take a longer, 30-minute break to recharge
- Set another 25-minute timer and keep repeating until your to-do list is complete
Productivity That Meets Your Needs
What makes this method stand out is how it’s highly customizable. You can set the work and break timers to be whatever you’d like.
Some online students like longer work sessions with longer, less frequent breaks. Others like more frequent breaks with shorter bursts of productivity.
Experiment with a few different configurations and see what works best for you.
Work Individually, Together
While all you really need for this is a timer of some kind, there are entire communities online that create pomodoro content to help students get things done.
On YouTube, some creators make themed timers with music and imagery to create a vibe of productivity. Some use livestreaming platforms like Twitch to hold mass work sessions for people who like to work alongside others.
Hosting a work session is a great opportunity to connect with your online peers. You can host Pomodoro sessions over Zoom with your classmates to work on a project together. Simply having other people working independently alongside you is a great motivator in itself.
Let's face it: Staying motivated is hard.
It’s worth trying methods like the Pomodoro Technique to keep yourself on track and get back do doing things you'd rather be doing.
Set a timer, take a deep breath, and get to work. You’ll be surprised at how productive you can be and how good you’ll feel when the work is done.
WVU Online is not affiliated, associated, or endorsed by the Pomodoro Technique®️ or Francesco Cirillo.
Pomodoro Technique®️ is a registered trademark by Francesco Cirillo.