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Episode 05 | What is the Pomodoro Technique?

by Niamh Moynihan on
Time Management Productivity Tools

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Better Workday Podcast,  Niamh Moynihan breaks down the Pomodoro Technique. This popular time management tool uses short, focused work intervals to improve productivity and reduce overwhelm.

Learn how this method can help you tackle your to-do list, stay focused, and avoid procrastination—while also creating space for meaningful breaks.

Key Takeaways

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

  • Work for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break.
  • Helps improve focus and manage tasks in a structured way.
  • Ideal for busy professionals, especially those with fragmented schedules.

Situations Where the Pomodoro Technique Shines:

  • Email Management: Spend 25 minutes in focused “inbox mode” to clear emails and reduce clutter.

  • Slow Brain Checklist: Tackle repetitive or low-energy tasks like expenses or updating hours.

  • Finishing Loose Ends: Use 25-minute blocks to complete unfinished tasks and shorten your to-do list.

  • Exploring New Tasks: Dedicate time to start tasks you’ve been procrastinating on without pressure to finish.

  • Short-Time Tasks: Perfect for activities that require less than 25 minutes, like running reports or quick updates.

Flipping the Technique for Rest:

  • Use 25 minutes for a proper break and 5 minutes to plan your next task.
  • Helps avoid reactive work habits after returning from a break.

When to Use the Pomodoro Technique:

  • Works well for tasks that fit into shorter time blocks.
  • It is not ideal for deep work requiring extended focus. Consider longer periods, like a 60-minute “Hour of Power,” instead.
  • Customise based on your energy levels, workload, and personal preferences.

Practical Tips from the Episode:

  • Plan Ahead: Decide in advance which tasks to tackle during your Pomodoro blocks.
  • Be Flexible: Adapt the technique to suit your needs and energy levels—don’t force it.
  • Balance Breaks: 5-minute breaks are for regaining focus, not replacing longer restorative breaks.

Until next time, stay well and have a better workday.

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