If you have exams looming and are stressed by the prospect of another revision period filled with long days in the library or at your desk, we’ve got a hack for you: the Pomodoro revision technique.
While we might primarily create fantastically comfortable desk chairs, the team at Slouch are also dedicated to bringing you news and guides on all things productivity.
And what could help your productivity more than a deep dive into this ingenious method to get more from your revision? Let’s begin.
What is the Pomodoro technique?
The Pomodoro technique is a refreshingly simple approach to time management that could change how you revise. Instead of endless, draining study sessions, you work in short, focused bursts of 25 minutes followed by 5-minute breaks.
It might sound too simple to be effective but it has been one of the most popular workflow structures for decades, with everyone from business heads to thought leaders swearing by it. The system works because it helps to focus your energy into optimal length sprints and recovery rests, making the most of your mental reserves.
Why is it so useful for revision?
Have you ever heard the expression ‘work smarter, not harder’? The fact that you don’t know what the focus of your exams will be means that you need to cover a lot of ground. Plus the time-limited nature of revision periods means you need to use all the tools at your disposal to learn exactly the right amount of material.
However, sitting in the library forcing yourself to study 24/7 isn’t the answer.
In fact, it might actually be damaging your study efforts by giving you a false sense of security, as the fact that you’re working long hours doesn’t actually mean you’re registering and remembering what you review. Being able to set “sprints” to take in information with designated break times is a much more efficient way to optimise your study time.
Why use it? 7 big benefits
We get that you might not want to risk switching from your standard studying technique unless there’s a compelling reason to do so. So let’s go over some of the biggest benefits of the Pomodoro revision technique.
1. Triggers your motivation cycle
One of the hardest parts of revision is getting started. The Pomodoro technique makes this easier by breaking an intimidating stack of work into manageable, 25-minute chunks. Once you’ve completed a few Pomodoros, you’ll find it plays into your motivation cycle by building momentum and gamifying the process of studying.
2. Maximises your study time
Two hours of deeply focused study will give better results than six hours of distracted, low-quality work. The Pomodoro technique helps you maximise the quality of your study time by ensuring you’re always working with a fresh, focused mind.
3. Fights mental fatigue
Have you ever spent hours revising only to realise you can’t remember what you studied just an hour ago? Mental fatigue is the enemy of effective learning. The regular breaks in the Pomodoro technique prevent this exhaustion, giving your brain time to process the information you’ve just taken in and stay sharp for the next Pomodoro.
4. Enhances memory retention
Research in cognitive psychology shows that we tend to remember information better when it’s acquired in spaced intervals rather than all at once. The Pomodoro technique naturally incorporates this ‘spaced learning’ approach by breaking your revision into distinct sessions with breaks in between.
5. Cuts down procrastination
Breaking work into 25-minute chunks can make overwhelming tasks feel more manageable. After all, it’s easier to start when you only need to commit to a focused burst of revision rather than facing an endless study period.
The structured approach with built-in rewards is particularly effective for people with ADHD, helping overcome the initial resistance that leads to procrastination.
6. Reduces revision stress
Exams are stressful enough without adding anxiety about how to break up your time or feeling guilty about taking breaks. The Pomodoro technique gives you a clear structure that removes the mental load of constantly deciding when to work, when to break and questioning whether you’re doing enough.
7. Backed by science & business leaders
The Pomodoro technique isn’t just popular with students – it’s endorsed by neuroscientists who understand how attention and learning work and it’s used and endorsed by business leaders like Arianna Huffington and Jack Dorsey.
How to use the Pomodoro revision technique
Ready to give the Pomodoro study technique a try? Here’s our step-by-step guide for how to use it:
- Choose your revision task – Select what you want to study during your Pomodoro session. After a while, you’ll naturally chunk your work up to fit the time frames.
- Set your timer for 25 minutes – Use a physical timer, a phone app or a computer program – whatever works for you.
- Work with complete focus – During these 25 minutes, give your undivided attention to the task. If distracting thoughts arise, jot them down quickly and return to your task.
- Stop when the timer rings – Even if you feel you could continue, respect the process and take your break.
- Take a 5-minute break – Stand up, stretch, grab a drink or do something completely different from studying.
- Repeat steps 2-5 three more times – Complete four Pomodoros in total.
- Take a longer break of 15-30 minutes – After completing four Pomodoros, reward yourself with an extended break to refresh your mind.
- Track your Pomodoros – Keep a record of how many you complete each day. This simple act of tracking creates a sense of accomplishment and helps you see your progress.
Tips for getting it right
Get your Pomodoro right the first time with these handy tips.
1. Use a timer kitchen timer
Stopping at the right time is a crucial part of this study technique. In fact, the word pomodoro means tomato in Italian – the method was named after the red tomato-shaped kitchen timers common in Italian kitchens for timing cooking pasta. So make sure you use a timer to the get timings right
Yale Professor of Psychology, Laurie Santos explains that one of the reasons why the Pomodoro is so effective is because it gives clear stopping cues. Without these, we go on working without stopping without a break, leading to increasingly poor results. Interestingly, this is also why you might find yourself scrolling social feeds for hours longer than you intended, she says:
“Stopping cues are signals for you to pause or take a step back. Most social media platforms lack stopping cues, which means you may find yourself scrolling for longer than you expected.”
You can apply the Pomodoro technique to any task you need help controlling your time management for – including social media, exercising or even tidying your room.
2. Use a playlist as a timer
If kitchen timers aren’t your thing, create a playlist that lasts exactly 25 minutes. This can be particularly effective if you prefer studying with background music. Choose tracks that help you focus rather than distract you and remember to include a distinctive final song or sound that signals your Pomodoro is complete.
Not sure what to listen to while studying? We’ve put together our top picks for focus.
3. Don’t change timing intervals
While it might be tempting to customise the Pomodoro lengths, try your best to stick to the standard interval timings. The 25/5 minute work/break pattern has been proven over decades to provide an optimal balance for most people.
Plus, the consistent intervals help train your brain to recognise the pattern, triggering focus at the start of each Pomodoro and relaxation during breaks. If you’re constantly changing the times, you’ll lose this conditioning effect.
What to do in your 5-minute breaks
Your breaks are just as important as your work sessions. Make sure you take the full 5 minutes and use it to get away from your screen or books. Stretch or move to get your blood flowing, grab some water to stay hydrated or a cup of tea, rest your eyes or quickly tidy your workspace. Whatever makes you feel refreshed and ready to go again.
“Don’ts” for using the Pomodoro study method
To get the most out of the technique you’ll want to avoid these common mistakes…
Don’t skip breaks – The breaks are an essential part of the system, not an optional extra.
Don’t check your phone during Pomodoros – Put it on silent and out of sight to minimise temptation.
Don’t task-switch during a Pomodoro – Stick to your planned task for the entire 25 minutes.
Don’t get caught up in perfectionism – It might take you a while to find your groove or be able to ignore distractions – stay consistent and it will come with time.
Don’t overdo it – Eight to twelve Pomodoros per day is plenty for most students. Quality matters more than quantity.
Don’t use it for creative brainstorming – Some tasks benefit from more unstructured time. The Pomodoro technique works best for defined tasks like reviewing past learnings through revision.
Keep these in mind as you work and you’ll be on course for a successful study sprint.
Hack your revision with Slouch
Want to up your game with even more studying hacks? Consider exploring active recall and spaced repetition systems like flashcards and try out the
The 80/20 rule for studying is another popular approach where you identify the 20% of content that will likely yield 80% of the results, focusing on high-yield topics.
You should also ensure you’re set up for a successful study session with a workspace that helps not hinders your efforts. If you invest in nothing else, find an ergonomic chair and reliable desk that allow you to sit comfortably and do your best work.
Get your dream study station set up within 5 days with our free UK delivery.
Pomodoro FAQs
How many Pomodoros can I do in a day?
Most people find that 8-12 Pomodoros gives a very productive day of studying. That’s roughly 4-6 hours of highly focused work, which is far more effective than 8+ hours of distracted study.
Can I use the Pomodoro technique for group study?
Yes! It can work well for group sessions, where everyone agrees to focus during the Pomodoros and socialise during the breaks. This creates a positive peer pressure effect that can enhance everyone’s focus.
Who invented the Pomodoro technique?
The technique was created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s while he was a university student. He named it after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used to track his work intervals.
What if I’m in the flow when the timer rings?
The structured breaks are what make the technique so effective. If you’re really in a flow state and breaking would be disruptive, you might occasionally extend to complete a specific thought or section but try to respect the system most of the time.
