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The Pomodoro technique for focus

Advice

01 January

[Music] there are so many different kinds of revising techniques out there and a quick Google about revision techniques and you'll you'll see you know five or six different articles here in contrast and views and contrasting opinions and saying you know just sit down and crack for it just do everything that you can just find out what works best for you.

[Music] This technique is is more of a short structured way of going about the revision process and it is picking a topic or picking particular tasks that you want to accomplish and working on that for 20 to 25 minutes very intense very focused work either reading or note-taking and then at the end of that time period you take a five-minute break which you might be able to have a drink, get a bite to eat, mess about on your phone or even you know close your eyes and recharge the batteries and what this does is and resets the the focus and attention of the mind so that when you do come back to revising again you're maintaining that very high level of focus which creates those real connections and really reinforces those memories. Those things that you're trying to call upon, you do this for about maybe three or four cycles and at the end of the let's say the fourth cycle, for example, you then take a 30-minute break you take a larger break which allows you to recharge even more and by doing this over and over again you can really get in hours worth you know four or five hours worth of work in a day and you don't even realize how much work you've actually done and it's also very structured the work that you're doing you can tick off topics one by one so it could be a very interesting and effective method to try.

Balance is key, get making sure that you're you know taking taking breaks even if you don't feel like you need a break and then sticking to the routine itself because it's a particular technique so you know there's research got into why you know why you take break at certain times but don't overdo, don't overdo it and don't push yourself and of course you know regular water breaks can also help and eating in balance is definitely very key and an important thing in in executing the technique.

[Music]

The Pomodoro technique is a time-management method that helps improve focus and productivity by breaking study sessions into 25-minute intervals, followed by short breaks. This structured approach is great for people with ADHD, or anyone who struggles to focus. 

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What is the Pomodoro technique?

The Pomodoro technique is a way to manage your time and make tasks seem more achievable by breaking them down into manageable chunks. By completing revision tasks in a short time frame, whilst giving your brain a breather, you’ll be ticking things off your list without becoming overwhelmed by too much information.

Setting yourself a time limit makes you more productive as you know that the end is in sight.

Why should I use the Pomodoro technique?

The Pomodoro technique is for you if…

  • You get overwhelmed by how much revision you have to do, so end up not doing any at all.
  • You get distracted by everything – checking your phone, tidying your room – basically anything that isn’t revision.
  • You’re struggling to motivate yourself and find revision really boring.
  • You have exams coming up soon and need to do your revision in a short amount of time.

How does the Pomodoro method work?

You can start using the Pomodoro method by setting a timer on your phone or by using an online Pomodoro timer. Pomofocus is a useful one that allows you to add tasks to tick off and customise your focus times and break times.

First, decide how long you want to revise and what you want to revise, then you can start your timer.

For example, if you want to do a couple of hours’ worth of revision, you could schedule your time like this:

  • 25 minutes – revise
  • 5 minutes – break
  • 25 minutes – revise
  • 5 minutes – break
  • 25 minutes – revise
  • 5 minutes – break
  • 25 minutes – revise
  • 25 minutes – longer break

The most important thing is to make sure you take your breaks. That way, you won’t become overwhelmed with information. Instead, you’ll be refreshed after each break and ready to move on to another topic.

On your longer breaks, try to get outdoors or eat a healthy meal away from your desk and revision materials.

Best Pomodoro apps for studying 

Looking for a Pomodoro timer app? Here are our favourites: 

Can the Pomodoro technique help with ADHD?

Yes! The Pomodoro method is particularly useful for students with ADHD as it:

  • Provides short, structured study sessions so you don't have to focus for too long.
  • Encourages regular breaks to avoid burnout and overwhelm.
  • Helps reduce procrastination by making study time feel more manageable. 

Want more tips on revising with ADHD? Read our article or watch the video here. 

What can I do during my 25-minute revision sessions?

Try out some of our most effective revision techniques like blurting, active recall or spaced repetition.

FAQs

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The revision timetable inside the Exams and Revision guide

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[Music] There are so many different kinds of revising techniques out there and a quick Google about revision techniques and you'll see you know five or six different articles here in contrast and views and contrasting opinions and saying you know just sit down and crack for it just do everything that you can just find out what works best for you. [Music] This technique is more of a short structured way of going about the revision process and it is picking a topic or picking particular tasks that you want to accomplish and working on that for 20 to 25 minutes very intense very focused work either reading or note-taking and then at the end of that time period you take a five-minute break which you might be able to have a drink, get a bite to eat, mess about on your phone or even you know close your eyes and recharge the batteries and what this does is and resets the focus and attention of the mind so that when you do come back to revising again you're maintaining that very high level of focus which creates those real connections and really reinforces those memories. Those things that you're trying to call upon, you do this for about maybe three or four cycles and at the end of the let's say the fourth cycle, for example, you then take a 30-minute break you take a larger break which allows you to recharge even more and by doing this over and over again you can really get in hours worth you know four or five hours worth of work in a day and you don't even realize how much work you've actually done and it's also very structured the work that you're doing you can tick off topics one by one so it could be a very interesting and effective method to try. Balance is key, get making sure that you're you know taking breaks even if you don't feel like you need a break and then sticking to the routine itself because it's a particular technique so you know there's research got into why you know why you take a break at certain times but don't overdo, don't overdo it and don't push yourself and of course you know regular water breaks can also help and eating in balance is definitely very key and an important thing in executing the technique. [Music]

A digital tablet resting on a desk displays a page from Birmingham City University's 'Best Apps and AI Tools for Studying, Revision and Coursework' guide. The page has a vibrant orange and white design, with a bold headline and an illustration of a friendly robot holding a pencil. The content highlights apps like Google NotebookLM, Gizmo, and Forest, with tips for effective study habits. A photo of a young woman with blonde hair tied up in a ponytail, wearing a grey cardigan and headphones, shows her studying on a laptop in a café-like setting, with doodles of question marks and lightbulbs surrounding her. The tablet is surrounded by study materials, including a notebook, pencils, a laptop, and a cup of coffee.

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