Secret for better study sessions *Pomodoro Study Method*

What is the Pomodoro Study Technique?

The Pomodoro technique is a method of studying to stay focused and get work done! This method is based on studying in timed intervals. You will study for 25-minute stretches and then break for five minutes. After four consecutive work intervals you take a 15 minute break.

How to do it?

Step One: Pick a task

Step Two: Set a 25 minute timer

Step Three: Work and focus on your task until the time is up

Step Four: Take a five-minute break and reflect on what you completed and what you would like to achieve next

Step Five: Every four 25-minute sections take a more extended 15-minute break

You should try the Pomodoro Technique if you:

• Feel easily distracted 

• Are you struggling to get started on assignments

• Work past the time when you are productively getting work done and are feeling burnt out

• Feeling overwhelmed by all that needs to get done

• Enjoy goal setting

Why it works

It makes getting started easier.

Often the most challenging part is starting. We procrastinate tasks because we don't know how to start. Looking at a huge task involves too much uncertainty. Instead of beginning the task, we turn to our favorite show or social media because it is easier. Breaking things down into smaller steps makes it seem much more manageable. With this technique, we can focus on one smaller achievable task rather than being overwhelmed. We are taking small steps toward our goals.

Lessons distractions

It happens way too often that we are interrupted while we are working, disrupting our flow, and then finding it impossible to get back on track. It can be hard to entirely focus in a world where we often get constant text messages and notifications. It's these little distractions that add up. This technique helps us stay focused and put away these distractions. It helps us learn how to ignore all of them and refocus. With each time set, we are focused on a specific task. Each break is also a chance to reset and refocus on your work.

Being aware of where your time goes

It can be easy to spend an hour browsing the internet without even realizing it. It also allows you to become aware of time and be beneficial when planning. Instead of being anxious about how much time you have lost, it can be a measure of productivity. Overall, it leads to much more realistic time estimates. You know how much you can get done within 25 minutes of focused work. You can accurately plan out your day and be more constant with your work habits. 

Making studying a game

With this study technique it becomes a challenge. Each session is a fresh start to reevaluate your goals, challenge yourself to focus, and limit distractions. You can make the system work for you. Rather than counting the hours, you are building success with studying. This technique makes us experience success which makes us motivated to do it again. 

Tips For Studying

1. When you start the timer, you must work until the timer rings. It is a set time when you cannot be distracted. That means no checking your phone for text messages, looking at your email, doing some online shopping, or cupsing! I know how distracting/addicting our phones and electronics can be. However, putting our devices and distractions away can lead to a more productive session. If anything comes up that you need to get done, put it on your to-do list.

2. Break down big tasks. Often, big projects feel too overwhelming to start. Break them down into clear steps. This way, you can see the steps that need to get done and can track your progress easier. When breaking your task down, remember to Examine the parts of the task. Figure out step-by-step what you need to do because it's not going to happen through magic. Think about the logical order of completing the pieces. What should you do first, second, third, etc.? Finally, we're going to create a timeline for completing your tasks. How much can you realistically do in each 25-minute pomodoro? 

3. Combine smaller tasks. It is okay to combine multiple but smaller tasks. It could be like writing an email to your teacher about an upcoming absence, setting an appointment with the doctors, and reading and reading an article about rocks. Whatever it may be, set your goal to be realistically achievable. Its goldie locks are not too much but not too little.

4. Plan out all your Paradores in advance. Take some time to plan out your day with paradores. First write out a list of everything that you need to do for the day and beside it write out how long you think it's going to take to complete it. Then separate everything into 25 minute blocks of time. This will help greatly

5. Experiment with the lengths of your Pomodoras. Experiment with the lengths of your Pomodoras. Sometimes when working on longer tasks like writing an essay you might feel that 25 minutes is too short of time. You might find you work better with a longer study session with longer breaks. For tasks that you have been procrastinating and you are finding challenging, lower the amount of time you are working on. On average most people work best for 25-50 minutes with 5-15 minutes breaks. Find what works best for you.

6. Take time away from your screens. Often when studying, we work on our computer. We have our class notes open, lecture PowerPoint, and a current worksheet. It's easy to switch over to social media, cups, or youtube when the timer dings. However, I challenge you to take a moment away from the screen. Take a quick walk, stretch, grab a snack, or have a mini meditation session. Whatever it may be, getting a break from your glowing screen will be mentally refreshing.

7. Hold yourself accountable. It can be challenging to stick to the routine when nobody is keeping you accountable. It takes work to motivate yourself. Some way to create more accountability is by downloading an app where you can keep track of when to take breaks. Another way is to study with friends. Finding a person to study with or joining a group can increase your productivity when you see others working hard too.

Discussion Questions

How has your studying been going lately?

What are your favorite ways to study?

Have you ever tried this technique before? Your thoughts?

~ Thanks for reading, hope you are having a lovely day and good luck studying! (: ~