Focus Timer

The Pomodoro Technique

Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s (named after his tomato-shaped kitchen timer), the Pomodoro Technique breaks work into 25-minute focused sessions separated by 5-minute breaks. After four sessions (pomodoros), take a longer 15–30 minute break. This structure leverages the brain's natural attention cycles and prevents mental fatigue.

Why Timed Work Sessions Work

The human brain can sustain high-quality focused attention for approximately 90 minutes before needing rest, but most people find 25-minute intervals more practical for starting difficult tasks. The timer creates a sense of urgency (the "artificial deadline effect") that reduces procrastination and increases the ability to begin. Knowing a break is coming also makes sustained focus more mentally accessible.

Customising Your Focus Intervals

The traditional 25/5 minute split is a starting point. Some people find 50/10 works better for complex creative tasks. Students often prefer 45/15. Knowledge workers doing deep analytical work sometimes use 90-minute sessions. Experiment to find what works for your cognitive profile, the type of task, and time of day. The key is consistency — use the same structure for a week before changing it.

Maximising Your Focus Sessions

Before starting a session, define exactly what you will work on. Silence notifications. Close irrelevant browser tabs. Keep water nearby. During the session, if a distracting thought occurs, write it down quickly and return to work — do not act on it. During breaks, step away from screens: stretch, walk, breathe. This prevents eye strain and allows the default mode network (critical for creativity and insight) to activate.