Pomodoro: free tool for those serious about time management

Modern time management technique

Developed in the 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique is a time management method wherein a person physically winds up a timer for 25 minute intervals called “Pomodoros” (“tomato” in Italian), based on the theory that frequent breaks improves mental agility and focusing on a single task along with using a timer are hard wired in a person’s brain, creating better habits.

Today, instead of using a timer shaped like a tomato, technologists have modernized the process. One such tool is the Pomodoro extension for Google Chrome which blocks distracting sites. After downloading, users click to start a 25-minute work timer, followed by a 5-minute break timer, alternating back and forth between the two.

With the Google Chrome extension, it is simple to get started, as popular distracting websites are already pre-configured into the tool, and users can personalize their list of distracting sites, and when the timer is on, those sites are completely blocked, presenting a tomato (Pomodoro) as pictured above.

If you want to go hardcore, you can even edit the settings to only allow a handful of sites rather than banning particular sites, so if you’re really serious about getting your day under control, you could make a list of work-related sites and forbid all else during your 25-minute time slots.

A break is soon on its way!

The creators note, “The Pomodoro Technique for time management is simple: work hard for 25 minutes without distractions, knowing that a 5 minute break is soon on its way. This extension helps you stay focused while you work by blocking the sites that can so easily distract us.”

The extension allows you to change the time slots from 25 and five minutes, but the Pomodoro Technique is time tested, so it is not recommended, as those time allotments have been shown over time to improve productivity.

When the timer begins, the only way to disable it is to restart the browser or directly disable the extension so you are never tempted to stray.