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Ask HN: Do you use the Pomodoro technique?

by contctlink on 7/11/24, 4:31 PM with 8 comments

I've been using this technique for 10yrs now, I find that it really helps (even in 25mins or 50mins sessions).

I know only one person who actually does the technique daily.

So, if you do Pomodoro, how do you use it? How do you make it stick?

  • by Dutchie987 on 7/11/24, 6:27 PM

    I don't use it. Somehow I'm constantly checking how much time remains. Can't get into the flow. And if I do get into any kind of flow state, the last thing I want is to get interrupted by a timer.

    I think it might work great for physical work. Remembering to stretch or take a break. But, for me, not for any type of brainy work.

  • by OnionBlender on 7/11/24, 7:54 PM

    I didn't like it because I hated getting interrupted after 25 minutes. It kept breaking my focus.

    What I found worked well for me instead was "count up" pomodoro.

      - Start a stop watch or simple wrist watch and leave it on your desk.
  - If you glance at it and it is less than 25 minutes, keep going.
  - Else if it is over 25 minutes, take a break if you feel like it. Write down how much time you worked. At the end of day, add up your time.
    Although it is probably good to set a timer when taking a break because you do want to be interrupted in that case.

  • by runjake on 7/11/24, 6:46 PM

    I use Pomodoro occasionally (~few times a year)when I really need to focus on some unpleasant task.

    The rest of the time I rely on screaming at myself inside my head.

  • by surprisetalk on 7/11/24, 5:23 PM

    I used pomodoro for years via a CLI tool I built:

    [1] https://taylor.town/nowify

  • by deathgripsss on 7/12/24, 6:52 AM

    Yes but not for anything requiring deep thought as the intervals don't lend itself to that style of work for me.

    But any admin tasks, emails, etc work great.