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Ask HN: Does anyone actually use the Pomodoro technique?

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Re: Ask HN: Does anyone actually use the Pomodoro technique?

#11

Post by huhnmonster »

kehrin wrote: post #9

I use the Pomodoro at the end of a semester to study for longer periods without burning out. That way of studying works better than anything else for me. Breaks are short enough that your mind doesn't wander too far and often enough, to not feel like a break is still 4 hours away. The benefit of this is that it turns the whole process into a habit. It's not about today or tomorrow, but rather about the 2-3 weeks that…

I also use a it this way, but instead I do 90/30 (work/break) as 90 minutes gives me enough time to finish most exercises and tests without having to hurry.

I do around 4 to 5 sessions per day which hits the sweet spot for me as I can endure this for multiple months without having to take days off. This comes at the expense of having to start a few weeks earlier to have enough time to prepare for tests compared to cramming 12 hour days the week before

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone actually use the Pomodoro technique?

#12

Post by billfruit »

In practice it is bit of hack and not suitable to use as routine. For example many people need to spent a lot of time in meetings, and then pomodoro can't be used. Same with work that involves multiple people, like for example a complex system test involving multiple tests with people monitoring and performing actions in various stations.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone actually use the Pomodoro technique?

#14

Post by intricatedetail »

GoldenMonkey wrote: post #6

I use the 25/5 pomodoro whenever I have tight programming deadlines. I can get so much focus/productive work done that way. I use a software timer and turn off all distractions. It is invaluable.

Nice! For me it is more like 5/20 but still I get things done.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone actually use the Pomodoro technique?

#15

Post by Communitivity »

wgoto wrote: post #3
Communitivity wrote: post #2

I have a friend with ADD worse than mine. The technique is a godsend to them and they credit it with getting many projects done. I think this is in part due to needing to think through the problem and break it into smaller pomodoro sized chunks. I suspect the exercise of breaking the problem into smaller chunks also helps them understand the problem better. I only use the technique some of the time. I find the same r…

Just curious, what kind of work are you usually doing when you use the technique? What makes you decide to use it versus not?

Usually coding, or writing documents. The determination is based on a number of factors, including my mental state (focus, # of spoons, etc.) that day.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone actually use the Pomodoro technique?

#16

Post by starrlordxt »

I use the Pomodoro timer technique whenever I need to do focused work and absolutely have to get it done. I use a default 25-minute interval timer (ios app called BeFocused). But most of my work needs more time than 25 mins at a time, usually 1 hour to 2 hours. So what I do is every time the alarm goes off hit skip on the 5 break minute timer and continue working. Then when I feel like I've done adequate work on the task I'll take the break. Then I'll comeback and continue. I've found that its actually a neat trick to keep me working. Also if I can't stand working on something, this forces me to stick to it for at least 25-minutes.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone actually use the Pomodoro technique?

#17

Post by rawland »

The 25/5-ratio is ridiculous.

At least for me. Using 50/10 meanwhile because when I used 25/5 I just closed the Pomodoro app to keep going instead of being reminded to make a pause again and again. It felt like snoozing away the wake up alarm all the time. But I didn't want to wake up!

50/10 mins with a warning at 40mins is way better. The 10 minutes usually are used to get something to drink/snack/coffee giving the ADD-shakes in my legs something else to do (walking).

It happens from time to time, when I'm really into something, that I just switch it off to stay zoned out for hours.

PS: Thanks for the link.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone actually use the Pomodoro technique?

#18

Post by telesilla »

For my thesis yes, for programming no. Long periods of hard writing is perfect for pomodoro, if I recall I did something like 32 on, 8 off. I shared with an online group, it was really special.

For some reason I get enough of a kick out of programming that I never need to take a break. I can play music and code for hours but tell me to write longform and I need a really good cajoling.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone actually use the Pomodoro technique?

#19

Post by pedalpete »

I've used it on and off for a while, but the habit just hasn't stuck for me. However, a friend is the founder of https://timechi.com - a digital clock that manages your pomodoro (or whatever style of time boxing you want to do), and connects to your computer/browser to block things from interupting you. The physical clock has the added benefit of being displayed to co-workers in an open office space that you're currently busy.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone actually use the Pomodoro technique?

#20

Post by westcort »

I have used it. This page of my website has the implementation I use: https://www.locserendipity.com/Pomodoro.html

In my version, I break down the task into discrete steps and give myself a check mark for every sprint completed toward each step.

The simple HTML format makes this more successful for me than the content-rich alternatives available elsewhere online. It also works if you save the HTML file to your desktop—so you can use it offline.

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