What is the Pomodoro Technique and How Can it Help Productivity?

If you are new to the world of working remotely or are not experienced working in co-working spaces, there is a good chance you aren’t familiar with the Pomodoro Technique. Since 2011, I have been working remotely, and I heard about the Pomodoro Technique but didn’t give it much thought. Goodness, that was a huge mistake. If you are anything like me, you probably created goals to improve your productivity this year. Even if you are good at being productive with your time it doesn’t hurt to see if you can develop it further. If you are struggling, you should consider the Pomodoro Technique. Yes, I have been using this method, and I can say with confidence that it works well for me and it can help you too.
The Pomodoro Technique might sound complicated. However, it is straightforward. Here is why remote business owners and workers around the world are using this method and are experiencing excellent results.

Defining the Pomodoro method
This impressive technique involves setting a timer or using a Pomodoro app for 25-minute work sessions. When the timer expires, you take a five-minute break. If you want to continue working, please don’t, instead, take a break. You can go for a walk, call a friend or grab a drink. Just make sure you break away from your tasks. After you have done this cycle of 25 minutes work sessions with five-minute breaks four different times, you can increase the time off to 10, 15, 20 or 25 minutes. You can continue the work sessions until you complete the task.

Pro tip:

• Practice goal setting with this technique. Write down what you hope to achieve during your work sessions before you start.
• Take some time to write down a few things that you accomplished during your 25 minutes session and take a five-minute break.
• I even suggest having a virtual coworking session with other remote friends to make this time even more productive, and goal set together.

It holds you accountable for getting results
One of my tips is to write down what you achieved during your 25-minute work sessions. This step gives you a visual reminder of what was accomplished or not. It is an excellent way to hold yourself accountable and can be what you need to remain motivated. Trust me you will be amazed at the amount of work you can accomplish.

Using this method can increase productivity
No matter how many assignments you need to accomplish, it can be challenging to remain productive. One of the ideas behind the Pomodoro Technique is that it doesn't matter what you are undertaking, you can focus on a task and be productive for 25 minutes at a time. Productivity can be crucial to accomplishing a massive task that seems overwhelming or a job that you have been putting off.

Decreases the impact of distractions
We all have to deal with distractions especially when working remotely. Even if the disturbances are small, they can prove to be destructive for a task that you are trying to complete. The Pomodoro Technique can help you deal with these distractions effectively.

Pro tip:
Write down any interruptions that occur when you are in the middle of a 25-minute session. By writing these things down and not just trying to ignore them, it helps you to get them off your mind temporarily and decreases the impact that these distractions can have on you.
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Other tips:

• Eliminate all possible distractions such as email, social media, pets, etc. You want to be able to place your attention on the tasks you want to achieve during the 25-minute sessions.
• When you take your 5-minute break, please use your time to give yourself a break from any type screen. This break means no to Facebook.
• Remember after four cycles of working for 25 minutes you should take an extended break.

I am excited to share this productivity method with you. It has seriously changed my life, and it can do the same for you. Have you ever use the Pomodoro Technique? If so, what are your thoughts? If you haven’t, why not, find a fellow remote worker and try this out! Share your thoughts.
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About Rita 
Rita is a freelance writer, nonprofit founder, professor and flex work enthusiast who enjoys the freedom and flexibility of working remotely. After starting remote work in 2011, she has continued to work remotely and currently enjoys the flexibility. Today, Rita continues to embrace the remote work lifestyle and encourages others to do what they love on their own terms. Be sure to follow the Guide to Working at Home where we share advice, jobs, tips for remote workers, freelancers, business owners to find flexible work and opportunities.

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​​Other Resources ​​

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Fancy Hands: Affordable Way to Hire Virtual Assistants to Increase Productivity