The Pomodoro technique for exam season
Twenty-five minutes on, five minutes off. Why such a simple timer works so well when the syllabus feels endless.
The Pomodoro technique was created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s and named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used. It's almost too simple to explain, which is exactly why it works when you're stressed.
How it works
- Pick one task. Not "study chemistry" — "do the 10 questions on electrochemistry".
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work only on that task.
- When it rings, take a 5-minute break. Stand up. Get water. Don't open your messages.
- After four rounds, take a longer 15–30 minute break.
Why it helps in exam season
A whole syllabus is overwhelming; 25 minutes isn't. The timer turns "I have to study everything" into "I have to start", and starting is the hard part. The breaks matter too: they stop the slow fade in focus that makes hour three of a study session nearly useless.
Make it your own
25/5 isn't sacred. If you find yourself in deep focus when the timer rings, try 40/10 or 50/10. The point is the rhythm: focused work, a real break, repeat.
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