27 Aug 2025
7 MIN
READ
As a small business owner, your weekdays are often busy. Juggling admin tasks like tracking receipts and invoices, managing payroll or tackling ever-pinging email inboxes on top of everything else can be overwhelming. With so much to do in a workday and, with what often feels like too little time to do it, you may find yourself becoming burnt out from long periods of engaging in tasks. The good news is, there is a way to help things run a little more efficiently!
Introducing the Pomodoro Technique - your new favourite method for improving the way you work, while supporting your mental health along the way! Never heard of it or not quite sure how it could help you? Read on for all the information you need on the Pomodoro Technique and how it could help you better yourself and, ultimately, your small business.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
Invented by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique has helped millions of individuals to manage their time and improve their focus and productivity. Developed by Cirillo as a university student, while he was searching for ways to make better use of his time, the idea struck him while studying. Pomodoro – “tomato” in Italian - represents an effective way to boost focus when working.
For individuals with ADHD or those who struggle with concentrating on tasks for an extended period (especially the less exciting ones!), the Pomodoro technique can be an excellent method to keep you on track, helping you to not only work smarter but also feel better. So, how exactly does it work?
DID YOU KNOW?
When Francesco Cirillo was developing the Pomodoro Technique, he used a timer from his kitchen that he had handy. That timer just happened to be a tomato! You never really know when inspiration will strike!
How does the Pomodoro Technique work?
Pomodoro breaks your time up into dedicated chunks; 25 minutes of focused work with minimal distractions, followed by 5 minutes of rest. These structured periods help prevent burnout and encourage healthy working habits to keep you engaged in the task at hand.
With one goal set per cycle, this pattern should be continued for as long as needed. However, after 3 cycles of the 25/5, you’re encouraged to take a longer break for best results, depending on circumstances. During these breaks, consider activities that focus on mental wellbeing such as being outdoors enjoying some fresh air, having a cuppa, or chatting with friends or colleagues.
Although the technique wasn’t developed with any specific brain science in mind, it does draw on findings from studies on the attention span and the benefits of structured work and rest periods. This makes it ideal for those days when you’re feeling overwhelmed or distracted – or maybe you just need some discipline to finally get that lingering task off your to-do-list.
What are the benefits of using the Pomodoro Technique?
As a small business owner, you may feel stress from the pressure of deadlines when doing it alone. Pomodoro could help you combat that stress and more. Let’s find out what it can do for you:
Supports your mental and physical wellness
By forcing you to take a break every 25 mins, this technique ensures you’re prioritising your wellbeing. By encouraging a walk around the garden or even enjoying five minutes on TikTok, you’re more likely to end the day feeling relaxed and energised.
Raises the quality of work you produce
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or the pressure of a looming deadline, you may find yourself rushing through the task at hand. This could lead to more frequent mistakes being made, or the work you produce being of lower quality than usual. Pomodoro can help keep you focused to produce your best!
Improves productivity by eliminating distractions
Distractions are everywhere, but luckily Pomodoro could help. For example, is your group chat blowing up with messages? It’s okay, just two more minutes of focus left before you can take a break and dive into the message thread. The technique helps you separate the two states – work vs rest.
Helps enforce healthy habits into your daily work-life
At first, introducing the Pomodoro technique to your routine might feel like a task in itself but, after a few sessions, you’ll fall into the habit of doing it when needed. Adding it to your daily routine can be a huge benefit to your mental health!
Need some advice on how to stay relaxed at work? Check out our article here.
Tips for implementing Pomodoro
Check out our top tips for adding the Pomodoro Technique into your day:
Download a Pomodoro app
There are many great options available for free or for a small fee to help you manage your cycles when practising Pomodoro. Browse your app store to find the best fit for you.
Use a traditional timer
Although analogue timers have fallen out of style, having a more traditional timer like a dial-based timer could help you stay focused without relying on technology which can be distracting.
Clear your workspace
Having a clean and organised workspace can be more helpful than you may realise. Always ensure your environment is as clutter free and calming as possible for the best possible workday.
Listen to music
According to Science Direct, music can help your brain absorb and interpret new information more easily as it activates the right and left side of your brain simultaneously.
Don’t be afraid to switch it up
We’re all unique, so you may find that the rules of the Pomodoro Technique don’t specifically fit your needs, but the general idea is of interest to you. If that sounds like you, don’t be afraid to adapt it to suit how you work!
DID YOU KNOW?
Studies suggest that cluttered spaces can negatively impact focus and productivity by making it harder for the brain to process information and increasing mental fatigue.
It’s over to you
Now that you’ve learned everything you need to know about the Pomodoro Technique, you’re ready to give it a go! Remember, your mental wellness should be a priority, and Pomodoro is ready to support you. You know you can do it.
Set your goals
Now you know the HOW, let’s talk about the WHAT. Learn all about setting SMART goal setting and smash those goals for your small business.
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