What is a Pomodoro and How Can it Help with ADHD?

[@omallbm05]

I’ve literally just started using this for studying in vet school. It is so helpful because I can tell my brain we can do the distracting thing once the timer goes off!

[@thispenguinisflying]

Wooo you're in vet school? Props on getting there with ADHD, that's a huge achievement!!

[@thispenguinisflying]

Thank you for the like! I'm still struggling to get diagnosed (forms and emails and things are overwhelming, who knew?) but I'm slowly getting there and your videos have been immensly helpful! Totally my favourite YT channel :D

[@prettygay]

I used to do that when I was around 12 and I haven't done it in years now, but I have a feeling it might not be as effective as it was 6 years ago

[@prettygay]

@@thispenguinisflying I feel you. I wanted to go see someone and get tested on ADHD back in March of last year, but then Corona hit and I laid it off, telling myself that it is unnecessary to go have a look in a pandemic and I still haven't done anything. Also I am very afraid that I'm left with a diagnosis that tells me, I don't have ADHD and yeah idk

[@thispenguinisflying]

@@prettygay Wow absolutely same. I'm so scared that I'll get a "what no you don't have ADHD and you don't get any support for what you're struggling with either" because - then what do I do? I need to bite the bullet and try, though! Got to say though, if what you think might be undiagnosed ADHD is having a big effect on your life and you're struggling, that is definitely a valid reason to go to a doctor, even in a pandemic. My doctor's is doing phone appointments as standard and has even found that way fewer people are booking appointments, so I wouldn't be putting anyone at risk - it may be the same for you?

[@tanyabrayer]

I'm definitely a "start one to get into a flow state then ignore the timer when it goes off" kind of girl.

[@jessicasharpe1925]

Yep. The hyperfocus. Once you get started and you’re actually concentrating you keep going

[@tanyabrayer]

@@jessicasharpe1925 Exactly! Now I just have to figure how to actually take the break. :D

[@deprofundis3293]

Yeah, I'm the same way. Only problem is that I think it means I'm not properly rewarding myself for the work I'm doing, and reinforcing that might make starting work easier. Hm. I'll have to try it a few different ways perhaps...but I'm always curious to hear about other's experiences with it who also have ADHD!

[@katcompanioni4042]

Yesss

[@tanyabrayer]

@@deprofundis3293 That's such an interesting idea -- that the reward isn't compelling enough to initiate the work, or in my case the break. Have you tested or found anything that seems promising yet?

[@Lia-ve3xk]

I tend to find it easier to start with a break than to start with work. If I know starting a pomodoro means I have to work now, I will just procrastinate on starting the pomodoro. Starting with a break means I won't procrastinate because why would anyone NOT like to take a break? But once the 5-10 minutes are over, I know I have to start right now, because my break is over and also there is that annoying alarm and I am only allowed to turn it off once I start working :D

[@TempestuousInquiry]

Absolutely! My brain works in a very similar way 😅

[@shibasandshelves]

This is genius and I'm going to try it. I already regularly use pomodoro but I always find starting the first one is the hardest part.

[@girlblurrred]

I love the idea that you can only turn the alarm off when you start working, i'm going to try it!!

[@toobossforchuck]

!!! brilliant!! will hopefully remember to try this

[@sweetpeabee4983]

Oh! I love this!! I'm...mildly concerned that I'll just hit infinite snooze lol, but I'm optimistic rn. 😊 thanks for the suggestion!

[@salo6724]

"You leave them alone" ... I feel personally attacked, I'm struggling with boundaries with my flatmate/best friend so I definitely have interrupted her during a pomodoro in the past...

[@HowtoADHD]

I have too. It takes practice

[@Galactic_Centre]

Confession time: I didn't watch this video at first for fear of feeling ashamed; I tried 'regular' 20 minute pomodoros, and failed. Finding out lots of brains adapt the system and you can do 10 minute pomodoros was a revelation! Thank you so much!

[@snm5207]

I had to start doing dishes in 5 minute increments because I couldn’t stay in task and I’d get so frustrated and upset about it. So now I do them 5 minutes at a time which just feels silly yet it is doable on some days.

[@AlishaPeisha]

Yes, 20 minutes is hard for me too because I forget what I was doing.

[@AlishaPeisha]

​@snm5207 that's great! We have to be creative and flexible!

[@carolyndeemer4518]

I wonder if it would work to start with a short chunk and gradually adjust it up to a longer period as our brains and bodies adjust to the method…?

[@thateuphonium4350]

"what is a Pomodoro?" me: TOMATO

[@hhhieronymusbotch]

Let's call the whole thing off 🎵

[@geoffcarter8775]

I thought it was a cheese lol

[@mariee.5912]

🤣🤣

[@BoogieBoogsForever]

Haha me too

[@blazingglory4207]

Lolol same!!

[@historiansrevolt4333]

Yet another technique I've used without having a name for it. I wouldn't have gotten through school without it. Need to bring it back for work from home focusing.

[@kai-ryanmccall6254]

We love and appreciate you, Jessica 💚💚💚

[@katselesnya]

I time my pomodoros with music for tasks like cleaning or dishes. "I'll work on this until I've listened to X number of songs" is a great way to get myself going, and then when the break comes I can either stop or keep going if my mood says keep going.

[@KellieSuePeters]

My mom and aunt used to do that when I was a kid: Mom Elvis and Beatles. Aunt Led Zeppelin and The Stones and they’d clean as fast as they could. So I do the same. I’m glad you shared this!! I’m gonna re-start it!

[@sparksbet]

with kitchen tasks, I've found podcasts super helpful for this. "I'll wash dishes for one episode of this podcast and then I'll take a break" is way more manageable than just endless dishwashing, and the podcast keeps me from dying of boredom during the tedious task.

[@katselesnya]

@@sparksbet I rarely have room on my drying rack for 1 hour of dishes which is why I go for music lol

[@ThatOneLadyOverHere]

That would also help with the wandering attention as well so you stay focused better! Great idea, though I might use KZbin videos instead...

[@jkmhlewis]

I do the same thing!!

[@erinjohnson8946]

Turns out I've been using this technique to keep my house clean - 15 minutes a day. Doesn't matter the room, as long as it is cleaning only! This has really helped to keep clutter down and doesn't feel like a big deal.

[@ciarajohnson5785]

This comment is so helpful!!!

[@sarahrobargemassagetherapy7592]

Thank you so much for adding in the "Reverse Pomodoro" technique. There are certain tasks that I find nearly impossible to start or focus on but are really important. The hardest ones are usually things I do for self-care, like meditating or journal writing. My Reverse Pomodoros can look like working for 3-5 minutes and taking long 20-30 minute breaks. When looking on message boards, I felt incredibly inferior to Brains able to focus for much longer. I really felt like such a loser, even though these Reverse Pomodoros worked for me. Thank you so much for letting me know my system, which works for me, is just as valid. I have tears in my eyes thinking I'm the least worthy Brain in the bunch.

[@Briiiii23]

No brain is unworthy. We are each, just different in kind. ❤️

[@pegasusquilts]

THANK GOODNESS THERE'S Somebody HERE WHO THINKS MEDITATING IS A TASK, NOT A Break!

[@amberpdavis]

No brain is a bad brain ❤️🧠 if you find something that works for you, please don’t feel ashamed. You’ve made that progress and fought that battle! You’re doing it!

[@VibeZilly]

@@Briiiii23I’m making this a meme and home poster, in tears 🥹 Ty ❤🥰🥰🥰

[@deluxturtle]

I had no idea I was supposed to write down the ideas that pop in my head. nobody told me that!

[@HowtoADHD]

Eric Tivers from ADHD ReWired taught me that one :) He calls it the "parking lot." Makes it easier to keep working :)

[@MrCheminee]

@@HowtoADHD It's a great technique, it works for almost everything, not just tasks, but also distracting thoughts in general.

[@mariezguitar5029]

@How to ADHD “Parking lot “ sounds friendlier than “brain dump”, but it’s definitely a great way to get it out of your head and make space for what you need to do!

[@cz1121]

But don't just write it on a paper. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Get yourself a notebook (maybe a bullett journal), so you know where to find your ideas

[@dpilcher]

@@HowtoADHD Seems like a great way to incorporate the bullet journal.

[@therockmannorl]

The 'reverse' Pomodoro was so important to hear. I've been put off of doing pomodoros because sometimes more work time than break time just makes me anxious and angry. Hearing that it's ok to take a longer time on a break than work is great and I really appreciate 'getting permission' to do it! Thank you Jessica!

[@stephy9930]

I love how this popped up whilst preparing for my last exam of the semester and I just HAD to click immediately 😂 I never take a lot of breaks from studying, just when there is something I truly need to do, like tutoring or going to work or use the restroom or something. It does make me feel a little burned out after a while, which makes it harder to start, but experience has taught me that once I take a break I tend to forget that I wasn't finished. So now I continue until I'm actually done for the day, or as it turns out until a How to ADHD video pops up 😅

[@lrose5522]

That's honestly how I've done things too. It doesn't help that I start things at the last minute too, so time is limited as well rip

[@stephy9930]

@@lrose5522 I used to be like that... and then I decided to combine college with a part-time job, tutoring and partial self-employment. Now I have literally zero time to procrastinate, because I know that if I don't finish something today I won't have time to do it before the deadline. Funnily enough this has resulted in everyone around me thinking I'm super organised and great with timemanagement when in reality I'm way too chaotic to plan anything well.

[@ThatOneLadyOverHere]

That's why you set a timer for your break. One of the other comments said they aren't allowed to turn off the annoying alarm until they start working so that they actually start working and don't get distracted again.

[@ptw9993]

I watch your videos instead of what I need to get done.

[@HowtoADHD]

...oops

[@Briiiii23]

Same

[@abyss732]

Omg me too but her videos helped me in different things get done and make myself feel better though 😂😅

[@mksisters9534]

I clicked sooo fast lol Edit: Your awwweeesome! I love your channel because it makes me feel like I'm not alone in this world.

[@HowtoADHD]

Aw thank you!! And yeah you're not, lots of us brains here...:)

[@mksisters9534]

@@HowtoADHD :))))))

[@hermesial]

i didnt know there was a real name for this! my friends and i call them "sprints," actually. we use it a lot for writing, especially first drafts, and at the end of the sprint we compare word counts to see who got the most done. a pomodoro + a competitive spirit = essays, chapters, and notes getting written a lot faster, haha

[@blackhoundSSC]

It's called Sprints in Scrum methodology, a way of working. I learnt it for programming but I think it can be used un many enterprise-esque things

[@sweetfreeze5528]

I love that you also use body doubling with this. By comparing with other people, it makes you more likely to stay focused and on task during that time 😊

[@abbskebabs6288]

Hahahah I literally searched "pomodoro technique" on KZbin as I got the notification for this.

[@HowtoADHD]

Okay that is really cool :D

[@coena9377]

I’ve never found these to work too well for me. I have trouble taking short breaks than restarting with something I don’t want to do, interrupts my flow. Sometimes I find it easier to plow through 2 hours of homework without break than walk away for the day, other times it’ll be 1 hour intervals with breaks of “whenever I feel ready to start again” (sometimes 20 min, sometimes 6 hours) in between. I usually do other stuff during those “breaks”. If I’m hyper focused and want to make sure I don’t neglect self care, I’ll set two timers, usually about 20 minutes apart. The first tells me to start wrapping up whatever I’m doing, the second tells me I have to stop, I usually can find a good stopping point between the two.

[@evanhuntley]

I struggle with finding things to fill my breaks that aren’t rabbit holes leading me away from working (like my phone)...

[@taylorbritt499]

One way you could counteract this is using a physical kitchen timer and having a non-tech based break activity. This could be doing a coloring page, working on an art project, practicing an instrument, anything that isn't on your phone but is still fun and relaxing!

[@95awesomenes]

I’ve been using this method since last week and lemme tell ya, my productivity lvl skyrocketed. I play a white noise track on Spotify and play a pomodoro timer on KZbin. I put my phone away and I immediately start doing my work. I felt unmotivated at first, but still did some work even if it was a little. Two days ago I was able to finish 3 weeks of homework in 4 hours.

[@KatrinaEames]

I didn't know there was a word for what this is - this is literally how my family used to get me to do chores as a kid and I adapted it in college to help me focus on studying.

[@humairahkazi2459]

I'm 12 and I just started using this method today it works so well the only problem is that I usually stretch my break out so I can fit in more videos from this channel. I LOVE YOU JESSICA!!!♥️♥️♥️THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@myaimagines5475]

My ADHD has never been as bad as it is now and your videos have helped me (and my mom, who is trying really hard to understand) so much

[@alaaranga2765]

Since we're sharing tips, if the work is dividable into questions/lines/paragraphs set a limited time for each one, and reset it when you finish. Goal is not to let the timer tick off.

[@imagineme9233]

I really need to get a separate timer to do this! I always try and set timers on my phone, then when they go off I accidentally get lost in my phone and when I resurface, it's an hour later and I can't get back into the thing I was doing earlier...

[@NielMalan]

A mechanical timer is best for me.

[@ThelPic]

Exactly! For this reason I am looking for an app that manages the timer on my mi band

[@rebeccafrazier4047]

Literally did this naturally and didn’t know it was a real thing!! I love Jessica and the super friendly videos.

[@toobossforchuck]

Whoa!! I had never thought to use pomodoros while doing something fun to remember to take a break. That is genius

[@limalicious]

I've been doing this technique for years for myself and use it at work with my students. I also started keeping an on-going list from tasks that pop up during my break, and I put up a dry erase board over my desk. I have my list sorted by task type with a legend for different symbols I use. Some get two symbols. - Do Today (Major Heading) + Nonessential/Want To Do (Major Heading) * Difficult location (under the bed, top of the closet) e Errand d Donate/Dispose o Online task (must be for set work times only because of easy distraction) p Paperwork T Tech (Computer, Tablet, Phone issue) I have thirteen tasks on my list right now, but I finished TEN tasks and added six tasks in the last week.

[@LeTushie]

This sounds like how I used to write papers for school lol. I would do a 20-30 minute timer where I have to work, and a 20-30 minute timer in between where I get to nap. I say nap because it’s usually the night of the deadline day, so do not recommend, but do recommend the practice minus the procrastination

[@Inuyasha0018]

I do this with my 9yr old son! It has been the MOST successful way of keeping him on task.. it’s not PERFECT but it works! We use Google to set timers, with breaks in between.. we break down the task into smaller pieces to make less overwhelming. For myself I will use a phone call and put earbuds in while I do the task.. or I play videos while doing tasks such as dishes or laundry.. my brain is entertained while my body does the task ☺️

[@sockpuppetqueen]

I know this works for a lot of people, but ooooof this doesn't work for me. Starting my work and task switching are two of the things I have the hardest time with, so doing short chunks of works with breaks just ends with me never going back to my actual task. Plus, when a fun break is imminent, I get distracted just by thinking about how much I would rather be doing the fun thing, lol. I need to just forget there are any options out there BESIDES slamming out my work. It always kinda blows my mind how different ADHD can be for different people, because obviously pomodoros work really well for lots of people, but then for me it's this huge disaster.

[@AM-tl1xi]

I’m exactly like this. It takes me a while to find a good rhythm, especially when studying. And even when tidying sometimes.

[@die_eulin_und_der_mond2434]

@@AM-tl1xi Same for me…on bad days I need up to 1,5 hours to get into the working flow. From that point what I’m doing is actually starting to be productive! And that’s on the days I managed to at least START the work!! 🙈 but hey, if I can enter the productive-flow-phase I’m in, baby!! 😎🤪 I swear, the amount of extra time that needs to be planned on a normal day of an ADHD Brain is insane!! 🙈

[@emilysutton4971]

First week back to school in 3 years! Let’s do this!!! 😁

[@user-wc6jw6hb8z]

Good luck!! Proud of you :) I'm trying to work up the courage to go back to school!

[@emilysutton4971]

Nicole l you can do it!!!!!!

[@emilysutton4971]

And thank you!!!

[@user-wc6jw6hb8z]

@@emilysutton4971 thank you!!

[@sociallyawekward4978]

I’ve been unknowingly using this technique, especially at the beginning of quarantine! I like it for a lot of the reasons mentioned in the video keeping focus, knowing when to take breaks, etc. One big reason is that it gives me a sense of time. I am especially time blind when I am focused on a task and having a timer go off let’s me know how long I have been working and check in on myself. If I know I’ve been studying for 4 hours total, then I don’t need to feel guilty for not doing more, and can just relax. It gives me a clear start and end to a task and keeps me from overworking myself.

[@josephrogers146226]

Love it keep them coming! You have changed my life for the better. I cant thank you enough

[@joeyfrost5248]

I started using them today for work in intervals of 30 minutes for working and 10 minutes for breaks. I'm a teacher and most of my work is done digitally. My vision easily tires out but it does so faster while I'm stuck to the computer so I use half my break for bathroom and water breaks and the other half to rest my vision a little. Working wonders so far!

[@alexisflory6496]

I've been needing this chanel. Doesn't even have to be just for ADHD symptoms, the stuff you go over works for other types of neurodivergence as well. Especially when it comes to motivation, since that is a thing I struggle with (ADHD and depression and who knows which feeds the other).

[@TashJansson]

I have so much trouble with starting tasks, so now when I come home after work, I put on the kettle, and for the time it takes for the water to boil, I clean. It's usually around 4 minutes, but that time is just enough to vacuum the floors or to do the dishes. For those few minutes I become highly efficent, and then I can feel free of having the nagging feelings until the following day.

[@dailydoseofmedicinee]

The Pomodoro Technique helps you resist all of those self-interruptions and re-train your brains to focus. Each pomodoro is dedicated to one task and each break is a chance to reset and bring your attention back to what you should be working on.✔

[@chadwickpainter8212]

Okay, I've watched a few of your videos now and I'm impressed. The music even speaks to me. It blends right into the three other songs I have playing in my head already. I like what you have done with your channel. Thanks 😊

[@hayleyl9396]

Timing is everything! I was just sitting her thinking about tackling a cleaning task - or tbh procrastinating from tackling a task, when this popped up and reminded me of pomodoros and how very useful it would be RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE. So I'm going to go grab some water, get my timer and get busy.

[@ginarusselhp]

This is so crazy that I’m just finding your channel, I’m in college and just recently found out I have ADHD and THE ONLY thing that has been able to get me to sit down and do work is watching “study with me” pomodoro videos on KZbin for the timer AND the pseudo body double

[@melindadeal9034]

There’s a name for this?! I’m a teacher and used to have the hardest time with unstructured work days. Just recently, I learned to set a timer. Grade for 30 minutes, wiggle for 15. I can actually stay focused because I know there is a set break and planned wiggle time. I started doing this with chores/activities at home. I recently discovered your site. 😮 mind blown. I’ve been getting treatment for anxiety for almost 2 years now. I always joked about having ADHD, and my therapist is pretty sure I do have it. Surprise! She helps me with which coping techniques are working and where I might improve. It reminds me when a “quirk” might be an ADHD symptom. I think I just watched over 2 hours of your videos in one sitting. Whoops. But so much is relatable. Thank you!

[@m7i7lton]

Ok, I made a comment on one of your previous videos asking what you think of Pomodoro, and now I know. Good video! Especially liked that you relayed modifications others had made to the technique

[@Michelle-by9fp]

This has been a lifesaver for my anxiety lately! I forgot that is was called a Pomodoro. I use the timer on my watch and only do 5 minute bursts since that doesn't overwhelm me. I use it to do chores and pick up my house. I commit to 3 rooms/tasks, 5 minutes each, per day. If I feel like going over I let myself a little, but I still time it because I can spend all day on one task. It has made me feel way more productive and less discouraged. It is amazing how cleaned up a room can look with only 5 minutes of work! And I learned that I can load a dishwasher in 5 minutes 😆

[@natasjacecilieveggerby7509]

My work Outlook calender is built around this.. timed slots reserved for specific tasks, and every thing is color coded to help me prioritize - yellow is meetings outside the office, green is meetings inside the office, blue is lunch (very important!) And grey are tasks and reminders i need to do/remember that doesnt involve others

[@qbraos]

One way to add some spice in pomodoro is to use as a mini deadline, so now you don't have a boring task to do while timer doesn't finish, you just have that time running to do that task, it helps my ADHD mind a lot to focus on. I use 32-minute times, for ten minute interval, but the challenge is not to allow the alarm to ring, finish the task or interval before, and start counting again.

[@jaebrown4713]

I deal with chronic pain, it affects pretty much everything. And as a result I often can't do a lot of household chores. Or not for a long sustained period of time. So I've started using reverse pomodoros to help me get stuff done. I set a timer for 10 minutes, generally the longest I can stand at anyone time, and work on chores in a specific room for that 10 minutes. The breaks I take are long and it often takes me a long time to get a room completely done, if I even can, but being able to set aside that ten minutes even 3 times a day helps my mental health because I know I've accomplished something. I also use 30 minute pomodoros when crocheting to remind myself to take a break, stretch, etc which helps my body not hurt -as- badly because I'm not in the same position for hours at a time. Pomodoros are amazing and really help me. I've also found having a timer set in a different room or some place where I have to have to physically move and shut off the timer helps me a lot more than just having the timer next to me.

[@DavidFromOuterSpace]

can confirm. super helpful. only got diagnosed two years ago (thanks to your videos actually) and pomodoro is up there with medication, workout and the bullet journal when it comes to most helpful tools. i tried a lot of pomodoro apps and a lot of them are not really adhd friendly. the one that works best for me is called "Clockwork Tomato" for Android. I have some rules for my pomodoros: 1) flight mode on. 2) no screens on breaks 3) every 3 pomodoros i do a long 20 min break. The small breaks i fill with little work outs: 10 push ups, 1 minute of rope skipping, small meditation, etc. The long breaks are walks around the block. this was a game changer for me. the only thing i struggle with is getting started tho. i can procrastinate the day away before starting. but once im on it, tasks get wrecked left, right and center :D

[@arraine]

Reverse pomodoros are great for my chronically ill body! I get so much less overwhelmed when I build in big blocks of rest between small tasks.

[@brendamaldonado4678]

Always great information and she is such a twinkle eyed and fun presenter!

[@JuliavWesterop]

This technique is amazing, it has helped me study for tests, write essays... LIFE SAVER

[@axelessfern]

The videos you make are really cool! I've learned more on to understand my brain and not work against it causing burn out. You are a great person helping lots!

[@summerreads9529]

I’ve joined one the co-working rooms on the Clubhouse app that combines this pomodoro method, body doubling and lots of encouragement and celebration from the group during the 15 minute breaks. It’s the most helpful ADHD tool I’ve found to help me so far.

[@laurabrandt2362]

This was actually really helpful because I've used pomodoros before to help me get focused, but I've never been able to stick to the schedule of work/break, like once I'm focused I find the break really disruptive, so I always felt like I was "failing" at it. But I guess I don't *have* to follow them strictly, I can use whatever modifications work for me! Also, that tip about writing down the other things you think to do while in the middle of one was 🤯

[@swinxfee]

Personally i do longer pomodoros with longer breaks. The 5 min breaks just arent enough and as soon as i go over that time it just becomes a 2 hour break. So i’d rather have a 15/20 min planned break. Than a 5-180 min break-gone-wrong. Personally i do anything between 40-60 min study sessions (60 if im casually watching lectures which isnt very intense and 40 if im reading difficult material.) the breaks are between 15-30 min depending on if i want to eat or how tired i am. Sometimes. Im in the flow and i’ll just take a 5 min water break and get right back to it. It’s a flexible system and has REALLY helped with procrastinating. There’s no need to put off studying if you know a 30 min break is coming up in which you could watch an entire anime episode for example). It’s been a HUGE GAME CHANGER! I say try it! It may seem unproductive because of the long breaks but you win more time by not procrastinating hours on end. I was hesitant to try it but it has been the most helpful thing this year. One tip: dont go on social media. Do something with a clear starting and end time. Eg dont watch a 30 min youtube video if your break is 20 min. Rather watch a 15 min video (the 5 mins is just transition which we tend to forget xD lol)

[@thegamerstableboardgamesto386]

Jessica, did you know that this is exactly my problem since I started a my home business. I'm wildly busy every day, but struggle to feel accomplishment because I get so focused on one thing that I drift through time doing it. I'm trying hard to take breaks, but stopping let's my anxiety seep in. Yet, the days that I do plan, even just a list, helps me. A friend introduced me to Timeboxing, which is similar, but I like the sound of Pomodoro better. Thanks for the wonderful and timely video.

[@kyo8391]

I bought the cutest fragola (strawberry) kitchen timer from Amazon, along with fidget toys galore. Because of your previous video about this technique. I am shook with how well this works. Once that timer starts I do that one task I was putting off for weeks, only took a couple of minutes. I'm amazed how this little timer is changing my time management. Thank you so much for doing the research you do and sharing your knowledge. Your channel has been slowly changing my life for the better. Please keep up the good work!

[@schemesgoboom994]

Thank you for making our life easier for the past years

[@hayley2862]

This has helped me tremendously. in the past two weeks i have gotten more work done then what I have in a while

[@ResortDog]

A bowl of Romas to throw at distractors is a "pomoderinos" tool.

[@Lafingflower]

BBHAAHAHAHA lol 😆 legit I feel like that..

[@KellieSuePeters]

OMG! Thank you! I’m really glad you said that about “Not taking breaks when they’re in flow” because the breaks - can’t get back on track very well after those. I’m really really struggling with organizing my time. And I found a To-Do list from 6/27/18 today with a bunch of stuff I STILL haven’t done. Important things like renewing my passport. I just have zero sense of time beyond this moment’s emergencies. It makes me wanna jump off a bridge. Like - I won’t - but this shit makes me seriously hate myself.

[@allieknechtel7468]

Wow the perfect timing of this video is UNREAL. I’m a school counseling grad student with ADHD trying to finish a group proposal for middle schoolers with ADHD/LDs (talk about topic-ception). This has been plaguing me for MONTHS just to get it across the finish line, and I’ve been constantly incorporating How to ADHD videos into my project while *attempting* to apply them to myself. 🤪 I was literally trying to synthesize a usable explanation of pomodoros when I got the notification for this video. 🙌🏼 On the off chance you see this - thank you Jessica! Also as a lifelong Seattleite it’s exciting to know you’re in the area! 👋🏼

[@azulsantiagocasados4640]

Love how you make short videos It’s really helpful for me that I can’t watch a video for more than 3 minutes

[@blake62]

I had been familiar with pomodoros/the pomodoro technique, and I had thought it was completely antithetical to adhd brains and then you explained those variations and *someone gets it!* Sometimes the breaks mess with the flow, and it ends up being counterintuitive, sometimes just the idea of designating that time is all I need to get started and then I can keep going--and the reverse pomodoros are actually Something I think I may try as well, given the difficulty I have with switching off enjoyable tasks to take care of myself. A lot of non ADHD brains I know emphasize the importance of the breaks, and while I get their point about avoiding burnout, it doesn't account for adhd things like disrupting flow and such when applicable. This makes me feel less guilty for the fact that sometimes it hurts more than helps. I'm glad it's not just me that has some of these problems with the method!

[@bekahnavarro]

We're taught a similar technique in pain management. On the days you're feeling decent, it's easy to over do it. If you can estimate how long you can do a thing for until you're sore, do it for 80% of that time. Then rest twice as long. Otherwise, you'll end up in bed for a week. It's pretty much the same idea. Try and push your brain too much, and you won't want to try that again.

[@Vanessavvy]

Being honest, I use focus timer, now I know they are called "Pomodoro" in both ways. To keep my brain focused on something I don't want to do, like studying and if I get the flow, will keep on doing so AND with stuff I like doing but might not be good for self care, like social network scrolling. And they help me a lot when I set a minimum goal and despite of not wanting, I am able to achieve just that little. Makes me feel rewarded! 💖

[@livinlern]

I just started a timer to take a break and watch youtube videos then decided see what How to adhd has posted recently. This technique has really helped me before and i decided to get back in the habit of using it regularly.

[@benjodan9069]

I'm an add parent homeschooling my adhd/down syndrome child and we use timers as well....work a while, take a break, work a while, take a break, work a while, take a break. Sometimes, we just keep working when we are into something we're really enjoying.

[@DylonShow]

I JUST STARTED DOING THIS !! I was getting overwhelmed coming up with a way to stay focused and looked up this channel for advice and saw THIS put a name and method to something I was just becoming interested in! My idea: was to set timers like in the sims for things to help me keep track of them. things like brush my teeth? let's do that every 6 hours and restart the timer every time it goes off. exercise? let's set a 30 minute timer and whenever I exercise I unpause the timer to let it count down. when I stop working out, I pause it and continue my day! got some work to do? same idea/the pomadoro!

[@PhoenyxAshe]

I remember you mentioning this before, and I really like the concept. I'm currently working on, for lack of a better term at the moment, calibrating the best focus/break balance for me. I should also note that for some of us, there is going to be an additional component or two. For me, it's physical stamina. I am in... let's just say that I am not in shape. So my pomodoro balance for physical activities is going to be different than my not so physical ones. If I'm sculpting at my table or working on the computer, my focus times are going to be longer than my breaks. Doing the dishes or laundry and so on, that's going to be reversed... at least until get back up to speed again. Someone else might have the opposite work out better for them, and that works too.

[@rdc5182]

I am fairly new to your channel. I am sixty four years old 🧓 retired and attempting to learn Tagalog while trying to remain active with exercise and reading. You my friend have just taught an old dog a new trick. Thank you young person. "Out of the mouth of babes" (Psalms 8:2 & Mathew 21:16). Thank You.... Respectfully

[@requiem5995]

I've never heard about that😮 I'm definitely doing that now!!!

[@carolmaciel2908]

I highly recommend an app called Focus To-do, I've been using it for more than a year now and it's really helping with my ADHD! I use it not only to focus and organize tasks but also to track the time I take to do a certain task so I know how much pomodoros I need to finish it next time. It really helped me to create a better sense of time and to tell clients how much time I'll take to finish a job and how to properly charge for it! Now I kind of calculate time by pomodoros instead of hours/minutes haha I have a much better notion of time, so it's worth the trying!

[@TempestuousInquiry]

I researched the Pomodoro technique in the past and thought it would be helpful for me as well, but it was so daunting to even imagine doing a task for 25 mins with such a small break (in my brain's perspective) because I get tired/overwhelmed easily. I've also been using the reverse method where I flip the amount of time, but I started feeling a bit of shame for feeling like I was "cheating" the system. It's very validating to hear that others use the method this way as well and that it works for them! ♥

[@kristenkaiser9635]

LOVE THIS! I've used Pomodoro's before but they never really clicked with my brain. Learning about more ADHD friendly modifications is exactly what I needed. I'd love to see more videos like this where you take productivity hacks that work for neurotypical people and give them an ADHD spin. I love watching videos like what Thomas Frank puts out but I often finish one of his videos and think "That's a great idea.... too bad I'm never going to do it" 😋

[@88QueenOfHearts]

I use them to help me through the boring parts of my novel writing. Coming up with plots and writing them is fun and exciting. But lelinking it all together for me is blah, blah, blah. I also use them in similar ways. Like learning piano and harmonica was great in the beginning but now I have to work at it to improve. Thanks for the videos. The tips have helped me find a way to go through rather than avoid issues I've been struggling with. I've had book ideas for 12 years and only just started getting them to completion. Had no idea my poor memory, restlessness and inattention could possibly be explained. Though my doctor I learned dyslexia is likely involved too. It's such a relief to know after struggling for so long that there is a reason and I'm not just going crazy.

[@nerdyyetclassy]

thank you for talking about the variants of Pomodoro method because I've been feeling a lot of stress for not doing it properly but now I know there isn't a "proper" way

[@rennie5693]

omg i kept seeing your videos on my reccommended and i was really worried you stopped posting!! thank you for this, i've reecntly started using pomodoro a while ago but i didn't realize how flexible it was!!!

[@kilumbata]

I've had great use of what I call an escalating pomodoro. Some days, 20 minutes of studying feels like a lot. Some days even 10 minutes of studying feels like a lot, but I also know that once I get started I'll get into it at it start to feel nice. So I start the clock at 5 minutes and then adds a bit with after each break. I also have a rule with myself, that if I still don't feel motivated to study after the first break, I'm allowed to stay on 5 minutes for a bit. It's probably not the same for everyone, but for me it helps a great deal to be able to tell myself that it's just 5 minutes.

[@sophiewhite2880]

I do this, it’s been very beneficial! I do 20/25 minutes 5/10 minutes for studying

[@frankkylou]

My friends and I (all with adhd lol) have been doing this online together for the last couple months and it's been SUPER effective! Using it with friends is all the benefits of solo tomato-ing PLUS peer encouragement. Highly recommend!

[@jayanimations494]

Simply putting “break” shortest as possible as a reminder to stay focus and help me get out of a hyper focus state

[@DaniBunnyOfDoom]

I love using Poms for stuff. I use them at work and when studying a lot and totally get the "skip the break when you get in the flow" thing. That's exactly how my brain works!

[@AllOfMyLoveTess]

I've been enjoying pomodoro streams on Twitch lately. A friend started one and it's been so helpful to keep myself on track most of the week

[@katetoolate234]

Pomodoros definitely helped me get through college! I don't use them as much these days, but it's still very useful! (I also use the Forest app sometimes as sort of a pomodoro too, but I sometimes use a nice ladybug kitchen timer.)

[@kjlindelof2161]

I was officially diagnosed TODAY with ASD and ADHD! I have suspected for a long time and watching your videos helped me understand myself and suspect my diagnosis so I could take it to Doctors. I am now getting treatment!! Thank you, Thank you, thank you!!

[@KellySpoer]

Last year (2020) i started doing this in order to NOT sit around doing nothing all day when I was in lock-down. I didn't even know this was a THING! Now I have a name for it! Thanks!

[@Nenriel]

I use this all the time for endless/overwhelming tasks like laundry and dishes. Another bonus I discovered: it's good practice stopping/restarting tasks so that I can better manage being interrupted

[@ariesaristonego3150]

Thanks a lot Jes for your informative and life changing tips. Greetings from the Philippines.

[@elsafernandez9851]

The fact that this video came up as I was procrastinating and was gonna start a pomodoro 😂😂😂

[@ineedausername9547]

I personally can’t take breaks when I’m doing work or my “5 minute break” turns into an hour, and that’s something I only really figured out in the past few years, since so many times so many different people, including like my parents and doctors have suggested taking taking routine breaks when I’m working. Remember that everyone’s different and this doesn’t work for everybody, and that there’s no shame in that.

[@jayanimations494]

I just like to use it as a loop timer, goes off every 2 minutes to help me get out of a hyper focus state

[@juliarocchio8860]

Thanks for breaking this down! I've been interested in learning about the Pomodoro Technique for a while, and I'm researching it now, for a blog post!

[@miaulink1152]

I love that you ended it with Italian music! A perfect touch :)

[@angelapieper5019]

Coincidentally, I spoke at a CHADD support group meeting last night and talked about this being one of the strategies I use. It helps so much! It's great for non-ADHDers too!

[@beepbeep6500]

Hello! I just got diagnosed with the combined form of ADHD and im so glad i finally have a reason to watch ur vids XD

[@IsthisDan]

I love how you explain self help techniques, thank you.

[@kristinesprunger6416]

There's a word for this thing I've been doing for years! I love learning new words. I'm never been diagnosed with ADHD, and I don't think I have it, but this is an excellent tool for anyone.

[@jairolondono6824]

I bought a kitchen timer thanks to you. I couldn't find the tomato one but it's ok. I was able to read unimterrupted for a few hours. I highly recommend this to you. Even medicates, I still have an attention spam and can lost track of time. The timer helps me control the time and I feel I can be more productive and not feel gulty when I'm relaxing

[@WordsPictures997]

Your videos are always so helpful. This one was particularly cool for me. Currently trying the Pomodoro method and it was super helpful to hear that it's okay to adapt it in ways that work best for me. Also it was really great to find out where it comes from 😁. Thank you Jessica! Thank you How To ADHD team!