How I use the Pomodoro Technique at Home

October 30, 2024January 11, 2025
by Jessica Whitney

Productivity and time management tips are not just for working men and women! I love these tips on how to use the Pomodoro technique for moms. This is a tool I use ALL the time to help me focus and stop getting easily distracted.

If you don’t know what the pomodoro technique is, you’re in the right place!

I’ll talk about some really actionable ways to use this tool to create a sense of urgency as a mom to have more time to focus on what’s actually most important for you.

Original Post 11/20/22. Updated.

What is the Pomodoro technique?

The Pomodoro technique is a method of using a timer to focus on a specific task. Here is a great summary of the history if you want to learn more about it. It was originally based on the actual Tomato kitchen timer (a Pomodoro).

For me as a mom, it is a technique I use to beat procrastination and focus better. I’m less easily distracted and actually feel like I get tasks done when I use the Pomodoro technique.

What are the benefits of the Pomodoro technique?

I personally think they are SO many benefits of the Pomodoro technique. It allows me to focus on an activity for a shorter amount of time so that I can actually focus on it and complete it. It encourage me to focus on the activity rather than multitasking or procrastinating which are both counterproductive.

Here are some other benefits:

Helps you keep track of time
Helps you focus
Stops small interruptions (I ignore my phone while my timer is going)
Prevents burnout
Motivates you

One in particular I want to talk about is burnout. I don’t know about you, but once I get into a groove I often don’t want to take a break. But this also means that I am more likely to burnout! I go go go and then have zero energy to enjoy my kids later. Or, I go go go, and never give my brain time to think and process what’s going on. This causes me to forget things, carry unnecessary stress, and even have trouble falling asleep because that’s the first time I have to think.

Using this technique has really helped me feel more unaccomplished about my day and also helped me avoid long-term burnout because I’m forced to take a break.

This technique is just ONE in my tool belt to help me stop stressing and actually feel like I can get it all done!

Who is the Pomodoro technique for?

The Pomodoro technique is perfect for those people who are easily distracted by little things.

But it is also a great tool for those whose work is never ending (aka all moms). If you have tasks like cleaning, tidying, decluttering, studying, writing, working on the yard, these tasks are never ending, and it can feel like you will NEVER finish. Using the Pomodoro technique allows you to break down complex/big projects into smaller tasks and recognize that you are ACTUALLY getting things done and don’t have to work forever. You can SEE that you worked for 25 minutes straight.

The Pomodoro technique is also great for perfectionists/highly motivated moms who overestimate how much they can get done in a day. This is totally me. At the end of the day I can get frustrated when my to-do list is still a mile long. However, when I use this technique, I focus on what’s most important and I know in my head that I worked diligently during the time I had available. My mindset shifts!

How is the Pomodoro technique helpful for moms?

I don’t know about you, but as a stay at home mom, I feel like I’m constantly being interrupted. The kids need something. I get a text. I start doing the dishes. I get distracted with laundry. I remember I need to order new diapers. The endless onslaught of information is exhausting.

By the end of the day, I’m not sure what I even did that day.

There are two main benefits I see for moms (well, really anyone but this post is mostly about moms and how to beat mom brain!)

The Pomodoro technique really helps me focus on one task at a time.

I set the timer and I avoid answering the phone or texts during that time. I let the kids know I’m working for 15 more minutes and ask them to wait patiently.

Helps me avoid procrastination.

When I am tired it is so easy to just want to sit down and not do anything. Then I open Instagram and suddenly my 30 minutes to prep dinner is gone and I’m scrambling.

Using the Pomodoro technique helps me avoid procrastination and have better time management and task management. Often times, I actually realize something took WAY less time than I originally imagined. I was able to focus and also feel like I was true to myself and what I wanted to do. My brain is hit with all sorts of happy chemicals congratulating myself that I did and completed a task well!

There are two key parts to the technique.

The work segment – the first part of the technique is the work segment. This is where you pick an activity to focus on for a set amount of time. You don’t do anything else until the timer goes off.

The rest segment – this is a built-in rest that allows your brain to relax and for you to reward yourself for a small amount of time, so that you can be more productive during the next work cycle.

Whatever you do, do NOT skip the rest segment. Below I give you some ideas on what to do during the breaks. Highly recommend walking away from the screen and not looking at your phone!

Example Pomodoro Schedules for Moms

This is what a Pomodoro schedule looks like:

25 mins: Work
5 mins: Rest, meditation, go outside
25 mins: Work
15 mins: Rest
25 mins: Work
5 mins: Rest
25 mins: Work

Here is an example schedule for stay at home moms trying to clean the house:

25 mins: Clean the kitchen
5 mins: Go in the backyard and take a few deep breaths
25 mins: Read books and practice preschool activities with young ones
15 mins: Take a rest doing something fun like reading a book or going outside
25 mins: Fold towels and organize the linen closet
5 mins: Take a break and rest
25 mins: Tidy the kitchen and meal prep

Here is an example schedule for moms working from home:

25 mins: Work on a project.
5 mins: Go in the backyard and take a few deep breaths
25 mins: Check e-mail.
15 mins: Take a rest doing something fun like reading a book or going outside
25 mins: Work on project 2.
5 mins: Take a break and rest
25 mins: Work on project 3.

Here is an example schedule a morning routine:

25 mins: Put away dishes and make coffee/breakfast
5 mins: Drink your coffee in peace and quiet
25 mins: Read your Bible and write in a journal
15 mins: Medidate/pray
25 mins: Get dressed/ready for the day and make lunch
5 mins: Take a break and rest
25 mins: Pick one activity from your to do list for the day

You Might Also Like: Morning Routine Ideas for Stay at Home Moms

Looking for an evening routine idea? Here’s a thought:

25 mins: Go through mail and put away school/work items.
5 mins: Take a few moments to breathe and reflect on the day
25 mins: Prep-dinner and get in the oven.
15 mins: Stretch or go for a short walk.
25 mins: Eat dinner as a family.
5 mins: Take a break and rest
25 mins: Clean-up the kitchen and have others do evening chores.

Afterschool schedule before dinner:

25 mins: Go through mail and declutter the kitchen area
5 mins: Take a few moments to breathe and reflect on the day
25 mins: Read a book or work on a project
15 mins: Stretch or go for a walk
25 mins: Prep-dinner
5 mins: Take a break and rest
25 mins: Eat dinner together as a family

What to do during the break of the Pomodoro Technique?

Here are a few ideas for your 5 minute break:

Try to stay off your phone
- Don’t be tempted to scroll thru social media or watch a partial episode on Netflix. Let your brain fully relax. When you look at your screen, the lights activate your brain and do not allow it to rest.
Meditate/pray
Read a book
Go for a walk
Stand outside on the porch
Take deep breaths
Quick yoga session
Do some squats or other functional work
Stretch
Watch the clouds through the window (there’s science showing nature is important to relax your brain!)
Drink water

The last thing I’ll say about the Pomodoro technique

Use it for fun, or use it for work, either way, it’s an effective tool to stay focused on what’s most important to you! Break down your tasks into little bite sized chunks and give yourself a break mama! You got this!