Here's how it works: pick a task to work on.

Work for 25 minutes

If anything tries to interrupt you, don't let it. Write it down if it's a thing you need to do later. If you let something distract you, you have to reset the timer. Focused work is important.

When the timer rings, you get a little tomato that you can assign to one of your intentions, to track your progress.

Then...

Take a break for 5 minutes

Actually take a break! Even if you're right in the middle of something! Being in the middle means it's exciting to come back, unlike if you break when you're stuck, and then it's tough to come back.

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When the break timer ends, start another 25 minute work timer. Repeat. Every 4 or so, maybe, take a 20 minute break.

To learn more about the Pomodoro Technique, go to pomodorotechnique.com.

There's no pausing the pomodoro timer. If you want a timer you can pause, try the Hourglass.

This timer is a bit more flexible than the Pomodoro timer. You can click on the displayed time (or use the y hotkey) to adjust the time remaining at any time.

You can also pause the timer!

After you've worked for a period of time, you'll get a little pile of sand that you can assign to one of your intentions, to track your progress.

Unlike the pomodoro timer, where you have to reach the end, if you stop the hourglass timer midway, you still get credit for the time you did work.

The hourglass timer also allows you to rate how focused you were. Here's what a 40%-focused sandpile looks like: