Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What's the Pomodoro Method?
- How does the Pomodoro Method work?
- Otto
- Kaizen
- Yellow Tomato
- Tiny Timer
- Habitica Pomodoro SiteKeeper
- Is the Pomodoro method best for procrastination?
- Are Pomodoro Chrome Extensions Best for ADHD?
Introduction
We all struggle with focus, and countless systems have been created to help manage it. One such system is the Pomodoro method, which is popular worldwide. As I write this, I'm using the Pomodoro method to stay focused on this task I need to complete by the end of the day.
With so many Pomodoro apps available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Remember, there’s no single best app for everyone—you need to find the one that works for you. To help with that, I’m going to cut through the clutter and present 5 cool, lesser-known Pomodoro Chrome extensions.
These picks stand out due to their design, unique names, and distinctive features. You've probably heard of extensions like Forest and Marinara, but if you’re looking for something new, check these out.
Here are the quick links to the extensions. If you want more details, keep reading. If not, have a great day!
What's the Pomodoro Method?
I for some reason assumed the Pomodoro technique was a system developed in the Middle Ages. But it turns out that it was created by a guy in the late 80s. Specifically this technique uses a physical timer to split your work into intervals. It highly encourages people to use a physical timer as opposed to a digital timer.
How does the Pomodoro Method work?
Your work time is split into 25-minute intervals called Pomodoros, with 5-minute breaks in between. Each Pomodoro is named after the Italian word for tomato.
For example, if you work for an hour, you'll complete 2 Pomodoro sessions and take 10 minutes of breaks. So, you’d follow this pattern:
- Focus for 25 minutes
- Take a 5-minute break
- Focus for another 25 minutes
- Take another 5-minute break
For longer periods, just double or triple the intervals. Two hours means 4 Pomodoros, three hours means 6 Pomodoros, and so on.
Okay, now let's get to the juicy details.
Otto
I’m biased because I made this, and who wouldn’t want to share their creation? Otto stands out from most Pomodoro timers by incorporating gamification—turning focus into a game. The more you focus, the more rewards you earn, and distractions lead to penalties.
But Otto is more than just a Pomodoro timer. It also includes a built-in website blocker. Here are the main features Otto offers:
- Website Blocking: - Otto allows you to block distracting websites while working. You can add any website to your blocklist, and it will be blocked whenever a Pomodoro timer or task timer is running.
- Task Sessions - With task sessions, you can name and organize your tasks. Unlike Pomodoro sessions, task sessions don't follow a work/break cycle.
But Otto also offers:
-
Autoblock: Blocks sites after a set time to help you stay focused. The free plan includes one autoblock.
-
Nudge: Custom reminders to prompt short focus periods and build productive habits.
Kaizen
Kaizen takes a different approach to Pomodoro timers. While most timers sit in a popup, Kaizen replaces your new tab page. This is perfect for those who often forget to start their timer—having it in your new tab page is a great way to keep focus at the forefront of your mind.
Key Features:
-
Pomodoro Timer: Built-in timer to manage your work and break sessions.
-
Curated Lo-Fi Beats: Enjoy hand-picked lo-fi beats and research-backed music designed to enhance focus.
-
Daily Community Leaderboard: Compete with others and track your productivity on a daily leaderboard.
-
Beautiful Aesthetic Animations: Delight in visually pleasing background animations that enhance your workflow.
Kaizen is an excellent tool if you're looking to achieve a flow state and maintain focus throughout your day.
Yellow Tomato
Yellow Tomato is a straightforward Pomodoro timer, proving that simplicity can be incredibly effective. If you’re looking for a no-frills timer that focuses on the basics, Yellow Tomato is a great choice.
Key Features:
-
Customizable Pomodoro Duration: Set and count the Pomodoro sessions as per your preference.
-
Session Count Display: Keep track of the number of completed Pomodoro timers.
-
Break Time Counter: Monitor your break periods to stay on track.
-
Website Blocking: Block distracting sites by specifying them in the settings.
Tiny Timer
Tiny Timer is another very cute Pomodoro timer. It is quite similar to Otto in that both feature a little companion that accompanies you while you focus.
The mechanism is unique: your study buddy is a cute cat. While you work, the cat sleeps, and when it's time for your break, the cat wakes up.
Features:
-
Adjustable Pomodoro and Break Lengths: Customize the duration of your work and break periods.
-
Millisecond Timer Option: For those who work better under stress, there's an optional millisecond timer.
-
Buddy Visibility Settings: Choose when your study buddy is visible.
-
Timer Visibility Settings: Control when the timer is displayed.
-
Buddy Size Scaling: Adjust the size of your study buddy to fit your screen.
-
Alarm Sound with Volume Settings: Set an alarm sound and adjust the volume to your preference.
Habitica Pomodoro SiteKeeper
Habitaca SiteKeeper works with the popular productivity tool Habitaca. It helps you turn your time-wasting navigation tendencies into rewards.
This is a pretty good one as well since it has an inbuilt website blocker during Pomodoro Sessions. Since it integrates with Habitica, when you visit a blocked page it asks you to pay in gold if you want to visit it.
Here are the features
-
"Pay to Pass" Website Blocker: Website Blocker that plugs into Habitica and limits you from visiting websites that you decide. You can decide to visit these sites by spending Habitica currency, which you'll earn by developing good habits and doing chores.
-
Pomodoro Timer: Including a Pomodoro Timer. You can read about the Pomodoro technique here: https://habitica.fandom.com/wiki/Pomodoro
Is the Pomodoro method best for procrastination?
As with every method, it's about what works for you. There's no one-size-fits-all solution for procrastination. Some people might thrive with Pomodoro, while others might not. But you'll never know if you don't try.
The Pomodoro method forces you to focus on the task at hand. Since 25 minutes is relatively short, there's no dread of waiting for time to pass. It helps you become laser-focused on your tasks, as long as you're mindful of what you're doing.
In short, yes—the Pomodoro method can be a good tool to help with procrastination.
If 25 minutes feels daunting, start with 5 minutes and extend it if you like.
Are Pomodoro Chrome Extensions Best for ADHD?
Yes, especially those that also offer built-in website blocking. If you're scatterbrained like I am, you might find yourself visiting countless websites before starting your task. That's one of the reasons I made Otto—to help with my own disorganization. But you can use any tool you like for that.