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Pomodoro Timer Deep Dive

ADHD-optimized timer settings, break patterns, and productivity tracking.

Overview

The Pomodoro Timer helps you work in focused intervals with regular breaks. Based on the Pomodoro Technique, it’s particularly effective for users with ADHD, executive function challenges, or anyone who struggles with time management.

Who benefits most: Users with ADHD, time blindness, procrastination tendencies, or those who hyperfocus and forget to take breaks.

How the Pomodoro Technique Works

  1. Focus session: Work for a set time (default: 25 minutes)
  2. Short break: Rest briefly (default: 5 minutes)
  3. Repeat: Complete 4 focus sessions
  4. Long break: Take an extended rest (default: 15 minutes)
  5. Cycle: Return to step 1

Why it works:

  • Creates external time structure
  • Makes large tasks feel manageable
  • Prevents burnout from overworking
  • Builds sustainable work habits

All Settings Explained

Duration Settings

SettingRangeDefaultDescription
Focus duration10 - 60 min25 minLength of work session
Short break3 - 15 min5 minBreak after each session
Long break10 - 45 min15 minBreak after completing a cycle
Sessions per cycle2 - 64Focus sessions before long break

Automation Settings

SettingOptionsDefaultDescription
Auto-start breaksOn/OffOnBreak timer starts automatically
Auto-start focusOn/OffOffFocus timer starts after breaks
Auto-pause on idleOn/OffOffPauses if no activity detected

Recommendations:

User TypeAuto-start BreaksAuto-start Focus
ADHD (needs reminders)OnOff (allows choice)
Disciplined workerOnOn
Flexible scheduleOffOff

Notification Settings

SettingOptionsDefault
Sound alertOn/OffOn
Sound volume0 - 100%70%
Sound choiceBell / Chime / Alarm / CustomBell
Browser notificationOn/OffOn
Persistent notificationOn/OffOff

Sound timing:

  • Alert plays when timer completes
  • Optional 1-minute warning before session ends
  • Different sounds for focus-end vs break-end (if enabled)

Display Settings

SettingOptionsDefault
Timer locationPopup only / Floating widget / BothPopup only
Show in badgeOn/OffOn
Badge showsTime remaining / Session numberTime remaining
Widget positionTop-left / Top-right / Bottom-left / Bottom-rightTop-right
Widget sizeSmall / Medium / LargeMedium

Badge display:

  • Shows remaining minutes on the extension icon
  • Changes color based on session type:
    • Red: Focus session
    • Green: Break
    • Blue: Long break

Step-by-Step Setup

Basic Setup

  1. Click AssisT icon in toolbar
  2. Expand Productivity section
  3. Toggle Pomodoro Timer ON
  4. Click Start to begin first session

ADHD-Optimized Setup

  1. Shorter sessions: 15-20 min focus (builds to longer)
  2. Longer breaks: 7-10 min breaks (adequate rest)
  3. Auto-start breaks: On (prevents skipping rest)
  4. Auto-start focus: Off (allows readiness check)
  5. Loud notifications: Ensure alerts are audible
  6. Floating widget: On (constant visibility)

Deep Work Setup

  1. Longer sessions: 45-60 min focus
  2. Standard breaks: 10-15 min
  3. Auto-start breaks: On
  4. Auto-start focus: On (maintain momentum)
  5. Fewer notifications: Prevent interruption during flow

Student Homework Setup

  1. Standard sessions: 25 min focus
  2. Movement breaks: 5-10 min (encourage getting up)
  3. Sessions per subject: Plan 2-3 sessions per subject
  4. Badge display: On (awareness without checking)

Common Use Cases

Breaking Down Large Assignments

Challenge: Paper due, don’t know where to start, feels overwhelming.

Approach:

  1. List assignment parts (research, outline, draft, edit)
  2. Estimate pomodoros needed for each (1 pomodoro = 25 min)
  3. Start first pomodoro on smallest task
  4. Track sessions completed

Example:

  • Research: 3 pomodoros
  • Outline: 1 pomodoro
  • First draft: 4 pomodoros
  • Revision: 2 pomodoros
  • Total: 10 pomodoros (5 hours work + breaks)

Studying for Exams

Challenge: Hours of material, hard to know how long to study.

Approach:

  1. Session 1-2: Review notes
  2. Session 3-4: Practice problems
  3. Long break: Step away completely
  4. Session 5-6: Weak areas focus
  5. Done: No more than 4-6 sessions per study day

Key: Use breaks to let information consolidate.

Managing Hyperfocus

Challenge: Get absorbed in one task, forget time, neglect other responsibilities.

Approach:

  1. Set timer before starting interesting task
  2. Must stop when timer ends (practice this)
  3. During break, check other priorities
  4. Decision point: Continue or switch tasks?
  5. Use the cycle to balance deep and broad work

Working with Time Blindness

Challenge: No internal sense of time passing.

Approach:

  1. Floating widget: Always visible timer
  2. Badge display: Time remaining at a glance
  3. Sound alerts: Clear, impossible to miss
  4. Auto-start everything: Timer provides structure
  5. Start of day: Plan number of pomodoros for each task

Break Activity Recommendations

Short Break Activities (5-10 min)

ActivityBenefit
Stand up and stretchPhysical reset
Get waterHydration, movement
Look out windowEye rest, natural light
Brief walkBlood flow, mental reset
Bathroom breakBasic needs

Avoid during short breaks:

  • Social media (hard to stop)
  • Starting new tasks
  • Complex conversations
  • Eating full meals

Long Break Activities (15-30 min)

ActivityBenefit
Walk outsideFresh air, perspective
Light snackEnergy replenishment
Chat with someoneSocial connection
Light exerciseEnergy boost
MindfulnessMental reset

Tracking and Progress

Session Tracking

The timer tracks:

  • Completed focus sessions
  • Completed breaks
  • Total focus time today
  • Streak (consecutive days using timer)

View stats: Click timer icon → View Statistics

Using Data

  • Aim for consistency: Regular pomodoro counts build habits
  • Notice patterns: Which days are more productive?
  • Adjust timing: If always extending, increase session length

Troubleshooting

Timer Notification Missed

Solutions:

  1. Increase sound volume
  2. Choose more distinct alert sound
  3. Enable browser notifications
  4. Enable persistent notification
  5. Use floating widget (visual reminder)

Can’t Stop When Timer Ends

Solutions:

  1. Practice “just one more minute” → stop anyway
  2. Make stopping easier (save work first)
  3. Set up next task during break
  4. Remember: Respecting the timer builds the habit

Breaks Feel Too Short

Solutions:

  1. Increase short break duration to 7-10 min
  2. Are you actually resting? (Not scrolling phone)
  3. Try more physical break activities
  4. Breaks get easier with practice

Sessions Feel Too Long

Solutions:

  1. Shorten to 15-20 min sessions
  2. Build up gradually (add 5 min per week)
  3. Ensure task is well-defined before starting
  4. Consider if the task is too vague (break it down)

Keep Forgetting to Start Timer

Solutions:

  1. Create a “start timer” ritual
  2. Link to another habit (sit down → start timer)
  3. Put physical reminder on desk
  4. Consider auto-start after breaks

For Educators & Parents

Age-Appropriate Settings

Age GroupFocus TimeShort BreakLong Break
Ages 6-810-15 min5 min15 min
Ages 9-1215-20 min5 min15 min
Ages 13-1520-25 min5-7 min15-20 min
Ages 16+25-30 min5-10 min15-30 min

Introducing the Technique

  1. Week 1: Try 2-3 pomodoros total
  2. Week 2: Build to 4-5 pomodoros
  3. Week 3: Adjust times based on experience
  4. Ongoing: Use for homework and study regularly

For Students with ADHD

  1. Start shorter — 10-15 min builds success
  2. Visible timer — External awareness of time
  3. Strict breaks — Prevent hyperfocus burnout
  4. Movement breaks — Release physical energy
  5. No shame in adjustments — Find what works

Classroom Use

Timer can be used for:

  • Timed writing exercises
  • Independent work periods
  • Group activity timing
  • Test preparation practice