Flowtime: A New Way to Pomodoro

If you are a student or an educator, you likely know about the Pomodoro technique. A system of studying that keeps the brain highly focused through a series of scheduled productive activities and breaks, the Pomodoro method is used by both students and goal-oriented persons. However, with the rise in popularity of this study technique came a surge in criticism. Many felt that they lost their momentum to work once their productivity timer ended. Others felt the need to keep going and did not want to take a break. Flowtime is the solution to this Pomodoro crisis. Similar to our advice in other articles, Flowtime is about making the Pomodoro technique work for the user instead of against them. With that said, let's put this method to the test. 

The Pomodoro Method

To view a full breakdown of this method, check out our other articles on studying techniques! The Pomodoro method is designed to maximize productivity and only requires one tool: a timer. This technique was founded by Francesco Cirillo in 1987 when he was a student at the University. His simple method of 25 minutes for working and 5-minute rest breaks has been adapted and beloved by students worldwide. While productive for many, this technique has been found flawed for others. Some feel they need more time to complete a complex task or that frequent breaks distract them. The Pomodoro technique is a suitable studying method; the truth is far from it. Like brains, each study method is different and designed with the creator's needs in mind. This is why we, as critical thinkers and students, must determine whether these methods are conducive to our studying rhythms and cranial needs. 

The Flowtime Method: 

Also known as Flowmodoro, this method was a modified version of the Pomodoro technique that aimed to adjust the "flow" of studying to meet a more extensive variety of cranial differences. Instead of using a timer to block out a set schedule, students can put their time frames or follow the flow of their brains. To start, students should record their natural study sessions 3-8 times. Record when you start and stop studying and each time you take a break. Recording this for multiple sessions allows students to compare and contrast when they naturally take a break and how long their productive flow sessions are. You can use a spreadsheet to keep track of your start time, flow time, break time, and finish time. This way, you can easily find your mean times, see how many breaks you take, and adjust your studying to work with your flow. The nice part about this method is that you don't even need the timer. Track on a clock all of your time and work with your body and brain to find the best rhythm for you. 

Final Thoughts:

The key distinction between the Pomodoro and Flowtime methods lies in their rigidity. The Pomodoro technique follows a strict 25-minute 'on' and 5-minutes 'off' pattern, while the Flowtime method allows for more flexibility. It encourages users to listen to their bodies and stay in the 'flow' or even take longer breaks if needed. Similar to how chunking breaks down information for easier memorization, the Flowtime method allows you to chunk your time to maximize productivity and flow. The ultimate goal is to find a study method that harmonizes with your brain's natural rhythm. So, happy studying!