Pomodoro Technique

Hey,
Have you ever employed the Pomodoro Technique?
Do you have any stories to share?
Thanks.

Stories about "working for a relatively short amount of time then taking a break"? What kind of stories could there possibly be?

In any case, I worked for a pure agile company (pair programming 95% of the time) that employed poms (of the non-Maven variety). The length was slightly variable, between 30-45 minutes depending on what was being worked on. Even the interview was timed with poms. It worked pretty well.

There's neuro research showing the brain works best in a ~45-minute burst (followed by a dip in productivity, then another 20-30 minute period of less efficiency than the first). Even without a timer, I try to follow that in whatever I'm doing. For example, when learning new material, I'll hit it hard for 45 minutes, take a 5-minute break, then use the "followup period" to review what I just learned.

The physical benefits alone make it worthwhile, though, especially in light of the new research showing that just sitting down all day is a health risk: getting up and moving around, rehydrating, etc. (I also do light stretching, and back when I had an office, light exercise/yoga) is critical for both mental performance and physical health.

I've read about it and tried in limited doses at home. (At work, I have trouble being able to carve out dedicated time.) It was an interesting experiment at home, but it didn't take hold. I think because it isn't a "real" project.

At work, I do work at peak efficiency for 45-60 minutes. And on quiet/interruption free days, it ends up happening. But I don't plan for it.

David Newton wrote:For example, when learning new material, I'll hit it hard for 45 minutes, take a 5-minute break, then use the "followup period" to review what I just learned.

The physical benefits alone make it worthwhile, though, especially in light of the new research showing that just sitting down all day is a health risk: getting up and moving around, rehydrating, etc. (I also do light stretching, and back when I had an office, light exercise/yoga) is critical for both mental performance and physical health.

Haha, I was doing this without knowing that it has Pomodoro name... It's no use to stay for hours looking the same thing... I bought i little bottle of water so I drink a lot (and have to go to the bathroom all the time =P)! We must relax our mind!