Pomodoro hacks: how to stay focused when motivation is low

Have you ever sat at your desk or study space with the full intention of getting some tasks done, only to find that you fluff around arranging things, scrolling through your phone, or doing something totally unplanned? Forty-five minutes have passed, and you haven’t started?

We’ve all been there.

The hardest part is often getting started. The second hardest part? Staying focused once you do. When your brain feels tired, distracted or unmotivated, traditional study sessions can feel impossible.

But what if you could study in short, focused bursts without the pressure of sitting still for hours?

That’s where the Pomodoro technique comes in. And with a few smart tweaks, it can work for almost any student, even when motivation is low.

What is the Pomodoro technique?

The idea is simple:

• Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task
• When the timer ends, take a 5-minute break
• Repeat

After four rounds, take a longer break (15–30 mins). That’s it.

This method works because it:

• Breaks big tasks into bite-sized chunks
• Makes time feel manageable (25 minutes is less scary than 2 hours)
• Trains your brain to focus on short task specific bursts

But the real magic happens when you customise it.

1. Try a mini Pomodoro to get started

If 25 minutes feels too long, try using a 15-minute timer instead.

The goal isn’t to power through; it’s to begin.

Once you get going, you often find it’s easier to keep going.

Quick win tip: Try a 15-minute timer and tell yourself, “Just do this one thing.” Even 15 minutes of focus is better than none.

2. Use sound or music as a timer

Not a fan of ticking clocks? You can use music to track your study blocks.

• Lofi or ambient playlists often run in 25-minute loops
• Some Spotify or YouTube mixes are labelled “Pomodoro sessions.”
• Apps like Focus Keeper, Forest, or Study Bunny have built-in timers and soundscapes

This works especially well if you’re an auditory learner or feel soothed by background noise.

3. Stack Pomodoros around your energy

You don’t have to follow 25/5 all day long. Instead:

• Use Pomodoros during your most alert part of the day (e.g. after breakfast)
• Avoid them when your brain is foggy or overstimulated
• Use longer breaks if your task is draining

The method is there to serve you, not the other way around.

4. Prep your space first

If you're wasting 10 of your 25 minutes searching for a charger or snack, the Pomodoro loses its power.

Before you hit "start":

• Clear your desk
• Grab water or a snack
• Set your phone to silent or flip it over
• Write down precisely what you’ll focus on

Even one minute of prep helps you stay focused once the timer begins.

5. Use breaks wisely

A break doesn’t mean picking up your phone and losing another hour.

Try:

• Standing and stretching
• Getting fresh air
• Doodling
• Tidying your desk
• Re-reading your to-do list and adjusting your next task

These mini-resets help refresh your brain and maintain your momentum.

Real students say…

“I use a 25-minute timer with a playlist I like. Even if I’m tired, I can usually manage one round. That’s all I need to get started.”

— Year 11 student

“I do one Pomodoro before dinner. Then, the rest feels optional. But I usually end up doing more.”

— Year 10 student

Want help staying focused?

The best Pomodoro hack? Make it personal.

Our Study Habits Quiz shows you what kind of learner you are, and gives you custom strategies to help you focus, get started, and stay on track.

👉 [Take the quiz now]

Start small. Focus smarter. Make progress your way.

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