Chronoid

Using the Pomodoro Timer

Stay focused with timed work sessions and automatic breaks

By Chronoid Team features
productivitypomodorotimerfocusbreaks

Using the Pomodoro Timer

The Pomodoro Timer helps you work in focused 25-minute sessions with regular breaks in between. It’s based on the Pomodoro Technique - a proven method that helps you stay productive without burning out.

Pomodoro Timer Overview - Shows the timer in the menu bar and main window

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

It’s simple: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After 4 work sessions, take a longer 15-minute break. This rhythm helps you:

  • Stay focused during work time
  • Avoid burnout with regular breaks
  • Track how much you actually work
  • Build better work habits

Pomodoro Cycle - Visual showing work and break intervals

Getting Started

Starting Your First Pomodoro

  1. Click the Chronoid icon in your menu bar
  2. Select Start Pomodoro
  3. The 25-minute timer starts immediately
  4. Work on your task until you hear the completion sound

Start Pomodoro - Shows the menu option to start a Pomodoro session

What Happens During a Work Session

While the timer is running:

  • You’ll see a pie chart in your menu bar showing progress
  • Hovering over it shows exact time remaining (like “14:32 remaining”)
  • The Web Blocker automatically activates (if enabled)
  • Chronoid tracks this time toward your current project

Active Timer - Shows the timer running in the menu bar

Taking Your Break

When your 25-minute work session ends:

  1. You’ll hear a pleasant completion sound
  2. A full-screen break window appears
  3. The 5-minute break timer starts automatically
  4. Relax! Step away from your computer if possible

Break Screen - Shows the colorful break screen with timer

During your break, you’ll see:

  • A large countdown timer
  • Beautiful, calming background colors
  • Two buttons: Skip (if you want to start working again) and Stop (to end the Pomodoro completely)

After Your Break

When the break timer ends:

  • You’ll hear another completion sound
  • The break screen disappears
  • A new 25-minute work session starts automatically
  • Keep working!

Understanding the Timer Display

In Your Menu Bar

The Pomodoro icon changes to show your status:

  • Pie chart filling up = Work session in progress
  • Regular Chronoid icon = No Pomodoro active

The Break Screen

When it’s break time, you’ll see a full-screen window with:

  • Large timer showing minutes and seconds left
  • Progress ring that empties as time passes
  • Skip button (white) to immediately start working again
  • Stop button (outlined) to end the Pomodoro session

Common Situations

”I need to pause for a meeting”

  1. Click the Chronoid menu bar icon
  2. Select Pause Timer
  3. After your meeting, select Resume Timer

The timer picks up exactly where you left off.

Pause Timer - Shows the pause option in the menu

“The break is too short”

You can customize all timer durations:

  1. Open Chronoid Settings
  2. Go to Pomodoro section
  3. Adjust:
    • Work duration (default: 25 minutes)
    • Short break (default: 5 minutes)
    • Long break (default: 15 minutes)
  4. Changes apply to your next session

”I don’t want to take a break right now”

When the break screen appears, just click Skip. You’ll immediately start a new work session. Use this when you’re in the flow and don’t want to stop.

”I need to stop the Pomodoro”

You can stop anytime:

  • During work: Click menu bar → Stop Pomodoro
  • During break: Click the Stop button on the break screen

This ends the Pomodoro cycle and returns to normal time tracking.

Different Ways to Use Pomodoro

Classic Method (Default)

  • 25 minutes work
  • 5 minute breaks
  • 15 minute break after 4 sessions

Perfect for most tasks and proven by millions of users.

Deep Work Sessions

  • 45 minutes work
  • 10 minute breaks
  • 30 minute break after 3 sessions

Better for complex tasks that need more uninterrupted time.

Quick Sprints

  • 15 minutes work
  • 3 minute breaks
  • 10 minute break after 6 sessions

Great for tasks you’re avoiding or when you’re feeling unmotivated.

Study Sessions

  • 30 minutes work
  • 7 minute breaks
  • 20 minute break after 4 sessions

Ideal balance for learning and retaining information.

Tips for Success

Pick One Task

Before starting a Pomodoro, decide what you’ll work on. Write it down if needed. This prevents wasting time deciding what to do.

Respect the Timer

When it’s work time, work. When it’s break time, take a real break. Don’t cheat - the technique works because of the rhythm.

Move During Breaks

Stand up, stretch, walk around. Your break is more refreshing if you physically move away from your desk.

Track Your Pomodoros

Notice how many Pomodoros different tasks take. This helps you estimate work better in the future.

Don’t Skip Too Many Breaks

The Skip button is there for when you’re truly in the flow. But if you skip every break, you’ll burn out. The breaks are part of what makes this technique work.

Frequently Asked Questions

”What if I finish my task before 25 minutes?”

Start a new task! The Pomodoro is about time management, not task completion. Use remaining time for related work, planning, or review.

”Can I change the timer while it’s running?”

No - once started, let it finish. This builds discipline. You can adjust durations for the next session in settings.

”What if I get interrupted?”

If it’s urgent, handle it. If not, ask them to wait until your break. Most things can wait 25 minutes.

”Should I use Pomodoro all day?”

Start with 4-6 Pomodoros per day. As you get comfortable, you can do more. But don’t force it - some tasks don’t fit the Pomodoro format.

Need Help?

  • Timer won’t start? Check if one is already running
  • No break screen? Check display permissions in System Preferences
  • Sounds not working? Check Chronoid notification settings

For more help, email [email protected]

The Pomodoro Timer turns time management from a struggle into a game. Try it for a day - you’ll be surprised how much you accomplish!