Back to all

Timing with Tomatoes to boost productivity

Find yourself getting really distracted when you need to get a task done, whether it’s the wanting to check and Facebook or look at that email that just came in? Then you can use the Pomodoro Technique, named after a Pomodoro kitchen timer, and described by Ian in Episode 21 of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show.

This great technique uses short intervals of time with small brakes that help you, 1) get into a tasks when your are struggling with, 2) get some good quality work/studying with full focus. Then in the brakes you can indulge in social media or what ever takes your fancy. It also give you a break from the screen.

How to use the techniques:

  1. Eliminate all distractions (yes that does mean putting your phone on silence)
  2. Set a timer for 25 minutes
  3. Work on your task
  4. When the timer is finished, take a 5-minute break
  5. Get back to work for another 25 minutes
  6. After 4 work sessions take at longer break of 25 minutes
  7. Start all over again

Use this as a start and adjust the timings to suit you.

You can either buy a Pomodoro kitchen timer, or a stop watch and there are lots of apps out there that you can use to time.  

Like this hack?

You might also enjoy
Episode 2 – Dyslexia Correction

“I’m trying to think, is there a voice going on in my head?”

In this episode, Matt and Richard take a deep dive into the book The Gift of Dyslexia and Matt’s experience with Davis Dyslexia Correction program.
Episode 65 – How to Write a Book if you have Dyslexia with Matt Bird

Matt Bird, the Founder CEO of ‘PublishU,’ overcame early struggles in remedial English classes and the belief that he was unintelligent. It wasn’t until his 20s, with his mother’s suggestion, that he discovered he might be dyslexic. This revelation explained the difficulties he faced during his school years. Matt transformed his life by becoming a successful author, with 20 books to his name, winning Book of the Year awards, and contributing to publications like The Times.

He now coaches more than 100 individuals annually to fulfill their dream of becoming authors and publishes over 50 books a year. Matt’s motto is that anyone can write a book. Additionally, he founded the global foundation NAYBA, which supports churches worldwide in promoting neighborly love. In this podcast episode, Matt Bird discusses his journey from feeling unintelligent to discovering his dyslexia and shares insights on writing a book. Key topics include growing up with self-doubt, discovering dyslexia in his 20s, his journey to becoming an author, and his mission to help others achieve their book-writing dreams.
Privacy Policy
Facebook Linkedin Twitter

Copyright © 2026 Dyslexia Life Hacks