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 86 – Mental Fitness and Digital Detox With Neil Jones

In this podcast episode, host Matthew Head chats with Neil Jones, a Mental Health and Fitness coach from Lincoln, UK. With a diverse career, including time spent living in Switzerland, Neil has honed his expertise in mental fitness—proactively maintaining mental health to prevent issues before they arise. Recently, Neil has been helping people undergo digital detoxes, breaking their dependency on smart devices. He also shares his experience with dyslexia, the bullying he endured, and how Judo and meditation became his coping mechanisms. Now, as a Psychologist and Chartered HR professional, Neil assists companies in improving their employees’ mental health and overall productivity. This episode is a must-listen for insights on mental fitness and digital detoxing.
Episode 77 – How Neurocognitive Therapy can help with your Dyslexia with Usha Patel

In this podcast episode, Usha Patel shares her journey from architect to neurocognitive therapist, driven by her own struggles with reading and spelling. Since 2008, she has aided numerous children and parents dealing with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD, offering tailored solutions for each individual. Through play-based therapy sessions, she uncovers how each child learns, fostering trust and understanding. One effective but underutilized method she employs is the Infinity Walk, developed by Deborah Sunbeck in the 1980s, which aims to enhance coordination and sensorimotor skills. The episode explores Neurocognitive Therapy, its potential benefits for individuals and families, the Infinity Walk method, reading techniques, and challenges dyslexic individuals face in the workplace. If you’re a parent dealing with dyslexia or ADHD, this episode is essential listening.
Privacy Policy
Facebook Linkedin Twitter

Copyright © 2026 Dyslexia Life Hacks