As a data science professional, or a data professional in general, it is constantly important for us to continue our learning journey. For some learning comes more easily and naturally. For others it can be a bigger challenge.

Ever find yourself struggling to focus? Or feeling like you're not making the most of your time? If so, then you might want to try the pomodoro technique.

The pomodoro technique is based on the idea that we work best in short bursts of effort. For example, when learning, instead of trying to force yourself to focus for hours on end, you break your learning down into smaller chunks. Then, you take regular breaks in between to keep your mind fresh.

The beauty of the pomodoro technique is that it can be used for any type of learning - whether you're looking to pick up a new programming language such as R or Python, or trying to learn a new method in artificial intelligence or machine learning. And if you find that you're struggling to focus, don't worry - there are plenty of ways to make the pomodoro technique work for you. In this blog post, we'll give you an overview of how the pomodoro technique works, and some tips on how to make it work for you.

The basic idea behind the pomodoro technique is simple: 

• You work in short bursts (Example: 25 minutes).
• You take regular breaks (Example: 5 minutes).
• You repeat until your task is complete.

For example, let's say you're studying for an exam. You would set a timer for 25 minutes and start working. Once the timer goes off, you would take a 5 minute break. You would then repeat this cycle until your break time reaches 30 minutes, at which point you would take a longer break (15-20 minutes). 

One of the key things to remember with the pomodoro technique is that quality trumps quantity. So, even if you only get through one page of readings in your 25 minute study burst, that's still better than trying to do too much and not retaining any information. 

Tips for Making the Pomodoro Technique Work for You 

Now that we've gone over how the pomodoro technique works, let's talk about some ways that you can make it work for you. 

• If you're a visual learner, try using a physical timer or stopwatch rather than setting a timer on your phone. This way, you can see exactly how much time you have left. 
• If you're an auditory learner, try setting an alarm on your phone rather than using a physical timer. This way, you can hear when it's time to start and stop working. 
• If you're a kinesthetic learner, try using a physical timer or stopwatch that allows you to hold it in your hand while you're working. This way, you can have a physical reminder of how much time you have left. 
• If possible, try to find a quiet place to work where you won't be interrupted by noises or other people. This will help you focus more easily on your task at hand. 
• Make sure to get up and move around during your 5 minute break! Get some water, stretch your legs, or just move around for a bit so that your body doesn't feel too stiff after sitting for long periods of time. 

The pomodoro technique is a simple yet effective way to boost your focus and learn more effectively. By working in short bursts and taking regular breaks, you can help yourself stay focused and avoid burnout. And by finding ways to make the pomodoro technique work for YOU, based on YOUR learning style, YOU can set yourself up for success. Give the pomodoro technique a try next time YOU sit down to learn something new - we think YOU'LL be surprised at how well it works!