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USC Study Cafe - Study Sessions with Breaks for Health & Wellness

Connect with your fellow Trojans at the USC Pomodoro Study Cafe. Sessions will be guided Pomodoro study sessions with curated wellness breaks. Additional resources are linked on this guide.

What is Pomodoro and How Does It Work?

What is Pomodoro?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management tool developed by Francesco Cirillo and named after the kitchen timer that was first used to implement it. Pomodoro means "tomato" in Italian.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

  1. Create a to-do list and pick one task.

  2. Set a timer for 25 minutes.

  3. For 25 minutes, work exclusively on that task without interrupting, stopping to work on anything else, or taking a break.

  4. When the 25 minutes is up, stop working and take a 5-minute break. You have now completed one Pomodoro.

  5. Set a timer for another 25 minutes and continue working on the task until finished. Pick another task when done.

  6. After 4 Pomodoro sessions, take a 15-30 minute break.

  7. Repeat as needed.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

  • Manage distractions by planning your time effectively

  • Prevent burnout by taking breaks

  • Decrease stress by focusing on one thing at a time

  • Feel productive by accomplishing tasks