Pomodoro Timer & Focus Mode

The Science of Focus Music

Not all music helps focus - in fact, some can hurt it. Research shows that the best focus music has:

• No lyrics: Linguistic processing competes with reading/writing tasks
• Moderate tempo: 60-80 BPM matches resting heart rate, induces calm
• Repetitive structure: Predictable patterns don't demand attention
• Medium volume: Around 50-70 dB - loud enough to mask distractions, quiet enough to ignore
• Consistent genre: Sudden style changes break concentration

This is why lo-fi hip hop has become the gold standard for study music - it checks all these boxes.

Why 25 minutes? Can I change the duration?

25 minutes is based on research into human attention spans and cognitive fatigue. It's long enough to accomplish meaningful work but short enough to maintain intense focus without mental exhaustion. While you can technically adjust the duration, we recommend trying the standard 25-minute format for at least two weeks before modifying. Your brain needs time to adapt to the rhythm. If you absolutely must adjust, stay within 15-45 minute range for work sessions.

What if I get interrupted during a Pomodoro?

If the interruption is truly urgent and unavoidable, pause the timer, handle the interruption, and then decide: if the interruption was brief (under 2 minutes), resume the Pomodoro. If it was longer, abandon the Pomodoro and start fresh when you're ready. A interrupted Pomodoro doesn't count toward your session total. Over time, you'll get better at protecting your Pomodoros and minimizing interruptions.

Should I take breaks even if I'm "in the zone"?

Yes! This is hard advice to follow because flow state feels amazing, but breaks serve important purposes: they prevent cognitive fatigue accumulation, allow your brain to process and consolidate what you just learned, and maintain long-term productivity over hours rather than burning out after 90 minutes. Think of breaks as an investment in sustained performance. That said, for very short breaks (5 min), you can often resume and regain flow state quickly.

How many Pomodoros should I aim for per day?

It varies by individual and type of work, but research suggests most people can maintain high-quality focus for 8-12 Pomodoros per day (roughly 3-5 hours of deep work). Start with a goal of 4-6 Pomodoros per day. If you're consistently hitting that, gradually increase. Don't expect 16 Pomodoros (8 hours straight) - that's not realistic for focused cognitive work. Factor in meetings, administrative tasks, and necessary mental downtime.

Does the Pomodoro timer work for all types of tasks?

Pomodoro works best for tasks requiring sustained mental effort: writing, coding, studying, analysis, creative work, and problem-solving. It's less ideal for: tasks requiring long uninterrupted focus (like getting into flow for art or music composition), highly collaborative work with constant communication, and routine tasks that don't benefit from time structure. Experiment to see what works for your specific work.

What should I do during breaks?

Short breaks (5 min): Stand up, stretch, walk around, get water, use the bathroom, look out a window (eye rest), do breathing exercises, or quick tidy of workspace. Long breaks (15 min): All of the above plus: light snack, quick walk outside, meditation, chat with friend/colleague, or listen to music. AVOID: social media, email, news, or starting new work tasks - these don't let your brain rest.

How does dark mode help with focus?

Dark mode reduces blue light exposure, which can cause eye strain during extended screen time. It's especially helpful for evening/night study sessions as blue light suppresses melatonin production and can disrupt sleep. Dark mode also reduces glare and visual fatigue in low-light conditions. However, in bright environments, light mode is actually easier on the eyes. Choose based on your environment and time of day.

Can I use this timer for group study or co-working?

Absolutely! Pomodoro works great for group accountability. Have everyone start Pomodoros simultaneously, work in silence during the session, then use breaks to discuss or help each other. Virtual co-working spaces often use synchronized Pomodoros. The shared timing creates group accountability and makes it harder to quit early. Just ensure everyone respects the quiet work time during active sessions.

Will my progress save if I close the browser?

Yes! Your session count, total minutes, username, and preferences are automatically saved to your browser's localStorage. You can close the tab and return later - your stats will persist. However, the active timer will not continue if you close the browser. The leaderboard resets daily at midnight, showing only today's top performers to keep competition fresh and fair.