This Simple and Affordable Product Improved My Productivity
I replaced productivity apps with one simple tool and my focus improved instantly. Here’s what changed and why it works.
Sometimes the simplest of things can have the biggest impact on your life. I never knew that buying a simple kitchen timer would make me a more focused person. In this guide, I will explain how a simple and affordable tech product has improved my productivity.
What is the Pomodoro method?
The Pomodoro method is a time management technique that helps improve focus and enhance productivity. The method is pretty easy to apply. You work in 25-minute chunks with 5-minute breaks in between. After completing four work sessions, you can take a longer break of 15–20 minutes.
For me, this method works as it removes the mental pressure of committing to long working hours and gives me ample time between work batches to check my notifications, so I am not tempted to check my phone while working.
I knew that the Pomodoro method could improve focus and productivity, but none of the focus timers I used on my Mac or iPhone had a significant effect.
They are a bit cumbersome to use, and I have to go back to my iPhone or Mac to use them, which gives me more opportunities for distractions.
On a whim, I decided to buy a kitchen timer, and everything changed.
AVINIA Kitchen timer
This is a simple and affordable digital kitchen timer. You can find hundreds of these on Amazon, but if you want to buy the exact one I am using, you can find its link below.
The timer comes in a simple cardboard box. I purchased the complete black edition, but you can also get it in chrome if you want. It takes three AAA batteries to operate. I have been using it for over three months and have not needed to replace the batteries until now.
The timer is simple to operate: rotate the ring to set the time, then press the button to start. I like the ratcheting sound you get when rotating the ring. It gives it a tactile feel.
You can press the center button once to pause the timer and tap and hold to reset. Once the timer runs out, it will sound a simple alarm.
It also includes a built-in stopwatch function. You can activate it by resetting the timer and pressing the center button.
That’s it. It’s a simple digital kitchen timer you can use for the Pomodoro technique.
Why this works
Now let’s discuss why this timer seems to work when the timer apps on my Mac or iPhone failed to do so. For me, I get a threefold advantage.
First, the timer is easy to use. There's no need to launch an app; just rotate the ring and press start.
Secondly, it stops me from using my iPhone or Mac. When I am doing a focused reading session or taking notes on my Supernote, I don’t have to take out my iPhone to start the timer.
Most of the time when I use my iPhone to set a timer, I get distracted by notifications I have received. Going from “I’ll just check this” to losing half an hour is very hard to avoid. This kitchen timer removes the distractions from my equation.
Third, it's pleasant to use. The ratcheting sound and tactile feel make me want to use the timer.
AVINIA kitchen timer: final thoughts
If you’ve tried the Pomodoro technique and it didn’t stick, I highly recommend investing in an inexpensive kitchen timer. You can choose the one I’ve showcased or buy any other affordable option on Amazon.
Trust me, this simple kitchen timer can significantly improve your productivity and focus. Try it for a month and let me know in the comments whether you noticed any improvement.
