tips on time management-working on the computer, Pomodoro , blockers

January 26, 2015 2:05 PM

Hi Folks, I am writing for some tips on time management for when doing work on the computer. I like the Pomodoro Technique and am looking for an online pomodoro timer, that you don't have to download or pay for. I really like the marinara timer, but it is kinda glitchy. Do you have suggestions for something similar to this? Also, I work with headphones on, so how cool would it be for the timer to say, 5 mins left , and pomodoro 1 is complete start 5 minute break.

Also, in the same spirit of time management, when I am on the computer I can very easily start watching hulu, checking email, etc. Is there a very easy no downloadable, not permit way to block sites. The only thing I need i youtube for my music. I have tried some things before that get very complicated and one thing that was called stay on top kinda gave my computer issues. I am on a PC. Thanks

posted by cheetahchick to Computers & Internet (8 answers total)

First, I'm a big fan of PomoToDo, which is found here.
It combines your To Do list with a Pomodoro timer.

What helped me get better impulse control when it came to the Internet was being able to SEE how much time I was spending on each site. I do this with the Chrome Plug In Web Timer.

Hope this helps!
posted by John Kennedy Toole Box at 2:10 PM on January 26, 2015 [1 favorite]

Tomato Timer has always worked well for me.
posted by telegraph at 4:03 PM on January 26, 2015 [1 favorite]

I love Self Control, because I can block distracting websites (hello, MetaFilter!) when I need to. It only works on Macs but there's something similar for PCs called Anti-Social according to this article. Good luck!
posted by Bella Donna at 5:34 PM on January 26, 2015 [2 favorites]

I use Simple Pomodoro app on my iPhone, it was a free download. It's been an incredible help.
posted by maggiemaggie at 7:37 PM on January 26, 2015

I use the Clock/Timer function on my iPhone. It works just right for me.
posted by seawallrunner at 7:46 PM on January 26, 2015

If on Firefox, try Leech Block
posted by z11s at 8:41 PM on January 26, 2015

Best answer: I am on Windows, and I use the Strict Workflow Chrome extension.

You can have a blocklist (prevent access to these sites) or a whitelist (only allow access to these sites), and you can customize how long the work/break phases should be (defaults to 25/5).

It dings a buzzer (not customizable) at the end of a phase. It doesn't allow for any other (e.g. 5 mins remaining) notifications, but the little icon for in the chrome toolbar updates with the time remaining in the phase.
posted by sparklemotion at 7:36 AM on January 27, 2015

Response by poster: Thanks Pals! :)
posted by cheetahchick at 11:19 AM on January 27, 2015