10 things to do on a Pomodoro break (that doesn’t avoid screens entirely)

Only problem is taking a Pomodoro break can leave you wondering how to fill up your time, particularly if you love technology, and often spend your free time watching YouTube or catching up with online news - exactly the opposite of what you’re supposed to be doing if you’re following the technique correctly and are looking to get the right work and productivity balance.

There’s not exactly a hard and fast rule about how you should spend your intervals, but generally the idea is to leave your work - and therefore your screen - behind, not be eagerly checking your social media accounts as soon as you leave your chair!

With technology an integral part of our lives, however, it’s pretty difficult to avoid it altogether which is why this guide focuses on ways you can use the time productively - with a little bit of sly help from some apps (in some places!)

Be sure to take a look at this guide to the best Pomodoro apps too if you’re looking for even more tech timer inspiration.

Traditionally, Pomodoro intervals consist of 25 minutes of working at full focus, followed by 5-minute breaks. After you’ve completed four Pomodoro intervals in this manner, it’s suggested you then take a longer break of around 15-25 minutes.

However, the duration of Pomodoro intervals can really be adjusted based on your needs. Some people may find 25 minutes too short, while others may prefer shorter or longer breaks.

You probably didn’t think the secret to avoiding excess social media scrolling was to use your phone but Forest is a genius app that tackles just that. The app helps you stay away from your smartphone and stay focused on your work - by encouraging you to grow real life trees. It also happens to use the Pomodoro technique to great effect.

The feel-good concept works by rewarding users who spend time away from their devices by earning coins that can then be saved up and used to help plant real trees in Africa. The user plants a virtual tree, then sets the time to the duration they choose.

Once the tree has begun to grow, the user is then required to stay away from their phone for a set amount of time or their tree will wither and die helping them to stick on-goal. It’s a great way to focus on your work, while spending your interval productively.

There’s nothing like grabbing some air to give yourself the best space away from your work desk, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be completely silent.

If you’re heading around the block, pop on some tunes or a podcast for some added relaxation. There’s plenty to choose from over in our music streaming and podcasting categories.

Taking a break means just that, taking time out and relaxing, and there’s no better way to spend your time than a spot of quick meditation. There’s a number of quick meditation techniques out there that take anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, so it’s perfect for fitting into a Pomodoro interval.

Headspace is an app that specializes in meditation with plenty of ideas and guided courses if you’ve never tried it before. The app even includes super-short one-minute meditations that can be fitted in anytime, anywhere.

If you’ve carried out an intensive work interval, you’re going to need to refuel so be sure to grab a coffee or a snack from the next room. Out of snacks? Well, a quick trip to the store is a good use of interval time too.

There’s a number of great health and fitness apps out there that can act as your own personal trainer. Of course, they work without the need to be completely glued to your screen making them pretty usable on a Pomodoro break in our opinion.

Take a look at Sworkit for video workouts that can be customized to your goal. Most short workouts last about seven minutes minimum, but Sworkit includes 5 minute workouts too.

Pets are scientifically proven to be one of the best ways to de-stress so seek out your furry friend for a spot of Fetch or a game of Chase to completely clear your mind during your short intervals.

If you don’t have a pet, here’s where technology can help. We don’t necessarily advocate spending all your intervals gazing at virtual animals if you’re looking to head off-screen, but if you simply can’t resist, Puppies AI, a tool that generates puppy images using artificial intelligence, is a must for cuteness lovers everywhere.

Drawing is an excellent way to relax, whether you’re doodling for fun or sketching like a pro. It doesn’t take long to achieve and can be carried out almost anywhere, whether it’s the next room or the backyard.

There’s nothing like a good stretch once you’ve left your work desk. It’s a simple way to untighten your muscles and let any anxiety go which is exactly what taking a break is intended to achieve.

Take a look at Stretch Club for a curated list of routines if you’re getting a bit bored of the basic leg stretch.

Sometimes all you want to do after a long session working is just breathe and find a calm place. Here’s where Calm, a mindfulness app, can help.

It features a Daily Calm offering at ten minutes with soothing guidance and mindfulness teaching, but if you’re sticking to 5-minute traditional Pomodoro interval, there’s some shorter meditation ideas available too.