Animedoro – The Pomodoro Technique for Anime Lovers

Most people who are interested in maximizing their productivity are familiar with the pomodoro technique, a method of dividing a block of time between work periods and breaks. Traditionally, work periods are 25 minutes and breaks are 5 minutes with a 25 minute break after 4 pomodori. However, people can customize the length of these periods to suit their working style. With this ability to set their own time lengths, Josh Chen decided to add a twist to this technique – Every break period is actually one opportunity to watch one anime episode. With this technique, Josh has been able to study for 600 hours and watch 300 hours of anime within 4 months. This modified technique is called the Animedoro.

How the Animedoro works

The Animedoro is a modified version of the Pomodoro technique where your work period is 40 to 60 minutes long followed by a 20 minute break. In this 20 minute break, you reward yourself with an episode from an anime, skipping the opening song and the ending song. Excluding the opening and ending songs, an anime episode typically lasts around 20 minutes, fitting into the 20 minute break well. Another difference between the Animedoro and the regular Pomodoro is that there is no extended break with the Animedoro; you simply switch between working for 40 to 60 minutes and watching an episode of an anime during your break. Despite the technique being called the Animedoro, you may also watch a 20 minute episode of any other type of show instead assuming it fits into that 20 minute period.

Josh’s video below provides the full explanation of the technique, why he prefers it to the traditional Pomodoro technique and who this technique may benefit.

Trying the Animedoro

I actually don’t use the Pomodoro technique often. There were times where it was useful when I used to but there were also times where I felt like I want to spend just a bit more time working or take a break for a little longer. Now, when I do use the technique, just like Josh, I also prefer modifying my sessions such that my work periods and breaks are longer than the lengths set by the traditional Pomodoro technique.

I decided to give the Animedoro a test run and do it for a few sessions. Here’s what I experienced.

Benefits

As mentioned before, I liked the idea of longer work and break periods; 25 minutes feels too short to really get anything done and 5 minutes does not feel long enough to enjoy a break. With the Animedoro, I can stay focused for longer and enjoy a longer break. This technique is also a good way to prevent binge-watching a show, as you can think of the next episode you watch as a reward

Possible Problems

If you are the type of person who cannot control themselves, you may find yourselves hitting the next episode button right after finishing your current episode. As well, the work period time length may not be ideal for those who prefer shorter work periods. But just like any other technique, it takes time to get used to and requires some practice before you can truly feel the benefits of using this technique.

Conclusion

The Animedoro is a variation of the Pomomdoro technique. It can be great for those who enjoy watching anime and need to maximize their productivity. The long work and break periods can help people accomplish more in time and benefit from the reward of one episode per break. If you are experimenting with productivity techniques, give this one a shot.