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For me 25 minutes are too short - you just get into something and it's time for the pause - especially for programming I think you need longer time periods.

When doing the pomodoro technique I usually go for 45 minutes work units + 10 minutes break. That way you get longer focus and when you take a break it's a real break (so you can get out and walk for a bit for example).

Well, you can simply do 2 pomodoros without having the break.

It really works for me and for my friends. And you are right, it's hard to conclude a "pomodoro" without any distractions, in this case you need some "tool" to help you. We use http://orkanizer.com platform. Ciao!

Works for most tasks, but recently I had to get my head inside 100 modules of crap (some open source stuff). Takes me several hours straight to 'get it'. Was very hard to find several hours in a row, working from home.

there is pomodoro technique RPG game which makes it even more interesting :)

trying it now, getting gold for completed pomodoros ...