Focus Timer Widget

Overview

The Focus Timer widget is a Pomodoro-style study timer that helps you maintain focus during study sessions. It alternates between focused work periods and breaks to maximize productivity.

How Pomodoro Technique Works

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method:

1. Work Session: Focus for 25 minutes (default)
2. Short Break: Rest for 5 minutes
3. Repeat: Continue cycle
4. Long Break: After 4 cycles, take 15-minute break

Widget Features

Timer Display

• Large Display: Easy-to-read countdown timer
• Visual Indicator: Color changes for work vs break
• Time Format: MM:SS format (e.g., 25:00)

Timer Controls

• Start: Begin timer countdown
• Pause: Pause timer (resume later)
• Reset: Reset to selected duration

Duration Options

Preset Durations:

• 25 minutes - Standard Pomodoro (default)
• 15 minutes - Short session
• 45 minutes - Extended session
• Custom - Set your own duration

Break Durations:

• 5 minutes - Short break (default)
• 15 minutes - Long break (after 4 cycles)

Visual States

Work Mode:

• Accent color border
• Focused appearance
• Work indicator

Break Mode:

• Green color border
• Relaxed appearance
• Break indicator

Using the Focus Timer

Starting a Session

1. Select Duration: Choose 15, 25, or 45 minutes (or custom)
2. Click Start: Timer begins countdown
3. Focus: Work on your task
4. Timer Alerts: Notification when time is up

During a Session

• Timer Counts Down: Watch time decrease
• Stay Focused: Work on your task
• Pause if Needed: Click Pause for interruptions
• Resume: Click Start to continue

When Timer Ends

Automatic Actions:

• Notification Sound: Audio alert plays
• Visual Alert: Timer flashes/animates
• Break Starts: Automatically switches to break mode
• Break Timer: 5-minute break begins

Break Period

During Break:

• Timer shows break countdown
• Green indicator shows break mode
• Rest and recharge
• Prepare for next session

After Break:

• Timer automatically starts next work session
• Or manually start when ready

Customization

Setting Custom Duration

1. Click Custom: Select custom duration option
2. Enter Minutes: Type desired minutes
3. Enter Seconds: Type desired seconds (optional)
4. Start: Begin custom timer

Timer Settings

Available Options:

• Work Duration: 15, 25, 45 minutes or custom
• Break Duration: 5 minutes (short) or 15 minutes (long)
• Sound Notifications: Enable/disable audio alerts

Productivity Tips

Effective Use

1. Plan Tasks: Know what you'll work on before starting
2. Eliminate Distractions: Close unnecessary apps/notifications
3. Stay Committed: Don't pause unless necessary
4. Take Breaks: Use break time to rest

Session Planning

• 25-Minute Sessions: Good for focused tasks
• 15-Minute Sessions: Quick tasks or when time is limited
• 45-Minute Sessions: Deep work or complex tasks
• Custom Durations: Match your natural focus periods

Break Activities

During Breaks:

• Stand up and stretch
• Get water or snack
• Look away from screen
• Brief walk (if possible)

Avoid:

• Continuing work
• Checking social media
• Starting new tasks
• Extended screen time

Integration with Study

With Todo List

• Start Timer: Begin focused work on todo item
• Complete Tasks: Mark items complete during session
• Track Progress: See what you accomplished

With Homework Widget

• Focus on Homework: Use timer for homework sessions
• Break Up Work: Use multiple sessions for large assignments
• Stay On Track: Timer helps maintain focus

With Assessments

• Study Sessions: Use timer for assessment preparation
• Review Time: Dedicated review sessions
• Practice Tests: Timed practice sessions

Timer Statistics

Session Tracking

The timer tracks:

• Sessions Completed: Number of work sessions
• Total Time: Cumulative focused time
• Break Time: Total break time taken

Viewing Statistics

• Session Count: See how many sessions completed
• Time Logged: Total focused time
• Productivity: Track your study habits

Troubleshooting

Timer Not Starting

Check:

• Duration is selected
• Click Start button
• No errors in console

Solutions:

• Select a duration
• Click Start again
• Refresh widget if needed

Sound Not Playing

Check:

• Browser permissions for audio
• System volume is up
• Notification sounds enabled

Solutions:

• Allow audio in browser settings
• Check system volume
• Enable notifications

Timer Not Switching to Break

Check:

• Timer reached zero
• Auto-switch is enabled
• No errors occurred

Solutions:

• Wait for timer to finish
• Manually switch to break
• Refresh if stuck

Custom Duration Not Working

Verify:

• Valid numbers entered
• Minutes between 1-60
• Seconds between 0-59

Solutions:

• Enter valid duration
• Use preset durations if issues
• Check format (MM:SS)

Best Practices

Daily Routine

• Morning Sessions: Start day with focused work
• Regular Breaks: Don't skip break periods
• Evening Review: Use timer for evening study

Focus Techniques

• Single Task: Focus on one thing per session
• No Interruptions: Avoid pausing unless necessary
• Full Sessions: Complete entire timer duration

Long-Term Use

• Consistency: Use timer regularly
• Track Progress: Monitor your sessions
• Adjust Duration: Find what works for you

Related Guides

• Todo List Widget - Task management
• Homework Widget - Homework tracking
• Dashboard Overview - All widgets