Manage Time Efficiently With Pomodoro Technique When Online Using This Chrome Extension

A previous article described how Cold Turkey can be used to create a distraction-free environment for improving productivity.

On similar lines, a much simpler extension that only needs to be enabled in browser without any other additional setup is Strict Workflow. It is open source and free to use.

It is available for Google Chrome and can be downloaded from here.

Strict Workflow Chrome extension

If needed, it can be installed on other browsers too that use Chromium framework like Opera and Vivaldi, here is how.

Once it is installed, it will show up next to Chrome address bar.

The idea behind Strict Workflow is very simple. Using the Pomodoro technique (Basically work with focus for 25 minutes in one go and then take a short 5 minute break. So in a hour, 50 minutes of focused work with 10 minutes of break which is a good trade-off.), this extension will block all major websites which can be time wasters. This restriction will stay until the 25 minutes work slot is complete.

Strict Workflow essentially uses 3 colors to display it鈥檚 sttaus :

  • Light red: Not active
  • Red : Work timer is active
  • Green : Break timer is active

Before beginning, it can be useful to first customize it鈥檚 options. Right click on the icon and choose Options.

accessing options menu in Strict Workflow

Over here, various websites can be added that need to be blocked during work time. The option of editing this list will be disabled if the timer for work session has already started (no cheating!).

changing options in Strict Workflow

Also, if only specific sites need to be used during work phase, there is an option of Only Allow where these sites can be added. Everything else then will be blocked while working.

To begin working without any distractions, click the initial light red tomato icon.

Strict Workflow when not started

This will turn it to red and start a work countdown from 25 minutes till the end.

If any of the websites that are on the block list of Strict Workflow are accessed during the 25 minutes work session, the following strict message will be displayed. 馃檪

blocked websites during work session when using Strict WorkflowOnce the 25 minutes work session is over, there will be a notification to start the break timer.

end of work timer in Strict Workflow

The icon in address bar will change it鈥檚 color to green indicating that the break timer now needs to be set. Clicking it will start a countdown of 5 minutes break.

starting the break timer in Strict Workflow

Rinse and repeat the 25-5 time breaks as needed or change the duration from options if required.

Strict Workflow break timer complete

This is a simple and powerful extension that can be used to speed up tasks and manage time more efficiently when working online.

Do try it out.

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