Making five minutes count
Five minutes is the standard short break in the Pomodoro technique, after each 25-minute work block. A good break gets you away from the screen: stand up, drink water, stretch your neck and look at something far away. Teachers use five-minute timers for quick-writes and clean-up, and many meditation apps start beginners with five minutes of slow breathing. It is also a handy "just start" timer: commit to five minutes on a task you are avoiding, and you will often keep going.
What a 5 minute timer is good for
- a Pomodoro break
- a short meditation
- a classroom activity
5 minutes is 300 seconds. If you start now, it ends at the time shown in the tab title.
How to use it
Press Start or the space bar. The bar fills as time passes and a soft chime plays at zero. Keep the tab open; the timer keeps time even if your screen dims.
FAQ
What should I do in a five-minute break?
Leave the screen. Stand, walk, refill your water and look out of a window. Scrolling your phone does not rest your eyes or your attention.
Does the 5 minute timer make a sound?
Yes, a soft three-note chime plays twice when the countdown reaches zero. Tap Start once first so your browser allows sound.
Can I change the time?
Tap the big numbers and type a new time, for example 7, 7:30 or 1:15:00.