The Pomodoro Technique works—25 minutes of focused work, then a 5-minute break. But it only works if you actually stay focused during those 25 minutes. Strict Workflow is a browser extension that enforces Pomodoro by blocking distracting websites during work sessions.
No willpower required. Sites are simply inaccessible until your session ends.
The Pomodoro Technique
Basic Structure
- Choose a task to work on
- Set timer for 25 minutes (one "pomodoro")
- Work with complete focus—no distractions
- Take a 5-minute break when timer rings
- After 4 pomodoros, take a 15-30 minute break
Why It Works
- 25 minutes is short enough to maintain focus
- Regular breaks prevent burnout
- The timer creates urgency
- Breaking work into chunks feels manageable
Setting Up Strict Workflow
-
Install the Extension
Search "Strict Workflow" in the Chrome Web Store or Edge Add-ons. Install and pin to your toolbar.
-
Configure Blocked Sites
Right-click the extension icon > Options. Add sites to block during work sessions.
-
Set Your Timers
Configure work duration (default 25 min) and break duration (default 5 min).
-
Start a Session
Click the extension icon to start the timer. Blocked sites become inaccessible.
💡 Pro Tip: Block Aggressively
Add more sites than you think you need. Include YouTube, Reddit, Twitter, news sites, and any site you reflexively visit when bored. You can always adjust later.
Recommended Block List
Social Media
facebook.com
twitter.com
instagram.com
reddit.com
tiktok.com
linkedin.com (unless work-related)Entertainment
youtube.com
netflix.com
twitch.tv
hulu.com
spotify.com (optional)News & Time Sinks
cnn.com
bbc.com
news.google.com
hackernews.com
medium.comShopping
amazon.com
ebay.com
etsy.comDaily Workflow
-
Morning: Plan Your Pomodoros
Estimate how many 25-minute blocks each task needs. Allocate your day in pomodoro units.
-
Start Your First Session
Click Strict Workflow, start the timer, and commit to the task until the break.
-
Use Breaks Wisely
Stand up, stretch, get water. Avoid starting anything that'll make you not want to return (like checking social media).
-
Track Progress
Note how many pomodoros each task actually took vs. estimated. Improve estimates over time.
Alternative Focus Extensions
If Strict Workflow doesn't fit your needs:
- Forest: Gamified focus—grow virtual trees during sessions
- Cold Turkey: More aggressive blocking, harder to bypass
- Freedom: Cross-device blocking (browser + apps)
- LeechBlock NG: Highly configurable time-based blocking
- RescueTime: Tracks time automatically, optional blocking
⚠️ Don't Fight the System
If you find yourself constantly trying to bypass the blocker, the problem isn't the tool—it's the task. Either the task is unclear, too big, or truly something you don't want to do. Address the root cause.
Customization Tips
Adjust Session Length
25 minutes isn't sacred. Some people focus better with:
- 50/10 splits for deep work
- 15/5 splits for tasks requiring frequent context switches
- 90/20 splits for creative work
Create Site Exceptions
Some "distracting" sites might be work-related. Most blockers let you whitelist specific paths (e.g., allow YouTube for work tutorials).
Schedule Blocking
Some extensions allow scheduled blocking—automatically block distractions during work hours without manual activation.
Don't Forget Your Phone
Blocking browser sites is useless if you just grab your phone. Use complementary phone tools:
- iOS: Screen Time with app limits and downtime
- Android: Digital Wellbeing with Focus mode
- Cross-platform: Freedom app blocks both phone and computer
Conclusion
Strict Workflow removes the "should I check social media?" decision entirely. When sites are blocked, there's no temptation—you just work. The Pomodoro structure ensures you're not white-knuckling through endless hours; breaks are built in.
Start with 4 pomodoros per day. Once that feels natural, increase to 6-8. Most knowledge workers find 8-12 focused pomodoros is a highly productive day.