Mindful Pomodoro on M5Stack Paper

A Mindful Pomodoro Timer on M5Stack Paper

The Problem: When Your Focus Tool Becomes a Distraction

The Pomodoro Technique is a brilliant system for productivity. It promises focused work sessions and rejuvenating breaks. But there's a paradox: the very digital tools we use to implement it—our phones and computers—are often the biggest sources of distraction.

I tried using apps, but my phone would buzz with notifications, pulling me out of my focus zone. I tried web-based timers, but the bright, glaring screen caused eye strain, and the temptation of a million other open tabs was always present.

Worse, many of these apps are rigid. They rush you from a work session straight into a break, or from a break back to work, creating a subtle but constant pressure. It felt less like a tool to help me and more like a demanding boss. This led me to a simple question: "Am I a slave to Pomodoro?" The tool designed to reduce stress was, ironically, causing it.

The Solution: A Dedicated Device for Undivided Attention

I realized the solution wasn't a better app, but a different kind of tool altogether: a physical, dedicated device. I chose the M5Stack PaperS3 for this project because its e-paper display is the perfect antidote to the problems of modern screens.

Here’s why it changes everything:

• Zero Glare, Easy on the Eyes: Just like a Kindle, the e-paper screen is reflective, not backlit. You can look at it for long periods without the eye fatigue caused by traditional LCD or OLED screens.
• Zero Distractions: This device does one thing and one thing only: it times your sessions. There are no notifications, no pop-ups, and no other apps competing for your attention. It's a fortress for your focus.
• Insane Battery Life: E-paper only consumes power when the screen refreshes. This means the timer can run for days or week, on a single charge. We also use a deepsleep mode for inactivity to give more battery life.

note: in the demo video, there is still icon for go back to "root menu". In the code I hide/remove it (boot to root menu to change active partition).

Design Philosophy: A Tool, Not a Master

The core philosophy behind this project is simple: the user must be in control. Technology should be a helpful assistant, not a master we must obey. This mindfulness is at the heart of the design.

This principle guided every design decision:

• The Pause Button: Life happens. A phone call, a knock on the door. Unlike rigid apps, this timer has a pause button. You should never feel guilty for attending to life. You decide when to stop and when to resume.
• You Decide When to Break: When a 25-minute focus session ends, the timer simply stops. It doesn't automatically launch into a 5-minute break timer. You can finish your thought, stretch, and then manually start your break when you are truly ready.
• No Session Counting: To remove performance pressure, the device doesn't count how many Pomodoros you've completed. If you want to track them, a simple pen and paper works best. The goal is focus, not a high score.

By stripping away these stressful "features, " the device becomes a calm, non-judgmental partner in your work.