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Myzo

The focus timer

How to run a focus block, what the timer does, and why the 25-minute rhythm actually works.

Updated 2026-09-23

The timer is where real work happens in Myzo. It runs 25-minute focus blocks followed by 5-minute breaks. Twenty-five minutes is short enough that you can push through even when your brain doesn't want to, and long enough that you actually get something real done.

Starting a block

  1. On your Today dashboard, tap the big button in the Next Session card at the top.

  2. You'll land on the timer screen. It shows the task you're about to work on and a 25:00 countdown.

  3. Tap Start and get to work.

During a block

The timer takes over your screen. You'll see:

  • The task name at the top.
  • The countdown in the middle.
  • A ring that shrinks as time passes.
  • A Pause button (you can pause once per block).
  • An End Session button if you really need to stop.

Try not to leave the app during a block — that's the whole point. Turn your phone face-down if it's tempting.

The break

When the timer hits zero, you hear a chime and roll into a 5-minute break. The chime keeps going for up to 30 seconds, or until you tap — so if you got up and walked away, you'll still hear it. It plays even if your phone is on silent, like an alarm.

During the break:

  • Stand up.
  • Stretch.
  • Drink water.
  • Don't stare at your phone.

At the end of the break, Myzo asks whether you want to:

  • Run another block on the same task.
  • Switch tasks to something else.
  • Wrap up and end the session.

After four blocks

If you complete four blocks in a row, Myzo suggests a longer break — around 15 minutes. Take it. Your brain needs it.

Ending early

If something comes up and you have to stop, tap End Session. You still get partial XP for the minutes you actually worked. You just don't get the full 10 XP for the block.

What each block is worth

  • A full 25-minute block = 10 XP.
  • A shorter block (ended early) = partial XP based on minutes.
  • A completed task = a bonus on top of the block XP.

Pausing

You can pause once per block. Tap Pause, do the thing you need to do (bathroom, water, teacher walks by), tap Resume. Pausing doesn't cost you XP as long as you finish the block.

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