What you do during the break matters a lot. It should be rewarding and energizing or relaxing. Which reminds me, I'm on a break and shouldn't be visiting LW.

Anyway, I've had success reducing an Ugh Field (around studying) by celebrating like a madman when the timer ended and then doing a few dishes (which I usually abhor, but is both relaxing and rewarding as a break). Once the Ughly Beast was down on its knees, I was able to abandon the timer and go over 25 minutes and I have been kicking its ass ever since.

Some suggestions for break activities:

• dancing, jumping, throwing air punches
• playing with a musical instrument
• scribbling on a piece of paper
• small housekeeping tasks

Avoid:

• browsing, esp. reddit
• anything that can't be interrupted instantly e.g. reading or watching a video
• anything that may cause an interruption later on or will occupy your mind e.g. beginning to cook
• reddit

If the mere thought of a task is painful, you need preliminary taming of the Ugh field before considering pomodoro. But as always, beware of other-optimizing.