How to focus on studying without getting distracted may appear like a hard nut to crack but it isn’t at all. Even though the present reality may be different from what we think, it is also true that focusing on studying in the midst of many distractions that now claim the world can seem very much impossible.
The truth is, don’t feel discouraged if you have not been finding the formula or what works for you just yet. As you try to keep doing new things and seeing whether they will help you thrive, the key to focusing on studying may be different for you than for another.
Trying our different tips on how to stay focused while studying will help you to find what works best for you. However, here are some easy and workable tips on how to focus on studying without getting distracted and pushed away from keeping your gaze stuck!
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A Study To-Do List
Juggling multiple projects and deadlines at school can be stressful. While many distractions are external, internal distractions, such as anxious thoughts, can be just as disruptive. When students don’t know which tasks to focus on first, they may feel overwhelmed by the ‘noise’ inside their heads.
The trick here is learning how to not get distracted while studying by creating a simple study to-do list or study schedule. Creating a to-do list at the start of each study session will help you to understand which tasks need to be tackled first. Ensure you cross off each task once it is complete. This helps to keep them accountable and instils a feeling of accomplishment.
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Right Place To Work
Whether you need a quiet place for their online tutoring sessions, or they have an exam coming up, the right environment can be everything when it comes to concentration and productivity. For people who are learning how to focus on studying, finding the perfect place with few or no distractions can make a world of difference.
It’s important to find out what works best for you. Some people like to study with a little noise in the background, such as a TV on low volume or study music playing. Others might prefer a quieter environment, such as their local library, or a more peaceful part of the house.
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Break Down Work, Take Regular Breaks
Procrastination is a huge distraction for so many students and usually occurs because tasks feel overwhelming. Often, the student doesn’t know where to start, which results in them not starting at all.
Breaking down large projects into smaller tasks can feel much more manageable and helps students stay motivated. It’s also a good idea to split study sessions up into 35-45 minute work sessions with a 10-15 minute break every hour.
Taking regular breaks has even been shown to help students retain information and increase productivity levels.
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Phones On ‘Do Not Disturb’
Resisting the distraction of phones is very difficult for many students and can have a negative impact on productivity levels while you try to focus on studying.
The easiest way to avoid these portable distractions is to activate ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode and put them somewhere out of sight. In fact, having a phone-free zone can be hugely beneficial when it comes to students focusing and retaining information.
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Let Music Help
If students are trying to study in a busy environment or can just hear the general household noise in the background, it can be very distracting. That’s why using headphones to listen to music can make it much easier to focus and enable them to zone out any noise.
Research has also found that listening to classical or instrumental music improves concentration while working. So, if you’re looking for tips on how to avoid distractions while studying, this might be helpful for you!
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Reward Yourself
Having some motivation can go a long way when it comes to focusing and working hard while studying. Set up a simple reward system for when you have completed their to-do list or a big homework project.
If you get everything that you intended to at the beginning of the session done, you can reward yourself with something like watching YouTube video, a movie, or just hanging out with friends.
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Go Off the Grid
Texting, social media, calls, and other distractions that come from our electronic devices are some of the biggest barriers to staying focused when studying. Luckily, the fix is easy and totally within your control. Unplug yourself by doing these:
- Turn off notifications on your devices.
- Don’t take calls or texts. Turn off your phone if you are able, or at least keep it on silent and away.
- If you can’t stop this distraction, look into apps or browser plugins that can block social media, certain websites, or any other specific outlets that pull you away from studying.
- Try keeping your phone in another room so you’re less likely to use it while you’re studying
