2 answers
Nathan
Student
Reno, Nevada
1
Question
Updated
446 views
What are some good ways to stay focused and on task while studying when distractions are present? #Spring25
How do I ignore these distractions or prevent them from happening entirely?
Login to comment
2 answers
Brittany Crosthwait
Software Engineer
10
Answers
Tempe, Arizona
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
I've got three top tips I always turn to when feeling distracted and unable to focus!
1. Take a break - this seems counterintuitive, but if I'm getting distracted by little things it can be an indicator my brain is tired. I personally find taking a 10-15 minute walk, outside if at all possible, really clears the brain and gets it ready to focus again when I hit the books.
2. Gamify the task - sometimes the studying to be done is less than interesting, and distractions seem more appealing because of it. Try to make the tedious a bit more fun. Maybe that means setting a timer and during that time, you can't look at your phone or talk to anyone nearby, nothing but study. Once the timer goes off, time for a reward! You know what will be most motivating for you, so treat yourself and then start that timer again. You can also gamify by tracking your "stats". Note down the amount of time studied, or pages covered, or material watched, etc. It's so motivating to see those stats stack up, and you can even challenge yourself to beat yesterday's stats.
3. Be smart about your workspace - leave your phone in the other room. Close down all browser tabs not necessary to what you are working on. Try to be away from people if you can, or wear noise cancelling headphones if you can't (no music necessary if you don't want, just having them in can set the studying mood and reduce distractions).
Pick one of the tips above and try it every time you study and start feeling distracted over the next week
1. Take a break - this seems counterintuitive, but if I'm getting distracted by little things it can be an indicator my brain is tired. I personally find taking a 10-15 minute walk, outside if at all possible, really clears the brain and gets it ready to focus again when I hit the books.
2. Gamify the task - sometimes the studying to be done is less than interesting, and distractions seem more appealing because of it. Try to make the tedious a bit more fun. Maybe that means setting a timer and during that time, you can't look at your phone or talk to anyone nearby, nothing but study. Once the timer goes off, time for a reward! You know what will be most motivating for you, so treat yourself and then start that timer again. You can also gamify by tracking your "stats". Note down the amount of time studied, or pages covered, or material watched, etc. It's so motivating to see those stats stack up, and you can even challenge yourself to beat yesterday's stats.
3. Be smart about your workspace - leave your phone in the other room. Close down all browser tabs not necessary to what you are working on. Try to be away from people if you can, or wear noise cancelling headphones if you can't (no music necessary if you don't want, just having them in can set the studying mood and reduce distractions).
Brittany recommends the following next steps:
Caitlyn P
13
Answers
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Updated
Caitlyn’s Answer
Hello,
I would recommend studying in an area where you can focus like a library. Additionally, you try the pomodoro technique. Hope this helps!
I would recommend studying in an area where you can focus like a library. Additionally, you try the pomodoro technique. Hope this helps!