Study distractions are everywhere. Distracted studying can lead to poor understanding of the concepts students are learning. In time, this can result in lower grades and feelings of frustration.
“I Get Distracted Easily While Studying!”
This is commonly heard by parents as a reason for homework not being complete. To end this homework struggle and achieve effective learning, students need to be in an environment where they are able to focus on their studying.
Avoiding Distractions While Studying
Study distractions can either be internal or external. Internal study distractions include physiological needs and emotional thoughts. External study distractions include technology and people. Your child must be able to focus on his or her homework to complete and understand what he or she is learning. By making sure your child is avoiding distractions while studying, you are setting him or her up for success.
We’ve gathered the best study distraction tips from parenting and teaching experts across the country.
Why do we get distracted?
Students mainly get distracted due to the reasons that follow:
- Feeling the urge to check social media very frequently.
- Getting calls or texts while studying.
- Not being able to consolidate focus. Getting random thoughts.
- Not pre-fixing the subject or topic to study. This leads to confusion at that time and you end up getting distracted.
- Feeling the urge to eat or drink while studying.
These consist of both internal and external sources of distraction and can be overcome by increasing focus, planning and self-control.
7 Tips How to Study Without Distractions
1. Make a Schedule or To-Do List
Juggling multiple projects and deadlines at school can be stressful. When you’re working on one assignment, it’s easy to forget about another. You can help organize your deadlines and manage your time more efficiently with a proper schedule. Figure out when you’re most productive and set time aside for homework and activities. Keeping a planner or digital calendar will help you keep track of your classes and assignments. Paper planners are perfect for those who like writing to-do lists and scheduling appointments by hand. One study suggests that the simple act of writing things out helps boost your concentration and memory.
2. Turn Off Alerts
Constant notifications and text messages are every college student’s enemy. Put your phone on silent or in “Do Not Disturb” mode, and close unnecessary tabs on your computer. If you need the Internet, keep one tab open. You can fight online distractions by blocking or hiding time-wasting websites and apps.
3. Break Down Your Work into Smaller Tasks
Defeat procrastination by breaking a large project into small pieces. It’s easier to motivate yourself to do something in smaller tasks rather than jumping into a huge one. If you’re having a difficult time studying or getting work done, break up your time effectively. Try giving yourself a 10-minute break for every 45-50 minutes of work you do. Studies show that taking breaks can help you retain information and increase productivity.
4. Use Headphones
If you’re working in a noisy environment, use noise-canceling headphones. Listening to music through earbuds can also tune out distracting noises like people talking too loudly or construction work. Often, though, music with lyrics can be too distracting. Researchers suggest listening to classical or instrumental music to improve concentration.
5. Find the Right Place to Do Work
Some students work best with a little background noise, while others need complete quiet. Get to know your work style and the type of atmosphere you prefer. Are you the kind of person who works better in silence at the library? Or do you prefer the campus coffee shop with ambient noise? Try a few different spaces and see how each study session works out.
6. Clear Your Desk
Is your desk covered with stacks of papers? Is your computer monitor framed with layers of sticky notes? If so, it’s time to get organized. A messy workspace can keep you from getting your work done. Go through your desk and keep only the essentials. A clean workspace can help reduce anxiety and make room for motivation.
7. Reward Yourself
A little motivation can go a long way. Setting up a reward system is a good way to encourage yourself to do something. For example, if you finish an essay without any distractions, give yourself a reward like watching a video or taking a nap.
