For example, if you have a biology exam coming up that covers three chapters, you don’t have to cram everything into one study session. Try focusing first on the parts that give you trouble, like that subsection on the Krebs cycle. Also try making notes and flashcards as it helps.
Turn off notifications on your devices. (If your device has the “Do not disturb” mode, try using that. ) Better still, turn them off completely. 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. [4] X Research source Try keeping your phone in another room so you’re less likely to use it while you’re studying. [5] X Expert Source Ashley Pritchard, MASchool Counselor Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
Moving around a bit, such as by taking a brief walk, will be most beneficial.
If you do this consistently, you should find that you gradually spend less and less time being distracted.
For example, you might decide to study biology for an hour on Monday night, followed by an hour of English. Then, on Tuesday afternoons, you study Math for two hours. Keep your schedule, but be flexible when needed. [8] X Expert Source Ashley Pritchard, MASchool Counselor Expert Interview. 4 November 2019. For example, if you have a biology exam coming up on Tuesday, you might study Biology for two hours on Monday night, and put English off for Tuesday. If you are studying around other people, post your schedule so they will know when it’s not ok to distract you.
Most people like a place that is neither too cold nor too warm. A study space shouldn’t be loud. Some people prefer a place that is absolutely quiet, others like a little background noise. If you are often distracted by studying, choose a seat that faces a wall rather than a window, hallway, or other seats.
You can also message your friends, tell them when you’re studying, and ask them not to disturb you during that time. If your home environment is always too noisy and you can’t study anywhere else, a pair of earplugs, ear defenders or noise-cancelling headphones should block most (if not all) of the noise out. Playing a calm “white noise” background track through headphones can help you to focus on your studies while also masking even more noise around you if you find music too distracting.
The music should be fairly quiet. Choose music that has no lyrics so you’ll be less likely to become distracted. Consider listening to “white noise” tracks for background noise instead of music.
