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Minimise distractions with these study tips

PUBLISHED18 October 2021
WRITTEN BY

In this digital age, there are so many distractions within your reach to keep you from your studies. There’s nothing more frustrating than being constantly distracted and interrupted as you study. If you find yourself easily distracted, consider some of these tips to help you get back on track with your studies.

  1. Keep track of how you spend your time. While you’re doing this, you’ll be able to see where your strengths and weaknesses are. Pinpoint the times of day where you start to lose focus and find yourself being distracted and work on either using that time as a break or focusing your mind further.
  2. Work somewhere comfortable. You’ll be more likely to be distracted if you feel uncomfortable where you are working or studying. Ensure you have a suitable desk and a good chair that offers proper lumbar support. Set the temperature at a comfortable level and make sure you have the right level of light.
  3. Minimise clutter. Try to keep your desk clean and clear, as clutter can be quite distracting. If there’s something on your desk that catches your eye and distracts you, it’s best to remove it from sight. Arrange your desk so that anything you need is within reach so you can find what you need quickly and easily.
  4. Switch off! Log out of social media applications so that you’re not tempted to update your status so often. Let your phone go to voicemail. Phone calls are a major productivity killer so you should only answer calls that are absolutely necessary. Turn off notifications on your computer and phone so that you don’t get flashing messages every few minutes. Switch off all internet capabilities unless you need them to study. If you are using the internet in your studies, limit yourself to just one browsing tab.
  5. Turn off distracting noise makers. The TV should be off, and if you are listening to any music it should only be calming music without lyrics. Music that has lyrics tends to be distracting, especially when you are singing along with the song in your head. The ideal work and study environment is the quietest one. If you are studying from home and there will be people around, try to find a quiet room and ensure that no one disturbs you while you study.
  6. Prioritise your tasks. Keep a list of things to do on your desk and work through the list systematically. This way, you can ensure that you make the best possible use of your time. You can try to estimate how long each task should take as well, to help you schedule your day further. Keep your list handy and in a place where you can view it easily. Visual reminders of what you’re meant to be doing will help you focus clearly.
  7. Maintain your health. By ensuring that you are in a healthy condition, you can enhance and strengthen your concentration. Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise and healthy foods. Better concentration levels means better focus.
  8. Most important of all, reward yourself. This can motivate you to really get focused and finish your studies. Set yourself some goals, such as one hour of studying and twenty minutes of a break. During the break you can reward yourself with a snack, a walk, tv or a book, or spend some time online on social media platforms.

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