how can i do my homework without getting distracted

Daniel Wong

How to Focus When Studying: 20 Uncommonly Effective Tips

Updated on August 28, 2023 By Daniel Wong 129 Comments

Do you find it hard to focus when you’re studying?

There are so many distractions these days: text messages, videos, email and social media.

Not to mention your own wandering mind.

Over the years, I’ve taught many thousands of students how to study more effectively.

One of the best ways to improve your grades is to learn how to focus better while you study.

I’ve come up with this list of 20 tips and techniques to help you concentrate while studying.

(To get 5 additional tips, download the free PDF below.)

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus  5 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

How to focus on studying.

You can learn how to focus better by trying some of these techniques during your next study session.

When you find one that works, make it a part of your routine every time you study.

1. Use your phone camera or webcam to record yourself studying

This tip may sound strange, but it works.

Set up your webcam or your phone camera to record a video of yourself studying.

The idea is to create accountability.

Instead of having a friend check on your progress, you have a camera watching everything you do.

Knowing that you are being watched will remind you of your objective.

Just when you’re about to get distracted, you’ll remember that everything you’re doing is being recorded.

It’s a useful reminder to yourself that you’ve made a commitment to study.

2. Use Focusmate

If you want to take it to the next level, use Focusmate instead.

With Focusmate, you make a pre-commitment to study for a 50-minute period at least one day in advance.

You then get paired with a real-life accountability partner.

You must turn on your webcam during the 50-minute session. This means that you and your study partner can see and hear each other during the study session.

If you leave your desk without giving an explanation, your study partner can report you, and vice versa.

Similarly, if you don’t turn up to your study session or if you are late, your study partner can report you.

Non-compliance results in the system marking you down. If your score falls below a certain level, the system will eventually lock you out.

But if you keep your commitments and complete your study session, the system will reward you with points.

3. If you don’t feel like starting work, take 1 minute to prepare yourself mentally

Sometimes you may not even feel like getting to work.

When this happens, take a minute to prepare yourself mentally.

Set a timer for a minute and tell yourself that you’ll start work when the timer goes off.

By doing this, you’ll be much more likely to get to work at the end of the minute.

This is called an “implementation intention”.

Any time you signal to yourself an intention to do something, it makes it easier to begin that task.

In this case, the implementation intention is to set a timer for a minute before starting a study session, if you feel like procrastinating.

So, if you find it hard to motivate yourself to start studying , take a minute and prepare yourself mentally.

By doing this, you will eliminate the resistance you were experiencing.

4. Before your first study session of the day, create a plan for the day

Make the plan as detailed as possible.

There’s a good reason for this. You must be clear about what you’re going to achieve during each study session.

For example, “study science” is not a sufficiently detailed study plan .

Here’s an example of a plan with enough detail: “Read pages 25 to 32 of the science textbook and create a summary diagram.”

When you break a task down into detailed components, you will have a better idea as to whether it’s achievable within the specified study period.

Another advantage of creating a detailed plan is that it becomes easier to assess your progress.

If you’re halfway through your study period and you’ve already completed half of what you planned to achieve, you’ll know you’re on track.

A key part of studying effectively is setting specific tasks to work on during each study session.

5. Write down exactly why you want to study hard

Another way to stay focused when studying is to be clear about why you want to study hard in the first place.

Write down the reasons you want to study hard.

Keep the list handy so you can remind yourself of these reasons when you find yourself losing concentration.

For example, you might write down:

• “I want to become a more knowledgeable person.”
• “I want to become a more self-driven person.”
• “I want to cultivate the habit of always doing my best.”
• “I want to make the most of my educational opportunities and learn as much as I can.”

Try to focus on process-oriented reasons rather than outcome-oriented reasons.

Because outcomes are often beyond your control, whereas the process is always within your control.

For example, the outcome of getting A’s for all your subjects is, in some ways, beyond your control. But studying for a total of at least 2 hours every day is a process that is within your control.

Here’s another reason to focus on the process rather than on the outcome.

The outcome could be something that may only come to pass in the distant future.

On the other hand, the process is something you engage in every day.

It’s far more effective to measure the achievement of the process than the achievement of the outcome.

6. Keep track of all the tasks you’ve completed

Keep a record of all the tasks you complete each day.

This is important for two reasons.

Firstly, it allows you to monitor whether you are meeting the objectives set in your study plan.

If you are not meeting your objectives, you may have underestimated the time required for the tasks.

But if you are completing your tasks with time to spare, you may be able to set your targets higher.

Secondly, it’s important for your morale to see that you are making progress.

Studying is an activity where progress isn’t always easy to measure. But when you keep track of the tasks you have completed, you’ll be clearer about the progress you are making.

This will remind you that you have been productive, which will keep you motivated.

7. Put only the materials you need for your current task on your desk

The brain is able to process information more effectively in an uncluttered environment. This is what researchers have discovered .

As such, it’s a good idea to place on your desk only the items that you need to complete the task at hand. For example, this might consist of the assignment, a pen, a pencil, an eraser, and a calculator.

Make a list of what items you’ll need during your study session. Make sure you have only those items on your desk.

If your study area is disorganised, take a couple of minutes to tidy it up before you start work.

Having things neat and tidy has a calming effect on your mind and will help you to concentrate.

8. Get your brain ready by doing deep breathing exercises before each study session

Deep breathing exercises increase the ability of your mind to focus.

Researchers at Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience have studied the effect of breathing exercises on the body’s production of noradrenaline.

Noradrenaline functions as a neurotransmitter, which affects your concentration.

By regulating your breathing, you can optimise your levels of noradrenaline.

The researchers concluded that “there is a strong connection between breath-centred practices and a steadiness of mind”.

Here is a simple breathing exercise that will bring calm and focus to your mind before you study:

• Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose for 4 seconds.
• When you feel that your lungs are full of air, hold your breath for 2 seconds.
• Then slowly exhale through your nose for 4 seconds.

Do this exercise three times in succession before the start of every study session.

Try it out now to see how relaxed it makes you feel!

9. Don’t study in bed

Don’t try to do anything productive while lying or sitting in bed.

It’s important that the place where you study is not the same as the place where you sleep .

You won’t be able to study effectively in a place that you associate with relaxing or sleeping. In fact, this is my first suggestion when students ask me how to avoid sleepiness while studying .

Also, if you study in bed you will either be lying down or sitting cross-legged.

Neither of these positions is conducive for maximal focus. These positions may even result in neckaches and backaches.

What’s more, you may end up taking unintended naps!

So do your work at a proper study desk, every single time – this is a good habit that every student should cultivate !

10. Adjust the temperature of your studying environment

Make sure the temperature where you are studying is optimal.

Researchers at Cornell University found some interesting results when office temperatures were raised from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Typing errors fell by 44% and output increased by about 150%.

Most research shows that the temperature most conducive for working and studying is in the range of 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F).

So if it’s possible for you to adjust the temperature of your studying environment, keep it within this range.

11. Write down exactly what you’re working on at the moment

Every time you begin a study session, write down the task that you’ll be working on.

Do this on a rough sheet of paper and leave it on your study desk. This way, it will serve as a constant reminder about what you should be doing at the moment.

Just as you need a detailed plan for the day (Tip #4), you also need a detailed plan for each study session.

For example, if you write down “Do math assignment” for the current study session, it’s not specific enough.

“Do math assignment, questions 1 to 3 ” is more specific, so you’re more likely to stay on task.

12. Tell your family your study schedule for the day

Post your study schedule on your bedroom door or on the fridge door in the kitchen.

This way, your family will know when they shouldn’t disturb you.

There’s another benefit to doing this. It also gives you a greater sense of accountability.

By making a pre-commitment to your family about when you’ll be studying, you’ll be more likely to stick to your study schedule.

All in all, this is a simple tip that will enable you to concentrate when you’re studying.

13. Put all of your digital devices in another room

This might seem like common sense, but I’m surprised how many of my teenage coaching clients were not doing this before I started working with them.

The old adage “out of sight, out of mind” applies here.

Leave your tablet and phone in another room and put them on silent mode.

Minimising temptations is one of the keys to being productive.

In addition, even if you feel tempted to check your phone, you probably won’t do it because the effort required to walk to the other room is too great.

14. Use these two apps to eliminate digital distractions

The first app I recommend is Forest .

With this app, your study session “becomes” a tree.

At the beginning of the session, you plant the tree and it starts to grow. But if you close the app, the tree dies – and nobody wants their precious tree to die!

By using the app, you’ll have a more productive study session.

Of course, having your phone next to you while you study could be a distraction (as mentioned in the previous tip).

This means that you’ll need to be careful not to use your phone for anything else.

The second app you can use to remove digital distractions is Freedom .

You can schedule this app to block other apps such as YouTube, games, and social media to keep you on track.

15. Listen to classical music while studying

Listening to classical music is another way to help you focus when studying.

Dr. Masha Godkin , professor at Northcentral University, has researched the effects of music on our brains.

She found that classical music can take you from the beta brainwave state to the deeper alpha state, and even further to the theta state.

According to Dr. Godkin, the ability of music to stimulate both sides of the brain is why music helps you focus and also improves your memory .

Classical music with a fast tempo, such as Beethoven’s Für Elise, is effective in helping students to concentrate and remember more information.

16. If you don’t like classical music, listen to music/sounds from these two websites

If you don’t like classical music, try using Coffitivity instead.

Coffitivity simulates the sounds you would hear in a cafe to boost your creativity and brain function.

It’s designed based on research at the University of Chicago. This research shows that we think better and are more creative when there is a moderate level of background noise.

Alternatively, try listening to Brain.fm .

Brain.fm offers music engineered to help you achieve and sustain deep focus.

Personally, I use Brain.fm almost every day, and I’ve found it to be useful. By listening to Brain.fm, I’m able to stay focused for about 50% longer than before!

17. Use earphones or headphones while studying

If you intend to use Tips #15 or #16, then you’ll probably want to use earphones or headphones.

But even if you don’t want to listen to any type of music, using earphones or headphones is still a good way to improve your concentration while you study.

Because they insulate you from the outside world.

Using earphones or headphones is a signal to others that you are occupied.

This reduces the likelihood that others will interrupt your study session.

Wearing earphones or headphones will also remind yourself that you are in the middle of a study session.

18. Count how many study sessions you complete each day

There’s a saying that “what gets measured, gets done”. This principle applies to study sessions too.

Keep track of how many study sessions you complete each day.

This way, you’ll become more intentional about getting to work.

Let’s say that you typically study in blocks of 30 minutes.

Before you begin your first study session of the day, you might decide that your goal for the day is to do at least 3 sessions of 30 minutes each.

As the day goes by, count how many sessions you’ve completed.

By keeping score in this way, you’ll focus on the process of doing the work. As a result, you’ll get more work done!

19. When you feel as if you’re about to get distracted, write it down

It’s inevitable: From time to time, you’ll get distracted during your study sessions. So you need a strategy for dealing with these distractions.

Here’s a technique that works well.

Let’s say that you’re reading your science notes when you get the urge to check your text messages.

Instead of giving in to the temptation, write down on a rough sheet of paper: “Check text messages.”

Once you’ve done that, you’ll find that it’s easier to go back to studying.

During your next break, you can go ahead and do what you’ve listed on that rough sheet of paper. In this case, you can check your text messages.

Why is this technique effective?

Because instead of simply trying to resist the urge, you get to “take action” by writing down the distraction. In doing so, you’re acknowledging the urge without giving in to it.

This leaves you free to go back to what you were doing before – studying.

20. Set an end time for when you’ll stop studying each day

This might not be the advice you were expecting.

After all, shouldn’t you be trying to study for as many hours as you can every day?

No, because the idea is to study smart, not just hard.

Of course, you need to work hard. But it’s also essential to lead a balanced life.

So set a strict deadline, such as 9:30 pm, and make sure that you don’t do any work after that time. The best time of the day to study is specific to every student, but it’s important that you decide when you’ll stop studying each day.

This will give you time to wind down before going to bed. This means that you’ll be able to get those 8 hours of sleep that you need to optimise your academic performance.

There’s another advantage to setting a specific end time for when you’ll stop studying each day.

Clearly defined limits help you to concentrate on what you’re doing right now.

You won’t get distracted as often, because you know that you won’t stay up late to catch up on the time you’ve wasted because of procrastination.

The result?

You’ll learn more in less time, and you’ll get good grades too.

Staying focused while studying is something that all students struggle with.

But there are many things you can do to help you concentrate and get into a flow state when studying .

As described in this article, there are plenty of ways to harness the power of your mind and make it work with you, not against you.

So take at least several study tips from this article and work them into your routine, starting today.

If you do this, you’ll find that your study sessions will become more productive and enjoyable!

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

May 2, 2020 at 7:18 pm

Thank you very much for your effort, its really taking me higher and making me more focused on my study. God bless you.

May 2, 2020 at 9:15 pm

You’re welcome, and God bless you too.

May 5, 2020 at 3:30 pm

They are so amazing thank you

May 5, 2020 at 4:53 pm

I’m glad you like the article.

October 6, 2020 at 11:29 am

I never thought some of these would work on me since I have autism and aspergers spectrum so I easily get distracted.

December 22, 2023 at 12:30 pm

This is so amazing and helpful may the Lord bless the work of your hands

May 2, 2021 at 1:56 pm

Hi this is Sagar, I am preparing for a competitive exam but I am unable to the focused mindset. My mind won’t allow me to sir and study as it takes a lot of time to prepare for it. Could you please guide me regarding it ?

November 2, 2020 at 11:59 pm

Thank you so much sir. I am in class 10 but I am distracted now, so I’m reading this. I feel energetic now. If I am distracted again I will read this. Thanks a lot sir…

January 29, 2021 at 6:29 am

Hello Mr Wong, may I simply ask what it is you have studied at University and if you graduated.

October 22, 2022 at 12:07 am

Thanks To you I’ve been more focused and discipline and I can see the changes in progress thank you Sir.

May 7, 2020 at 2:04 am

These tips are so much fruitful for achieving something very big in life

May 7, 2020 at 8:04 am

You’re welcome.

August 5, 2020 at 10:12 pm

reallu unusual tips but when i play the results in my mind they fall in place perfectly……..will definitely check them out!!! thanks for such a wonderful article

April 27, 2021 at 11:09 pm

Really it’s more realistic….superb…tips

May 3, 2020 at 9:27 am

Thank you for giving us the tips.. Its very useful.. I hope everyone can study easier using these tips 🌈

May 3, 2020 at 10:32 am

You are welcome, and I hope everyone finds this article useful too!

May 3, 2020 at 12:04 pm

Thank you sir 😀

May 3, 2020 at 9:34 pm

You’re welcome!

May 4, 2020 at 7:47 am

Thnku so much for tips …I’ll try it definitely …👍

May 4, 2020 at 8:43 am

May 3, 2020 at 4:05 pm

This is truly the best article regarding effective study. Reading the article was itself a big motivation. This article covers every problem a student faces with the best solution provided. I am in loss of words in expressing my deep gratitude to the writer of this article. Thank You very much! There could be nothing better than this.

I appreciate your kind words!

November 26, 2020 at 8:09 pm

I am trying to follow all the tips that you’ve mentioned sir. They are so useful to me during quarantine.

January 10, 2021 at 4:07 pm

ya you are right

May 3, 2020 at 7:34 pm

I really procrastinate during quarantine….. I have been trying these tips for some days now. And they work. Thank you do much for the tips!!

May 3, 2020 at 9:35 pm

I’m glad to hear that the tips have worked for you!

May 3, 2020 at 11:04 pm

First of all, thx for allowing comments, for me, not allowing them is “questionable” and seens to become more and more common among the media these days… Second: many of these tips are really new to me. I think this article will help a lot, thank you very much! Blessings from Brazil!

You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear that.

May 6, 2020 at 7:24 pm

I m going to try this from today it is difficult.thanks Sir

May 6, 2020 at 9:50 pm

All the best!

May 3, 2020 at 11:51 pm

This tips are very usefull. Thank you

May 4, 2020 at 8:44 am

May 4, 2020 at 12:18 am

In recent days… Procrastinate become my habit……I don’t know how …..But it happened……..These tips are very useful for me….Thank you sir….

I hope this article helps you!

May 4, 2020 at 12:45 am

It was really amazing 😍 Helped me a lot! Thank u so much😊

That’s great to hear!

May 4, 2020 at 12:51 am

Thank you very very much Sir.. everyone will find easier to focus on their studies like me during these quarantine days. It’s really benificial. I hope you’ll help us by your precious tips in future too.

You are very welcome.

May 4, 2020 at 1:10 am

I was looking for something like this for my studies. Thank you for doing this great work. I hope every student gets more and more benefit from this article. Thank you once again & God bless you.

May 4, 2020 at 8:45 am

You’re welcome and God bless you.

May 4, 2020 at 1:17 am

Unbelievable methods ND it’s very easy to relate with these ,sir really feeling blessed to see your article . Best article i have everything read sir related to studies .thanks a lot , thankyou so much sir Wong .

With regards .

May 4, 2020 at 2:23 am

Really an appreciable work from which I got new , effective, amazing and rejuvenating tips it’s really fab this article motivated me alot and make me feel energetic to indulge in my studies Apps provided by you are very helpful Thank you so much

I’m really happy to hear that!

May 7, 2020 at 7:00 am

Am really very greatful with the to and am really going to put it into practice Thanks once again

May 7, 2020 at 8:05 am

Thank you so much for your time and effort that you put into writing this article for us! I’ll definitely be downloading Focusmate and Freedom. Enjoy your day 😊

May 4, 2020 at 8:46 am

You’re welcome — thank you, I did take many, many hours to put this article together!

May 4, 2020 at 2:50 am

Thanks for sharing how to focus to study.Now I can get organize to start my Goal.

It’s my pleasure!

May 4, 2020 at 3:20 am

Thank You Sir your advice is very useful

You’re more than welcome.

May 4, 2020 at 4:25 am

May 4, 2020 at 8:47 am

You are welcome.

May 4, 2020 at 4:38 am

What can I do to motivate myself to start studying without stopping. Sometimes I feel I’m never going to finish how can I eliminate that feelings?

May 4, 2020 at 8:48 am

I’m sorry to hear that, but I think you’ll find this article useful: https://www.daniel-wong.com/2018/04/23/get-motivated-to-study/

May 4, 2020 at 7:22 am

Thanks for the tips

You’re very welcome.

May 4, 2020 at 7:26 am

Let me try for my children and let you know. Thank you.

Ok sure, thank you.

May 4, 2020 at 10:56 am

Every lines were worth reading. It help me realised where I’ve gone wrong and how i can improve my study session more effectively. Thank you so much for putting up all these tips together. I hope I’ll be able to implement them !!

May 4, 2020 at 11:47 am

All the best as you implement the tips!

May 4, 2020 at 1:05 pm

During the current situation is very likely to procrastinate, but your words are giving us enough motivation to do something. Thanks a lot.

May 4, 2020 at 2:35 pm

May 4, 2020 at 12:48 pm

Do you have a sample study schedule to share? Just a rough guideline will be good too. Thanks

May 4, 2020 at 2:36 pm

For that, you can check out this article ( https://www.daniel-wong.com/2015/01/14/straight-a-student/ ) — hope it helps.

May 4, 2020 at 1:22 pm

Can you please write an article On how to increase the hunger to study means we should get addicted to it

May 4, 2020 at 2:37 pm

I think you’ll find this article useful ( https://www.daniel-wong.com/2018/04/23/get-motivated-to-study/ ).

May 4, 2020 at 2:05 pm

Thank you very much for your generous sharing. I share these tips with students I am counselling. Will check in with them after a week or so, and I am sure they will be able to concentrate better and be more focussed.

These tips are also very useful for me.

Warm regards

Thank you, Helen. I’m glad you found the tips useful.

May 4, 2020 at 2:07 pm

Thnx a lot.. I will try these tips and let you know the results

May 4, 2020 at 4:30 pm

Thank you for sharing.

May 4, 2020 at 5:54 pm

It’s my pleasure.

May 4, 2020 at 4:52 pm

Its a really a great deal struggling to stay focus…Thanks for the insights, am sure it will be productive

May 4, 2020 at 5:55 pm

May 4, 2020 at 4:59 pm

Thank you so much sir for the really helpful tips ! Keep putting more content like this ..it’s really working !

I’m happy to hear that!

May 4, 2020 at 9:11 pm

Wooow! You did a wonderful and a great job. May God bless you and give you more wisdom for you to provide us with more of these things. Thanks.

May 4, 2020 at 10:18 pm

May 4, 2020 at 10:36 pm

The tips are just great, thank you sir

May 5, 2020 at 8:02 am

May 4, 2020 at 10:59 pm

Thanks so much for this article, lately I have being so distracted and often procrastinate about my studying time during this lockdown. But I believe with this article I will do well in studying and passing my professional exam. Pls I will like to be getting.ur articles often, how do get to read them.

May 5, 2020 at 8:05 am

You’re welcome. You can download this free guide ( https://www.daniel-wong.com/students-improve-focus/ ) to sign up for my mailing list, then you’ll get updated whenever I publish new articles.

May 4, 2020 at 11:18 pm

It’s one of the most valuable article I have read on effective studying tips till now …and surely goin to try these! Great work done 👍

May 5, 2020 at 8:00 am

May 5, 2020 at 1:04 am

Such an amazing article ever seen ,by reading itself I’m motivated thks alot for sharing such an article the subtitles mentioned in the article is very accurate to overcome distractions. I’m soo interested to include these in my daily routine for procrastinate my distraction. Once again thank you soo much.

May 5, 2020 at 7:59 am

May 5, 2020 at 1:14 am

This article came just in time. I’ve been looking for ways to keep me from getting distracted, but all I could really find is how to get motivated. I’ll definitely be using some of these tips!

I hope the tips work for you!

May 5, 2020 at 1:17 am

Such an amazing article ever seen thks alot for sharing this by reading itself I’m motivated moreover the subtitles mentioned in the article is very accurate to overcome distractions .I’m soo interested to include these in my daily routine for procrastinate my distractions. Once again thank you soo much. Share more stuffs like this which may help lots & lots of students.🙂🙂

I hope you manage to implement the tips successfully!

May 5, 2020 at 1:21 am

Thank you So Much Sir.. Now I’m preparing for Medical Entrance Examination…… These Tips really helpfull Expecting More…. 😄🙏 Sir….. Please pray for me to Crack My Exam… 😊

May 5, 2020 at 7:58 am

All the best for your exam!

May 5, 2020 at 3:12 am

Thank you very much for your advice! Have nice evening!

Sure, it’s my pleasure.

May 5, 2020 at 6:58 am

Thanks for sharing the tips of study.i am really worth it when read this article

May 5, 2020 at 6:59 pm

Mr.Daniel Wong I truly appreciate your extremely helpful efforts to make studies more productive.. Thank you so much for your article…

May 5, 2020 at 9:27 pm

You’re welcome, Pranjal.

May 6, 2020 at 6:26 am

It’s such an article for starting a productive study session or being attentive to study or even turning attention back to study..

May 6, 2020 at 8:15 am

All the best as you put the tips into practice!

May 6, 2020 at 11:19 am

Useful tips. Thank u

May 6, 2020 at 1:09 pm

You are welcome. I’m glad you found the tips useful.

May 6, 2020 at 2:20 pm

Thank you so much for such great tips and for taking the time to write this. I’ve saved this article and will implement the tips!

May 6, 2020 at 2:41 pm

Glad to hear that!

May 6, 2020 at 2:59 pm

One of the best article, I had came across during these days. It is motivational too. Thank you Mr. Daniel Wong for sharing very useful tips for all…. which are not only for students but every person.

Thank you once again

May 6, 2020 at 4:04 pm

You’re welcome, and thank you for your kind words!

May 7, 2020 at 6:50 am

This is very interesting and it will help some us! I think it will make a difference in our study! Thank you very much and continue with this great job! God bless you!

You are welcome and God bless you too!

May 13, 2020 at 2:53 pm

Thank you very much for the exceptional creative tips! These can help the learners a lot!

May 13, 2020 at 2:59 pm

May 22, 2020 at 2:54 pm

Thank you! I am trying to follow your advice roughly (I did that even before actually reading this article). The only thing is, I don’t think I need to videotape myself. Instead I just use tracking programs. And of course I write my assignments, organize a comfortable learning space, and leave my smartphone in my living room. I rarely turn on music – only when I feel that I can concentrate with it, but most of the time it’s easier for me to learn something in silence.

August 22, 2020 at 3:45 am

thanks a lot sir…it helped me a lot

August 31, 2020 at 10:47 pm

I love your suggestions…These are better than other websites which only state some common facts…your suggestions are great…I was also looking forward to using Focusmate…But it seems that only people 17 years old and above can use it…I am in middle school and just turned 13…Can you please suggest one more website just like Focusmate please…

October 6, 2020 at 11:31 am

Thanks, it really helped with my distraction problems!

December 23, 2020 at 10:21 pm

I’m preparing for exams which are after a month. These tips are soo helpful, I’m soo glad to have found this page. Thank you sir!🙂

January 8, 2021 at 2:46 am

thank you, this article really helps me!!!

January 17, 2021 at 11:08 pm

why i can’t focus in study

January 28, 2021 at 4:45 am

dude I just made an account on brain.fm

Game changer.

They should give you a cut when I pay for the year after my 3 day trial.

Going to go hit up a 2 hour session to “cinematic music focus”.

Might pair this with the tree app for extra measure.

(My issue is wanting to stop and hop on netflix — hence the tree).

February 15, 2021 at 1:23 pm

Really, this article got me excited as though I already practiced it. The methods are well outlined and easily implemented. The fact that it involves exercise, sleep and diet makes this article like an all-round solution for improving my learning, maintaining a healthy body and alleviating depression; all with just one article.

Thanks Mr Wong, you’re a life saver.

April 7, 2021 at 7:47 am

Thanks sir for your advise and tips, it really helped me focus in my study more.

April 11, 2021 at 8:33 am

thanks your article for studying.

May 9, 2021 at 8:01 pm

I found this useful. I have bookmarked this page so that I can come back here when ever I want it. thankyou so much

July 5, 2021 at 1:49 pm

thank you so much helped me alot

September 26, 2021 at 11:26 am

Thank you so much. The 16th tip helped me so much

November 14, 2022 at 8:35 pm

i really found it very helpful. amazing tips.

July 5, 2023 at 9:33 am

How to focus on main point.

September 29, 2023 at 8:44 am

Thank you so much. Sometimes it takes multiple strategies. Switching up from day to day. Good of you to share!

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7 Great Tips to Learn How to Focus on Homework without Getting Distracted

• July 1, 2021
• Alexandra Uren

Table of Contents

Staying focused , especially on something as dull as homework, is rarely easy. There’s so many factors constantly fighting for our attention that even staying focused on an engaging task can be difficult!

Whether it’s the lure of social media or the thought of enjoying the sunshine with our friends, it can often feel as though we have no power when it comes to what our minds choose to focus on.

Focusing properly requires both the right mental attitude and the right environment, but even the very best procrastinators can develop a productive study routine.

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Dedicate a Few Minutes to Change

Many students find that getting home and putting on comfortable clothing can help them to focus, as this can help separate the school day from the evening.

It’s also important to allow yourself a break before you get started. You may find a small amount of physical activity or 30 minutes spent doing something completely unrelated to school can give you a little boost of energy and motivation before you start your homework.

Incorporating some ‘fun’ into your after-school study routine can help make the ordeal a little less painful!

Identify the Distractions in your Surroundings

Unless you do your homework in an empty room, it’s likely your home is chockablock full of distractions!

Whether it’s the buzz of the TV, the pop-up notifications on your phone, or the whir of the refrigerator daring you to get another snack, escaping distractions isn’t easy.

Identifying the distractions around you can help you to beat them, as often we don’t even realise that we are being distracted. Once you’ve identified what you find most distracting, remove it from your study space.

Whether you’re tackling math homework or struggling to write an essay, removing your primary distractions will help hugely.

Limit the Use of Technology to Find Focus

It goes without saying that electronic devices are one of the biggest distractions.

While Netflix, Instagram and Deliveroo can bring value to our lives (especially on rainy days!), they are not quite so helpful when you’re trying to work.

It’s best to limit the use of technology when you’re trying to focus. Put your smartphone on silent and tuck it away somewhere so that you’re not tempted to look at it.

If you really can’t do without it, tell yourself that once you’ve completed your first task, you’ll allow yourself 5 minutes to reply to any important messages.

Create an Environment that Breeds Creativity and Productivity

The right environment is key. A busy room with siblings playing video games or the TV turned up is only going to distract you.

Your work environment should be quiet, organised and spacious. Let as much natural light in as possible and clear your desk so that you have space to work.

Some people like to listen to some background noise while they are working, be it the hum of the radio or focus music.

Others prefer complete silence. Take some time to determine which environment works for you.

It’s also important to take regular breaks. Taking 5-minute breaks between each task can help you to stay alert and fresh.

Make a Study Plan & Prioritise your Tasks

If you’ve ever had so much to do that it feels pointless even getting started, a study plan is key. Divide your homework assignments into sections, and prioritise them by due date.

A piece of math homework due in for the following morning should be completed first, while the essay due for the next week can be lower down on your to-do list.

Use a planner to write down all your assignments, as well as the date they are due. Break any large projects into smaller sections.

Avoid Heavy Meals

Eating a heavy meal before you start work can interfere with your focus. If you’re too full, you’ll start to feel drowsy and find it harder to concentrate. But being hungry can also cause your concentration to falter!

It’s important you feel satisfied and content , and lots of sugar is unlikely to help.

Snacking on nourishing food before you begin studying will help you concentrate for longer, and prevent you from getting distracted by your rumbling stomach!

Try snacking on blueberries, nuts, wholegrain bread, and ensure you drink plenty of water.

Try a Focused Based Meditation

Sometimes, try as we might, we simply can’t get into the right headspace for studying. Whether it’s due to anxiety , stress or simply boredom, a change of tack is often needed!

A focus-based meditation, like mantra , can help you clear your busy mind, prepare you for study time and helping you to concentrate for longer.

MindEasy has a huge range of mindfulness meditation courses to help clear your mind, ease anxiety and put you in a fresher, more productive mindset.

Whether you’re worrying about the future or feeling anxious about your day at school, a short meditation can help melt away your worries so that you’re better able to focus on the task in front of you.

Organise your Study Notes

A clear desk and well-organised notes is immensely satisfying, and it’s especially important to be organised if you’re preparing for tests and exams.

You’ll be able to access the notes you need faster, without wasting precious revision time looking for things!

Using folders, highlighters and calendars can help you to stay organised when your homework starts to get on top of you.

Group your notes together by subject, then by topic. Many students find colour-coding their notes can help with organisation.

• Staying focused can be exceedingly difficult, especially with so many distractions surrounding us at any given moment.
• It’s important to divide up the school day and your evening. Change out of your school uniform, and allow yourself a 30 minute break before you sit down to tackle your homework.
• To start, identify any distractions (such as your smartphone!) and remove them from your desk.
• Allow plenty of natural light into the room, and try to stay away from noisy and distracting siblings!
• Make a study plan and prioritise what you’re going to do first. Allow yourself a short break once you’ve completed each task.
• Snack on nourishing, healthy food such as blueberries, nuts and wholegrain bread.
• A focus-based meditation can help you to clear your mind and get into the right mindset.
• Staying organised is key; group your notes into each subject, and then each topic.

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., 9 ways to stop homework distractions and get your work done.

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar to you? You try to read and get distracted by Snapchat. You’re doing your math homework until you’re little sister comes barreling through the kitchen. The new BuzzFeed quiz sounds way more appealing than starting your French paper .

Research shows  that even a 3-second interruption (like the time it takes to glance at your buzzing phone) has the power to completely derail the task you’re working on and makes you more likely to mess up.

Want to defeat homework distractions once and for all? Here are nine interruption busters to help you concentrate on homework without getting distracted to  reach your goals .

1. Make homework a habit.

You brush your teeth before bed; it’s just what happens. Same with homework. You do homework after school. Or, you do homework after dinner. Your schedule might vary from day to day, but in general being consistent about when homework will happen assures that it will become second nature.

2. Find your perfect study space.

Doing your homework in roughly the same place every night will help cement the routine. Whether it’s the public library, on your bed, or at the kitchen table, find a study space to make your own.

3. Get rid of unnecessary interruptions.

Distractions are often electronic but not always (rowdy younger siblings definitely count!). Wear headphones. Silence those enticing app notifications. You probably need your computer to do research or type up your lit essay  so consider using a browser extension like StayFocused to block chronically distracting sites (like your favorite blog or Instagram).

Read More: 8 Tricks to Finish Your Homework Faster

4. Plan ahead.

Take a look at everything you have to do and gather up ALL the gear you’ll need to do it. Have a trig quiz ? Grab your calculator. Reading a  chapter for biology ? Make sure a highlighter is handy. Going on a search for supplies is a surefire way to derail homework.

5. Big projects? Start small.

If you’ve got a big assignment looming, like a research paper , stay motivated by completing a small piece of the project every few days. It’s easy to get distracted if the project seems too complicated or has a distant due date. Even writing just a few sentences a night will keep your essay on track.

6. Give your brain a break.

Our brains and bodies aren’t wired to do the same thing for too long. Attempting to complete a complicated geometry problem set  in one sitting could end up frustrating you and make you want to give up. Make sure you are allowing yourself plenty of breaks—walk the dog, have a dance party, scan your Twitter feed—to get the blood flowing and get the brain moving.

Read More: Not Sure if an Online Tutor is Right For You? Let Us Change Your Mind.

7. Shift subjects.

You’ve got homework from lots of different teachers across multiple subjects. Who says you have to finish your Spanish dialogue  before moving on to chemistry ? When your mind starts wandering or you’ve just had enough, it’s ok (and often very productive!) to move on to something else. You may end up shifting subjects a few times before your assignments are completed.

8. Get loose.

Your study routine doesn’t have to be monotonous, especially if you are “actively” rather than passively involved with homework  So take notes on passages as you read them. Or, create flashcards for vocab words. Don’t just study the biology diagram; try to replicate it. The more senses that are involved in the work, the more you will retain and the less likely you will zone out and read the same thing over and over with no comprehension.

9. Still can’t focus? We can help!

Sometimes an “outside force” can be very motivating. If you’re stuck, our online tutors are available 24/7 and can help you get back on track in just a few minutes.

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• Published on September 15, 2022
• September 15, 2022

How to Focus on Homework and Actually Get Things Done: 12 Hacks for Busy Students

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Chances are, you’ve had some days when you felt overwhelmed after a long day at school. You couldn’t imagine doing anything other than plopping down in front of the television, let alone finding out how to focus on your homework. 

How can you overcome the resistance and get it done? How do you get your mind to include this task in your day as well?

With just a few adjustments, you will be able to expand your capacity to concentrate.

Why Can’t I Focus on My Homework?

Countless factors constantly fight for your attention : social media, people, overthinking, and anxiety. All of this can make you feel as though you have little control over your mind. 

If you want to start to focus better on your homework, you’ll need to set your mind up for success. Remove all distractions .

Here are two key principles that can help you be more successful in your studies:

1. Identify the distractions in your surroundings

What are the things in your daily life that take your mind away from your studies? Clearly identifying these distractions can help you understand both the problem and what causes it.

Among our environmental distractions, digital distractions are one of the worst kinds, and according to a number of studies , their effect is on the rise in the classroom.

If you’re looking to gain more concentration and, thus, form better study habits, question your online behavior first and foremost.

2. Limit the use of technology to find focus

What’s the role of social media in your daily life? Have you ever sat down to calculate how social media distracts you from doing the things you should be doing?

When you are wondering how to focus on homework long after you’ve put your phone away, you’re still thinking about the last posts you saw on Instagram. The sound of new notifications can be enough to reroute our attention from the task at hand.

And then comes the information overload, the fear of missing out, and the all-too-common signs of addictive behavior. Technology is affecting your mind more than ever, and it’s taking your focus away.

How to Focus on Homework: 12 Things You Can Do to Be More Indistractible

Here are 12 tips on how to stay focused while completing your homework, taught by superbrain coach Jim Kwik and habit transformation expert Nir Eyal .

• Make a routine
• Set up a study-friendly environment
• Avoid heavy meals
• Organize your study notes
• Tell others to stay away
• Listen to study music
• Set deadlines
• Take brain breaks
• Use discomfort as motivation for productivity
• Use time blocking
• Let go of thoughts that distract you
• Reimagine your task

Let’s look at each study hack in more detail.

1. Make a routine

Routines help you be productive without exerting as much effort. When you have homework to do, a study routine can be the reason you actually sit down, set enough time aside, concentrate, and stay focused until you complete the project.

This process doesn’t need to be complicated: just tell yourself that you will sit at your desk at home once you’re back from school. Put your phone on silent, make an outline of the work that needs to get done, and simply begin with what’s most important.

2. Set up a study-friendly environment

A place for everything and everything in its place. That applies to studying, too.

Lying in bed with your notebook is considered a distraction, as is being in the living room with your laptop while others are doing their activities.

You need an isolated place when you decide to focus on your homework. Make it feel comfortable, keep it organized, keep it clean, and consider putting up some motivational posters or positive affirmations .

3. Avoid heavy meals

It’s not advisable to have a big meal beforehand. Big meals can ruin your focus and make you feel sluggish and lazy because it takes a big amount of time and energy for your body to digest. A snack is okay.

There are also some foods , though, that are just plain bad for your productivity. For example, soda, candy, and fried foods are all full of sugar and have no nutritional value. They make your insulin spike up, but then it crashes very fast, which makes you feel depleted of energy.

4. Organize your study notes

Prioritize your work. Keep lists and place the most important items on top. Then work on the items that you should get done first.

It helps to outline what you need to do, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Use colors to highlight the essentials . 

This makes it all look much simpler and you’re more likely to actually get started. The brain loves organization and it won’t be so likely to procrastinate when it knows you have a structure set in place.

5. Tell others to stay away

Don’t be afraid to let others know that you’re studying and require some time and space to get your work done. Decide on fixed hours for studying and tell your friends and family members that you won’t be available during that time of the day.

If others respect your study time, you’ll be more inclined to respect it as well. 

6. Listen to study music

There are many tracks out there designed to help your mind focus. Whether you use binaural beats or just instrumental music, the right sounds can really help to tune your brain into a productive frequency.

This meditation is also great to listen to; it puts your mind in a clear, concise, and ready-to-take-on-the-world mode:

7. Set deadlines

Even if your teacher has already given you deadlines for each assignment, set new ones yourself at earlier dates.

This helps you build discipline, learn how to focus on studying, and prioritize every day.

8. Take brain breaks

Frequent breaks actually increase your productivity and focus. You’ll see that after each study session, the brain needs to be engaged with something different —  you need to activate other parts of your brain before going back to your studies so that you can reach top performance.

You can also use the Superbrain Yoga Technique. In the Superbrain Quest, Jim talks about implementing it during your breaks. It goes as follows:

• Massage the left lobe of your ear with your right hand, and the right one with your left hand
• Inhale and squat down
• Exhale and come back up while continuing massaging your opposite ear with the opposite hand
• Keep going for a few minutes

As your body moves, your brain grooves. — Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain Quest

9. Use discomfort as motivation for productivity

The brain is wired to protect us from danger, and our ancestors needed this function of the psyche to survive. Discomfort is associated with danger, and whenever they felt it, they knew it was time to run away or protect themselves in one way or another.

In today’s world, danger isn’t so imminent. However, discomfort is, and the brain still works to protect us in the same way. 

So why not use it to your advantage?

Once you have this mindset shift, you can see the discomfort that comes with doing your homework as fuel for moving forward, from pain to pleasure. So instead of procrastinating and avoiding the discomfort, just use it as motivation to get things done.

And maybe you can even save yourself a fun activity to do later in the day, so you have something to look forward to.

10. Use time blocking

You can use time blocking and set a specific amount of time for parts of your homework that needs to be done. For example, you block 30 minutes of reading, then another 30 minutes of writing down highlights from the text. 

This method will give you more structure and support you when you need to focus on school work, as you will have a dedicated structured time to do so.

11. Let go of thoughts that distract you

When you need more concentration, but your thoughts keep getting in the way, here’s a fun visualization exercise you can use:

• Before you start working on your homework, close down your eyes and imagine a flowing river in front of you. 
• Now, place every thought on a leaf and let it run down the river while watching it move away from you. 

Do this repeatedly for 5-10 minutes and see how your mind becomes clearer, more productive, and more inspired.

12. Reimagine your task

How can you make the process of doing your homework more fun? Is there any way you can think of to make it more exciting and engaging?

As you introduce play and fun into any task, your capacity to stay focused will increase. So just try out different methods to engage more in your homework. 

For example, what if you made a trivia quest about your history lesson homework? Or what about riddles to make you remember all the characters from the novel you have to read? 

Once you play around with these kinds of games, you might find that focusing on your homework isn’t as boring as you thought it would be.

Unleash the Power of Your Focus

Discovering how to focus on your homework can go beyond schoolwork and actually support you in many other activities you want to do. Concentration is one of the best skills to nurture for your growth.

If you need a little guidance at the beginning of your focusing journey, Mindvalley has it in store for you. 

By unlocking your FREE Mindvalley access , you can check out sample classes from quests that help you develop better focus and study habits, such as Becoming Focused and Indistractable by Nir Eyal and Superbrain by Jim Kwik. You can also immerse yourself in beautiful sounds and guided meditations designed to improve concentration and help you enter the flow state.

The earlier you start, the greater your journey of self-discovery will be. Welcome in.

— Images generated on Midjourney.

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Jim Kwik is the trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain and Super Reading Quests. He’s a brain coach and a world expert in speed reading, memory improvement, and optimal brain performance. Known as the “boy with the broken brain” due to a childhood injury, Jim discovered strategies to dramatically enhance his mental performance. He is now committed to helping people improve their memory, learn to speed-read, increase their decision-making skills, and turn on their superbrain. He has shared his techniques with Hollywood actors, Fortune 500 companies, and trailblazing entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Richard Branson to reach their highest level of mental performance. He is also one of the most sought-after trainers for top organizations like Harvard University, Nike, Virgin, and GE.

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Study: digital distraction in class is on the rise, you might also like.

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How to avoid distractions while studying, according to science

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Modern life is full of distractions – and some of them can have a negative effect on our ability to concentrate when studying. The problem is that many people tend to underestimate how much they are distracted by what’s going on around them. Here’s how you can get the most from your studies by considering your environment.

Reading is often accompanied by background speech, such as from the television or the conversations of friends or colleagues. When trying to concentrate on a task, people often report that the presence of nearby speech is annoying. But they are usually not very good at accurately estimating how distracted they will be by such sounds. However, when measured in the lab, people’s ability to carry out study-related tasks is usually made worse by irrelevant speech in the background.

For example, a recent study recorded participants’ eye movements as they read texts and listened to irrelevant background speech. The results showed reading needed more effort because participants more often had to go back to previously read words and re-examine them. This distraction occurred because readers were inadvertently trying to listen to the irrelevant speech and process its meaning, even though it has nothing to do with what they are reading.

Listening to music is another common distraction that many students choose. A recent survey found that 62% of university students were listening to music while studying or doing homework. But, again, recent eye-tracking evidence suggests that listening to music also reduces reading efficiency in a similar way to irrelevant speech.

This may occur because much music contains language in the form of lyrics that readers try to process. In fact, a recent summary of a large number of studies on the topic has suggested that listening to lyrical music may be just as detrimental to text comprehension as listening to speech.

However, listening to instrumental music without lyrics appears to have little if any negative effect on comprehension. So if you must listen to music while you study, it may be better to listen to classical pieces rather than the latest pop hits.

The multi-tasking problem

Even if you find an empty room and take out your headphones, studying today often means dealing with a big potential distraction in the form of smartphones and social media. In one study , students conducting three hours of homework engaged with an average of 35 distractors such as using their phone, accessing the internet for non-study purposes or listening to music.

Such types of multi-tasking activities are usually associated with poorer studying performance . For example, one study found that students who were allowed to send text messages during a lecture had lower comprehension of its contents than those who had their phones switched off. Another recent survey found that greater daily Facebook use is associated with an increase in academic distraction.

But while using other media when studying is detrimental to performance, students may not always be aware of this because they tend to overestimate their ability to multi-task. For instance, one study asked participants to do either one task or two tasks at the same time. The tasks involved judging whether spoken statements are correct and counting the shape of visual objects. Although teenagers and young adults reported strong confidence in their ability to multi-task, their actual performance was almost always worse compared to when they were doing just one task.

Overall, these results suggest that using media when studying should be limited due to the decrease in performance when multi-tasking. One strategy to avoid the negative effects of media multi-tasking is to take short “ technology breaks ” during which you access the internet, but then restrict its use for the rest of your study period. Other options may be to avoid using smartphones and other devices before studying is completed for the day, or to keep such technology in communal areas away from the studying space.

So while you might think you can study in a busy cafe, or with the TV on, or with your phone keeping you connected to the world, the chances are that you’re not as good at getting down to work as you think. By planning studying sessions in a way that minimises external distractors, you could improve your concentration and overall performance.

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Have you ever tried to finish an assignment but ended up on an Instagram scrolling spree or down a YouTube video blackhole instead? Sounds like a typical student problem, right? 😩

College students are tempted by smartphone-related distractions 28 times a day on average, which can throw a wrench into your plans to prepare early for midterms or polish a research paper. 

Here are 13 solid ways to skip the distractions and get down to business. 💪

1. Establish a Study Routine ⌚

2. track how you spend your time ⏰, 3. organize your tasks with a to-do list 📝, 4. keep open internet tabs to a minimum 🗂, 5. install study apps that block distracting websites ⛔️, 6. put your phone on do not disturb 📱, 7. allow yourself to take breaks in between study sessions 💆🏽‍♀️, 8. hunt down the perfect study spot 📚, 9. get rid of unwanted noise 🤫, 10. meet your basic physical needs 🍽, 11. break down big lessons or goals into smaller tasks 👨🏻‍💻, 12. focus on one goal at a time 💯, 13. choose different study strategies 🧠.

If you have an attention span shorter than a goldfish, having a dependable study routine is a fantastic way to set the tone for the rest of your day. 

Since juggling tasks often means things fall through the cracks, crafting a schedule will help you manage your time and focus. 

Identify your priorities the night before, consider how long it will take to accomplish each task, and split your day into different blocks (one for each task). This way, you can stay focused on finishing the job at hand before moving on to the next one. 

Are there times when you simply don’t have enough hours in a day to get your coursework done? We can relate! 😢 Before chalking it up to having a full calendar, you should consider that you may not be using your time efficiently. 

You might be surprised at how often you spend time on distractions (like TikTok) rather than your priorities. 

One way to check if you’re wasting precious hours would be to use the screen time feature on your phone. It lists the apps which get more love and lets you know which activities you need to double down on or limit. 

If you find yourself consistently sidetracked by notifications, curb the habit by only accessing entertainment or social media during your designated study breaks. 

TIP: Install a Pomodoro timer app to keep you on a strict routine. Do other errands or check social media only when the timer runs out.

Writing down your daily duties can help you to keep track of everything that needs to be done — whether it’s two hours or two days from now.

Being scatterbrained when studying is a major distraction. To get that A , try sticking to a reliable timetable. 

Pending deadlines and projects are easily sorted when you have a handy planner or a corkboard that tells you what is urgent and what can be put off until tomorrow. 

As experts say, jotting things down by hand improves your focus and memory, so it doesn’t hurt to incorporate this into your study routine.

It’s almost impossible to find students who don’t use the internet during study hours. But you can’t deny that your biggest source of information is also your biggest source of distraction. 💀

While our laptops and tablets are great productivity tools, let’s face it: we always find ourselves on Reddit, TikTok, or YouTube. Before you know it, hours have passed, and your studies are long forgotten! 

A trick to resist temptation is to find and open the materials you need when you begin studying and don’t open any more tabs (or even turn off your WiFi if necessary) until you’ve finished. 💻

Can’t trust yourself to limit your social media intake? You aren’t alone! 

Downloading or enabling study apps that prevent you from accessing these distractions can be a lifesaver. It’s a good thing that there are tons of options to choose from! 📃

For example, Cold Turkey is a browser extension that allows you to block websites or the entire internet while Forest lets a virtual tree grow — right up until you leave the app.

READ MORE: 17 Study Apps Every College Student Needs to Have

Text messages, notifications, emails, and the strong urge to know what’s going on in the world — these are what make your phone your enemy when you’re trying to study.

How can you overcome this challenge? Place your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode and put the device far from your reach. 🔇

Now, we know that some teachers may be trying to get hold of you. Just so you don’t miss important reminders or instructions, you should plan to check your messages and emails after a set period, for example, every two hours.

If you follow our advice, it’s also a good idea to alert your family and close friends when you are studying so they know why you can’t immediately reply or answer. 

You can also check if your phone has an emergency or VIP feature for people who really, really have something important to say that overrides the “Do Not Disturb” function. 

Scheduling breathers into your study routine may sound counterintuitive, but these pauses give you a much-needed moment to recharge ahead of your next bout of coursework (and maybe help avoid senioritis ). 

If you want to perform at your absolute best, it’s necessary to have some “me time,” even if it’s just a few minutes between study sessions. Working yourself to the bone leaves you unfocused and more vulnerable to distractions.

So, after a set amount of time spent hitting the books, take a 15 to 20-minute break where you can watch a video, talk to friends, prepare a snack, or check social media before getting back to work. Your attention span will thank you! 😉

One of the best ways to reduce distractions while studying is to have a workspace that caters to your needs. 

Do you flourish in a quiet, secluded workspace? Or perhaps what you need is to set up shop outside where the air is fresh, and you have day-to-day sounds in the background?

You should try different areas to discover what gives you the best advantage. But remember, different situations and assignments could call for different study spaces! 📚

TIP: Cleaning off your station, preparing all your course materials, and choosing a study playlist are excellent first tasks to kick off a productive day in your chosen study spot. 😏

Name something more distracting to students than noise. 

Whether it’s loud construction work behind your house, banging pots and pans in the kitchen, screaming siblings in the next room, or the laughter of your dormmates having fun without you, these noises can be a nightmare when you’re trying to concentrate.

To eliminate unnecessary and distracting sounds, use noise-canceling headphones or heavy-duty earplugs. 

But there’s always an exception! For students who find silence just as distracting as noises, we recommend playing some white noise as you study or other ambient music that helps you focus. 

READ MORE: 10 Study Music Playlists for Students to Focus to the Max

Being in tip-top condition dictates how well you’ll be able to concentrate on the task at hand. 

Trust us, understanding more than two paragraphs of your textbook can be monumentally tricky if your stomach is grumbling or you are sleep-deprived. 💤

To make sure you have copious amounts of energy, eat a hearty breakfast and keep good, healthy snacks on hand. It’s also a good idea to have a big water bottle by your side to keep yourself hydrated. 

In terms of sleep, make sure you achieve your required eight hours by having a bedtime routine that helps you unwind, avoiding caffeine after 3 pm , and buying blackout curtains or an eye mask. 

As a busy college student, it’s easy to forgo meals and sleep if you think you have better things to do. Just remember, if you take care of your body, your academic record will thank you!

READ MORE: Sleeping Habits Play Crucial Role in College Grades

More often than not, tackling big goals can leave you exhausted and, in turn, vulnerable to distractions. 

Some students look at their to-do list and see 10 impossible things which stop them in their tracks (and nothing gets done). 😫

You can set yourself up for success by breaking down extensive projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. 

Need to finish two to three books in a week? Try to complete a certain number of pages every hour. Writing a 20-page term paper? Allot two days for research and have a goal of writing two to three pages per day. 

READ MORE: 11 Top Online Study Tools Every Student Needs in 2022

Switching from task to task may sound like a good idea, but it could do more harm than good. You might be a little confident about your ability to multitask, but one study shows that doing two things at the same time reduces accuracy in results. 

It’s tempting to get as many things done in one day, but being preoccupied with other deadlines while you’re currently working on something else is also a form of distraction. 😬

What you can do is plan a study schedule that prioritizes tasks that are both important and urgent. Give each goal ample time and move to the next activity when you’re finished.  

One surefire way to beat distraction is changing things up! Introducing a new study strategy into your routine can refresh your focus and drive you to continue working for a longer period of time. 

We recommend experimenting with different techniques each day, especially at times when you feel like you’re losing steam. 🚂

You’ve probably already heard about turning tasks into games and incorporating rewards as motivation, but there are so many other study strategies you can try! 

Here are some examples that you can use to boost your concentration: 

The Pomodoro Technique

Split your day into 25-minute chunks with five-minute breaks in between. After doing about four sets, you’re allowed a longer rest period of about 25 to 30 minutes.

The Spaced Practice

Study the materials over an extended period instead of trying to absorb it all in less than 24 hours. When exam dates near, you can revisit tougher lessons to be refreshed.

The Feynman Technique

Write the theory or subject you want to learn about as simply as you can on a piece of paper. Review your explanation and check for any mistakes until you get the right interpretation by yourself. Once you’ve nailed one idea, move on to the next concept! 

READ MORE: 11 Top Study Methods That Are Scientifically Proven to Work

While we’ve compiled our top tips to make your path more straightforward, it’s up to you to follow through. 

How well you do in college can open the doors for greater opportunities. It’s time to make sure that you don’t waste your chances. 😉 Good luck!

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How to Focus on School Work & Stay Concentrated: 18 Tips to Follow

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Every new academic year has unique challenges that make students ask questions like, "Why can't I focus on school work?" It is more complicated than ever to maintain optimum concentration. Some people struggle because they are juggling family time, social activities, and media platforms. Nevertheless, you can focus on homework and finish your tasks efficiently by adopting interest-focusing strategies. These techniques will be helpful in overcoming diversions and concentrating on your schoolwork. You can achieve this by making simple schedule adjustments. In this blog post, we will discuss 18 tips on how to stay focused on homework in a clear and detailed manner. In case you have any questions or need expert assistance, contact StudyCrumb. Our academic writing team will be glad to solve any homework task you are dealing with. Say ‘ help with my assignment ’ and get top-notch assistance.

Why Can't I Focus on My Homework?

The question "why can't I focus on homework?" is popular among students, as numerous things can be distracting when doing assignments. Several hindrances like social networking sites, overthinking and watching digital content continuously demand concentration. As a result, you have little or no control over your thoughts. You must ensure your brain is dedicated to completing the task at hand. Focusing on an assignment may be challenging for many reasons. From my perspective, one of the reasons why I can't focus on school work is experiencing stress or exhaustion. Of course, being bored with the subject itself could also be the cause of why you are not concentrating. Many people find that figuring out the obstacle is the best way of understanding how to get focused on school work. Similarly, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle is what helps you focus on homework.

Can't Focus on Homework? Find Out All Distracting Facts

Why can't I concentrate on my homework? Is paying attention to my assignments so crucial? Welcome to the new era where distractions are everywhere, and you can't concentrate on homework. How can you possibly finish your schoolwork and focus on it without being interrupted? Something minor, like social media browsing, may not seem harmful initially, but it can hinder studying. Students must learn how to stay focused while doing homework so that they can perform well. Many factors may contribute to these distractions and make you feel like you have limited power over your thoughts. These elements of distraction include the following:

• Fear of failure.
• Electronic devices.

Lack of interest is a common reason why students experience difficulties with concentration. If you aren’t interested in your subject and are looking for an expert to pay for homework , StudyCrumb is the best place to seek for academic help. Let us know the details and we will match you with the best writer in your field.

Tips for Focusing on Homework

You may struggle with focus occasionally as a freshman or a graduate student. One of the obstacles is the question of how to concentrate on homework. It can be challenging when you are thinking about something else. For example, your mind is constantly shifting focus onto your phone, your stomach is grumbling, or you want to lie down and nap. Start by learning how to focus on schoolwork in general by adopting technology as a core part of making you creative. However, technology is responsible for a never-ending stream of diversions that can weaken the will toward education. Check a few tips below on how to focus better on homework while avoiding interference.

1. Provide Quiet and Comfortable Environment

Students should learn how to focus on school at home as a core part of achieving academic success. Using a computer to do your homework staying in a noisy living room environment may affect concentration. To focus on school work, move to a quiet area where you can listen to helpful videos and read books. Make the space cozy, ensure it is also tidy, and maybe use inspirational banners in the room. You will probably have an easier understanding if you minimize distractions when studying. A quiet and conducive environment can optimize the quality of time spent on schoolwork and spare enough hours for free time. This is one of the crucial ways how to stop getting distracted from homework.

2. Prepare Snacks and Water Beforehand

This is another critical method and a sure way how to focus when doing homework. Here, you can learn how to focus on school by consuming water and healthy snacks, including low-fat yogurt, whole-grain bread, and dried fruits. It is not a good idea to eat a substantial meal prior to starting to work on the homework since it takes a lot of energy and time to digest the food. Thus, large meals can make you unproductive. Instead, preparing snacks and water beforehand is one of the easy-to-implement tips to help focus on homework. Water prevents dehydration and helps in digestion. Healthy snacks are a crucial element of a well-balanced diet, particularly when studying for long periods. Easy meals for college students play a critical role in curbing overeating. They also boost energy levels and metabolism and reduce hunger pangs, allowing you to concentrate better on your schoolwork.

3. Provide Silence to Concentrate on Homework

People often need silence when contemplating how to not get distracted while doing homework. Most students wonder why it is so hard to focus on school work in a loud environment. This is because it shifts your mind to what is happening around you rather than concentrating on your homework. Maintaining silence when focusing on school work enables you to absorb information better, remember it, and formulate new questions. You can assess the significance of alternative viewpoints and internalize different emotions and facts. Furthermore, silence allows you to practice deliberate and purposeful communication. It is also necessary to ensure effective use of the time allocated for schoolwork.

4. Organize Your Study Place

Taking an hour or more to arrange your space is helpful when figuring out how to focus on doing homework. If you study in your room, ensure the windows are open for the flow of fresh air. However, remain mindful of outside noise that may become even more distracting. One of the things to help you focus on homework is adequate illumination to help with reading and writing and clearing your mind. Both these preparations can be achieved using music and easy hygiene procedures. If you enjoy classical music, turn it on for the smooth sounds that will help you relax. Spend a few minutes removing dirty things on the desk, table, and study space, including your sitting position. The whole idea of organizing your study space is made to avoid time wastage. Furthermore, great organization boosts concentration and output and helps you avoid distraction.

5. Block Apps and Websites That Can Distract From Doing Homework

Another incredible tip on how to concentrate on school work is by blocking apps and websites that cause distraction. Focusing is undoubtedly tricky if you are completing homework on a laptop. Some apps are beneficial while others are not, especially when you think of what helps you focus on homework and ensure effective use of allocated time. For instance, Screen Time is an app that assists you in avoiding frequent distractions. Avoid apps like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to focus on homework and close any notifications like text messages not to get distracted. By blocking these apps, you will concentrate more on your studies and enhance your workflow. You can run a few applications that support your efficiency in handling schoolwork.

6. Avoid Multitasking to Be Focused on School Work

If you are unsure about how to focus on homework at home, you are in the right place. You should identify different methods so you can concentrate thoughts on schoolwork and optimize the learning process. Focusing on one assignment at a time is another way how to stay focused on school work. Multitasking will reduce your productivity. Avoid watching a video lesson on science while completing your math assignment because you might be losing more than you gain. Before beginning a new task, finish the previous one and concentrate on homework. This enables you to take part in the activity more deeply and stay attentive. In addition, you will retain more knowledge and have less trouble applying the information in the real world if you can focus more on your schoolwork.

7. Choose the Best Time for Homework

As the saying goes, to everything, there is a time and place , and with homework, you need to set the appropriate time and place to work it out. You need to choose designated periods to make yourself focus on homework. Attentiveness to schoolwork may be difficult if the event is not scheduled correctly. Therefore, choosing the most appropriate time to focus on your homework without many distractions is key. The correct perspective in handling assignment deadlines would entail the selection of a timeframe that is best for you. In other words, the time allocation should be uneventful yet scheduled at an appropriate time for maximum efficiency. This means you will consider periods when your mind is fresh and there are minimal distractions to remain productive while focusing on schoolwork.

8. Put Aside All Gadgets

When researching how to do homework without getting distracted, gadgets are considered to be some of the most distracting elements that you can have. Having gadgets around, such as phones, leaves you vulnerable to shifting attention. This entails calls and messages from friends in social media or online interactions. Although gadgets are essential in helping you study, switch them off in order to not get distracted when doing homework. Accordingly, managing screen time must be a central topic when developing ways how to focus on your homework. You will find that without distractions, you can easily set attention to the tasks that matter. Putting off your gadgets often results in higher efficiency and productivity, especially when handling academic tasks.

9. Prioritize Your Homework

As with many other things, priorities are central when getting work done. Schoolwork at home can easily fall into events that are of lower importance. However, eliminating this perspective may be critical when considering how to focus while doing homework. Prioritization is the most effective when planning and scheduling events. Tasks like doing homework should, in this case, be set as the most important and high up on the schedule compared to other events. More time should also be allocated to more urgent events. This allows you to organize your thoughts and ideas while doing your homework without feeling rushed.

10. Plan Your Schedule to Be Concentrated

Students often wonder how to focus more on school work, especially when dealing with time-critical events or when they have a lot on their plate. I have, in several instances, successfully used scheduling when strategizing how to make myself focus on homework. The trick lies in developing a schedule that works for you. The plan, in this case, should operate around all your daily events and take advantage of the free periods. You can therefore complete the tasks that are typically overlooked. Keeping time will be easier with the correct approach to scheduling. You will also make more time for the things that previously fell between the cracks and remain undone.

11. Divide Your Task Into Parts

Undertaking large volumes of work that cannot be well-tracked may seem overwhelming. Being compelled can then make it hard to stay focused. In my experience, the practice of dividing work into parts has been able to help me focus on homework. Breaking down large volumes of tasks enables you to easily keep track of the progress you make and avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed. You can use this as a tip when figuring out what to do when you can't focus on homework. Also, scheduling periodic breaks after completing a stressful section will be helpful.

12. Make To-Do Lists to Focus on Homework

Lists are a common way of tracking the important events that should be done throughout the day. They can also be helpful when thinking of how to stay focused on homework in college or even in your personal engagements. You may wonder how to stop getting distracted while doing homework using lists, and here is how. Listing all the day's tasks in order of how you would like to undertake them keeps you focused on your goals. The order will help you tackle things individually and shape your focus on the next item you need to work on. Setting goals for each step can also lead to exceptional results in completing homework and minimizing distractions.

13. Use Tools and Apps for Studying

As a student, you must leverage technologies and all available ways to focus on homework. The advantage of studying in the modern schooling environment is that you have a wide array of tools and resources. For instance, mobile apps and games can help you meet the objectivity tasks you may require. They will also help you to get useful time management skills . Many free apps and tools help you to focus on school work at home. For example, scheduling apps offer time management and planning resources that help you get that extra edge in keeping focused. These tools provide alerts to inform you of your tasks and even help manage your progress. In addition to scheduling applications, using PDF annotating apps and tools can be very helpful for studying. Apps like PDF Reader Pro allow you to open, edit, annotate and share PDFs with ease. You can highlight important textbook passages, add notes and bookmark pages to better focus on your homework. 

14. Set a Timer While Doing Homework

Using timers is a great option when you are not able to concentrate on homework. Students who can't focus on school work may benefit from using them to manage their engagement in different daily activities. Timers are mainly instrumental in keeping your attention focused on a specific goal. Productivity timers, for instance, may help keep your focus by holding you accountable for every minute that passes. You know you need to finish a set number of tasks based on the time spent on these tasks. This can be beneficial if you are prone to procrastination or are too busy with other things. Older students wondering how to stay focused on homework in college or tertiary institutions may also use timers to manage their efficiencies. Timing yourself can also help keep pressure on the mind and focus your thoughts. Therefore, make timed tasks a habit.

15. Come Up With Motivation

Motivation greatly helps when you wonder what to do when you can't focus on homework. Sometimes, simple inspiration and goal realignment may be all you need to restore your attention. Motivation comes in many forms and shapes. For instance, using reward systems or adjusting your school goals with personal interests may go a long way. Other options include joining group work discussions that match these objectives and engaging in an exercise that may help keep you motivated. So next time you think of how to focus on schoolwork at home, consider what benefits you may get from developing motivation for your goals.

16. Make Breaks for Better Concentration on Homework

Concentration is part of what can help me focus on homework, and there is a chance you may be severely affected by fatigue. Exhaustion is to be expected, especially when handling challenging course materials. I mostly find that I can't focus on my homework when I am tired. It becomes complicated to focus on homework without getting distracted when exhausted, and the solution I have found so far is taking a break. This helps rejuvenate the mind and generate new energy. Scheduling periodic intervals minimizes stress and allows you to refocus your thoughts. Nevertheless, be mindful and do not take a break that extends for too long.

17. Change Study Spot

You may be curious how a change in the environment affects your ability to concentrate or how to make yourself focus on homework with so many distractions at home. Fortunately, there are standard solutions to these questions as well. If you are wondering how to focus on school work at home, you should move to a different study spot. In a spacious house, you can find a quiet, designated space to set up and do your homework. Having a fixed location with the right environment for concentration may increase your creativity significantly. In smaller houses, getting a place that is secluded from direct distractions may also help minimize the impact these distractions have on your attentiveness.

18. Listen to Music

Changing approach to studying may also be needed to stay focused on homework. Listening to your favorite music can be a great option. This is particularly true if you have considered most of the options shared above and are still wondering how to do your homework without getting distracted. Music to study to is a great way to keep you focused, especially when using headphones to prevent external noise. It is exceptionally effective in stress management. There is a higher chance you may get distracted when doing challenging homework assignments. Music is one of the things that can be used to clear the mind when you are curious about what to do if you can't focus on homework. Symphonies and upbeat music, for instance, help manage stress by boosting the thinking process. It is, however, important to avoid listening to songs playing in the background with lyrics that may be distracting. Instrumentals are, in most cases, the more practical option.

Final Thoughts on How to Focus on Schoolwork

Beyond education, learning to concentrate on your schoolwork might also help you in other pursuits in your life. Among the best abilities for fostering your development is concentration. Various tips are practical when you spend all day and night working on school or college papers and cannot concentrate on your assignment. Stick to these 18 strategies if you want to try and work out how to focus on homework without getting distracted. We have all been through the "how do I focus on my homework" moment occasionally. However, listening to music, organizing your study place, and setting a timer will help you stay focused when doing homework. Make it a routine to read and utilize these tips; you will not regret a single day in your life.

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FAQ About Focusing on Homework at Home

1. why can't i focus on homework for more than 10 minutes.

Gaining strict concentration may be one of the most challenging issues affecting students. Many learners find that they can't focus on homework even when they want. Distractions, exhaustion, and a general lack of interest in the subject are to blame for their lack of focus. In some cases, stress and other emotional distractions may affect a person's ability to focus.

2. How can I train my brain to concentrate on homework?

Fortunately, this problem can be solved by simple discipline routines and habits that enable students to concentrate on homework. Working past the undisciplined mind can be achieved by simply following a strict routine. Scheduling tasks and timelines are some of the ways that can be used to keep your mind set on targeted goals. Turning off all distractions, such as the television and background music, may also help improve concentration levels.

3. How to get my child to focus on homework?

Parents or guardians are often a great source in helping their children stay focused when doing homework. Creating an enabling environment and assisting in doing homework are ways that parents can improve their child's concentration and remain involved in their learning process. Other options, such as helping develop workable schedules for children, are also plausible ways that parents can use.

Rachel R. Hill is a real educational devotee. She prides in writing exceptional general guides while listening to every need of students.

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How Do I Study Without Getting Distracted: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

• Last Updated: May 16, 2024
• Mar 17, 2017

“H ow do I study without getting distracted?”

That’s a MAJOR concern for you, right?

You try hard to focus on your studies, but unwanted thoughts get you off track—time flies like a supersonic jet (whoosh!)—and then you wonder if you ever be able to study hard and not get distracted.

Listen: You’re not alone in this. Almost everybody gets sidetracked at times. So what if you get distracted while trying to concentrate on your studies? Big deal!

It’s natural. Just human. So just chill.

And listen, here’s the good news for you:

You can stay focused on your studies by avoiding the seven common mistakes I have outlined for you in this article.

Let’s start with the first one.

1. Trying too Hard to Study Without Getting Distracted

When it comes to concentrating on their studies without any distractions, most people make this mistake:

They believe distractions are bad, and to stay focused on their studies, they need to fight them.

You see, when you fight with distractions, you give the distractions more power . And that works against you.

Let me explain.

One of the most profound things to remember in life is:

What you give your attention to, expands.

If you want to concentrate on your studies and not get distracted, then understand this…

Your attention to any subject attracts more of it.

It doesn’t matter if it’s something you want or something that you want to avoid. If you’re giving it attention, you’re helping it grow.

So, the more you try to avoid distractions, the more distractions you attract.

Not clear yet?

Okay, let me elaborate on this.

Recall the time when you first learned to ride a bicycle.

Since you didn’t have the confidence to ride on a busy road, you chose a not-so-busy one for your practice session.

And then, an interesting thing happened.

The road was wide enough, but there was a big tree on the sideways—and you were afraid of bumping into that. So, instead of focusing on enjoying the ride, you were focused on your fear. The more you got afraid, the more you focused on not getting bumped into the tree.

But you DID bump, right?

Because you were paying attention to the tree the whole time (it was only logical. Because to avoid something, one must know what exactly they want to avoid, right)?

But life works in mysterious ways. The very thing you want to avoid keeps coming back to you because you are paying attention to it.

You cannot avoid distractions. But you can study without getting distracted. It’s a question of what it is that you’re paying attention to.

So, if you focus on distractions, they’ll grow larger. And if you focus on your studies, your understanding of your subjects will grow.

How cool is that!

But what about the distractions? They are there, aren’t they? What about them? What to do about them?

Well, acknowledge them!

And then stop paying attention to them. Don’t even talk about them. Instead, pay attention to your studies.

See what I mean?

If you want to study without getting distracted, then instead of being anti-distractions, be pro-studies .

Here’s how:

Acknowledge the Distractions

Distractions aren’t something new.

They’ve always been there—even when your great-great-grandfather was a little kid.

The only difference?

The way people addressed them in the past and how we handle them now.

For example:

When I was a kid, these were the names of distractions—”Comics, Gilli Danda, Kanchhe, Lattu, Cartoon shows, etc.” And now, you call them “Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, YouTube, internet, video games, mobile games, Xbox, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and stuff like that.”

The good news?

Your great-great-grandfather survived them, I survived them, and you’ll survive them, too. Chill. You CAN concentrate on your studies without any distractions.

Here’s how.

Make Peace with Distractions

Now that you’ve completed the “acknowledgment” part, it’s time to make peace with the distractions.

Basically, there are two types of distractions:

• Distractions you can control
• Distractions you cannot control

Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, and things like that—are under your control. You can remove them from your life at this very instant. But, you must ask yourself why you want to do that—why you want to remove these distractions from your life?

Is it because you’re really serious about your studies or because you think you’re supposed to be?

Get clear on this.

And when you do, take a stand.

Stop complaining about distractions. Because you see, it’s not about the distractions; it’s about YOU.

If you can spend time checking Facebook posts, Instagram photos, and WhatsApp messages, you can also give your undivided attention to your studies by saving yourself from social media madness .

I am not saying social media is evil or something, but too much of anything is really too much. Fortunately, you can come out of the “Social Media Frenzy” with these steps:

1. Inform the “forwarders”—the people who keep forwarding emails about the world’s craziest, sexiest, funniest, or deadliest things to you. First, ask them politely to stop sending you such emails. Then, if they don’t seem to understand even after repeated requests, take a drastic step—block them.

2. Make it clear to your friends that you’re trying to concentrate on your studies, and they should refrain from texting you unnecessarily on WhatsApp.

3. And the most radical of all—give your smartphone rest until your exams are over. Now, smartphones are useful and have their place, but studies are more important than ‘staying in touch’…at least for the time being, don’t you think?

So, that was about the distractions you have control over. What about the ones you cannot control?

Here’s a simple technique.

Get Around the Distractions

You have control over your phone and social media.

But you have little to no control over things such as:

Sounds coming from the streets and your neighborhood —fruit vendors, vehicles, people talking, radios, TVs, loudspeakers, etc.

But you can still manage them, at least to some extent. True, you cannot stop the freezing wind from blowing, but you can surely cover your ears to keep yourself warm, can’t you?

Well, the same is true for blocking unwanted noise. Here are some actionable ideas:

• Install heavy curtains, like really heavy ones, on your study room windows. Heavy curtains reduce the level of noise and unwanted sounds.
• Put small cotton balls in your ears to block out unwanted sounds. Sure, cotton cannot eliminate the noise, but it does block some.
• Try to study for long hours at night or early in the morning (when the outside sounds are minimal).
• Request a friend to give you study space if his house happens to be in a quieter neighborhood.
• Join your local library. Libraries are generally more peaceful than homes. You can concentrate better on your studies in a library than in a noisy neighborhood.

The essence is…

You cannot manipulate the outside sounds, but you can indeed control your study timings, the environment, and the place of study. With that, we’ve come to another mistake you might have been making, and that is…

2. Multitasking

Multitasking keeps your attention divided. And it’s a BIG no if you want to focus on your studies.

Because multitasking never lets you focus totally on one task. And the result is below-average, mediocre performance.

Can you imagine studying maths, science, and social studies at the same time? Or replying to WhatsApp messages while learning chemistry formulas?

So, if you’re serious about focusing on your studies, then remember a simple rule: The more you do a thing in a certain way, the more you train your mind to do that thing in the exact same way. Over and over again.

When you multitask, you train your mind to divide your attention among various tasks—by not focusing totally on a specific thing. So, multitasking forces your mind to stay unfocused, and that’s the last thing you want if you’re trying to concentrate on your studies, right?

Now we know our challenge—it’s Multitasking. And the solution?

Focus on one task at a time.

With that, it’s time for the third mistake.

3. Practicing Meditation to Stay Focused on Studies

Most people believe:

Meditation is the perfect tool for clearing the mind and focusing on studies. Well, guess what? It rarely works because what’s actually needed is concentration and not meditation.

Difference Between Concentration and Meditation

When you direct your attention to one and only one subject, it’s concentration. And when you watch the distractions (the thoughts) within your mind, that’s meditation.

Meditation can help you experience silence and bliss. But that’s not what we’re after. Instead, we’re trying to improve our concentration to focus better on our studies because that’s our goal.

So, stay away from meditation because meditation doesn’t work for everyone, anyway.

And now, if you’re serious about learning how to concentrate on your studies without any distractions, then you must know about the fourth mistake and stay clear of it.

Here we go.

4. Doing Everything in Your Head

Most of the time, we try to do everything in our heads.

We try to remember the tasks we need to complete and rarely note them down.

When it comes to studies, you must know how you’re going to spend your day. Because that can make your study schedule a lot easier. So, how do you do that?

By maintaining a “To-Do” list.

Having a list on paper gives clarity and focus. And when you know what you need to do precisely on any given day, the unproductive and time-wasting activities vanish on their own.

So, maintain a To-Do list and keep ticking off the tasks as soon as you finish one.

With that, we’ve come to the fifth mistake, and that is…

5. Trying to Become “Jack of All Trades”

Let’s say you want to become a cricketer, an astronaut, a model, a singer, an engineer, and a movie star—all at the same time.

Would that be possible?

Of course! only in your dreams.

In reality, you can make your career in one (or two fields) only. There’s no such thing as an “all-rounder.” And the sooner you realize it, the better.

Let me clarify.

I write articles on personal development and I am also a voice artist (I record my voice for TV, radio, and websites. You can listen to my voice on audible and storytel ).

When I was training for my career in voiceovers, I tried mastering as many as four languages—Hindi, English , Urdu, and Sanskrit. And after a year or so of constant struggle, I realized I wasn’t getting anywhere.

Because I wasn’t focused. I was kind of “multitasking.” 🙂  And so, I started focusing only on the languages that were critical to my success—and things improved.

So, what’s the lesson here?

Pursue only those things which are truly valuable to your studies.

Are you ready for the sixth one? Here we go.

6. Believing “Slow and Steady” Always Win the Race

Quite often, we do not take advantage of technology to its fullest.

You see, the primary purpose of technology is to give you more freedom (more free time) to do the things you love. And when it comes to technology, the number one thing you must take advantage of is the internet.

Don’t make the mistake of subscribing to a slow internet connection to save money. Instead, go for the fastest Internet service you can afford.

Of course, it will cost you more, but it’s justified. A high-speed internet connection lets you complete more tasks in less time, which, in turn, gives you the freedom to concentrate more on your studies.

That’s a fair deal, isn’t it?

Okay, so now, it’s time for the last mistake. And it’s a big one!

7. Neglecting “Study Breaks”

The human mind is a fragile tool.

And fragile things need better care.

Yes, you need to work on yourself to study without getting distracted. However, studying continuously for long hours causes mental fatigue and boredom. And that can screw your concentration. So, what’s the solution?

Frequent study breaks.

Take a break from studies for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours. A study break can help break the monotony and can also give your mood a boost. Need some ideas? Here you go:

• Staring into the sky (it sounds weird, but try it. Looking into the sky clears the mind like anything).
• Sipping black coffee or tea ( I don’t think I need to elaborate on this one, do I? :))
• Listening to a song (or how about singing your favorite one?)
• Watching a funny video on YouTube (comedy refreshes the mind).
• Going for a walk down the street ( walking helps with blood circulation which can help you lift your mood and prepare you for the next study session).

Also, don’t plan what you’re going to do in your next study break. Be spontaneous because too much planning can also cause boredom.

Study breaks are essential for refreshing your mind. And also, for “processing” the information you consumed in your last session.

So, do make sure to include regular study breaks in your schedule.

Now You Know How to Study Without Getting Distracted

Mistakes could sabotage your efforts to focus on your studies.

Fortunately, avoiding such common mistakes is relatively easy now that you know about them.

And since now you know how to focus on your studies without getting distracted, it’s time for you to make a study timetable and get to work.

You’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve in your studies with a strong focus.

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Studying at Home

Studying at home may be the most convenient way to study and do your homework. However, the home is also full of distractions. That's where a lot of our favorite stuff is! It can be tough to stay focused when studying at home, but there are a lot of things you can do to avoid distractions and get your work completed .

Find a Private Place to Study

It's important to have a private place to study in your home. While you're trying to study for an upcoming test, parents, siblings, and roommates may have questions they want to ask you, requests to make, games to play, and or do any number of things to try to get your attention. Even when people you live with don't mean to, they can be distracting. This may happen if you're trying to study in a common area like a living room or a kitchen where people are talking, watching television, and going about their day.

Find a private place to study, such as your bedroom, an office space, a basement, an attic, or even outside if the weather is nice. Giving yourself some space to be alone and focus on your studies is one of the most important steps you can take to get your work done. Once you have found your private place to study, you should clearly communicate to anyone who might distract you that you would like to study and prefer not to be disturbed.

Find a Quiet Place or Listen to Music

A place to study should also be quiet. It won't do you any good to find a private place if you can still hear distractions down the hall or a noisy neighbor outside.

A quiet place can be easier said than done if you have a busy house or if there is a lot of distracting noise coming from outside. Another strategy you can use here is to put on headphones and listen to music while you study. Music without lyrics (classical, jazz, metal, hip-hop beats, etc…) can help block out the distractions around you and center you on your studies. If you're not sure what music in your collection would be a good fit for studying, YouTube is full of playlists of 'music to study to.'

• Please note: while music can be a good way to tune out distractions, you don't want to damage your hearing by turning the volume up on your headphones too loud. Always listen to your music at a safe decibel level.

Online and Mobile Distractions

The Internet is a great learning tool, and it's likely that you'll want it at your disposal as you study or complete your homework. But we all know that the Internet is also full of distractions. After all, at any given time you're only one click away from funny videos, social media, messaging your friends, or falling down a rabbit hole on Google.

When studying online, you might find it useful to install 'website-blocking software' in order to block the sites you find yourself distracted by the most. There are several free and easy-to-install website blockers available for any given browser. This can be a good option for you if you're finding that the temptation to visit a certain website is too distracting for you to concentrate.

Once such sites have been dealt with, you may also find that your phone is equally distracting. If you're using your phone to study, you can search for similar website-blocking programs in your app store. If you're not using your phone to study, you might consider putting it on airplane mode or turning it off while you study. This will also help you stop distractions from phone calls and texts.

Other Distractions

In addition to online and mobile distractions on the very devices you're using to study, you may find that the objects in the private, quiet place you've found to study can also be distracting. You might be tempted to turn on a television, pick up a guitar, play a video game, read a book, or do any number of things that might strike you as more interesting than studying at that moment. One thing you can do is try to eliminate these physical distractions from your space (unplug the TV, move the guitar to another room, unplug/remove the video games, etc…)

However, other distractions might not be so easy to remove: you might remember a chore you wanted to get done, you might get hungry or thirsty, you might remember an old friend you've been meaning to message or any number of other distractions that will come to mind. For those, you might find it useful to make a study schedule.

Make a Study Schedule and Stick to It

If you simply say to yourself 'I'm going to study for a while,' you might find that you don't end up getting anything done at all due to distractions, or just calling it a day before you've studied what you set out to focus on.

Committing to a more concrete schedule can help you stay focused because it can provide guidance and boundaries when you feel yourself losing interest in your studies. By saying 'I'm going to study from 6-7 PM,' you've given yourself a firm start and stop time to study. So when 6:30 rolls around and you're losing interest, and you're thinking about getting up to get a snack, you can remind yourself that you committed to studying from 6-7, and can push the distraction away instead of giving in. You can always take care of those other tasks or distractions before or after your study session.

Engaging Online Learning

Studying from textbooks and classroom notes can be prone to distraction because you may feel bored, and the information can feel uninteresting and dry. One way to prevent yourself from being distracted could be to use an engaging online learning resource, such as Study.com.

Study.com offers tens of thousands of short, fun online videos that can help you study a wide variety of subject areas, and prepare for a large number of standardized exams. Using Study.com's videos can be a good way to keep your attention focused. Then, after each short lesson, you can test your information retention with a short five-question quiz.

Studying at home is convenient, but avoiding distractions can be tough. Some methods we recommend to study hard and avoid distraction are:

• Find a private place to study and use clear communication with those around you that you don't want to be distracted.
• Find a quiet place to study, or else use music to help you tune out distractions and focus on your work. Instrumental music can be a good fit for this.
• Avoid online and mobile distractions, or even eliminate them altogether with website-blocking software. If you're not using your phone to study, you might consider putting it on airplane mode or shutting it off.
• Remove physical distractions, such as video games, from your space.
• Make a schedule and stick to it! Committing to a schedule can be more effective than simply saying you want to study 'for a while.'
• Utilize engaging online education resources. Sites like Study.com provide interesting, fun, short videos that can help you learn and may hold your attention better than textbooks or class notes.

Get suggestions for how you can succeed when balancing the needs of children of different ages makes the homeschooling challenge all the more difficult.

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7 ways to avoid distractions and stay focused on studying

Updated: Mar 10, 2023

• Manage your time more effectively by organizing assignments and deadlines in a planner.
• Silencing your phone, breaking up your study time, and using headphones can help limit distractions.
• Find your preferred work atmosphere and clear your desk to create a productive study environment.

College can be overwhelming when you're trying to maintain your grades, work a part-time job, and/or balance relationships. Most of us get distracted with push notifications, text messages, and phone calls. According to research conducted by Dr. Larry Rosen, professor emeritus at California State University, Dominguez Hills, "the typical student" is "distracted for at least 5 out of every 15 minutes they set aside to study," most often as a result of texting and social media use.

With so much going on, it can be very difficult to stay focused, but it's not impossible.

Here are seven tips to help enhance your productivity:

• Get organized with a to-do list
• Silence alerts and keep open Internet tabs to a minimum
• Break big projects into small pieces
• Use music and headphones to cut down noise
• Find the best environment for efficient studying
• Clean up and organize your work-space
• Reward yourself for accomplishments

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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How to Get Homework Done when You Don't Want To

Last Updated: May 6, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden . Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 249,908 times.

Homework can be a drag, but it's got to be done to keep your grades up and stay on track during school. Going somewhere quiet, making a plan, and giving yourself breaks can all help you stay focused and on task to get your work done quickly. Try to keep your assignments organized and give yourself credit for completing hard or boring work, even if you didn’t want to.

Getting Motivated

• Keep a list of your assignments and check them off as you finish them. This can give you a sense of accomplishment that can motivate you to keep going.

• Make it the rule that you work for a certain amount of time, or until a certain amount of work has been accomplished. Afterward, you can hang out. Stick to this schedule.
• Try this out and see if it works. If you're too distracted by having friends around, make a date to hang out after homework instead.

• Make sure you keep the competition to yourself. Competing with your friends isn’t fun, especially over homework assignments and grades.

• Learning something that will probably help with future assignments, even if you don't know what they are yet.
• Proving to your teacher that you understand the homework so that they don’t keep assigning it over and over.
• Improving your GPA.
• Getting a good grade.

• Try not to reward yourself with food, as that can lead to snacking when you aren’t really hungry.

Staying Focused

• For instance, tell yourself that if you finish your first assignment in 20 minutes, you can go on your phone for 5 minutes.

• Make sure you stand up and do something when it's your break, or you won't get your wiggles out.
• Set a timer on your phone or use a kitchen timer to let yourself know when it's time to switch tasks.

• If you don't have control over the subject, try to find connections between the topic and something you care about. Find aspects of the subject that interest you.
• For instance, if you have to study History but you care the most about fashion, investigate the styles of the times and places you are studying. Learn how political and economical developments changed the way people dressed.

• You can find playlists on Spotify and YouTube that are made for studying and doing homework.

• When you're struggling to focus, sign out of your email and all social media so you don't check them as a reflex.

Creating Good Study Habits

• If you have many textbooks and worksheets, stack them and put them to the side.
• Get things like pencils, erasers, calculators, rulers, and paper.

• Having a planner will make it less tempting to procrastinate, as long as you have broken up your studying into manageable chunks.
• Your planner can be paper, or you can get one on your phone. Just make sure it has space for task lists as well as events.
• Once you have completed a task, cross it off or put a check next to it. Seeing that you're getting your work done will make you feel better, which in turn will motivate you to keep up the good work.
• Don't put more than you can do in one day on a list! Split up your week's work so that every day has a manageable amount.

• If you have a job or extracurricular activities that change your daily schedule, determine a weekly schedule that you stick to as much as possible.

• Sometimes just explaining what you have to do will help you understand it better.
• Talking to another person is a great way to brainstorm ideas. They may ask you questions or provide comments that can help you organize your ideas.
• Other times, the person you are talking to will notice something about the prompt that you overlooked.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• Try asking a family member to help you remember when to start your assignments so you don’t forget. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
• If you’re really struggling with a topic, consider going to a tutor for extra help. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
• Getting motivated can be tough. Just try your best, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2

Tips from our Readers

• Set up a dedicated study area at home with your needed supplies, to establish a consistent homework routine. Having everything in one prepared place helps minimize distractions.
• Use a planner to schedule out all your assignments. Break them into small, manageable pieces so it's less overwhelming. Checking tasks off as you finish motivates you along.
• If completely stuck on an assignment, reach out and talk it through with someone. Verbalizing it can provide new insights to move forward.
• Take short activity breaks every 45 minutes. Get up, stretch, grab some water. It refreshes your mental focus so you stay engaged.
• Incorporate a fun personal interest into an assignment when possible. Writing about something you care about keeps you absorbed.
• When you really need to concentrate, eliminate enticing distractions like your phone. Logging out keeps you on track.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/comm/files/smarttalk_staff_guide.pdf
• ↑ http://www.wcsu.edu/housing/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2018/05/Handout-V6N6.pdf
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/worry-wise/201410/how-prevent-homework-procrastination
• ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. Academic & School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/organize-focus.html?WT.ac=p-ra#
• ↑ https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/sites/default/files/homework_tips.pdf
• ↑ https://childmind.org/article/strategies-to-make-homework-go-more-smoothly/
• ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html#

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