It’s that time of year again: nearly the end of the school term! Whatever motivation you had to maintain those high grades is quickly slipping away, and the push to concentrate in class has gone out the window. The time that it takes for you to finish your to-do list is doubling and when you log on to your computer, it’s easier to browse your social media sites for a few hours rather than completing your schoolwork. While it may seem more enticing to head outside and enjoy Vancouver’s fleeting moments of sunshine rather than to stay cooped up in the library, it’s time to focus and bite the proverbial bullet.
So get yourself back on track, and read the following tips below.
1. Stop procrastinating
It’s easier said than done, but quit procrastinating. If you know that you have upcoming assignments, papers or exams, plan on making a dent in them a few weeks prior to their due dates so that you’re not left cramming to complete it the night before. Not only will this give you more time in the future to focus on other tasks in case an unexpected event, meeting, or situation pops up last minute, but it will also allow you to take more breaks so that you can come back to your work at a later time with refreshed thoughts and a surge of motivation. The sooner you attempt to complete your tasks, the more time you will have in the future to do the things that you enjoy. Whether it means pinning up a schedule on your bulletin board or having a friend remind you of what’s on your to-do list, the key is to be proactive.
2. Be prepared
The time that you’ve allotted to completing your work is the time that you should be using to complete your work. Sounds simple, right? You shouldn’t be spending the first hour of your work time making up a study schedule, getting study snacks, or gathering the supplies that you need in order to get the job done. Not only does planning ahead help the study session run in the time you’ve budgeted, it will encourage you to focus effectively on the given tasks.
3. Use a computer program to block all your distracting websites
We all know that you’d rather browse the 604 Now website than write your term paper, but if you don’t need your computer, put it away. The internet is both the greatest invention to mankind, as well as the bane to our existence; we all know how easy it is to lose all track of time while browsing through social media networking sites. There are a number of websites and programs that you can download that will block distracting websites for an extended period so that you can safely use your laptop for school work only.
4. Put your phone away
You may have turned off your computer, but in your pocket is a device that is equally distracting and has access to a plethora of apps, so stop thinking about how you’re going to beat the next level of Angry Birds. If you can, turn off your phone (or put it on silent) and tuck it away in your bag; you’ll not only take a break from your phone (don’t forget to check out our previous article about it), but you’ll also have an easier time focusing. Perhaps you’ll feel some anxiety at first, but once you’re done your work, you’ll have an unlimited amount of time to catch up on your WhatsApp messages.
5. Work in a distraction-free environment
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s best to work somewhere you know that you’ll actually do work. If you get sidetracked easily, reconsider studying in your bedroom (you’ll constantly feel like you need a nap), studying while watching the Canucks game, or even studying in a coffee shop. The library is the best location because it provides a quiet, distraction free zone. If you’re not up for complete solitude, pop in your earbuds and choose some songs that will enhance your concentration rather than sing along to.
6. Take breaks
Studying is tiring and it requires a lot of brainpower. No one expects you to finish all of your work in one go, so take a short break and clear your head. That being said, having a 4 hour long nap or a 1 hour long gaming session does not count as a break and it could lead you right back to square one. Set an alarm and take a constructive 20 minute break to either walk around the block or to replenish your stash of study snacks. If you’re not good about getting right back on track after your break is over, it’s best to complete your current task before walking away from it so that your train of thought and motivation isn’t broken.
Hopefully these tips will help you in get back in the swing of things before finals season rolls around. Be sure to also check out our article on the best times to study and the best study spots at SFU and UBC.
Do you have any tips to share about what helps you stay focused? Please leave a comment below.
Written by: Kels Tham
