Technology allows us to access an infinite amount of information and research possibilities. However, the same devices that help us learn can also distract us from our work. The best way to keep the phone from becoming a distraction is to turn it off, but many of us use it to study. Start solving the problem by getting used to not always being "connected" and planning your study sessions at well-defined times.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Using Distraction Blocking Apps
Step 1. Activate "Do Not Disturb" mode
IPhones and Android phones have a setting that allows you to silence all notifications and calls for a certain period. When you want to study, you should use the quick settings to enable this feature and not re-enable alerts until the session ends.
- On the iPhone, swipe up from the Home screen to access basic settings. Press the moon icon and the feature will be enabled.
- On Android phones, swipe down to open the notification screen, then swipe down again to open quick settings. Enable Do Not Disturb and select the length of time it should remain active.
Step 2. Download an app with a timer or use your mobile phone to time your study
After turning on Do Not Disturb mode, set the timer to 30 minutes and keep your phone away from you. When you hear him play, stop studying and take a five minute break.
You can download applications like Pomodoro or Unplugged, which are able to set timers and record your progress. With apps of this type, you will be warned to put your phone down if you try to use it during the countdown
Step 3. Use airplane mode to disable network connections
Also turn off Wi-Fi. This blocks the reception of calls and messages, as well as preventing the proper functioning of apps that can distract you.
Step 4. Tell your friends that you are not available when studying
Always reserve the same hours within your days for this activity.
Step 5. Keep the phone on a shelf or in another part of the room rather than on your desk
Step 6. Give the phone to a friend if you can't stop using it
A physical obstacle can make you feel ashamed because you can't get away from your cell phone. Ask another person for help and you will quickly become more responsible.
Part 2 of 2: Organizing Your Study Process
Step 1. Create a to-do list to organize your study session
By ticking the items off the list once you have completed them, you will feel great satisfaction.
Step 2. Divide activities into groups
Make sure they can be completed in no more than 30 minutes. This is a reasonable time to stay focused with no distractions.
By dividing your study into separate activities, you will be able to work better. For example, you can spend time researching, creating a lineup, and writing the main points of a relationship
Step 3. Tackle the most difficult and important activities at the start of the study session
If you prefer, you can start with a simple activity or two so that you feel like you've accomplished something, but then you should immediately move on to the main topics when your concentration is still high.
Step 4. Get up and move after completing a group of activities
Try clearing your mind by eating something or going out into the fresh air.
Step 5. Time yourself when using your phone during a break
Set the timer for 5 minutes so that you only take care of the most important things.
Step 6. Pay attention to situations that help you find the right rhythm
It will have happened to you to feel lost in an activity and not to realize the time that was passing. Try to notice when it happens and try to recreate the conditions that led to that mood.
Step 7. Try to learn to stay focused longer
After some time of studying in 25-minute blocks, you may be able to build up to one-hour sessions in which to take care of the more demanding activities.
Advice
- Allow your phone's battery to drain completely more often. If your cell phone was almost empty before a study session, you would have an extra motivation not to use it. Leave the charger in another room to make sure you follow the rules for using your phone.
- Computer users can take advantage of even more applications and browser add-ons that fight distractions. Whether you're used to working in Windows or OS X, you can set timers and block certain features before they can distract you.
