Avoiding Academic Distractions

Remote learning poses a lot of opportunities for distraction and this is a very real problem for some of you.  If you are struggling to achieve academic success because you are struggling with distractions, I want to give you a few hints to help make it through the next few weeks.

There are lots of strategies that can be effective to help eliminate distractions to help you sustain focus on studying. Turning off the tv or video games can be a good place to start. For many students the stronger attraction and distraction is on the phone and computer with Tik Tok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook or Twitter. At the very least, turn off all notifications on your phone so that you don't get alerted constantly.

You can use apps and free online programs to set limits on what all you can access during set hours.  So, for example, during your school hours you could set them up so that you are fully there and engaged.  On iphones there are even settings options under Screen Time to set app limits and schedule downtime that you can use.  You can ask your family to help set limits - take your phone, take the power cord to your video game or all of the controllers, or change your password on your phone so that you can only access it with their help.

Sometimes the distraction comes because you haven't moved enough.  You need to get some physical outlets so that your body isn't antsy and negatively impacting your learning.  The same thing goes for food.  I know that the pull of the kitchen can be strong so make sure you eat something and take snacks and water with you to where you are working so that you aren't stopping and going back to the kitchen over and over again.  This is important because I often think of the saying (physics rule) that "an object in motion stays in motion and an object at rest stays at rest."  I see this often with students - when you are in the zone and working you are able to keep focused and get things accomplished.  Then, when you are up wandering or doing other things it can be harder to refocus and get back to work. 

And last, but not least, make sure you set up a specific area that is condusive to work and limits as many distractions as possible.  A floor is better than a bed.  A table or desk is better than the floor. Stop and think for a few minutes about when you are most productive.  That is typically what you want to try to replicate so please consider what you need to do to make sure you get things done effectively.  If you are having problems, don't hesitate to let me know and we can brainstorm specific ideas that you could try to be able to find success.