Common distractions and how to eliminate them

15.04.2021

It's sometimes very easy to get distracted, especially when doing online work. You've got the whole internet at your disposal, and that's billions of hours of entertainment and interesting information. Obviously, studying is important, but sometimes procrastinating takes its toll. Here are some tips on how I deal with these distractions. Also, before I start, I have to mention that setting up a timer is important. When resting, give yourself 5-20 minutes so that you don't end up spending too much time doing nothing.

1. Messaging services

By messaging services, I mean things like WhatsApp and Discord. Talking with your friends is very important, and I definitely agree with that. However, when studying, these two are likely to take up much of your time. I find that turning your phone notifications off or simply putting the phone away works. That way, when you go to fetch your phone, you have more time to consider what you are doing. Also, I always close Discord on my computer while doing schoolwork, so that it doesn't distract me.

2. Internet surfing

This is probably the second most distracting thing for me, only after messaging services. I don't have much of a barrier for this one, other than the timer trick that I mentioned before. There are so many websites that you can visit, so simply using a website blocker doesn't work. Just make it a habit to think about what you're doing each time you open a new tab.

3. Videogames

In contrast to the previous entry to the list, this one is very easy to take care of (at least for me). I just allocate some videogame time around 6-8 PM and study before that. I make sure not to open any video games before these hours.

4. Simply resting

By this, I mean laying down and taking a rest. This is very useful sometimes, but it's a big time waster when you don't need it. One easy solution that I made up is to tell yourself to start working on the count of three. Count to three, and then get up and continue being productive! It always works for me.

5. Music

I put this at the bottom of my list because music rarely distracts me, and when it does, it's also the easiest to take care of. If a song is so good that you can't do anything but listen, I would suggest just listening to it until the end unless it's 10 minutes long or something. Turning the music off works too (obviously).

So that was the list! What are your main distractions and how do you take care of them?