How Do I Stop Getting Distracted?

Question Submitted by "Confused"

Published 9/30/2024

"How do I stop getting distracted on my computer and other devices while doing homework? It's a real issue, and I was wondering if you could give me advice."

>> Confused

Hey Confused! Thanks for writing in. 

Honestly, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have the same problem from time to time with my phone. I know that people suggest turning on Do Not Disturb or locking it in another room... but that's never worked for me. My mind always wanders, and I end up checking my phone anyways.

There is one solution that could work a little better: lose your phone. Literally. When you're in a room that isn't the room you do homework in, drop your phone somewhere and don't check where it went. This could be on your kitchen table, inside your dresser, or in the back of a cabinet. You can know its general whereabouts, but you shouldn't be able to find it later without doing some searching. As long as you can't hear it buzz and you can't easily find it, it should be less of a distraction. I started doing it a couple years ago (by accident, I'll admit), and it worked great! 

Now, it's a different story if your distraction is your computer and you need it to do your homework. In that case, close every tab except for those you need to get that one specific assignment done. Shut down every other app. Try not to open anything else until you finish the part of your homework you set out to complete.

You won't become less distracted overnight, so try to set some goals. For example, have someone time you. If you successfully go twenty minutes without losing focus, set a timer for five to ten minutes and enjoy some downtime! Then, get straight back to work. Each week, increase the amount of time you have to focus by five minutes, and try not to change how long your breaks are. Eventually, you should be able to get through your homework distraction-free!

Hope this helps!

>> Ramsey