Staying Focused

Monitor your technology:

Phone

• • Use an iOS app such as Moment app, or your phone's built-in feature

  • Remove your phone from your study space

  • Put your phone on "airplane mode" to limit notifications and distractions

Computer:

• • Install the Chrome extension UBlock Origin to removed distracting ads

  • Install the Chrome extension Block Site to set timers and block sites temporarily while you work

    • Watch a 2 minute tutorial video to see how Block Site works, including the Focus Mode

  • Try the Chrome extension WebTime Tracker to track where you spend your time online! Are you really on-task all day??

Change your auditory environment

• • Play white-noise while working. Research has found that music with lyrics decreases productivity!

  • Listen to the rain via this website

  • Search for study music on Pandora, Spotify, or YouTube

Monitor your time

• • Try a computer-based app such as Rescue Time to set goals, monitor those goals, and receive feedback about how you use your technology

  • Pomodoro Timer apps - Learn more about the Pomodoro Technique and how you can do it without an app!

  • Use the Focus time feature in the Block Site extension as a Pomodoro timer

  • Use the Goal Reminder extension to remind you about what you're working on and keep you on track to your goal

  • Try the 30/30 app for 30 minutes "on"/working and then a 30 minute break.

  • Create a checklist for the specific work block. Checklists are easy to create with Google Keep.

  • Set a timer for an interval (perhaps start at 5 minutes). Each time the timer rings, get back on task. Or try a more sophisticated app for behavior change such as MotivAider.

  • Take a break - use a mindfulness app like Headspace or Calm to center yourself