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Focusing on homework can be tough, especially when you’d rather be doing anything else. Maybe your attention keeps wandering back to your phone, your stomach is growling, or you just want to put your head down and take a nap. The good news is that you can beat these distractions and get back on track with a few easy changes to your study routine.
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QuestionHow can I study smart?Josh Jones is the CEO and Founder of Test Prep Unlimited, a GMAT prep tutoring service. Josh built the world's first and only score guarantee program for private GMAT tutoring. He has presented at the QS World MBA Tour and designed math curricula for Chicago Public Schools. He has over 15 years of private tutoring and classroom teaching experience and a BA in Math from the University of Chicago.Try studying in a noisy environment. That way, you'll be better prepared to deal with any distracting noises on the day of your test.
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QuestionHi, I just can't concentrate. I have to do my homework and all of it is on my computer. My computer also has YouTube and I love YouTube. I can't seem to stop using YouTube. Please help!This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIt sounds like a browser extension or app that blocks YouTube during your working time could really help you! Try using a website blocker like Freedom, StayFocusd, or Limit to totally block your access or set time limits on distracting sites like YouTube.
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QuestionHow do you get boring homework done quickly when it's hard to focus?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerTry breaking it down into smaller pieces. For example, if you're doing math, do a problem, then take a 1-2 minute break before moving on to the next one.
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- Try mindful meditation to help you focus and relax. [21] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source Look for mindful meditation videos online or use an app like Calm or Smiling Mind to help you practice. The more you practice, the easier it’ll be to use your mindfulness skills when you need them—like when you’re doing homework.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Take detailed notes in class to help you. If you are able to, type on the computer rather than handwrite (it won't make your hand ache, and it's faster, so long as you don't get distracted). Also, don't wear your most casual clothes for homework, as this will relax you and will make you focus less. Don't look at how much more you have to do; look at what you've done already, as this will make your assignments seem less daunting.
- I used to have some trouble focusing on homework because I would always try to watch YouTube while doing it. It helped me to set a timer for 20 or so minutes and work on homework. Then I would take a 10 minute break. It helped me do homework without frying my brain.
- When rewarding yourself, don't reward yourself with television or games. Sometimes it'll turn into procrastination. Instead, reward yourself with small stretches or a favorite snack.
- If you need to use the bathroom or anything while you are working, assign a number of questions that you have to finish to use the bathroom. This will make you want to work harder!
- Put your phone on airplane mode. This will mute your phone and you will have to manually put it back to regular mode. Only switch it off when you're done with all your work.
- If you have something that you seriously don't want to do, take small 5-minute breaks between steps. This will calm your stress and help you concentrate more.
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References
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/movement-and-learning/
- ↑ https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/applied-psychology/how-to-concentrate-on-studies/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
- ↑ https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/5-ways-to-help-students-manage-digital-distractions-and-stay-on-track
- ↑ https://today.uconn.edu/2015/07/multitasking-increases-study-time-lowers-grades/#
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
- ↑ https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/tips-for-helping-your-child-focus-and-concentrate
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_focus_a_wandering_mind
- ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/add-adhd/how-to-improve-focus-in-kids
- ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/distractibility-inattention/child-trouble-focusing
- ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/10-ways-fun-study/
- ↑ https://www.washburn.edu/academics/center-student-success/student-success-collaborative/Navigate-Study-Buddies.pdf
- ↑ https://time.com/3518053/perfect-break/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
- ↑ https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/applied-psychology/how-to-concentrate-on-studies/
- ↑ https://www.uindy.edu/studentcounseling/files/studyingfromhomeduringcoronavirusdukekunshanu.pdf
- ↑ https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/tips-for-helping-your-child-focus-and-concentrate
- ↑ https://www.uindy.edu/studentcounseling/files/studyingfromhomeduringcoronavirusdukekunshanu.pdf
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210114-why-youre-more-creative-in-coffee-shops
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_practice_mindfulness_throughout_your_work_day
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Article Summary
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To concentrate on your homework, start by settling into a quiet place and putting your phone away so it's not a distraction. Then, tackle your hardest or most time-consuming homework assignments first to get them out of the way. Try to finish each task before moving onto something else since jumping between assignments can disrupt your focus. Also, take 5-minute breaks every 30 minutes so your homework doesn't feel endless and you have something to look forward to. To learn how to stay motivated while doing your homework, scroll down!
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- "I have a huge essay for 7th grade, and I have to have 15 sources (I need 5 more), make the citations for the sources, and make the outline. All 3 are due tomorrow, and I need to have my first rough draft this Friday (it's Wednesday as of typing this). This helped me learn what to do and what not to do to get on track so I can finish it all! Thank you once again, wikiHow! " ..." more
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"I have a huge essay for 7th grade, and I have to have 15 sources (I need 5 more), make the citations for the sources, and make the outline. All 3 are due tomorrow, and I need to have my first rough draft this Friday (it's Wednesday as of typing this). This helped me learn what to do and what not to do to get on track so I can finish it all! Thank you once again, wikiHow! "
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"I've tried many of these tips before, but always got distracted and couldn't focus. I then realized it was because I've been waiting too long, and ending up staying up at night and messing up my sleep schedule, which messed up my concentration."
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"This article helped me to plan my assignments clearly and tidier than before. It also helps me doing my homework quicker and easier than yesterday, because the article tells you what to do before and after your homework. "
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