ways to help you focus on homework

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How to Concentrate on Your Homework

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Josh Jones and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD . 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. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 437,020 times.

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.

Move around or stretch while you work.

• Try sitting on an exercise ball or wobbly chair when you’re doing your homework. The movement may help you stay focused.

Fuel up with water and healthy snacks.

• Apple slices with peanut butter
• Nuts, especially almonds
• Greek yogurt
• Fruit salad
• Dark chocolate

Put away anything that might make it hard to concentrate.

• Some people actually concentrate better with a little noise in the background. If it helps you to have some quiet music on, that’s totally fine! But if you find that it distracts you, turn it off.

Block distracting apps and websites on your computer or tablet.

• For example, you might need to block apps or websites like Facebook or YouTube while you’re working.
• If you get alerts or notifications on your device, turn them off so they won’t distract you. The last thing you need is your tablet blowing up with Facebook notifications while you’re trying to work!

Work on one assignment at a time.

• Don’t try to text your friends or have a conversation with a family member while you’re doing homework, either.

Break your assignments into smaller tasks.

• For example, if you’re supposed to read a book chapter and write a report, start by skimming the chapter headings for important points. Then, read the whole chapter and take notes. Next, make an outline for your report. After that, write the report, and finish up by checking it for mistakes.
• If you have more than one assignment to work on, make a to-do list and put the hardest or most important projects first.

Redirect your attention if you notice your mind wandering.

• It can help to pick a specific thing to focus on to bring yourself back to the present. For example, pay attention to your breathing or to any sounds you can hear around you.
• If you’re working with a friend or family member, ask them to help you stay on track. They can say something like, “Are you focused?” or tap you on the shoulder if they notice you getting distracted. [9] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source

Fidget with something to help you focus.

• Fidgets are great concentration aids for some people, but are distracting for others. Don’t keep using a fidget if it’s taking your mind off your work.

Turn your homework into a game to make it more fun.

• You can also turn it into a game with a friend or family member. For example, take turns quizzing each other and give points for each right answer. Whoever gets the most points wins the game.
• Or, if you’d rather not play a structured game, try making up a story about what you’re doing. For instance, if you’re studying history, imagine yourself living in the time period you’re learning about.

Try working with a study buddy.

• You could even get together with a small group. Trade notes, quiz each other, or just hang out quietly while you all do homework together.

Take a break at least once an hour.

• You can also use a timer to make sure your breaks don’t go on too long. Remember, the sooner you get back to work, the sooner you can get it done!
• If you’re feeling really restless, frustrated, or distracted, it’s okay to take a break ahead of schedule. Give yourself a few minutes to unwind, then try again.

Pick a time when you feel awake and rested if possible.

• Make it a routine to do your homework at the same time each day. For example, if you’re an evening person, try doing it right after supper every night. [16] X Research source Having a schedule will make your work feel less overwhelming.
• You can’t always choose the perfect time to do your homework, but having a routine can still help you get in the zone when it’s time to work! Once you pick a time, try to stick to it.

Study in a quiet, comfortable spot.

• If you’re studying at home with your family, ask them to keep it down while you work.
• Be careful studying in your room—if you use a space where you usually sleep or relax, it’ll be hard to get into homework mode! Set aside a spot just for homework, and don’t do your work in bed. [18] X Research source
• Finding a good study space can be tough, especially if there are other people around. If you can’t find a quiet spot, put on some noise-canceling headphones. Listen to white noise or peaceful music without vocals to help you tune out background sounds.

Organize your study supplies.

• If you like to nibble while you study, set your snacks out before you get started.
• If there’s stuff in your study space that you don’t need, take a few minutes to clean it up or put it away before you start working. Put completed assignments in their folders and throw away any trash.

Move to a new study spot if you’re feeling bored.

• Even changing your usual study space a little can help. For example, put up some new decorations or move to the other side of the dining table.
• It seems weird, but just the right amount of background noise can actually help you concentrate! That’s one reason some people work better in coffee shops or study halls.

Reward yourself with something fun when you’re done.

• For example, you could watch an episode of your favorite TV show, play a game you like, or call up a friend.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• 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 Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• 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.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ 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://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://www.uindy.edu/studentcounseling/files/studyingfromhomeduringcoronavirusdukekunshanu.pdf
• ↑ 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

About This Article

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! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Published on September 15, 2022
• September 15, 2022

How to Focus on Homework and Actually Get Things Done: 12 Hacks for Busy Students

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Chances are, you’ve had some days when you felt overwhelmed after a long day at school. You couldn’t imagine doing anything other than plopping down in front of the television, let alone finding out how to focus on your homework. 

How can you overcome the resistance and get it done? How do you get your mind to include this task in your day as well?

With just a few adjustments, you will be able to expand your capacity to concentrate.

Why Can’t I Focus on My Homework?

Countless factors constantly fight for your attention : social media, people, overthinking, and anxiety. All of this can make you feel as though you have little control over your mind. 

If you want to start to focus better on your homework, you’ll need to set your mind up for success. Remove all distractions .

Here are two key principles that can help you be more successful in your studies:

1. Identify the distractions in your surroundings

What are the things in your daily life that take your mind away from your studies? Clearly identifying these distractions can help you understand both the problem and what causes it.

Among our environmental distractions, digital distractions are one of the worst kinds, and according to a number of studies , their effect is on the rise in the classroom.

If you’re looking to gain more concentration and, thus, form better study habits, question your online behavior first and foremost.

2. Limit the use of technology to find focus

What’s the role of social media in your daily life? Have you ever sat down to calculate how social media distracts you from doing the things you should be doing?

When you are wondering how to focus on homework long after you’ve put your phone away, you’re still thinking about the last posts you saw on Instagram. The sound of new notifications can be enough to reroute our attention from the task at hand.

And then comes the information overload, the fear of missing out, and the all-too-common signs of addictive behavior. Technology is affecting your mind more than ever, and it’s taking your focus away.

How to Focus on Homework: 12 Things You Can Do to Be More Indistractible

Here are 12 tips on how to stay focused while completing your homework, taught by superbrain coach Jim Kwik and habit transformation expert Nir Eyal .

• Make a routine
• Set up a study-friendly environment
• Avoid heavy meals
• Organize your study notes
• Tell others to stay away
• Listen to study music
• Set deadlines
• Take brain breaks
• Use discomfort as motivation for productivity
• Use time blocking
• Let go of thoughts that distract you
• Reimagine your task

Let’s look at each study hack in more detail.

1. Make a routine

Routines help you be productive without exerting as much effort. When you have homework to do, a study routine can be the reason you actually sit down, set enough time aside, concentrate, and stay focused until you complete the project.

This process doesn’t need to be complicated: just tell yourself that you will sit at your desk at home once you’re back from school. Put your phone on silent, make an outline of the work that needs to get done, and simply begin with what’s most important.

2. Set up a study-friendly environment

A place for everything and everything in its place. That applies to studying, too.

Lying in bed with your notebook is considered a distraction, as is being in the living room with your laptop while others are doing their activities.

You need an isolated place when you decide to focus on your homework. Make it feel comfortable, keep it organized, keep it clean, and consider putting up some motivational posters or positive affirmations .

3. Avoid heavy meals

It’s not advisable to have a big meal beforehand. Big meals can ruin your focus and make you feel sluggish and lazy because it takes a big amount of time and energy for your body to digest. A snack is okay.

There are also some foods , though, that are just plain bad for your productivity. For example, soda, candy, and fried foods are all full of sugar and have no nutritional value. They make your insulin spike up, but then it crashes very fast, which makes you feel depleted of energy.

4. Organize your study notes

Prioritize your work. Keep lists and place the most important items on top. Then work on the items that you should get done first.

It helps to outline what you need to do, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Use colors to highlight the essentials . 

This makes it all look much simpler and you’re more likely to actually get started. The brain loves organization and it won’t be so likely to procrastinate when it knows you have a structure set in place.

5. Tell others to stay away

Don’t be afraid to let others know that you’re studying and require some time and space to get your work done. Decide on fixed hours for studying and tell your friends and family members that you won’t be available during that time of the day.

If others respect your study time, you’ll be more inclined to respect it as well. 

6. Listen to study music

There are many tracks out there designed to help your mind focus. Whether you use binaural beats or just instrumental music, the right sounds can really help to tune your brain into a productive frequency.

This meditation is also great to listen to; it puts your mind in a clear, concise, and ready-to-take-on-the-world mode:

7. Set deadlines

Even if your teacher has already given you deadlines for each assignment, set new ones yourself at earlier dates.

This helps you build discipline, learn how to focus on studying, and prioritize every day.

8. Take brain breaks

Frequent breaks actually increase your productivity and focus. You’ll see that after each study session, the brain needs to be engaged with something different —  you need to activate other parts of your brain before going back to your studies so that you can reach top performance.

You can also use the Superbrain Yoga Technique. In the Superbrain Quest, Jim talks about implementing it during your breaks. It goes as follows:

• Massage the left lobe of your ear with your right hand, and the right one with your left hand
• Inhale and squat down
• Exhale and come back up while continuing massaging your opposite ear with the opposite hand
• Keep going for a few minutes

As your body moves, your brain grooves. — Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain Quest

9. Use discomfort as motivation for productivity

The brain is wired to protect us from danger, and our ancestors needed this function of the psyche to survive. Discomfort is associated with danger, and whenever they felt it, they knew it was time to run away or protect themselves in one way or another.

In today’s world, danger isn’t so imminent. However, discomfort is, and the brain still works to protect us in the same way. 

So why not use it to your advantage?

Once you have this mindset shift, you can see the discomfort that comes with doing your homework as fuel for moving forward, from pain to pleasure. So instead of procrastinating and avoiding the discomfort, just use it as motivation to get things done.

And maybe you can even save yourself a fun activity to do later in the day, so you have something to look forward to.

10. Use time blocking

You can use time blocking and set a specific amount of time for parts of your homework that needs to be done. For example, you block 30 minutes of reading, then another 30 minutes of writing down highlights from the text. 

This method will give you more structure and support you when you need to focus on school work, as you will have a dedicated structured time to do so.

11. Let go of thoughts that distract you

When you need more concentration, but your thoughts keep getting in the way, here’s a fun visualization exercise you can use:

• Before you start working on your homework, close down your eyes and imagine a flowing river in front of you. 
• Now, place every thought on a leaf and let it run down the river while watching it move away from you. 

Do this repeatedly for 5-10 minutes and see how your mind becomes clearer, more productive, and more inspired.

12. Reimagine your task

How can you make the process of doing your homework more fun? Is there any way you can think of to make it more exciting and engaging?

As you introduce play and fun into any task, your capacity to stay focused will increase. So just try out different methods to engage more in your homework. 

For example, what if you made a trivia quest about your history lesson homework? Or what about riddles to make you remember all the characters from the novel you have to read? 

Once you play around with these kinds of games, you might find that focusing on your homework isn’t as boring as you thought it would be.

Unleash the Power of Your Focus

Discovering how to focus on your homework can go beyond schoolwork and actually support you in many other activities you want to do. Concentration is one of the best skills to nurture for your growth.

If you need a little guidance at the beginning of your focusing journey, Mindvalley has it in store for you. 

By unlocking your FREE Mindvalley access , you can check out sample classes from quests that help you develop better focus and study habits, such as Becoming Focused and Indistractable by Nir Eyal and Superbrain by Jim Kwik. You can also immerse yourself in beautiful sounds and guided meditations designed to improve concentration and help you enter the flow state.

The earlier you start, the greater your journey of self-discovery will be. Welcome in.

— Images generated on Midjourney.

Take the next step: enroll for free

Discover Powerful Hacks to Unlock Your Superbrain to Learn Faster, Comprehend More and Forget Less

Join the foremost expert in memory improvement and brain performance, Jim Kwik, in a free masterclass that will dive into the one skill you will ever need — learning how to learn Enroll for free

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Jim Kwik is a brain coach and a world expert in speed reading, memory improvement, and optimal brain performance.

Known as the “boy with the broken brain” due to a childhood injury, Jim discovered strategies to dramatically enhance his mental performance.

He is now committed, through programs like Mindvalley’s Superbrain and Speed Reading Quest , to helping people improve their memory, learn to speed-read, increase their decision-making skills, and turn on their superbrain.

He has also shared his techniques with Hollywood actors, Fortune 500 companies, and trailblazing entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Richard Branson to reach their highest level of mental performance. He is also one of the most sought-after trainers for top organizations like Harvard University, Nike, Virgin, and GE.

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We rely heavily on evidence-based sources, including peer-reviewed studies and insights from recognized experts in various personal growth fields. Our goal is to keep the information we share both current and factual. 

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Daniel Wong

How to Focus When Studying: 20 Uncommonly Effective Tips

Updated on August 28, 2023 By Daniel Wong 130 Comments

Do you find it hard to focus when you’re studying?

There are so many distractions these days: text messages, videos, email and social media.

Not to mention your own wandering mind.

Over the years, I’ve taught many thousands of students how to study more effectively.

One of the best ways to improve your grades is to learn how to focus better while you study.

I’ve come up with this list of 20 tips and techniques to help you concentrate while studying.

(To get 5 additional tips, download the free PDF below.)

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus  5 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

How to focus on studying.

You can learn how to focus better by trying some of these techniques during your next study session.

When you find one that works, make it a part of your routine every time you study.

1. Use your phone camera or webcam to record yourself studying

This tip may sound strange, but it works.

Set up your webcam or your phone camera to record a video of yourself studying.

The idea is to create accountability.

Instead of having a friend check on your progress, you have a camera watching everything you do.

Knowing that you are being watched will remind you of your objective.

Just when you’re about to get distracted, you’ll remember that everything you’re doing is being recorded.

It’s a useful reminder to yourself that you’ve made a commitment to study.

2. Use Focusmate

If you want to take it to the next level, use Focusmate instead.

With Focusmate, you make a pre-commitment to study for a 50-minute period at least one day in advance.

You then get paired with a real-life accountability partner.

You must turn on your webcam during the 50-minute session. This means that you and your study partner can see and hear each other during the study session.

If you leave your desk without giving an explanation, your study partner can report you, and vice versa.

Similarly, if you don’t turn up to your study session or if you are late, your study partner can report you.

Non-compliance results in the system marking you down. If your score falls below a certain level, the system will eventually lock you out.

But if you keep your commitments and complete your study session, the system will reward you with points.

3. If you don’t feel like starting work, take 1 minute to prepare yourself mentally

Sometimes you may not even feel like getting to work.

When this happens, take a minute to prepare yourself mentally.

Set a timer for a minute and tell yourself that you’ll start work when the timer goes off.

By doing this, you’ll be much more likely to get to work at the end of the minute.

This is called an “implementation intention”.

Any time you signal to yourself an intention to do something, it makes it easier to begin that task.

In this case, the implementation intention is to set a timer for a minute before starting a study session, if you feel like procrastinating.

So, if you find it hard to motivate yourself to start studying , take a minute and prepare yourself mentally.

By doing this, you will eliminate the resistance you were experiencing.

4. Before your first study session of the day, create a plan for the day

Make the plan as detailed as possible.

There’s a good reason for this. You must be clear about what you’re going to achieve during each study session.

For example, “study science” is not a sufficiently detailed study plan .

Here’s an example of a plan with enough detail: “Read pages 25 to 32 of the science textbook and create a summary diagram.”

When you break a task down into detailed components, you will have a better idea as to whether it’s achievable within the specified study period.

Another advantage of creating a detailed plan is that it becomes easier to assess your progress.

If you’re halfway through your study period and you’ve already completed half of what you planned to achieve, you’ll know you’re on track.

A key part of studying effectively is setting specific tasks to work on during each study session.

5. Write down exactly why you want to study hard

Another way to stay focused when studying is to be clear about why you want to study hard in the first place.

Write down the reasons you want to study hard.

Keep the list handy so you can remind yourself of these reasons when you find yourself losing concentration.

For example, you might write down:

• “I want to become a more knowledgeable person.”
• “I want to become a more self-driven person.”
• “I want to cultivate the habit of always doing my best.”
• “I want to make the most of my educational opportunities and learn as much as I can.”

Try to focus on process-oriented reasons rather than outcome-oriented reasons.

Because outcomes are often beyond your control, whereas the process is always within your control.

For example, the outcome of getting A’s for all your subjects is, in some ways, beyond your control. But studying for a total of at least 2 hours every day is a process that is within your control.

Here’s another reason to focus on the process rather than on the outcome.

The outcome could be something that may only come to pass in the distant future.

On the other hand, the process is something you engage in every day.

It’s far more effective to measure the achievement of the process than the achievement of the outcome.

6. Keep track of all the tasks you’ve completed

Keep a record of all the tasks you complete each day.

This is important for two reasons.

Firstly, it allows you to monitor whether you are meeting the objectives set in your study plan.

If you are not meeting your objectives, you may have underestimated the time required for the tasks.

But if you are completing your tasks with time to spare, you may be able to set your targets higher.

Secondly, it’s important for your morale to see that you are making progress.

Studying is an activity where progress isn’t always easy to measure. But when you keep track of the tasks you have completed, you’ll be clearer about the progress you are making.

This will remind you that you have been productive, which will keep you motivated.

7. Put only the materials you need for your current task on your desk

The brain is able to process information more effectively in an uncluttered environment. This is what researchers have discovered .

As such, it’s a good idea to place on your desk only the items that you need to complete the task at hand. For example, this might consist of the assignment, a pen, a pencil, an eraser, and a calculator.

Make a list of what items you’ll need during your study session. Make sure you have only those items on your desk.

If your study area is disorganised, take a couple of minutes to tidy it up before you start work.

Having things neat and tidy has a calming effect on your mind and will help you to concentrate.

8. Get your brain ready by doing deep breathing exercises before each study session

Deep breathing exercises increase the ability of your mind to focus.

Researchers at Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience have studied the effect of breathing exercises on the body’s production of noradrenaline.

Noradrenaline functions as a neurotransmitter, which affects your concentration.

By regulating your breathing, you can optimise your levels of noradrenaline.

The researchers concluded that “there is a strong connection between breath-centred practices and a steadiness of mind”.

Here is a simple breathing exercise that will bring calm and focus to your mind before you study:

• Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose for 4 seconds.
• When you feel that your lungs are full of air, hold your breath for 2 seconds.
• Then slowly exhale through your nose for 4 seconds.

Do this exercise three times in succession before the start of every study session.

Try it out now to see how relaxed it makes you feel!

9. Don’t study in bed

Don’t try to do anything productive while lying or sitting in bed.

It’s important that the place where you study is not the same as the place where you sleep .

You won’t be able to study effectively in a place that you associate with relaxing or sleeping. In fact, this is my first suggestion when students ask me how to avoid sleepiness while studying .

Also, if you study in bed you will either be lying down or sitting cross-legged.

Neither of these positions is conducive for maximal focus. These positions may even result in neckaches and backaches.

What’s more, you may end up taking unintended naps!

So do your work at a proper study desk, every single time – this is a good habit that every student should cultivate !

10. Adjust the temperature of your studying environment

Make sure the temperature where you are studying is optimal.

Researchers at Cornell University found some interesting results when office temperatures were raised from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Typing errors fell by 44% and output increased by about 150%.

Most research shows that the temperature most conducive for working and studying is in the range of 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F).

So if it’s possible for you to adjust the temperature of your studying environment, keep it within this range.

11. Write down exactly what you’re working on at the moment

Every time you begin a study session, write down the task that you’ll be working on.

Do this on a rough sheet of paper and leave it on your study desk. This way, it will serve as a constant reminder about what you should be doing at the moment.

Just as you need a detailed plan for the day (Tip #4), you also need a detailed plan for each study session.

For example, if you write down “Do math assignment” for the current study session, it’s not specific enough.

“Do math assignment, questions 1 to 3 ” is more specific, so you’re more likely to stay on task.

12. Tell your family your study schedule for the day

Post your study schedule on your bedroom door or on the fridge door in the kitchen.

This way, your family will know when they shouldn’t disturb you.

There’s another benefit to doing this. It also gives you a greater sense of accountability.

By making a pre-commitment to your family about when you’ll be studying, you’ll be more likely to stick to your study schedule.

All in all, this is a simple tip that will enable you to concentrate when you’re studying.

13. Put all of your digital devices in another room

This might seem like common sense, but I’m surprised how many of my teenage coaching clients were not doing this before I started working with them.

The old adage “out of sight, out of mind” applies here.

Leave your tablet and phone in another room and put them on silent mode.

Minimising temptations is one of the keys to being productive.

In addition, even if you feel tempted to check your phone, you probably won’t do it because the effort required to walk to the other room is too great.

14. Use these two apps to eliminate digital distractions

The first app I recommend is Forest .

With this app, your study session “becomes” a tree.

At the beginning of the session, you plant the tree and it starts to grow. But if you close the app, the tree dies – and nobody wants their precious tree to die!

By using the app, you’ll have a more productive study session.

Of course, having your phone next to you while you study could be a distraction (as mentioned in the previous tip).

This means that you’ll need to be careful not to use your phone for anything else.

The second app you can use to remove digital distractions is Freedom .

You can schedule this app to block other apps such as YouTube, games, and social media to keep you on track.

15. Listen to classical music while studying

Listening to classical music is another way to help you focus when studying.

Dr. Masha Godkin , professor at Northcentral University, has researched the effects of music on our brains.

She found that classical music can take you from the beta brainwave state to the deeper alpha state, and even further to the theta state.

According to Dr. Godkin, the ability of music to stimulate both sides of the brain is why music helps you focus and also improves your memory .

Classical music with a fast tempo, such as Beethoven’s Für Elise, is effective in helping students to concentrate and remember more information.

16. If you don’t like classical music, listen to music/sounds from these two websites

If you don’t like classical music, try using Coffitivity instead.

Coffitivity simulates the sounds you would hear in a cafe to boost your creativity and brain function.

It’s designed based on research at the University of Chicago. This research shows that we think better and are more creative when there is a moderate level of background noise.

Alternatively, try listening to Brain.fm .

Brain.fm offers music engineered to help you achieve and sustain deep focus.

Personally, I use Brain.fm almost every day, and I’ve found it to be useful. By listening to Brain.fm, I’m able to stay focused for about 50% longer than before!

17. Use earphones or headphones while studying

If you intend to use Tips #15 or #16, then you’ll probably want to use earphones or headphones.

But even if you don’t want to listen to any type of music, using earphones or headphones is still a good way to improve your concentration while you study.

Because they insulate you from the outside world.

Using earphones or headphones is a signal to others that you are occupied.

This reduces the likelihood that others will interrupt your study session.

Wearing earphones or headphones will also remind yourself that you are in the middle of a study session.

18. Count how many study sessions you complete each day

There’s a saying that “what gets measured, gets done”. This principle applies to study sessions too.

Keep track of how many study sessions you complete each day.

This way, you’ll become more intentional about getting to work.

Let’s say that you typically study in blocks of 30 minutes.

Before you begin your first study session of the day, you might decide that your goal for the day is to do at least 3 sessions of 30 minutes each.

As the day goes by, count how many sessions you’ve completed.

By keeping score in this way, you’ll focus on the process of doing the work. As a result, you’ll get more work done!

19. When you feel as if you’re about to get distracted, write it down

It’s inevitable: From time to time, you’ll get distracted during your study sessions. So you need a strategy for dealing with these distractions.

Here’s a technique that works well.

Let’s say that you’re reading your science notes when you get the urge to check your text messages.

Instead of giving in to the temptation, write down on a rough sheet of paper: “Check text messages.”

Once you’ve done that, you’ll find that it’s easier to go back to studying.

During your next break, you can go ahead and do what you’ve listed on that rough sheet of paper. In this case, you can check your text messages.

Why is this technique effective?

Because instead of simply trying to resist the urge, you get to “take action” by writing down the distraction. In doing so, you’re acknowledging the urge without giving in to it.

This leaves you free to go back to what you were doing before – studying.

20. Set an end time for when you’ll stop studying each day

This might not be the advice you were expecting.

After all, shouldn’t you be trying to study for as many hours as you can every day?

No, because the idea is to study smart, not just hard.

Of course, you need to work hard. But it’s also essential to lead a balanced life.

So set a strict deadline, such as 9:30 pm, and make sure that you don’t do any work after that time. The best time of the day to study is specific to every student, but it’s important that you decide when you’ll stop studying each day.

This will give you time to wind down before going to bed. This means that you’ll be able to get those 8 hours of sleep that you need to optimise your academic performance.

There’s another advantage to setting a specific end time for when you’ll stop studying each day.

Clearly defined limits help you to concentrate on what you’re doing right now.

You won’t get distracted as often, because you know that you won’t stay up late to catch up on the time you’ve wasted because of procrastination.

The result?

You’ll learn more in less time, and you’ll get good grades too.

Staying focused while studying is something that all students struggle with.

But there are many things you can do to help you concentrate and get into a flow state when studying .

As described in this article, there are plenty of ways to harness the power of your mind and make it work with you, not against you.

So take at least several study tips from this article and work them into your routine, starting today.

If you do this, you’ll find that your study sessions will become more productive and enjoyable!

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

May 2, 2020 at 7:18 pm

Thank you very much for your effort, its really taking me higher and making me more focused on my study. God bless you.

May 2, 2020 at 9:15 pm

You’re welcome, and God bless you too.

May 5, 2020 at 3:30 pm

They are so amazing thank you

May 5, 2020 at 4:53 pm

I’m glad you like the article.

October 6, 2020 at 11:29 am

I never thought some of these would work on me since I have autism and aspergers spectrum so I easily get distracted.

December 22, 2023 at 12:30 pm

This is so amazing and helpful may the Lord bless the work of your hands

May 2, 2021 at 1:56 pm

Hi this is Sagar, I am preparing for a competitive exam but I am unable to the focused mindset. My mind won’t allow me to sir and study as it takes a lot of time to prepare for it. Could you please guide me regarding it ?

November 2, 2020 at 11:59 pm

Thank you so much sir. I am in class 10 but I am distracted now, so I’m reading this. I feel energetic now. If I am distracted again I will read this. Thanks a lot sir…

January 29, 2021 at 6:29 am

Hello Mr Wong, may I simply ask what it is you have studied at University and if you graduated.

October 22, 2022 at 12:07 am

Thanks To you I’ve been more focused and discipline and I can see the changes in progress thank you Sir.

May 7, 2020 at 2:04 am

These tips are so much fruitful for achieving something very big in life

May 7, 2020 at 8:04 am

You’re welcome.

August 5, 2020 at 10:12 pm

reallu unusual tips but when i play the results in my mind they fall in place perfectly……..will definitely check them out!!! thanks for such a wonderful article

April 27, 2021 at 11:09 pm

Really it’s more realistic….superb…tips

May 3, 2020 at 9:27 am

Thank you for giving us the tips.. Its very useful.. I hope everyone can study easier using these tips 🌈

May 3, 2020 at 10:32 am

You are welcome, and I hope everyone finds this article useful too!

May 3, 2020 at 12:04 pm

Thank you sir 😀

May 3, 2020 at 9:34 pm

You’re welcome!

May 4, 2020 at 7:47 am

Thnku so much for tips …I’ll try it definitely …👍

May 4, 2020 at 8:43 am

May 3, 2020 at 4:05 pm

This is truly the best article regarding effective study. Reading the article was itself a big motivation. This article covers every problem a student faces with the best solution provided. I am in loss of words in expressing my deep gratitude to the writer of this article. Thank You very much! There could be nothing better than this.

I appreciate your kind words!

November 26, 2020 at 8:09 pm

I am trying to follow all the tips that you’ve mentioned sir. They are so useful to me during quarantine.

January 10, 2021 at 4:07 pm

ya you are right

May 3, 2020 at 7:34 pm

I really procrastinate during quarantine….. I have been trying these tips for some days now. And they work. Thank you do much for the tips!!

May 3, 2020 at 9:35 pm

I’m glad to hear that the tips have worked for you!

May 3, 2020 at 11:04 pm

First of all, thx for allowing comments, for me, not allowing them is “questionable” and seens to become more and more common among the media these days… Second: many of these tips are really new to me. I think this article will help a lot, thank you very much! Blessings from Brazil!

You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear that.

May 6, 2020 at 7:24 pm

I m going to try this from today it is difficult.thanks Sir

May 6, 2020 at 9:50 pm

All the best!

May 3, 2020 at 11:51 pm

This tips are very usefull. Thank you

May 4, 2020 at 8:44 am

May 4, 2020 at 12:18 am

In recent days… Procrastinate become my habit……I don’t know how …..But it happened……..These tips are very useful for me….Thank you sir….

I hope this article helps you!

May 4, 2020 at 12:45 am

It was really amazing 😍 Helped me a lot! Thank u so much😊

That’s great to hear!

May 4, 2020 at 12:51 am

Thank you very very much Sir.. everyone will find easier to focus on their studies like me during these quarantine days. It’s really benificial. I hope you’ll help us by your precious tips in future too.

You are very welcome.

May 4, 2020 at 1:10 am

I was looking for something like this for my studies. Thank you for doing this great work. I hope every student gets more and more benefit from this article. Thank you once again & God bless you.

May 4, 2020 at 8:45 am

You’re welcome and God bless you.

May 4, 2020 at 1:17 am

Unbelievable methods ND it’s very easy to relate with these ,sir really feeling blessed to see your article . Best article i have everything read sir related to studies .thanks a lot , thankyou so much sir Wong .

With regards .

May 4, 2020 at 2:23 am

Really an appreciable work from which I got new , effective, amazing and rejuvenating tips it’s really fab this article motivated me alot and make me feel energetic to indulge in my studies Apps provided by you are very helpful Thank you so much

I’m really happy to hear that!

May 7, 2020 at 7:00 am

Am really very greatful with the to and am really going to put it into practice Thanks once again

May 7, 2020 at 8:05 am

Thank you so much for your time and effort that you put into writing this article for us! I’ll definitely be downloading Focusmate and Freedom. Enjoy your day 😊

May 4, 2020 at 8:46 am

You’re welcome — thank you, I did take many, many hours to put this article together!

May 4, 2020 at 2:50 am

Thanks for sharing how to focus to study.Now I can get organize to start my Goal.

It’s my pleasure!

May 4, 2020 at 3:20 am

Thank You Sir your advice is very useful

You’re more than welcome.

May 4, 2020 at 4:25 am

May 4, 2020 at 8:47 am

You are welcome.

May 4, 2020 at 4:38 am

What can I do to motivate myself to start studying without stopping. Sometimes I feel I’m never going to finish how can I eliminate that feelings?

May 4, 2020 at 8:48 am

I’m sorry to hear that, but I think you’ll find this article useful: https://www.daniel-wong.com/2018/04/23/get-motivated-to-study/

May 4, 2020 at 7:22 am

Thanks for the tips

You’re very welcome.

May 4, 2020 at 7:26 am

Let me try for my children and let you know. Thank you.

Ok sure, thank you.

May 4, 2020 at 10:56 am

Every lines were worth reading. It help me realised where I’ve gone wrong and how i can improve my study session more effectively. Thank you so much for putting up all these tips together. I hope I’ll be able to implement them !!

May 4, 2020 at 11:47 am

All the best as you implement the tips!

May 4, 2020 at 1:05 pm

During the current situation is very likely to procrastinate, but your words are giving us enough motivation to do something. Thanks a lot.

May 4, 2020 at 2:35 pm

May 4, 2020 at 12:48 pm

Do you have a sample study schedule to share? Just a rough guideline will be good too. Thanks

May 4, 2020 at 2:36 pm

For that, you can check out this article ( https://www.daniel-wong.com/2015/01/14/straight-a-student/ ) — hope it helps.

May 4, 2020 at 1:22 pm

Can you please write an article On how to increase the hunger to study means we should get addicted to it

May 4, 2020 at 2:37 pm

I think you’ll find this article useful ( https://www.daniel-wong.com/2018/04/23/get-motivated-to-study/ ).

May 4, 2020 at 2:05 pm

Thank you very much for your generous sharing. I share these tips with students I am counselling. Will check in with them after a week or so, and I am sure they will be able to concentrate better and be more focussed.

These tips are also very useful for me.

Warm regards

Thank you, Helen. I’m glad you found the tips useful.

May 4, 2020 at 2:07 pm

Thnx a lot.. I will try these tips and let you know the results

May 4, 2020 at 4:30 pm

Thank you for sharing.

May 4, 2020 at 5:54 pm

It’s my pleasure.

May 4, 2020 at 4:52 pm

Its a really a great deal struggling to stay focus…Thanks for the insights, am sure it will be productive

May 4, 2020 at 5:55 pm

May 4, 2020 at 4:59 pm

Thank you so much sir for the really helpful tips ! Keep putting more content like this ..it’s really working !

I’m happy to hear that!

May 4, 2020 at 9:11 pm

Wooow! You did a wonderful and a great job. May God bless you and give you more wisdom for you to provide us with more of these things. Thanks.

May 4, 2020 at 10:18 pm

May 4, 2020 at 10:36 pm

The tips are just great, thank you sir

May 5, 2020 at 8:02 am

May 4, 2020 at 10:59 pm

Thanks so much for this article, lately I have being so distracted and often procrastinate about my studying time during this lockdown. But I believe with this article I will do well in studying and passing my professional exam. Pls I will like to be getting.ur articles often, how do get to read them.

May 5, 2020 at 8:05 am

You’re welcome. You can download this free guide ( https://www.daniel-wong.com/students-improve-focus/ ) to sign up for my mailing list, then you’ll get updated whenever I publish new articles.

May 4, 2020 at 11:18 pm

It’s one of the most valuable article I have read on effective studying tips till now …and surely goin to try these! Great work done 👍

May 5, 2020 at 8:00 am

May 5, 2020 at 1:04 am

Such an amazing article ever seen ,by reading itself I’m motivated thks alot for sharing such an article the subtitles mentioned in the article is very accurate to overcome distractions. I’m soo interested to include these in my daily routine for procrastinate my distraction. Once again thank you soo much.

May 5, 2020 at 7:59 am

May 5, 2020 at 1:14 am

This article came just in time. I’ve been looking for ways to keep me from getting distracted, but all I could really find is how to get motivated. I’ll definitely be using some of these tips!

I hope the tips work for you!

May 5, 2020 at 1:17 am

Such an amazing article ever seen thks alot for sharing this by reading itself I’m motivated moreover the subtitles mentioned in the article is very accurate to overcome distractions .I’m soo interested to include these in my daily routine for procrastinate my distractions. Once again thank you soo much. Share more stuffs like this which may help lots & lots of students.🙂🙂

I hope you manage to implement the tips successfully!

May 5, 2020 at 1:21 am

Thank you So Much Sir.. Now I’m preparing for Medical Entrance Examination…… These Tips really helpfull Expecting More…. 😄🙏 Sir….. Please pray for me to Crack My Exam… 😊

May 5, 2020 at 7:58 am

All the best for your exam!

May 5, 2020 at 3:12 am

Thank you very much for your advice! Have nice evening!

Sure, it’s my pleasure.

May 5, 2020 at 6:58 am

Thanks for sharing the tips of study.i am really worth it when read this article

May 5, 2020 at 6:59 pm

Mr.Daniel Wong I truly appreciate your extremely helpful efforts to make studies more productive.. Thank you so much for your article…

May 5, 2020 at 9:27 pm

You’re welcome, Pranjal.

May 6, 2020 at 6:26 am

It’s such an article for starting a productive study session or being attentive to study or even turning attention back to study..

May 6, 2020 at 8:15 am

All the best as you put the tips into practice!

May 6, 2020 at 11:19 am

Useful tips. Thank u

May 6, 2020 at 1:09 pm

You are welcome. I’m glad you found the tips useful.

May 6, 2020 at 2:20 pm

Thank you so much for such great tips and for taking the time to write this. I’ve saved this article and will implement the tips!

May 6, 2020 at 2:41 pm

Glad to hear that!

May 6, 2020 at 2:59 pm

One of the best article, I had came across during these days. It is motivational too. Thank you Mr. Daniel Wong for sharing very useful tips for all…. which are not only for students but every person.

Thank you once again

May 6, 2020 at 4:04 pm

You’re welcome, and thank you for your kind words!

May 7, 2020 at 6:50 am

This is very interesting and it will help some us! I think it will make a difference in our study! Thank you very much and continue with this great job! God bless you!

You are welcome and God bless you too!

May 13, 2020 at 2:53 pm

Thank you very much for the exceptional creative tips! These can help the learners a lot!

May 13, 2020 at 2:59 pm

May 22, 2020 at 2:54 pm

Thank you! I am trying to follow your advice roughly (I did that even before actually reading this article). The only thing is, I don’t think I need to videotape myself. Instead I just use tracking programs. And of course I write my assignments, organize a comfortable learning space, and leave my smartphone in my living room. I rarely turn on music – only when I feel that I can concentrate with it, but most of the time it’s easier for me to learn something in silence.

August 22, 2020 at 3:45 am

thanks a lot sir…it helped me a lot

August 31, 2020 at 10:47 pm

I love your suggestions…These are better than other websites which only state some common facts…your suggestions are great…I was also looking forward to using Focusmate…But it seems that only people 17 years old and above can use it…I am in middle school and just turned 13…Can you please suggest one more website just like Focusmate please…

October 6, 2020 at 11:31 am

Thanks, it really helped with my distraction problems!

December 23, 2020 at 10:21 pm

I’m preparing for exams which are after a month. These tips are soo helpful, I’m soo glad to have found this page. Thank you sir!🙂

January 8, 2021 at 2:46 am

thank you, this article really helps me!!!

January 17, 2021 at 11:08 pm

why i can’t focus in study

January 28, 2021 at 4:45 am

dude I just made an account on brain.fm

Game changer.

They should give you a cut when I pay for the year after my 3 day trial.

Going to go hit up a 2 hour session to “cinematic music focus”.

Might pair this with the tree app for extra measure.

(My issue is wanting to stop and hop on netflix — hence the tree).

February 15, 2021 at 1:23 pm

Really, this article got me excited as though I already practiced it. The methods are well outlined and easily implemented. The fact that it involves exercise, sleep and diet makes this article like an all-round solution for improving my learning, maintaining a healthy body and alleviating depression; all with just one article.

Thanks Mr Wong, you’re a life saver.

April 7, 2021 at 7:47 am

Thanks sir for your advise and tips, it really helped me focus in my study more.

April 11, 2021 at 8:33 am

thanks your article for studying.

May 9, 2021 at 8:01 pm

I found this useful. I have bookmarked this page so that I can come back here when ever I want it. thankyou so much

July 5, 2021 at 1:49 pm

thank you so much helped me alot

September 26, 2021 at 11:26 am

Thank you so much. The 16th tip helped me so much

November 14, 2022 at 8:35 pm

i really found it very helpful. amazing tips.

July 5, 2023 at 9:33 am

How to focus on main point.

September 29, 2023 at 8:44 am

Thank you so much. Sometimes it takes multiple strategies. Switching up from day to day. Good of you to share!

July 30, 2024 at 11:50 am

Thank you so much. I will try to use these tips 🙂 It been hard to focus for me.

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How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Homework: Staying Focused to Get It Done Faster

Recently, a SOAR ® subscriber asked for tips to help her daughter stay on-task with her homework. Just last night, a student in my Homework Action Group complained of the same problem. “I have a hard time staying focused on homework. It takes me forever to do it!”

I remember, as a young student myself, wriggling and squirming at my desk. Soon, I would need a drink, or snack, or pencil… After getting lost in the kitchen and sucked into a TV show, it would be another hour before I returned to my homework.

It would get so late, I finally had no choice but to do my homework. By that time, I was irritable, annoyed, and impatient. (Don’t laugh, Mom!) That made homework even worse.

Why did I do this?

I didn’t like homework. Obviously. I didn’t know how to do it efficiently. I didn’t have the discipline to do it quickly.

But, I’ve learned a lot since then…

There isn’t much I can do to help anyone “like” homework. I can teach strategies for completing it faster, but that takes a complete curriculum. So, this article will help you improve your self-discipline.

“Self-Discipline Does NOT Sound Fun!”

Yes, I know… self-discipline sounds dreadful.  But, it’s time to change your perspective. Just past the point of resistance is an amazing feeling of accomplishment and a big pay-off.

Self-discipline is what motivates athletes to win championships and wealthy people to earn their riches.  One of the world’s most successful marketing campaigns was created on the concept of self-discipline; NIKE inspires athletes to “Just Do It!” Apply that attitude to homework, and great things will happen.

Action Plan for Staying Focused on Homework

“Just do it!” is a little easier said than done, especially when it comes to homework. However, the following tips will help you get started:

• The hours between 3-6 p.m. are typically the most wasted of a student’s day. Make them your most productive by doing homework within one hour after school (when possible). You’re most alert at this time, so homework will be easier than doing it later.
• Find small sections of time for homework before you get home… on the bus, before basketball practice, or even during school. (There is a lot of “down-time” in classes, such as when teachers take attendance.) The less homework you have when you get home, the more motivated you will be to finish the rest quickly.
• Reward yourself. Challenge yourself to do all of your homework before a specific time. Then, you’ll have plenty of time to watch Netflix, play video games, text friends, etc.
• Fill a basket with supplies you need for homework: pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, stapler, paper, scissors, markers, glue, ruler, etc. Keep the basket next to you so everything will be right at your fingertips. One trip across the house for a stapler can cost you hours when you get sidetracked by the refrigerator, your siblings, your phone, etc. Every sibling should have their own basket. If you live in two homes, keep one basket in each house.
• Eliminate distractions. It’s tempting to watch videos, listen to music, or text friends while doing homework. However, the human brain is only capable of focusing on one thing at a time. When you try to do two things at once, your attention constantly shifts back-and-forth. Sometimes that shift happens so rapidly, you don’t even notice it. However, distractions: double your homework time, increase errors, and completely destroy any learning that might happen while doing homework.
• Use an electronic timer. Before you begin an assignment, determine how much time it should take to complete. Add five minutes and set the timer. Challenge yourself to finish before the timer goes off. This is a great way to develop motivation (a.k.a. self-discipline) because it becomes a game to play against yourself. For younger students, parents can offer small rewards for each assignment that is done before the timer goes off.
• Parents: Do your “homework” while your child does their homework. You have bills to pay and school papers to complete. Do those chores during “homework time.” It helps your child feel like they aren’t “missing out” and keeps them focused.

Homework is usually NOT fun. But, you can make it much easier if you follow Nike’s advice and “Just Do It!” Your evenings will suddenly have more free time.Your grades will improve as you learn information while doing homework.

Before long, you’ll develop a much better attitude towards homework because you will have taken control of it, instead of your homework controlling you.

To get more simple ways to easily “Just Do It,” check out our dynamic and interactive app for students.

To your success,

Susan Kruger Winter

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30+ Ways to Improve Your Focus and Concentration

In A-Level , GCSE , General , University by Think Student Editor February 2, 2022 2 Comments

Focusing on work can be one of the hardest barriers at school to improving your grades and not being able to focus is incredibly frustrating. This article will teach you tried and tested ways to improve concentration and focus. As well as methods for studying that will improve your knowledge retention overall. Read on to find the secrets to better grades and longer focus, and to inject some more fun into your daily work routine!  

Focus and concentration are the ability to pay attention to one thing at a time, especially for an extended period. Both short and long-term strategies can help you to concentrate better. In the short term, using study methods that are engaging, reducing distractions, and planning your sessions can all help to improve focus. In the long term, lifestyle changes such as improving your sleep, including foods high in B Vitamins and Omega-3 in your diet, and performing brain training exercises can work wonders. Most importantly: remember that concentration is a skill and will improve with practice, so keep trying and it will get easier.

1. Take a Break  

It feels counter-intuitive to find taking a break as the first item on a productivity list, but it is often the key to focussing better.  If you begin to feel extremely tired or find you cannot take anything more in, it is time to have a break. This break will allow your mind to refocus and expend some of the energy built up while sitting and concentrating. It also gives your eyes a break from close focus, which can help with strain headaches. More information on effective breaks is found  here .   

During your break, it is recommended to:  

• Take some light exercise , such as a quick walk, 10 star-jumps, or just stretching out where you sit.  
• Get a drink of water, and a snack  if you need one.  
• Change the scenery and go to a different part of your home or study space. 
• Focus on distant objects or go outside to relax your eyes and allow eye strain to dissipate. 
• RELAX!  Try not to check your emails or do anything work-related. This is a time to pause, not catch up on other tasks.  

2. Use the Pomodoro Method  

The  Pomodoro  technique is a system of focus and break times that divides revision or work into manageable chunks.  There are many systems, but the most common is 25 minutes work, 5 minutes break (this is one Pomodoro), repeated 3 times then taking a longer 15–30-minute break.  This can be repeated for as long as your want, and adjusted to your times, but is a useful template. To learn more about the pomodoro technique check out this website.

There are many tracking apps for this method, as well as online programs like  this one . Others can be found by typing “Pomodoro” into any search engine or using a physical timer.   

3. Reduce Distractions  

It is impossible to focus fully if you are in a noisy, crowded or stimulating environment, therefore  concentration is always improved by having a calm and quiet place to study. This means  switching off the TV and radio, putting your phone onto “do not disturb” mode. H aving a quick tidy of physical clutter in your space before beginning to study , so this cannot distract you during work time is very important.    

Also,  take care of physical needs before sitting down to study,  you should grab a glass of water, a snack and use the bathroom to avoid these interrupting your concentration.   If your home has many people, or noisy roommates, then studying out of the house can be beneficial. More on this below.  

4. Avoid Your Mobile Phone  

Your phone can be the most distracting thing in the room because social media and message alerts are designed to be attention-grabbing and addictive. For this reason, a “quick check” on social media can turn into hours of scrolling without realising!  

To avoid this, putting your phone on “do not disturb”  to avoid message alerts is a useful way to eliminate the distraction . Also , keeping your phone at least 20 seconds away from where you are sitting means you are less likely to check every notification.  

If you need motivation to not look at your phone, apps such as  Forest , where you set a timer and grow a virtual tree for as long as you do not look at any apps, can be very useful and encouraging. This can also help with techniques using timers, such as Pomodoro.   

5. Background Music and Noise

Often it can be impossible to avoid background noise when working.  If you need silence to work, investing in earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can deeply improve the quality of your focus .   

If you find silence unhelpful,  classical music, music from video games (which is made to inspire focus), and nature sounds, as well as white noise have been found to create a calming environment that helps focus and allows you to tune out unhelpful environmental sounds .  Just ensure that any music you choose has no lyrics, which disrupt focus and prevent you from taking in what you are learning.   

6. Try Not to Multitask

When there are many tasks due, it can be very tempting to try to complete several at once, and it feels as though we are being more productive and getting them, all done faster.   

However,  research  has proven that this is not the case.  When we multitask, one or both tasks are almost always completed to a lower standard, and we rarely understand both parts to a good degree.  This is especially true for revision, where memory is involved, as you can get the tasks or facts confused. To learn more about multitasking click here .

For this reason,  try to focus on only your current task, and avoid taking “mini-breaks” to write emails or complete another task.  If you have many tasks due, using the productivity matrix detailed below can help decide which to focus on and when.    

7. Make Plans Before You Start  

Studying can be incredibly overwhelming. When there is a whole course or module to revise, knowing where to start can make you feel panicky and avoid beginning. For this reason, cre ating a plan before studying is hugely important to learn what you are focussing on.   

Start by writing a big list of all the things you need to do . If you are revising for GCSEs or other structured exams, your revision guide or the exam board specification (found on their website) is a good place to start. F ind which times of the day you can study and write in which parts you will work on at this time , leaving time for relaxation and other important things like homework and sleep. More guidance can be found  here .  

Some apps help you with this, which can be found by searching “study planner” on any search engine, and you can also write one out on paper or a calendar. More help on creating a study timetable can be found  here .   

8. Schedule Time For Reviewing and Planning

As mentioned earlier, planning your work time is key to focussing fully on your tasks.  If you schedule time into your week to plan sessions for focus, then this planning will not take time away from your study, and you can focus on the task rather than what you should do next.   

Equally important is  spending time after a focussed session reviewing and checking what you did, and how well you feel it went . This could just be 5 minutes afterwards to check items off a to-do list and put a red (for not understood or complete), yellow (for half understood/partially complete), or green (fully understood/completed) marker next to them.   

This colour coding will let you know how well you understand (if this relates to the task). This can help decide whether you need to schedule more time for this in the future or need to add the task to another session again.  

9. Work Somewhere Different  

There is plenty of evidence to say why you shouldn’t work from your  bedroom . The bedroom should be a place you sleep and relax only. Working here decreases sleep quality, disrupts the calming space, and makes it very hard to switch into “work mode”. To learn more about this check out this website.  

For this reason,  having a dedicated office space where you can immediately start working when you sit down can be conducive to better concentration . If you can, leaving this place for breaks and whenever you stop work (no scrolling social media or daydreaming here) also cements the idea that this is a space for work.  

However, if there is not a quiet place in your home where you can work then going to a coffee shop, library, or another quiet place where you can focus is useful . Some people prefer to regularly change up their study environment, as it stops boredom or complacency about their work.   

10. Make SMART Goals

Similarly to planning, goals can help you focus on more accurately achieving what you want to do in a session. SMART goals are:  

• Specific  – narrow down to a  focused objective.
• Measurable  – define what  evidence you can use to prove that you have completed your goal.
• Attainable  – make sure your goal is  realistic in the time frame.
• Relevant  – your goal should align with your  long-term objectives and values, such as passing GCSEs.
• Time-Bound  – your goal should have an  end date that you can reasonably complete it by. 

These criteria help your goals to be in line with your plans, and for you to easily measure them in a clear framework.   This website shows this idea in detail, as well as how to set these goals in a step-by-step way.   

11. Find Engaging Methods of Studying

When studying,  revising the same material or similar repeatedly can mean you get stuck with one method. This can make studying boring, which in turn make you less likely to enjoy your work and not focus . Regularly changing up your methods avoids this, and means you know the material better because it’s encoded differently!   

Some suggested methods are:  Mind maps ,  Flashcards , Past Papers, Teaching someone else what you are revising, and Group Revision.  There are loads more, for example,  this article lists lots of methods to engage more in your work.  

12. Engage Your Senses  

Everyone has experienced that sinking feeling of reading and re-reading and knowing you are not taking it in. We watch a video or read a report but have no idea later what we have read.  The way to avoid this is by   engaging more than one sense in your task.  For instance, if you are  watching a video, take some notes of the key points, or sketch them.  

If you are  reading, then stop every page and summarise what you have r ead.  Similarly, while  making notes, read them out or make a video of yourself explaining, or teach another person the material. These methods all  help encode the information into your brain in a variety of ways , so it is more likely to stick.

13. Use Visual Tools to Track Progress  

A part of being able to concentrate on your task is being motivated. There are many ways of doing this, but one is a visual to-do or task list.   

Simply write all the tasks you need to complete (or all the topics you need to revise) on paper or post-it notes, then as you complete them, cross them off or remove the post-it note from the wall.  This works as it gives you a tangible sense of achievement, which means you are motivated to keep going.  

14. Do Similar Tasks Together  

If you have a long list of tasks to complete, one of the hardest parts can be switching off your brain and moving to the next task on the list. This is made even harder when the task is very different to what you were previously doing, and this feeling of distraction can lead to losing focus and avoiding starting new tasks.   

To avoid this, before beginning, while in the planning stage and writing out your to-do list,  group together similar tasks, such as sending emails and making phone calls as ‘correspondence’ or writing a report and proofreading.   This helps smooth the transition to a new task as you do not have to completely change your mind set before starting.  

15. Use the Productivity Matrix

Simply put, the  Productivity (or Eisenhower) Matrix is another way of prioritising tasks so that we get the tasks that are most important done quickly, helping you to concentrate on what matters most and therefore improve focus . This system has 4 sections, which you sort your to-do list into:  

• Important and Urgent : these tasks are ones left to the last minute or crises that you couldn’t predict. These are to be  completed immediately ! They usually have a short-term focus and a deadline.  
• Important not Urgent : these tasks can be  planned and put into action for a later time , or once you finish the urgent list. Spending more time on these helps eliminate things from the future Important-Urgent list. They could include planning, or similar long-term, goal-focused work.  
• Not Important but Urgent : these tasks need to happen but  aren’t on your list of priorities . If you work in an office environment, these would be the tasks you delegate to others. They could be responding to emails, making phone calls or regular meetings with no functional purpose.  
• Not Important not Urgent : these are tasks that distract you during the time you want to focus. They could include scrolling social media, personal phone calls or anything causing you to procrastinate. They should be  moved to times when you aren’t focussing, or removed from your day  if they have no positive impact on you or your study goals.  

16. Reward Yourself For Focus  

When you have focused for the amount of time you planned to, you have achieved a goal! It is important to recognise this as something to be proud of, as this will increase the positive connotations of focus and make you more likely to do it in the future.  One way of recognising this achievement is through rewards.  

These rewards could be simple, such as watching some TV or playing a video game, or things like going for a coffee break at a nice café, or a sticker on your planner. Anything which motivates you.  

A good way of making these rewards is to have them randomised . This means that each time you achieve the focus time, you use a random yes/no generator, or flip a coin, and depending on which side it lands on you get a reward or not. This increases the payoff from the reward as you want to work hard for another try at the reward, and makes it into a game, making the work more fun.  

17. Tidy Your Space  

There is a saying “a tidy house is a tidy mind” – this also applies to wherever you work or study. When our space is cluttered and filled with papers, stationery, and other miscellanea, we are also distracted by moving things, and other tasks which we can see that are not yet done.   

T idying your study space before you begin to concentrate can help foster greater focus, as we are undistracted by our environment and can work unhindered by the surroundings.  Also, this tidying can be a great way of swapping between relaxing and concentrating modes, as we enter our study space and start to change our mindsets.  

18. Brain Dumping

Similarly, to having a tidy space, before work your mind can be buzzing with a million thoughts and ideas not related to your task. This is unhelpful to focus as it does not allow to only see the task at hand. There are a few ways to avoid this, meditation (below) and brain dumping can be very helpful.   

Brain dumping is simply filling a piece of paper (for 5 minutes) with any thought that comes into your brain. Then you can begin your session of focus and continue noting ideas and thoughts as you need to, keeping them for after the session.    

Then later you can go through these notes and sort any ideas or tasks which need doing onto a to-do list and begin the process again. This is useful for when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed by tasks, as it allows you to concentrate on a task but still acknowledge other tasks.   

19. Switch Task

Eventually, you can get to a point when studying where more work on the same task is useless. This is often due  to lost focus, lack of inspiration, or feeling in the wrong mindset. While sometimes these feelings can be pushed through, sometimes there comes a point where switching task is more productive.  

It is important to remember that not completing something immediately is not always bad, sometimes it is an important part of improving or sustaining concentration.  

20. Schedule High and Low Focus Tasks in Succession

Sustaining a high level of focus for a long period is nearly impossible for most people. For this reason, scheduling all high focus tasks to be completed all at once is not a good strategy for completing as much as possible in a time.   

When planning, it is  most effective to have a high-low-high-low structure to task lists, so that completing them in order gives your brain a break and you can have a greater level and length of session overall . Especially in the long term, this strategy can lead to extended possible concentration duration, as the brain and body get used to focusing for a longer period.  

21. Good Sleep

While sleep appears to come up in every article about every possible problem, good sleep is indeed key to good concentration. When the body is well-rested, the mind can focus on a task clearly, rather than focussing on when it can next rest.   

Adults and Teenagers generally need around 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Not only that, but sleep (especially the REM phase) is when memory and learning are consolidated into long-term memory.  Not sleeping means that these facts are less likely to be cemented into your brain, and therefore less likely to be remembered. So next time you think about an “all-nighter”, read  this article here .  

22. Exercise

When we are very busy with work, finding time to exercise can seem like a distraction from all the things we need to get done. However, physical activity can be an incredible way to enhance concentration and improve your health and sleep.   

Studies have found that  20 minutes of moderate exercise before working or studying can increase concentration and focus for around an hour afterwards.  Therefore, scheduling a walk, jog or yoga session before your focus time can be very beneficial. Read more about the benefits of exercise on study here.

However, it has also been found that very high-intensity exercise such as HIIT (high-intensity interval training) can decrease concentration, likely because it exhausts the body.  Make sure that the exercise is not so tiring that you are unable to think and do something you enjoy!  

23. Spend Time in Nature

Another way to improve concentration is  to spend time in nature. Just 15 minutes daily (possibly combined with walking, running or other exercises as above) can benefit mental health, as well as increasing concentration.   

Being in nature reduces stress levels and heart rate and increases awareness of our environment as we tune in to sounds and sights which we might be otherwise too busy to see. A good place to do this is woodland or forested areas, but grassy parks or beaches are also lovely places to connect with nature.  

24. Meditation 

Meditation is becoming increasingly more common, and for good reason, it not only improves focus but also sleep, mood and productivity.  Luckily, this increasing popularity means there are many resources for free meditations online and on apps. For instance, searching “meditation for focus” on YouTube or Google yields thousands of results.   

There are apps dedicated to providing meditations such as  Headspace , which has sections dedicated to focusing, stress and work meditations and videos.   

If you do not want to use an app, simply set a timer for 5 minutes (or longer, build up over time). Sit with your eyes closed and your hands in your lap, trying to focus on your breath without following any trains of thought (just noticing them as they pass) is a great way to start building mindfulness into your everyday life.  

25. Feed Your Brain

There are a few foods that have proved  helpful to concentration. This is because they contain specific nutrients which are useful when the brain is focussing .  For instance, foods high in  Omega-3 such as Oily fish (salmon, mackerel), walnuts and eggs can improve mood and memory, which is positive for concentration.  

Also,  whole grains, nuts and seaweed are high in  B Vitamins , which improve the cognitive functioning of the brain and can even help protect against nerve damage in the brain from certain chemicals.   

Finally, foods high in  Dopamine and Fibre increase motivation and concentration and include fruits (ripe bananas, berries, other raw fruits), vegetables, seeds and many more. Small inclusions of these in your diet can help focus in a big way over time and are also a tasty way to get good nutrients during snacks and meals.  

26. Caffeine 

Caffeine  is a common way used by many people to increase their focus in the short term.  It is a stimulant that works by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine (which causes drowsiness) from entering the brain.  Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, chocolate, so it is likely already a part of a lot of people’s daily diets.   

However, the key to caffeine intake is to  keep it small . Caffeine is an addictive compound, so it can lead to headaches, and other symptoms if you stop having it after a long time.  The caffeine found in  4 cups of coffee is safe for adults, but for teenagers, this is much lower, and it varies in different people , and exceeding the recommended amount can lead to shivers, anxiety and decreased concentration due to the stimulating effects.  

If you would like to learn more about the effects of caffeine click here.

27. Practice Makes Perfect

As with anything,  concentration improves the longer you practice it. Starting small with just 5-10 minutes of focus at a time and gradually building up will lead to a longer attention span and better focus!  Just like any skill, practising every day leads to the best improvement overall, so keep working on it even if you do not have work or studying to do.   

28. Practice Doing One Thing  

Similarly, to above, training your concentration does not just happen during work time.  You can practice focussing deeply on all areas of life, by doing the task you are doing with your full attention until it is done.  For instance, watching one TV program, without scrolling social media or doing another activity, or reading only one book before you start the next one.   

These ideas help you to develop focus and patience into your routine and are a kind of mindfulness.  This will help your studying, but also improve your daily life as you begin to notice new things about activities you take for granted but never fully noticed before. You will find new parts in your day which you enjoy, and that is as good a reason as any to try this technique.   

29. Listen to Your Body Cues  

There sometimes comes a time when studying where you simply cannot focus anymore. In these situations,  paying attention to what your body is telling you can help you to understand what you need to do to return to a focused state.  Ask yourself these questions:  

• Do I need a drink?  
• Am I hungry?  
• Do I need the toilet?  
• Am I restless? Do I need some air?   
• Am I bored with this task?  
• Am I tired?  

Then, with your answers in mind, go and  complete what your body needs , by getting some sustenance, or going for a walk. Then you can return to focussing refreshed or decide that you need to stop for the day. Listening to your body is the best way to improve your well-being in the long term.  

30. Brain Training Games  

As with any muscle,  the brain can be exercised and trained to improve its performance in concentrating over time.  There are many games reputed to help with this: chess, sudoku, crosswords and similar logic puzzles are useful paper games, while apps such as  Lumosity  provide the same benefits on your phone, so you can use them anywhere.   

These games do not only have to be intended for brain training.  Research has shown that playing moderate amounts of Video or Computer Games can improve focus and concentration , as well as problem-solving skills, especially if they are strategy based. Therefore, enjoying a video game in your spare time can improve your concentration at work!  

31. Work at Optimum Focus Times

Every person has an optimum, or ideal time of day at which they focus.  This is like the ‘night owl’ and ‘early bird’ theory, in that some people work better in the evening, and some at other times of the day.   

The best way to find this out is by  starting work at different times for a few days and recording how productive and motivated you felt.  Then, once you know which time of day you prefer,  schedule your focus time to be concentrated there where possible,  with high effort tasks being in that block.  However, this does not mean that other times of the day are not useful! You can get just as much done at any time, just that certain times may be easier for your brain than others.  

32. Medical Issues  

If your inability to concentrate is  regularly   affecting your work, or health,  and is not changed by any of the tips in this article, it may be beneficial to see your doctor or GP.   

While lack of concentration is usually not a sign of a problem when recurring,  it can be a symptom of a larger issue that a doctor can help with .  Lack of concentration can be symptoms of ADHD, Chronic Fatigue, Insomnia, Anxiety, and Depression, as well as a side effect of certain medications.   If you have any of these issues there are medical solutions to improve concentration issues, so ask your doctor for more information on this. 

Throw your phone and burn your computer – Min Guru Master San Senpai

This article provides a comprehensive list of 32 ways to improve focus and concentration, making it a valuable resource for students of all levels. The tips range from short-term strategies like taking breaks and using the Pomodoro technique to long-term lifestyle changes such as improving sleep and incorporating brain training exercises. The inclusion of practical suggestions like using background music, setting SMART goals, and scheduling high and low focus tasks in succession adds to the article’s credibility. Overall, this well-researched and insightful piece offers readers a variety of techniques to enhance their study habits and boost their productivity.

How to Stay Focused on Homework: 13 Easy Tips

Whether you’re a 15 year old and trying to pass the 10th grade or doing your Master’s degree and trying to complete the required reading, learning how to stay focused on homework is a lifelong skill that can feel boring and painful at times, but is necessary.

We learn to dread homework growing up, viewing it as the thing that gets in the way of our recreational time.

Who wants to be doing math problems when they could be outside playing with their friends?

Who wants to deal with pages of required reading or worry about staying focused when studying when they could be watching the latest bingeworthy shows on Netflix?

I’m not here to argue for or against the necessity of homework itself, but instead that sometimes, doing homework is a part of life.

And if we want to succeed in life, we have to do the homework.

We have to get motivated to write that essay , we have to get motivated to study , and we have to learn to stay focused on our goals .

Staying focused on homework when there are so many other distractions competing for our attention can be difficult, so in this post we’re going to get real, get honest, and talk about how to stay focused on homework even when you’d rather be doing anything else.

Study Tools You Need RIght Now

1. See How Fast You Can Get it Done Accurately

Getting your homework done quickly is usually the goal for most people, and while you don’t want to sacrifice accuracy, making a game out of it and seeing how fast you can get your homework done is usually a great way to stay focused on your homework.

There is a theory that we use as much time for tasks as we give ourselves, so it may be that actually you can write a good essay in 2 hours, when normally you would take 6 hours.

How much of that 6 hours is spent being distracted and wandering around your room aimlessly?

When we limit our time, we can get things done faster.

This isn’t to say that you should try and do 56 math problems in 2 minutes or sacrifice actually learning the material, but making a game to see how fast you can accurately do your homework is a great way to stay focused because now instead of just trying to focus on the content, you are focused on the goal of completing it and that will carry you through when it gets hard to stay focused.

2. Give Yourself a Reward When You Finish

It’s the only trick in the book, but that’s because it works and is one of my best productivity tips .

If you’re find it difficult to stay focused on your homework, make sure to promise yourself some sort of award when you finish.

For example, if you finish your book report, you can watch 30 minutes of your favorite TV show.

If you finish your math problems, you can have the snack you’ve been wanting since you got home.

Those of us adults with homework can also do this, but in bigger ways.

When you finish your dissertation, reward yourself by buying the new purse you’ve been keeping your eye on.

When you finish your physics problems, you can call a friend and go meet up for dinner.

Human nature is to work best when we are working towards something, and this is another way of keeping you focused on your homework by keeping you focused on the reward that will come from staying focused and completing your goal.

3. Find a New Way to Study

Sometimes, focus comes down to what you’re actually doing to learn the material.

For instance, I never learned well just rereading my notes to study for tests, and I found it much easier to use index cards to create questions and quiz myself with.

If part of your homework is studying for a test or something that you’re able to do in a way that makes more sense to you, do that!

We had quite a few projects that I was able to be more creative on that really helped keep me focused on working on them because I was much more interested.

If you’re having major problems focusing on your homework, check to see that you’re picking topics that really interest you, where possible, or talk to your teachers or professors to let them know that you’re struggling and see if they have any creative suggestions on how you could learn the material.

You can also use something like ClickUp to help you organize your homework and studying virtually.

4. Create a Study Group and Set a Goal

Study groups aren’t always good for focusing on homework because by the end of it, you’ve devolved into planning your Spring Break and no one has stuck to the plan or gotten much work done.

However, I like study groups as a way to stay focused on school work when you have a goal in mind. For instance, you could meet up and say you’re not going to leave the library until you’ve finished the project or you could say you’re not going to leave until you all feel confident that you could pass a test on Chapter 7 or you won’t finish until everyone has finished and understands how to do all of the math problems.

Having a study group just to have a study group isn’t always helpful, but with a clear outcome in mind, you can at least try and keep the socializing to a minimum until you go out and celebrate later for having finished.

You can also do it virtually with a platform like Zoom , which I talk about in my list of productivity tools .

This is also a great time to actually be honest with yourself about who that you know would make a good study group.

5. Do the Hardest Homework First

Our ability to focus goes down the longer we work on something, so if you have 4 hours of homework in 4 different subjects, you should start with what you find hardest first when your focus can be at its peak.

By the time you reach the fourth hour, you may be really wishing you had something that was much easier to focus on because you will naturally lose the willpower and ability to stay focused for that long.

This sometimes goes against our natural inclinations to save the hardest homework for last because we don’t want to deal with it until later, but putting it off makes it even harder to focus.

6. Listen to Instrumental Music

For some people, music can help keep them stay calm when stressed and is a good idea when trying to focus on homework, but make sure it’s the right kind of music.

For me, music with words is actually really difficult to have on in the background while I work on something also related to words (reading or writing or trying to understand concepts) because it uses that part of my brain to try and sing along.

I find that instrumental music is much better, whether it’s just basic instrumental music, instrumental covers of my favorite songs, or dedicated study playlists that use music that is actually thought to improve your concentration based on the tones of the sounds it creates.

You can find tons of these on Youtube and just put it on in the background as you try to get to work.

7. Create Your Perfect Environment

Equally, some of us find it super hard to focus with any noises in the background.

The aim of the game when it comes to focusing on homework has to do with creating your perfect environment and testing different environments to see what works for you.

Some people will find it easy to work in a library filled with other people working and walking around, while others will want to be in a cubicle with nothing else going on around them.

Some will want complete silence, others will want to blare music.

You should also think about the actual physical way you do your homework and whether that’s helping you.

There is a big difference for some people in the ability to focus when you’re laying down on your bed versus sitting at a dedicated desk, or working outside versus working inside.

Create the best environment you can before you get started on your homework and you’ll make it that much easier for yourself to focus.

8. Complete It In 20 Minute Chunks

Most people can focus for about 15-30 minutes before needing a quick break to look at something else or just stop looking at whatever they’re working on for a minute or two.

If you chunk your homework down into 20 minute chunks and aim to complete one at a time, this is actually a really useful way to stay focused because it’s not as daunting and you can focus on getting through one chunk at a time.

You can do this in so many ways, like chunking down the math problems and doing 10 at a time before you take a break, or reading a certain number of pages before you take 5 minutes to look up from your book.

Do everything in your power to make focusing seem less challenging, and your mind and body will more easily cooperate.

9. Get a Tutor

Sometimes, a study group of your friends isn’t necessarily the best idea under many circumstances, but a tutor almost always is.

Unlike a social companion, they’re there basically to help you focus on studying and to help coach you through anything you find difficult.

Having that external person who is sitting with you and helping you chunk down your work and setting goals for you is exactly what some people need to get their homework done in a productive way.

The level of tutor you need depends on what you’re working on.

If you just want someone to help you with the material who has done it before, you could ask someone a few grades above you to help out.

Equally, some families hire tutors for children with learning disabilities or those who are really struggling in a topic, and in this case the tutor may have a lot more experience in behavior and helping people to get the work done that goes beyond having done it beore.

10. Plan to Teach it to Others

Teaching the material to others is always a great way to help yourself stay focused when learning, because believe it or not, you’re learning to!

I used to teach my stuffed animals the material after I had done some homework on it, but you can also try and teach it to anyone to see how much you remember.

Many times, this transition into an active way of learning rather than passive is a great way to stay focused on studying and get things done instead of just hoping you remember it.

11. Use Website Blockers on Your Computer

If your problems with staying focused on your homework come down to other distractions, you can install plenty of software on your computer or phone that actually block certain websites when you tell them to.

You could block social media so you’re not taking breaks to scroll Instagram, block the entire internet or turn off the WiFi if you’re trying to focus on reading but can’t help continue to go on Reddit every couple of minutes, etc.

Staying focused isn’t just a “you” problem, it is a pretty prevalent human problem, especially in the modern world where we have more distractions than ever before.

So be strong, block the websites and apps, and then get down to business.

Not giving yourself the option to go on them means you don’t have to use up willpower trying not to.

You could also do this by giving someone else your password to your social media accounts and having them change it and not telling you what it is so it’s impossible for you to get in.

12. Make a To-Do List with Color Coding

For us visual people, making color coded to-do lists isn’t just an Instagrammable organizational tip, but a big life hack that helps us stay on track and be more productive.

If you’re struggling with your homework and staying focused, make a list each day of exactly what you need to do and use color codings, post-it notes or another visual way of checking things off to work through your list.

The more that you visually see completed on the paper, the more motivated you’ll be to keep staying focused and getting through the rest.

When you don’t have a list, it can feel like you’re not making any progress.

13. Use a Highlighter When Reading

If your homework involves reading or studying, you can also take an active role in this by using a highlighter to highlight important passages or use a pen to make notes next to the reading as you go.

This is proven to keep you more engaged in the material, which in turn will keep you more focused on your reading.

When you’re forcing yourself to engage with and respond to the material, you’re much more likely to remember and stay focused on it as opposed to what happens when you just passively read a book or read over your notes.

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Homework Help: 11 Tips and Hacks for Focusing on Homework

With lots of other things to be seeing or doing, getting your homework done can quickly slide down your list of priorities. We’ve all had times when we’d rather be doing anything else than work, but it’s important to stay focused on the bigger picture and get it done.

This guide is full of tips to help you remain focused and motivated when it comes to your homework.

11 Ways to Focus on Your Homework  

It’s easy to lose focus and motivation when trying to finish a piece of homework. Next time you feel your mind wandering, try some of these 11 tips and tricks for regaining focus.

1. Get rid of distractions  

There are so many distractions in the modern world. Look around your room and you’ll find plenty of things that could take your attention away from your homework, whether it’s a TV, laptop, tablet, smartphone, games console or books.

In the past, you could have got home from school and, without agreeing to meet your friends in the park later, you’d be unlikely to speak to your friends and classmates until the next day – but today they’re just on the other end of a phone.

Focusing on homework means removing the potential for other things to catch your focus. Whatever it might be - switch it off, put it out of sight, it will be there when you’re finished.

2. Tell family and friends you’re not available  

If your family and friends don’t contact you, the chances of you becoming distracted when doing your work reduces. At school during the day, let your friends know you’re busy doing some work that evening. That way they won’t send you messages asking you to the park or to come online on the Xbox or PlayStation.

The same goes for parents and siblings. Let them know what time you plan to be working and ask them not to disturb you at this time. That way they can plan around you, making sure your evening meal doesn’t come within this time for example.

This can also be used as a motivator to work hard. Are your friends playing video games tonight? Are they having a kick around in a local park? You don’t want to miss out, but your homework needs to be done. Get your head down and finish it, using the possibility of joining your friends as your motivator.

3. Use productivity apps

There is one significant hurdle to the idea of removing distractions like your phone and TV. Some devices, like your laptop or computer, are necessary for doing your work. You can’t just throw these in a draw and ignore them, but there are still things you can do to reduce the distractions these provide.

With an app like Cold Turkey or Freedom , you can block certain websites for hours or days at a time, meaning you can stay away from distracting websites or social media networks until the job is done. In Freedom’s case, this can extend to apps on your smartphone or tablet too.

There are plenty of options out there but, to give another example, try Mindful Browsing . It’s a little less harsh than straight-up blocking websites, instead aiming to calmly nudge you back to what you should be doing.

4. Set out a routine  

Without clear structure and organisation, it can be easy to put off doing work, thinking you’ll return to it later. A good routine is one of the first steps to increasing productivity – and this takes very little effort to put in place.

This can take any form of your choosing. You can draw up a detailed schedule, with subject breakdowns, checklists, and free slots for breaks, or you can just keep it all up in your head. Have an idea of how much time you’ll need to do what you need to do and plan the rest of your evening around the time you’ve allocated.

The form that your routine or schedule takes isn’t important, what counts is sticking to it.

5. Reward yourself 

A great idea for giving yourself greater motivation is to set out some rewards. We’ve already mentioned one option – joining your friends for some fun – but there are plenty of other things you can do to motivate yourself.

Set up a system whereby you complete an hour or so of work, then gain a small reward. This can be anything from a drink, a snack, or even just a 10-minute break. These small things may appear insignificant, but they are a great way of breaking down one big homework session into smaller, more manageable chunks.

6. Take breaks 

Even if it isn’t directly a part of a rewards system, breaks are incredibly important. You might think that reducing the time you’re working by five or ten minutes will result in less work being done. However, by allowing yourself to escape for just a few minutes, you’ll actually increase the rate you work at.

Those five minutes away give your mind a rest and keep you fresh and focused when you get back at it. Just make sure you don’t let your break stretch too long. Before you know it, an hour has passed and it’s harder to get back on track.

7. Try some music 

Some people find that music is one of the best ways to remain focused on what they’re doing. There are two reasons why this might be the case. First, music activates both the left and right sides of your brain. With both sides activated, some studies have found that learning characteristics like memory are improved. Secondly, music is also a stress reliever. Unburdening yourself from stress and anxiety allows you to remain focused on your work.

If you’re going to give this a try, there are a few things to keep in mind. Classical music is considered to work best, but something soothing and without lyrics is a must. Ambient or nature-based sounds are good too – just something with a steady tempo that keeps you calm.

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9 Science-Backed Ways to Stay Focused on Your Schoolwork

These focus strategies for students are proven to peak your concentration.

Do you find it hard to focus on homework? Do certain subjects make your mind drift off to other things? If you want to know how to focus on schoolwork, we've studied the science behind keeping your concentration and have discovered some keys to success! These research-backed focus strategies for students will help you concentrate and even boost your productivity.

Determine Your Learning Style

If you're not engaging your brain in the right way, it can make it hard to focus and understand the material. This can lead to anxiety, which can further distract you. The first step in honing your attention on schoolwork is determining the best ways for you to absorb the information.

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• Fun Listening Activities for Middle School Kids They'll Tune In For

Most people fall into one of three main categories - visual, auditory, and tactile. If you want to find out your learning style, there's a simple self-assessment to determine where you land. Studies show that this information can help you study smarter .

Have a Designated Study Space

While the kitchen table may seem like an obvious place to study, this large space may not do you any favors. First, it's in a communal area, so it's likely there will be a lot of foot traffic in the room. Second, this is also the place where dinner will soon be served.

This will bring an abrupt stop to what you're doing and it will force you to pack up your stuff and get reorganized later. This can shatter your focus, especially if you're in the middle of reviewing a difficult concept. Research shows that by having a designated space to study , students can focus better on their work.

Remove Distractions

Once you've found your designated study space, it's important to get rid distractions in order to get the most out of your study time. This, of course, means turning off your phone and the television, but it can also mean other external diversions like large messes. Keeping a clean work area helps students to better maintain their focus and improve their productivity.

Pay Attention to Your Needs Before Studying

Don't forget about internal distractions as well. If you're hungry, thirsty, tired, or stressed, it can also obstruct your ability to concentrate. Obviously, if you are hungry or thirsty, there's a quick fix, but if you are tired, take a nap.

The key is to rest for the perfect amount of time - 10 to 20 minutes . Less than this and you will feel groggy. Much more, and you'll not only feel fatigued, but you'll also struggle to get back to sleep at night.

For those who are feeling stressed about their assignment, simply take ten minutes to stretch and then ten more to practice mindful meditation . This practice requires participants to let go of the past and focus on the present. Remind yourself:

• You can only control what is right in front of you.
• Previous struggles in this subject don't dictate how you will do moving forward.
• Your instructors designed this schoolwork to help you better understand the concepts.
• If you continue to struggle, there are other resources to tap into so that you can grasp the specific topic.

Set the Mood

Did you know that listening to classical music while you study can help to hone your concentration and even absorb information more effectively? However, not all melodies are effective. Experts recommend that students "skip over large orchestral pieces, particularly those with a dynamic that ranges from whispers to booming cannons." These can actually cause more distraction.

Instead, they recommend elevator-style music that provides a consistent and relaxing background melody. We also advise that you snag some noise-canceling headphones to listen to these instrumental tunes. These can help to further remove distraction and keep you focused on the task at hand.

Set Specific Work and Break Times

Sometimes, the hardest part about staying focused is having the feeling that the period of study will never end! You can only cram so much information into your brain at one time. Thus, set a timer and then put it in a drawer. When it goes off, take a break!

Want to perform better? Follow the 52-17 rule ! Research has found that this is an ideal work-to-break ratio. When setting alarms, work for 52 minutes and then take a productive 17 minute break.

What is a productive break? One that doesn't distract your mind too much. This means avoiding your phone and the television. Don't check your email or social media either. Instead, have a snack, stretch, go outside, meditate, nap, complete a quick chore , or set goals for the rest of your day. These activities can help you de-stress, stay positive, and concentrate better when you get back to work!

Fuel Up to Better Your Focus

Food for thought? No, really, eat your breakfast! There's a reason everyone says it's the most important meal of the day. Studies show that it can boost short-term memory and improve your attention . If you really want better brain power , snag some walnuts and a smoothie that contains berries and leafy greens! These can also work as a great study snack.

• Find More Great Brain-Boosting Foods

Get Moving Before Work Times & During Breaks

Need even more of a brain boost? Get moving! Research shows that by working out for 20 minutes before a big study session, you increase blood flow to the brain . This enhances concentration and memory.

Focus Better by Fidgeting

If you find that your focus is fading during your 52 minute study window, grab a fidget toy! Yes , that's right. Fidget toys are a great tool for getting out nervous energy , lowering stress, and keeping your concentration on the task at hand.

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Find Focus Strategies for Students That Work Best for You

Everyone is different. If you find that some of these tips help, but you still have moments of distraction, consider changing the scenery of your study space. Try standing or sitting cross-legged style on the floor, brightening your workspace, or moving your study session outside . Figure out what works best for you and stick to it to have success in high school and beyond!

How to Focus on Homework and Stop Procrastinating

It happens every day. There’s the ever-piling list of things to do.

You can continue to sleep in, but it won’t disappear. And while we know you don’t want to hear it, every decision you’re making now impacts your future. Better grades mean more opportunities after high school.

We know completing homework can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few easy changes you can implement now to start seeing improvements today. Check out the tips below.

Tips to Focus on Homework

Tip 1: exercise first.

Studies show that cardio-based exercises boost your memory and thinking skills. Cardio based means doing something that accelerates your heart rate. This can include jogging, riding a bike, playing a sport or anything you like to do that’s fast-paced.

If you exercise right before starting schoolwork, it will get your blood flowing. This will help your brain become more active and ready to focus on homework.

Tip 2: Set a Routine

With the benefit of flexibility in online schooling comes the need for discipline. As Primavera Principal Donald Mitchell said:

“To be successful in your courses…create a daily schedule for yourself.  Remember, you are required to spend at least three hours on each course that you are assigned on a daily basis.”

In other words, it can be easy to fall behind. But it’s also easy to stay on track if you stick to a schedule.

How to Make a Schedule:

• Get a planner, or use a free online application. A planner is still the best way to stay organized.
• Think about your week; include every plan. Write everything you want and need to do that week. Do you want to fit in some time to skateboard? Great! Schedule it in. Just remember: Try to be active right before starting coursework!

“If you are a night person, then be a night person.  If you know you only like to work online for 30 minutes at a time, then plan breaks between your 30 minutes.” – Mrs. Lauree Russell, Primavera math instructor.

• Stick to your schedule. Things happen, and you might have to adjust your schedule. But stick to it, even when it’s time to do something you’re not looking forward to. If you decided to start that project Tuesday at 2 p.m., that’s when you need to do it.
• Keep writing out your weekly schedule It takes work and a lot of upkeep, but stay motivated. Don’t fall behind on that planner.

When planning, try to do schoolwork about the same time every day, in a familiar location. It will do wonders for your brain! It won’t take long before your brain automatically recognizes that it’s homework time. Then you won’t have to take as long to get started.

Tip 3: Be Prepared

If you have to stop what you’re doing to go grab a snack or a notebook, you’re going to get distracted.

“Have all the materials you need to work ready to go before you start each day,” said Primavera Executive Director of Academics Sarah Gamble. “Keep a list of your teacher’s and guidance counselor’s phone numbers, note taking materials, your daily schedule, a glass of water and you are ready to go. This will keep you from getting distracted when you have to leave your work to go find something.”

Tip 4: Establish a WorkSpace

We’re not saying you have to go to the store right now and drop hundreds on a desk, chair and supplies. Your workspace doesn’t have to be traditional. But it does need to be a set place in order to better focus on homework.

Maybe that place is an office in your home. Or perhaps you have a fuzzy bean bag in your room that you love. Whatever you choose, make it a habit, and make sure you’re comfortable to work. After all, that bean bag might be comfy to relax in, but might not be best once you have a laptop and notebook to juggle.

“Make sure your chair is comfy, your computer screen is at eye level and your favorite items are next to your computer,” said Mrs. Russell. This can be items like photos, music, lotion, candles or a favorite soda.”

Primavera instructor Amber Day also suggests that you separate your workspace from your sleep space.

“If you do homework in your bed where you sleep, it’s likely going to make you want to take a nap rather than do math homework,” said Ms. Day. “Go somewhere you know you won’t get distracted (or leave) until you finish homework. Make that your routine and doing homework there will become as natural as taking a nap in your bed is.”

For more tips on organizing your workspace, head to this blog post .

Tip 5: Remove All Distractions

 A distraction is anything that deters you from working on courses. This can range from music to your loud little brother.

Let’s take a moment to talk about those smartphones. They’re more detrimental to your homework than you might think.

A study showed that having your phone on silent isn’t enough. Small disturbances like a screen notification could increase errors in your work. It also could prolong the time it takes to complete assignments. Here’s why:

As a researcher from the study stated, “Although these notifications are generally short in duration, they can prompt… mind-wandering, which has been shown to damage task performance” ( PsychCentral ).

Even just being aware of a missed call, an unread text or another notification causes your brain to lose focus on homework. It knows there is something else to do, and it diverts your attention.

We recommend setting all smart devices (phone, tablet, etc) in another room. If you are able to forget about it, you will likely finish your homework quicker and make fewer mistakes.

“Turn off your phone, video games, and yes, even your annoying little brother,” said Mrs. Russell. “You might need to consider moving your laptop in a private space or a closet if necessary (smile).”

It’s also best to ask your friends and family not to disturb you during homework.

“Talk to your friends and family about how they can support you,” said Mrs. Benjamin-Baker. “If you work on schoolwork from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. each day, tell your friends not to text or call during this time.”

Tip 6: Take Notes

Physically writing on a notebook improves your memory . So if you want to do better on homework and exams, try writing down notes.

“Although we use computers for everything, you are more apt to remember something if you write it down. Write words, draw pictures, use color! Anything you do that will allow you to touch  what you are learning will help!” – Sarah Gamble, executive director of academics.

Tip 7: Take Breaks

The beauty of online school is that you can take breaks whenever you need. Do you have a hard time staying focused for long periods of time? Then break it up. Try studying for 30 minutes at a time. Remove all distractions and set a timer.

Once the 30 minutes is up, take a 15-minute break, but do something active! Get up and move around, go for a run. Do something other than sitting.

After 15 minutes, you can return ready to focus on homework. See if you can increase to 45 minutes before taking your next 15-minute break.

Tips to Stop Procrastinating 

So, now you know what to do in order to clear your mind and stay focused on your homework. But actually starting is the hardest part, right? If you’re needing motivation, try these tips.

Tip 1:  Create Rewards to Stay Motivated

If you know you have six assignments to complete in a day, then set aside a small reward for each.

“Know your weaknesses and turn them into rewards,” said Mrs. Benjamin-Baker. “If you like to surf YouTube videos or SnapChat with friends, then reward yourself with these activities AFTER you complete your schoolwork, but not until then.”

 Tip 2: When you get bored, get up and move

As Mrs. Russell said:

“Take a short break and turn on your favorite YouTube music video and have a dance fest. Getting your blood circulating will help your brain and spirit.  Nothin’ like rockin’ out to your fave music! Now this is the way to do homework, right??!!!”

By breaking up coursework with small, fun tasks, your brain will have more positive associations. This might help you dread starting less.

Tip 3: Reach out to your guidance counselor

Your guidance counselor’s job is to help you with your academic struggles. If you are having trouble starting coursework, reach out to your counselor for help. They are state-certified and dedicated to you.

To learn more about Primavera’s guidance department, head to this blog post .

Coursework is never easy, we know. But by following the tips above, it can become less stressful, and you will be able to stay more focused.

We’ll leave you with one last quote:

“I am here to tell you that you have the power to be as successful as you want to be. Never let others dictate who you are destined to become!” – Donald Mitchel, principal

• Students, do you have tips to focus on homework? Share with us in the comments below!

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A tip of mine: sit down with some candy (I say Sweettarts because in a little study of mine when I was bored these helped me stay focused the best) and a favorite stuffed animal or pet (or both!) and spend five minutes with them or it. Then put the candy and the stuffed animal aside or the pet down or back in it’s cage and start working. When you run out of candy in your mouth, get another one! (Sweetarts usually last about 5 minutes if you suck on them, which I personally think is the best way) Now, this may not be the healthiest way, but it keeps me working, and it’s the only way I’m typing this right now. 🙂 here to help, (and work) Elise.

This is a good article. Very useful tips. I need to apply them to my routine. 🙂

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Courses you teach:

Character Education, Physical Education, Health A, World Religions

What do you enjoy most about being a Primavera teacher?

Having the privilege to be a part of my students’ growth brings great satisfaction.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?

Although it’s not an actual activity, I have a talent for catching objects as they are falling and have no doubt I would win a medal for that.

[email protected] .

American History A & B, Middle School Social Studies

Students come to Primavera for a unique variety of reasons. I take pride in playing a role in the success stories of all my students.

Pie eating contests are always fun to watch…that would be a funny Olympic sport

[email protected]

Math 8A, Math 8B, Algebra 1A, Algebra 1B

What do you enjoy most about teaching Primavera students?

I enjoy learning how to connect with my students through technology, as well as helping students succeed in an environment suited for them.

Fitting the most Sour Patch watermelon candies in my mouth

American History A, American History B

Primavera is a no-judgment zone. We never, ever give up on our students.

Keeping AirPods in my ears for more than a minute.

Do you say, “Stop Talking, I Will Win. That’s… What Heroes Do!” to yourself? If you do, then you need to join the High School Manga/Anime club. Come meet with fellow otaku to discuss your favorite anime and manga as well as learning about the Japanese culture that are present in this great form of entertainment. We’ll see you there!

To join a student club, please email our Student Club Director, Ron Campton, at  [email protected]  with the name of the club you are interested in joining.

Do you LOVE movies? Do you find yourself sitting there thinking about all of the ways they could have made this movie better, or more interesting? Do you enjoy making short (appropriate) films and discussing film with others? Movie Connoisseurs Club might be the perfect fit for you!

Are you looking for new ways to learn how to become more mindful and improve your focus? Are you interested in learning more about meditation and aligning yourself to your goals? This could be the perfect opportunity to improve in those areas!

Do you excel academically and wish to be part of the National Honor Society? Membership to NHS looks fantastic on your college applications and can help you learn valuable skills to use in the real world upon graduation. Click below to email our NHS advisors and submit your name for consideration.

Do you like rhythms, words, and finger snaps? Does your head move when you hear certain types of music? Do you have the rhyming talent that you want to showcase? Then you’ll love the Self-Poetrait Poetry Club for our High School students! In this club, we will learn about the different styles of poetry and how poetry can calm the soul. We have lots of fun things planned, so join today!

Are sports your passion? Do you like learning about new sports and how they’re played? Do you enjoy watching sporting events live on the television or in person? If the answer is YES! to any of these, then sports club may be the move for you. Sign up today!

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Do you want to be part of Primavera Online’s FIRST EVER yearbook? This year we will officially have a club to document all of the awesome things happening at Primavera, from our elementary school students up to our High School graduates. Members of yearbook club will set up our layout, organize the pages, and decide on themes for the yearbook. At the end of the year we will post a PDF version on our website for students to download!

Do you like reptiles, amphibians and small animals? Then you’ll love the Herpetology Club for our Middle School students! In this club we will be focusing on learning about all types of small animals, proper care instructions for them, unique traits and characteristics, etc.

Forensics, fast facts, and and flight! What do they have in common? They all involve you and are just a few of the activities to enjoy in STEM Club. Join your peers for added opportunities, fun, and fascination that will unfold in with Science Olympiad events and a field trip to the science center.

Do you like to draw, paint, sculpt, or admire artwork? Then the Middle School Art Club might be right up your alley! In this club, we will spend time admiring and analyzing artwork from the past-present. You will also get to showcase the artwork you have created! Please consider joining if you love art and want to share your passion with others.

Calling all crafters, builders, and gamers to join Minecraft club! We will play Minecraft, take on building challenges, roleplay, and work together to survive. New and experienced Minecrafters are welcome to join!

Do you enjoy anime or manga? How about studying Asian cultural influence in comparison to everyday American cultural norms? In the Middle School Anime / Manga Club we discuss our current anime interests, have the option to attend live events such as new anime movies or AZ Fan Fusion (Comicon) in person. Students will even vote on an anime to watch together as a club that runs very similarly to a book club. Consider joining today if this interests you!

Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ or an ally, looking for a safe space where you can be yourself and create new friendships? Then the GSA is for you. The club works to foster a space of inclusion, safety, and sense of community.

Are you ready to create your character and become an epic hero? Then D&D club might be for you! We’re all about the game, and whether you’re just learning or an expert player, we think that it’s your turn to roll for initiative and join us.

Are books your passion? Do you love to just sit down and power through an entire book in a day or two? Do you have a passion for reading and write your own short stories or novels? Book club is a perfect chance for you to read books with fellow students while discussing themes, motifs, character development and story construction!

Are you looking to learn life skills that you will be able to use in the real world? Learn more about taxes, cooking ideas and options, how to do basic auto maintenance, etc. so you are more prepared for the next steps in life!

Are you looking to get out into the world and explore? Do you want to go on hikes, experience new things, and challenge yourself? Adventure club may be the perfect fit! We are planning to go on monthly hikes, get out and enjoy nature, and see what other adventures might be in store!

How to Make Homework Fun

• Post author By admin
• September 6, 2023

Discover engaging strategies for how to make homework fun. Explore personalized study spaces, gamification, collaboration, and more to make learning enjoyable.

Hey there, homework warriors! Let’s face it, homework often gets a bad rap for being a total buzzkill. The mere thought of it can make us want to escape to a world of video games, socializing, or anything but those looming assignments. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way!

In this article, we’re about to embark on a journey to uncover the secret sauce of making homework downright fun. That’s right, we’re flipping the script and turning the dreaded “H-word” into an exciting adventure.

So, if you’re ready to banish the boredom and inject some pizzazz into your study sessions, keep reading. We’ve got 15 game-changing tips coming your way to transform homework from a chore into a choice activity!

Table of Contents

How to Make Homework Fun?

Have a close look at how to make homework fun:-

Design a Homework Haven

Transforming a corner of your room into a cozy study nook is all about creating an inviting space that inspires productivity. Consider adding a:

Comfy Chair

Choose a chair with good lumbar support and a cushioned seat for long study sessions.

Soft Cushions

Scatter a few soft cushions on your chair or on the floor to make the nook extra inviting.

Motivational Posters

Hang up posters with motivational quotes or images that resonate with your goals. For instance, a poster featuring a quote like “You’ve Got This!” can provide daily encouragement.

Set a Homework Schedule

Creating a daily study schedule tailored to your rhythm can significantly boost your productivity. Here’s how to go about it:

Identify Your Peak Hours

Pay attention to when you feel most alert and focused during the day. Are you a morning person, or does your energy peak in the evening?

Designate Prime Study Time

Once you’ve identified your prime hours, set aside that time for your most challenging subjects or tasks. For example, if you’re a night owl, designate 8 PM to 10 PM as your prime study time.

Set Goals and Rewards

Setting goals and rewards can turn studying into a thrilling game. Here’s how to make it work:

Task-Based Rewards

Break your study session into smaller tasks. For instance, if you have a 2-hour study session, set a timer for every 30 minutes. When you complete a task within the allotted time, reward yourself with a mini-break or a quick treat.

Dance Breaks

After accomplishing a particularly tough assignment or study session, treat yourself to a five-minute dance break to your favorite upbeat song.

Group Study Sessions

Studying with friends can make homework a social and interactive experience. Here’s how to organize a productive group study session:

Choose Study Buddies

Invite friends who are equally committed to studying. Avoid distractions and focus on collaborative learning.

During breaks, enjoy some snacks and refreshments together. It’s an excellent opportunity to bond and recharge.

Gamify Your Homework

Turning your assignments into a game can make them engaging and competitive. Here’s an example:

Math Challenges

For every correct math problem you solve, award yourself points. Set a target, like 100 points. Once you reach that goal, treat yourself to a favorite dessert or activity.

Use Technology Wisely

Leveraging educational apps and websites can make learning enjoyable. Consider:

Learning Languages

Apps like Duolingo and Babbel gamify language learning with interactive lessons and quizzes.

Science Simulations

Websites like PhET Interactive Simulations offer fun science experiments and simulations.

Listen to Music

Creating a playlist for different study moods can set the tone for productive work:

Upbeat Playlist

Compile lively tunes for subjects like math or science to keep your energy high.

Chillout Playlist

Use calming melodies for reading assignments or essay writing to stay focused.

Change Your Study Materials

Enhance your study materials with colors and visual appeal:

Colorful Notes

When taking notes, use different colored pens for headings, key points, and examples. Highlight important concepts with bright markers.

Create a Homework Playlist

Crafting a motivational playlist can boost your enthusiasm for study sessions:

Personalized Mix

Include songs that motivate you. Whether it’s energetic rock, inspiring pop, or calming instrumental, curate a playlist that resonates with you.

Relate Homework to Real Life

Connecting assignments to real-life situations can make them more meaningful. For example:

Applying Math

If you’re learning about percentages, practice by calculating discounts while shopping online. It’s a practical application of what you’re studying.

Ask for Help When Needed

Don’t hesitate to seek assistance when you’re stuck:

Online Tutors

Utilize online tutoring services like Khan Academy or Chegg when you need clarification on complex topics.

Celebrate Your Achievements

Reward yourself for completing challenging assignments:

Mini Rewards

After finishing a tough essay or solving a set of difficult problems, treat yourself to a favorite snack or a short episode of your favorite TV show.

Use Colorful Visual Aids

Visual aids can make complex topics easier to understand:

Timeline for History

Create a timeline of historical events using colorful markers and sticky notes. It helps you visualize the sequence of historical occurrences.

Stay Organized

Organization is key for effective studying:

Digital Planner

Use digital tools like Google Calendar or Todoist to keep track of assignments and due dates. Set reminders to stay on top of your tasks.

By incorporating these detailed strategies and examples, you can transform your homework routine into an enjoyable and productive experience tailored to your preferences and learning style.

These examples demonstrate practical ways to infuse fun and engagement into your homework routine, making the learning process more enjoyable and productive.

What are ways to make homework fun?

• Create a Comfortable Space: Design a cozy study spot with your favorite things.
• Set a Schedule: Stick to a regular study routine that suits you.
• Break Tasks Down: Divide homework into smaller, manageable chunks.
• Reward Yourself: Treat yourself after completing tasks or goals.
• Study with Friends: Make it social by studying with buddies.
• Use Apps: Try fun and educational apps for learning.
• Listen to Music: Create a motivating study playlist.
• Make It Visual: Use colors and visuals to make notes pop.
• Connect to Real Life: Relate homework to everyday situations.
• Stay Organized: Use planners to stay on top of assignments.

These simple tips can make homework less daunting and more enjoyable.

How do I make my homework less boring?

Want to jazz up your homework and banish the boredom? Here’s the lowdown:

Create Your Happy Place

Start by transforming your study spot into a haven of fun. Add some quirky decorations, fairy lights, or even a cozy blanket fort – whatever makes you smile.

Slice and Dice

Homework can feel like a mountain, right? Well, cut it into bite-sized chunks. Tackling one piece at a time feels way less overwhelming.

Goals with a Side of Rewards

Set yourself mini-goals and sprinkle rewards on top. Finish that math problem? Treat yourself to a victory dance or a mini snack party.

Study Squad

Invite a friend for a study date. You can help each other out and share some giggles during breaks.

Homework Gamified

Turn your homework into a game. Assign points or rewards for completing tasks. Hit a certain score, and it’s time to indulge in your favorite treat.

Dive into educational apps or websites. Learning becomes a blast when it’s interactive and entertaining.

Musical Motivation

Craft a playlist with your favorite tunes. Pop on some energetic beats for those math equations, or soothing melodies for reading assignments.

Colorful Creativity

Don’t just take notes, make them a work of art with colorful pens and highlighters. Visuals can make studying way more interesting.

Real-World Homework

Connect your assignments to real life. If you’re tackling percentages, apply them to calculate discounts while shopping online.

Stay Organized and Sane

Keep your homework organized using planners or digital tools. No more last-minute panics about forgotten deadlines.

With these tricks up your sleeve, homework will become a breeze, and you might even have some fun along the way!

How do I make myself enjoy homework?

Making yourself enjoy homework can be a challenge, but it’s possible with a few mindset shifts and strategies:

Find Purpose

Understand why you’re doing the homework. Connect it to your long-term goals and how it benefits you. Knowing the “why” can make it more meaningful.

Positive Mindset

Approach homework with a positive attitude. Focus on the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you complete it.

Set Realistic Goals

Break your homework into smaller tasks and set achievable goals. Completing each part can give you a sense of progress and satisfaction.

Create a Comfortable Space

Design a cozy and organized study area that you enjoy spending time in. A pleasant environment can make a big difference.

Mix up your subjects and tasks to avoid monotony. Switching between different assignments can keep things interesting.

Set a Schedule

Establish a study routine that suits your natural rhythm. Find the time of day when you’re most alert and use it for more challenging tasks.

Reward Yourself

Treat yourself after completing homework or reaching specific milestones. It can be as simple as a small snack, a short break, or doing something you love.

Stay Engaged

Try to actively engage with the material. Ask questions, discuss concepts with classmates, or relate it to real-life situations.

Study Groups

Consider joining or creating study groups with friends. Discussing topics and helping each other can make the process more enjoyable.

Celebrate Progress

Celebrate your achievements, even small ones. Recognize your efforts and improvements.

Mindfulness Techniques

Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques before starting homework to reduce stress and increase focus.

If you’re struggling with a particular subject, don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, classmates, or online resources.

Visual Aids

Use visual aids like diagrams, charts, or flashcards to make studying more engaging and easier to grasp.

Incorporate Interests

If possible, relate homework topics to your interests or hobbies. It can make the material more relatable and enjoyable.

Use planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments, due dates, and progress. Being organized can reduce stress.

Remember that enjoying homework might not happen overnight, but by implementing these strategies and maintaining a positive mindset, you can make the process more enjoyable and rewarding.

How can I make my high school homework fun?

Making high school homework fun requires creativity and a positive attitude. Here are some tips to make your high school homework more enjoyable:

Personalize Your Space

Create a study environment that reflects your personality and interests. Decorate your study area with posters, photos, or artwork that inspires you.

Set a Homework Routine

Establish a consistent homework routine that aligns with your energy levels. Determine the best time of day for you to focus and stick to it.

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Divide your assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. Completing each step feels like an accomplishment and keeps you motivated.

Incorporate technology into your homework. Explore educational apps and websites that make learning interactive and engaging.

Study with Friends

Organize study groups with friends to tackle assignments together. You can explain concepts to each other and share different perspectives.

Gamify Your Learning

Turn your homework into a game. Set challenges, time limits, or point systems for completing tasks. Reward yourself when you meet your goals.

Create playlists for different subjects or moods. Upbeat music can boost your energy for math, while calming tunes can help you concentrate on reading assignments.

Experiment with different study materials. Use colorful pens, highlighters, or digital tools to make your notes visually appealing.

Real-Life Applications

Relate your homework to real-life situations whenever possible. For example, if you’re studying economics, analyze current events or business news .

Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Reach out to teachers, classmates, or online resources for clarification or guidance.

Celebrate Achievements

Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Reward yourself with a treat, a short break, or an activity you enjoy after completing homework.

Use planners, to-do lists, or digital tools to stay organized and track assignments and deadlines.

Challenge Yourself

Set personal challenges to make homework more engaging. Aim to finish assignments faster or with higher accuracy than before.

Whenever possible, relate homework topics to your interests or future career goals. It can make the material more relatable and engaging.

Stay Positive

Maintain a positive attitude toward your homework. Focus on the sense of accomplishment and knowledge gained through your efforts.

By incorporating these strategies into your high school homework routine, you can make the experience more enjoyable and productive while achieving academic success.

In conclusion, making homework fun is not just a distant dream; it’s a practical approach that can transform the way you tackle your assignments.

By personalizing your study space, setting goals and rewards, collaborating with friends, and gamifying your learning, you can turn the once-dreaded homework into an engaging adventure.

Incorporating technology, music, colorful materials, and real-life connections adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Remember to celebrate your achievements along the way and stay organized to reduce stress.

With a positive mindset and these strategies in your arsenal, you can embark on your homework journey with enthusiasm, making it not only bearable but genuinely enjoyable.

So, let’s turn the page and dive into the exciting world of learning, one fun homework assignment at a time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i really make homework fun.

Absolutely! With the right approach and mindset, homework can be an enjoyable part of your academic journey.

What if I can’t concentrate with music?

Not everyone finds music helpful. Experiment with different study environments to discover what suits you best.

How do I avoid procrastination?

Creating a schedule and setting achievable goals can help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.

What if I still find a particular subject boring?

Try to connect it to your interests or real-life situations to make it more engaging.

How can I make studying with friends productive?

Ensure that your study group remains focused on the task at hand and avoids distractions.

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12 Ways to Maintain Focus All Day Long

“why can’t i focus” you learned long ago that good intentions don’t magically translate into concentration — particularly when your task is boring, difficult, or extra critical. designed for adhd brains, these 12 strategies will help you develop the muscles for real, sustained attention..

Why Can't I Focus?

You’ve crafted your to-do list. You’ve gathered your supplies. You know what you need to do. And yet when the time comes to actually complete the day’s tasks, your brain drifts off.

Why is focus — both finding it in the first place, and pulling it back when it starts to stray — so difficult for people with attention deficit disorder ( ADHD )? The answer lies in brain chemistry: ADHD brains are naturally low on dopamine and norepinephrine, which control brain arousal and attention levels. Other people may find that, when the situation calls for it, they can “buckle down” and force their brains to focus. For people with ADHD, the advice to “just focus” is maddening; it simply can’t be done.

You can’t force focus, but you can create an ideal environment — both physical and mental — for it to thrive. The key is working with (not against) your ADHD brain, and combining the specific factors that help your focus flourish. When you're wondering, "Why can't I focus?" follow these 12 tips to get started.

1. Remember the Zeigarnik Effect.

The “Zeigarnik Effect” is the principle that unfinished tasks are harder to get out of your brain than are tasks that haven’t been started. This means that starting a project — even if you work on it for just 10 minutes — will make it harder for your brain to forget or dismiss it. If you find yourself daydreaming instead of getting started, set a timer for 10 minutes and do something (anything!) during that time. Once you start, the big, scary project will turn into an unfinished task — meaning your brain will latch onto it and figure out how to get it done.

2. Use a “daily focus list.”

Write down your major priorities at the beginning of each day. This is a great way to block out annoying distractions and periodically refocus your attention. A daily focus list — a short, bulleted outline of three major and three secondary priorities — isn’t just a “to-do list”; rather, it’s a grounding tool that keeps your head out of the clouds and focused on what’s really important. (Download an example of a daily focus list .)

[ Get This Free Download: 6 Ways to Retain Focus (When Your Brain Says 'No!') ]

3. Create a “parking lot.”

Racing thoughts and hyperactive imaginations mean that ADHD brains are easily thrown off course by passing thoughts about dry cleaning or returning Aunt Linda’s phone call. Deal with sidetracking thoughts — and the anxiety they can create — with a “parking lot,” an easily accessible place to dump unneeded thoughts until a more appropriate time. The parking lot could be a notebook you carry in your purse, or a post-it note stuck to your desk; whatever it is, it will save you stress and keep your focus unbroken.

4. Identify your “overwhelm” triggers.

When the ADHD brain gets stressed, it jumps into fight or flight mode. This looks like a lack of motivation: You abandon your piles of laundry or half-done taxes and binge-watch Netflix instead. Break this cycle by identifying the triggers that cause you to feel overwhelmed. For some, it’s hunger; for others, it’s too many conflicting priorities. Getting a handle on what causes your overwhelm won’t be enough to deter it every time, but you’ll be better equipped to anticipate its arrival and plan accordingly.

5. Go with your flow — not just the flow.

ADHD comes with plenty of superpowers (like hyperfocus ), but you can’t always predict when they’ll kick in. Respect your brain! Recognizing when you’re “in the zone” — and able to tackle tasks that require attention and focus — is just as important as recognizing when your brain is in a fog. When you’re totally out of it, give yourself permission to shift your attention to less-demanding tasks, like filing papers or folding socks. You’ll get more done in the long run!

6. Look for “positive distractions.”

“ Distraction ” need not be a dirty word. Certain diversions can actually help you get more done in the long run. Take, for instance, exercise: stepping away from a project to go for a walk might seem like avoidance, but physical activity actually boosts the brain and can help you operate more efficiently when you come back. Seek out the “positive distractions” that work for you; good examples include meditation, a quick dance break, or a creative art project. If you’re nervous about getting lost in your distraction, set a timer — and stick to it.

[ Click to Read: 25 Everyday Brain Boosts ]

7. Forget perfection.

Hyperfocus isn’t always a force for good. Sometimes, it can lead people with ADHD to obsess over small, unimportant details — and kill their real productivity in the process. Work on letting go of perfectionism and settling for “good enough.” This is a journey, not a destination, so don’t expect your perfectionist tendencies to disappear overnight — but you can expect to reduce your anxiety, build your self-esteem, and improve your productivity along the way.

8. Buddy up.

Recruit an “accountability partner” — someone you talk to daily, weekly, or monthly — to help you prioritize goals, chart progress, and celebrate successes. Accountability builds focus — and, in the long run, creates change — because everyone (particularly someone with ADHD) thrives on being able to say, “Yep, I did it.” A partner — whether it’s an ADHD coach, a close friend, or even your mom — can help get you where you want to go.

9. Set aside planning time.

Lack of planning is one of the biggest focus drains; it’s hard to stay in the zone when you don’t know exactly what you’re supposed to be doing! Even one minute of planning can save you as much as 40 minutes of work, so it’s important that you schedule regular, short planning sessions to sketch out priorities and deadlines for the upcoming days or weeks. Of course, nothing is set in stone — priorities can shift and emergencies can arise. But having even a general sense of your goals and how to plan to achieve them — even if you get thrown off course — works wonders for retrieving your focus from La-La Land.

10. Find clarity.

The greater your clarity, the easier it is to stay focused and get things done. If you’re having trouble paying attention to a project, ask yourself these questions to expose the root of the problem: What do you want to achieve? Whose expectations are driving this project — your own or someone else’s? Do you understand what you need to do? Getting a handle on what’s expected of you will make it easier to ignore distractions and maintain a positive mindset.

11. Set deadlines.

Ever wonder why you do everything at the last minute? It’s because deadlines are actually neurologically useful to the ADHD brain — they eliminate competing priorities and boost adrenaline, making it easier to dive into hyperfocus and crack down on a task. Not every task comes with a clear deadline, however — so you need to create your own. These could be deadlines for each phase of a project — “On Tuesday at 4 PM, I’ll pick up the paint supplies from the hardware store” — or for the project itself: “The bathroom needs to be painted by February 1.” Post your deadlines prominently and set frequent reminders — they’ll increase your likelihood of following through.

12. Acknowledge — and then dismiss — negative thoughts.

Rumination is the enemy of focus. Repeatedly dwelling on, say, a recent argument with your spouse can block out other important thoughts, making it nearly impossible to get anything done. Trying to block out negative thoughts entirely, however, usually backfires. Instead, acknowledge your natural thought patterns, and plan a time when you can give them the attention they deserve. Tell yourself, “Yes, the argument last night upset me, and my feelings right now are valid” to help you manage strong emotions and circular thought patterns — without letting them hold back your focus.

[ Read This Next: How to Banish Negative Thoughts & Feelings ]

How to Focus: Read These Next

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Stay on Task And Reduce Homework Distractions

• May 12, 2020

For students, the ability to reduce homework distractions is not always easy. Many parents wonder how to help a child who can’t seem to concentrate on his or her school assignments.

Many kids see homework as tedious or boring, so it’s easy to understand why they often become off-task.

How can parents help to reduce homework distractions? It starts with understanding where these distractions are coming from.

Why Are Children Distracted?

Children often don’t understand why homework is important or that there are consequences for not doing it. However, in most cases, students simply lack the experience and self-control to stay on-task.

The “home” setting of homework can be a major source of homework distractions. It’s filled with toys, internet access, and family members doing their own things. With all these homework distractions happening around them, children can find it hard to sit down and tackle homework in an effective way.

What Other Problems Cause Distraction?

Other issues can cause children to lose concentration. Stress, frustration, and simply not understanding the material can have a big impact on a student’s ability to concentrate, as well as his or her ability to master the material being taught in class.

How To Help Your Child Focus On Homework And Reduce Homework Distractions:

If you’re a parent with a child who needs some help staying on-task, try these tips to reduce homework distractions:

1. Schedule Small Breaks

It’s important to give your child enough breaks so that he or she doesn’t get overly frustrated, bored, or start drifting away from the material. Take a 5-10 minute break every 20 to 30 minutes. These small “brain breaks” will help your child refresh his or her mind and return to the material more invigorated. Take a short walk to help get rid of any extra energy so your child will be ready to get back down to work.

2. Create a Learning Space

Having a space to work is crucial for homework and studying. Ideally, this space should be used be for homework only, but that may not always be practical depending on the space you have in your home. The most important thing that is this space remains distraction-free and has all the supplies your child needs to work (like pencils and paper). A good study space – also known as a study studio – can have a great impact on helping your child concentrate more effectively on his or her homework.

3. Help When Needed

It’s perfectly acceptable for parents to work with their kids—especially at a young age—when it comes time to do homework and study. Just make sure you are encouraging your child to find the answers to questions him or herself, and not doing the work for your child yourself . Work together, but work toward self-management so your child gets stronger each time.

4. Have a Homework Plan

Approach each homework session with a plan of attack. Help your child make a checklist and stick to it. Include what homework assignments your child has each night and any extra materials needed. Creating structure can be extremely helpful to students. It can also help you make sure your child has what he or she needs for each homework session and keep track of how your child is spending his or her time.

5. Mix Up Subjects

A major factor in distraction is often boredom. A good way to combat that boredom is to switch subject focus every so often. Mixing it up can help keep the mind engaged and focused. If your child has hit his or her limit with math, switch to another assignment. Come back to any unfinished homework questions later and tackle them with a clearer mind.

6. Offer Rewards

If your child just doesn’t want to complete his or her homework, offer him or her a little incentive for getting tasks accomplished. This doesn’t need to be a big reward. A small treat or a trip to the park can be enough to motivate your child to complete his or her homework and move onto other exciting activities.

Concentration is Key!

Concentration and focus are not the easiest techniques for students to master, especially when it comes to homework. However, with these tips you can teach your child how to become better at concentrating on his or her homework. Once your child develops better concentration and homework skills, it’s easy to become an even better student.

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10 tips for staying focused when learning from home

By Henry Lang

Just like most of y’all, I’m struggling with remote learning (and having ADHD  doesn’t make things any easier). In college, I’m studying to be an educator, so I thought I’d share some tips for staying focused when learning at home.

1. Make your study space cozy and clean.

Keep your computer screen clean, too. Close any distracting browser tabs. (Check out the free OneTab Chrome App to save those extra tabs for later.)

2. Switch up your study spots.

Your location influences how you process information. Even a slight change can be refreshing. Experiment with matching locations to specific tasks. I like to do math at the kitchen table and watch lectures on the couch.

3. Do a “brain boost” whenever you find yourself drifting.

Take a walk around the block, do some jumping jacks, stretch your limbs, and shake out any muscle tension in ways that feel comfy.

4. Hydrate!

Your body naturally performs better when you’re fully hydrated. Keep a water bottle on your desk. I still forget to pick up the purple plastic bottle sitting right in front of me, so I also stick a Post-it reminder on my notebook and computer screen.

5. Keep lists.

Making to-do lists for school, work, and other goals is a must for me. I’m much less likely to miss pesky homework deadlines when they’re all stored in one place.

6. Play around with sound.

Some of my friends like to listen to classical music while they study. When I’m taking an online quiz, I turn on a fan to cover noise from my neighbors. If you don’t have a fan, search for “ambience sounds” on YouTube.

7. Find a creative outlet.

Whether you’re learning new ukulele chords, doodling in a notebook, or keeping a journal, having an outlet for self-expression matters now more than ever.

8. Learn a new skill to balance your studying.

What’s something you’ve been meaning to learn? Finger spelling, knitting, computer coding, a trending TikTok dance. (I only tripped twice while learning the “Say So” routine!) Pick a new skill that excites you and set reasonable goals to keep up your progress. When you’re finished, try teaching a friend.

9. Stay connected with family and friends. 

Having conversations with loved ones can be refreshing during isolation. Consider reaching out to old friends to catch up, too.

10. Promote community care.

Other people who are struggling right now could use your support. I’ve been volunteering to do maintenance for neighbors who need extra hands. I’m also joining other students in sending emails to advocate for my school’s service workers to be paid.

Responding to my neighbors’ needs reminds me how lucky I am to be a part of my community right now.

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How To Focus On Homework: Effective Tips And Strategies

by Kayleen Lares | Jun 18, 2024 | Student Guide | 0 comments

Do you ever sit to do your homework and find yourself in so many different directions? Even an hour later, you still don’t have anything written down? Staying focused while working is essential as it directly impacts your academic success. Moreover, determined homework sessions enable you to complete the assignments fast, freeing time for other activities and reducing stress levels. If you want to finish your homework quickly, we have mentioned 15 tips on how to focus on homework. 

Table of Contents

Distractions While Doing Homework

Staying focused while doing an assignment can be difficult. You can get distracted by the surroundings. Whether your phone is ringing, social media notifications, or even background noise from TV. Constant disturbances make it hard to concentrate. Several factors can affect your concentration:

Stress and Anxiety: Worrying about academic performance or personal issues can make it hard to focus. 

Multiple Tasks: It can cause a lack of motivation, making it difficult even to start your homework. 

Lack of Sleep: You can’t focus on homework when tired. The brain can’t focus or function at its best. 

Challenging Subject Matter: If the subject matter is uninteresting, it leads to delay. 

Distractions: Notifications, phone ringing, TV, or friends can distract you.

Understanding these underlying reasons can help you take steps to address them.

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Tips for How to Focus on Homework

Get a comfortable space.

Find a quiet place where you can study without interference. Keep the study area tidy and organized. You can allocate a specific area. Ensure you have all the necessary resources and materials before you start to minimize the need for breaks. 

Create a Routine

Creating a study routine can improve your focus. Set a specific time each day and stick to it. It is also important to stay realistic. For example, don’t wake up early and study if you can focus on homework at night. This is a waste of time. Make a schedule you are comfortable with. It will be less stressful and won’t put much pressure on you. 

Remove Distractions

While you sit to study, you can get distracted for many reasons. Here are some solutions for you so you can focus on math homework:

• Avoid crowded places where you can hear loud voices of TV or family members.

Divide Your Task Into Parts

Breaking the assignments or homework into smaller parts can help you feel more relaxed and stay focused on homework. Review the assignment requirements and break them into actionable steps. For example, if you have a research paper to write, break it down into tasks like:

• Conducting research

Set a Timer and Deadline

Setting a deadline helps to reduce your stress in online classes . It is an excellent way to keep track of tasks. Divide the homework into several parts and set a time and deadline. This way, you can remember the submission date and will always be on time. 

Don’t Multitask

You might think completing several tasks simultaneously will allow you to work faster. However, this is not true for everyone. If you are doing an assignment and purchasing at the same time, you are wasting your time. However, you will lose concentration and cannot cope with educational tasks. This is especially important if you are trying to complete statistics homework faster . Try to do one thing at a time if you want to succeed.

Use Productivity Apps 

It can be challenging to avoid TV and phones. Devices like computers or laptops are necessary for work. You can’t ignore them, but there are ways to reduce the distractions. 

Use productivity apps like Forest, Freedom, or Cold Turkey. These apps make students more efficient in their daily activities. They promote good time management , ensure deadlines are met, and use time wisely. They not only make studying engaging but also improve concentration levels. 

Take Breaks for Better Concentration

When handling challenging course materials, exhaustion is expected. There is also a chance you might be affected by fatigue. When exhausted or tired, it becomes difficult to focus on doing homework. 

Taking breaks helps rejuvenate the mind and generate new energy. However, scheduling intervals minimize stress and allow you to focus better on homework. Be mindful; don’t take a break for too long. 

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Stay Hydrated And Have Healthy Snacks 

Staying hydrated and having healthy snacks helps to maintain focus. Make sure you have a bottle within reach while studying. However, if you feel fatigued, you can take sips to stay refreshed. Also, keep nutritious snacks on hand. So when you are hungry, you can have it to fuel your brain. Some of the healthy snacks include:

• Dark chocolate  to get energized 

Reward Yourself

If you are feeling demotivated to complete your homework, you can try a reward system. For instance, if you are working on a complex task or project, think about what can excite you, like watching TV or having brownies. 

Choose the Best Time

There is a saying that everything has its right time. The same applies to doing your homework. You need to have a designated time. Being attentive can be easier if everything is scheduled correctly. Therefore, choosing the right time is important. Consider periods when your mind is fresh, and there are no distractions so you can focus on studying work and be productive. 

Play good music in the background. It will help your mood improve and distract you from unwanted noises. Moreover, play music that does not make you feel lethargic, as you might sleep. Furthermore, find good classical or any other music you like, but try to keep it without lyrics as it might distract you too.

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Additionally, you can try exercising before you start your studies. You can even take running or jumping breaks between tasks to stay energized and eliminate the possibility of falling asleep.

Make Homework Fun 

Make homework more like a race by setting up timed challenges. For instance, solve math problems in a span of 10 minutes. Challenge yourself the next day and try to beat your own record. 

Try And Involve Other People In Your Assignment

Sometimes, staying focused alone in a room full of books and papers can be challenging. Changing your location, working in an open area with people, or getting involved in your study groups can be amazing. However, they can sometimes keep you in check and accountable for what you do. As long as you do not share your answers, working together in a group is not cheating.

Staying focused on homework might seem challenging. There are constant distractions, but it is entirely achievable with the right strategies. Understanding the reasons behind your lack of focus can significantly improve your concentration. Staying focused can be developed with practice and dedication. With these tips, you can transform your study habits. Keep in mind that staying focused isn’t just about willpower. Therefore, it is about creating the right environment and mindset to help you succeed.

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6 simple science-backed ways to boost your attention span

Primed for constant interruptions, your brain is now distracting itself, says science. It’s time to break the cycle and retrain your focus

Illustration: Jiaqi Wang

Sophie Freeman

May I have your attention, please? I’ll try and be quick, as I probably only have about 47 seconds before your mind starts wandering. That, according to psychologist Dr Gloria Mark, from the University of California, Irvine, is now our average attention span, based on her latest study of people’s use of screens in the workplace.  

When her team conducted a similar study back in 2004 (before anyone had a smartphone and there was no such thing as TikTok) we could focus for two and a half minutes before wanting to switch to something new.

Of course, these figures have their limits. Your declining concentration when grinding out a report may not mean your overall focus levels are collapsing. After all, if you were sent a long message about some juicy gossip, you’d likely be able to give this your full focus for the required time.

As other psychologists have argued, your concentration can vary so much, that the very idea of an ‘average’ attention span is almost meaningless. Because of this, there isn’t even a scientific consensus on how to measure focus. 

Nevertheless, it’s likely you feel like yours is dwindling. As one recent survey from the Centre for Attention Studies at King’s College London suggests, nearly half the population now feel as if theirs is worse than it was . With the ever-present pull of our emails (we check them 77 times a day, according to Mark’s research) and social media (up to 237 times a day for some), it’s easy to see why.

Of course, we can silence notifications, put on noise-cancelling headphones and work with applications that take up the full screen (tab clutter causes a significant drop in productivity, according to one 2021 study). Even when we’ve done all that, however, there’s still the enemy within to contend with. 

You see, we’ve become so used to being distracted that we now distract ourselves . Unknowingly, you’re probably sabotaging yourself with “self-interruptions” all day long, according to Mark. 

Even while reading this you may have gotten the sudden urge to look something up online, check your emails or anything else – even when in the middle of an activity – all because you’re so used to being bothered. “It’s really an unconscious action to switch,” Mark says. “People maintain this pattern of being interrupted all by themselves.”

Mark describes how knowing that we can access almost anything online feels like “we’re immersed in the world’s largest candy store and it’s hard to resist sampling the wares.” To borrow a phrase from psychologist and economist Herbert A Simon, a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.

Even TV and film directors are pandering to our allegedly tiny attention spans (or being driven by their own), with shots lasting just four seconds on average now. “It’s reinforcing our already short attention spans,” says Mark. “It’s what people are getting used to.”

But is there a flip side to all this? Could the ability to shift the spotlight of our attention so easily lend itself to efficient multitasking? 

Unfortunately not. That’s because multitasking doesn’t really exist – we can’t do more than one thing at once.

When we think we’re multitasking, all we’re really doing is rapidly shifting our attention between several singular tasks. This creates a cognitive load that, as research has shown, means that it’ll take you longer to complete your to-do list than if you tackled each of your jobs one by one, concentrating, as fully as you can, on them in turn.

Even worse, constantly flitting your concentration between tasks is likely to leave you frazzled. When Mark fitted heart rate monitors to office workers, she found that, as their attention shifting got faster, they started getting more and more stressed (as measured by heart rate variability).

As she explains, switching attention from a task to an email inbox and back again was a real problem: “We measured mood using a technique called experience sampling, where you keep probing people at different points in the day and then they answer a quick question on their phones or computers about their mood. We found that when people did emails they were in a bad mood.”

And the solution to all this? For those of us who yearn to be more productive at work, to be more present for our loved ones, or simply to read a book without our fingers fidgeting towards our phones, here are some science-backed techniques that can help boost our attention spans…

• A scientist's guide to life: How to concentrate
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Listen to binaural beats

Binaural beats create a fascinating auditory illusion. When one tone is played into your left ear and another one – with a slightly different frequency – is played into your right, your brain synthesizes a third tone, the difference between the two. For instance, if a 240Hz tone is presented to one ear and a 280Hz tone to the other, we perceive a tone of 40Hz.

Yet binaural beats are more than an aural oddity – they could be the key to better focus. “It’s due to a process known as brain ‘entrainment’,” says Dr Sandhya Basu from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in India. “Our brainwaves start mimicking the frequency of an external stimulus to produce a frequency-following response that has cognitive effects.”

This effectively means that listening to lower-frequency binaural beats could nudge your brain waves into lower frequencies, which promotes relaxation (when you’re asleep, your brain waves are low frequency). In the same way, listening to higher-frequency beats could lead to improvements in concentration.  

In a 2022 paper, Basu and her colleagues combined the findings of previous studies and found that ‘alpha’ binaural beats (8-13Hz) work best for improving attention . It’s waves at these frequencies that dominate your brain when it's alert, but relaxed.

“When we’re relaxed, our cognitive activities can strengthen because of a lack of cognitive load and stress,” says Basu. “We need more robust research on generalising the results and understanding the neural underpinnings of entrainment, however,” she adds. “Nonetheless, there seems to be a promising future for using entrainment for improving cognition.”  

In short, when you need to get your head down, playing alpha binaural beats (stream for free with a simple online search) might be worth a try. 

You may soon be able to try a visual form of binaural beats too, as Basu did with a class of children. She took lights and made them flicker at alpha and beta frequencies. The children’s brains – tracked using electroencephalogram (EEG) – differed in how well they were entrained. It may sound distracting, but for those with high-quality entrainment, psychometric tests showed improvements in their attention and memory scores.

Sync your body clock

Lining up your most mentally taxing tasks with your natural peaks of focus is key to concentration, says Mark. Her research has found that, on average, these high points occur around 10am in the morning and around 2-3pm in the afternoon. 

There are, however, variations around these times, depending on whether you’re more of a morning lark or a night owl (what’s known as your ‘chronotype’). “If a person is an early type, their peak focus would be earlier – before 10am,” explains Mark. “And if they’re a late type, their peak focus will be later.” 

So, how do you work out what your chronotype is? One way is to complete the ‘morningness-eveningness questionnaire.’ The self-assessment was developed by Prof Jim Horne way back in 1976 and you can find examples of it online.  

“But you can also keep a diary and, every 30 minutes, note down what your level of focus and engagement is. You can then map out your focus over the day,” says Mark. “Do this for several days, ideally over a week, to try to get a good sense of your regular focus times.” 

Once you’ve worked out when your peak concentration times are, the next question is how long should you work for without a break? The annoying answer is that it varies.

“The length of your peak focus times depends on several things,” says Mark. “Firstly, the task itself – does it require a lot of effort, or not? Then consider the amount of resources you have available – did you take good breaks to replenish spent resources? Also, how much motivation do you have to work on the task (focus declines with less motivation)? Finally, there’s the amount of stress you experience – we need some amount of stimulation to focus, but too much stress impacts our ability to sustain focus.”

And, while it’s often easier said than done, the best way to stretch your length of focus is, according to Mark, to make sure that you start your day after a night of good, high-quality sleep .  

Take a yoga nidra break

The best way to refuel your focus could be practising yoga nidra, which when translated, literally means ‘yoga sleep’. As Dr Brandon Peters – a Seattle-based neurologist and fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine – explains, it’s a way of entering a “deeply relaxed state of consciousness with brain activity similar to sleep, even though you remain awake.”

Also referred to as ‘non-sleep deep rest’ (NSDR), it may boost attention by helping remove waste from the brain. “There’s a decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity when yoga nidra is practised,” says Peters, which includes a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. 

“This slowdown of the sympathetic nervous system may correlate with slow-wave activity in the brain, creating a cleansing effect through the glymphatic system – the waste management system of the brain – and this may boost attention.” 

Google’s chief executive Sundar Pichai is said to be a fan and if you’d like to give it a go yourself, Peters recommends downloading a narrated guide.

“While sitting or lying down with your eyes closed, the recording will take you through specific visualisation and breathing exercises,” he says. “Various audio and video NSDR guides can be found online. They should be done while wearing comfortable clothing in a quiet place, free of distractions and interruptions.”

• Yoga found to reduce symptoms of anxiety in adults
• Yes, yoga is proven to reduce your anxiety. But not in the way you think

Cool your lighting

You might want to paint your walls a shade of blue or green, or invest in a tinted light bulb for your desk. That’s because just as we work best at certain temperatures (usually 16–24°C/60–75°F), visual warmth can have an impact too.  

Researchers at the Technical University of Valencia tested 160 people in virtual reality classrooms, painted in different shades of 12 cold-hued colours (greens and blues) and 12 warm-hued ones (oranges and reds). They measured pupils’ attention by asking them to click on their mouse when they heard a specific sound, while also ignoring a series of other sounds.

The results: people performed better on the attention task (and a memory test too) when they were in rooms decorated in cooler colours, compared to the warmer ones. Using electroencephalogram (EEG) machines, the researchers also monitored the participants’ brain activity and heart rates throughout, which showed that people had different levels of physiological arousal in different coloured rooms. 

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system in the cool-hue rooms was “appropriate to the maintenance of higher alertness and cognitive performance,” the researchers said.  

White walls, meanwhile, may be especially distracting. Studies, including one by the Lund Institute of Technology and another by the University of Nevada, have found that children taught in classrooms with white walls found it harder to maintain concentration . As the founder of the Color Research Institute of America, Louis Cheskin, said in 1947: “White walls…. are an optical strain and a psychological hazard!” 

Try martial arts  

Mr Miyagi could focus on his Bonsai trees for hours, so could martial arts work for the rest of us to improve our general attention, too? Yes, according to research by Bangor University, which found that people who practised martial arts achieved long-lasting improvements in their focus . 

Study author Dr Ashleigh Johnstone explains that techniques to improve our focus mainly fall into two camps: attention training (AT – think typical ‘brain training’ exercises) and attention state training (AST). 

“AT tends to be based on practising the same task repeatedly and developing that specific skill,” says Johnstone. “You’ve improved your attention on that task, but it often doesn't transfer to other tasks so your general attention likely isn't improved. On the flip side is AST, which is more about developing a state of mind that allows for a strong level of focus.” And that’s where martial arts come in. 

“Because it’s based on a state of mind rather than practising one specific task, it tends to be more transferable and so you find those attentional improvements in other areas of your life too,” says Johnstone. “You’re developing a new state of mind that’s getting stronger.” 

In her study, some of the martial artists hadn’t trained in the days leading up to the experiments, yet “still showed improved attention, which suggests that it’s not a short-term boost immediately following a training session that will fade away,” says Johnstone.

“We found that martial artists had particularly good vigilance (also known as alertness). This is a specific type of attention, which refers to being able to sustain a level of attention such that you can quickly and efficiently respond to unexpected events. We believe that this is due to attention-state training, with martial artists needing to really focus on the present moment so they’re able to respond appropriately while training.”

“I like to explain this by asking people to imagine they’re sparring; nobody wants to get hit in the face, so you need to be able to clear your mind and focus on what’s happening right now!”

Picture your future self

Imagining your future selves at the end of the day – where you are, what you’re doing, who you’re with – can seriously help stop you getting side-tracked, according to research.

All you need to do, says Mark, is think about how “at 7pm at night you want to feel rewarded and fulfilled, and you want to visualise yourself being with family and friends or reading and relaxing.” 

She says: “Having a strong visualisation like that can help curtail that urge to check social media or do email because you have this goal of where you want to be at the end of the day.”

Similar future-self visualisations (including staring at photos of your own digitally aged faces) have been shown to increase the desire to save for retirement and to eat more healthily too. But if you’re simply looking to focus in the present moment, it’s best to start your day by imagining how you want to feel at its end.

About our experts

Dr Gloria Mark is Chancellor’s Professor of Informatics at the University of California, Irvine. Her work focuses on how people interact with information technology and has been published in the journals Psychology of Well-being: Theory, Research and Practice , Proceedings of Communities and Technologies and Proceedings of Computer Supported Cooperative Work .

She is also the author of the books Attention Span and Multitasking in the Digital Age.

Dr Sandhya Basu is an assistant professor of psychology at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in India. Her work focuses on exploring the relationship between brainwaves and attention and has been published in the journals Mental Health Review Journal ,  Psychological Research and Children and Youth Services Review.

Dr Brandon Peters is a Seattle-based neurologist and fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

His work has been published in the journals Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine , Review of Sleep Medicine and Sleep and Breathing .

Dr Ashleigh Johnstone is a lecturer in psychology at Arden University. Her work focuses on the cognitive changes associated with martial arts and has been published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology .

• 7 simple, science-backed ways to better your mental health
• Can mindfulness and meditation be harmful?

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October 09, 2023

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How to focus on homework

Focusing on homework and your studies can be a challenge, especially in an age when we’re surrounded by distractions. Thankfully, there are several strategies to get the most out of your studying time. If you’re using Windows 11 , you already have access to a variety of built-in features designed to minimize distractions and help you study effectively. Here are several ways to turn up your focus while turning down distractions.

Stay organized with Task view

Task view is a Windows feature that lets you view all your current windows and apps on a single screen. Use Task view to create virtual desktops for each subject and switch between topics and projects as needed. Leveraging this feature is a great way to stay organized and minimize distractions while studying.

Quiet notifications and alerts with Focus assist

Focus assist  is a Windows 11 feature that minimizes digital distractions while you work on homework. When you turn on Focus assist, a session timer will appear on your screen and your computer automatically mutes notifications and taskbar alerts. Customize Focus assist settings to allow certain notifications or prioritize school-related apps.

Minimize online distractions with Immersive Reader

If you're reading material online, Immersive Reader  in Microsoft Edge  can minimize distractions so you can focus on the content on the page. Immersive Reader removes ads, sidebars, pop-ups, and other distractions that make it harder to read on the web.

Ease your eyes with Dark mode

While we don’t recommend studying into the wee hours of the night, sometimes it’s unavoidable. However, the blue light emitted by your computer screen can disrupt your sleep patterns and make it harder to concentrate. Give your eyes a break by taking advantage of Windows 11 Dark mode —a feature that reduces blue light emissions from your screen in low-light environments.

Create a study space

One of the best ways to stay focused on homework is to create a dedicated study space. This can be a desk in your room or a quiet corner in a library. Ideally, your study space should be free of distractions, like your TV or phone, that make it harder to concentrate.

Stick to a schedule

Another effective way to get through assignments is by creating a schedule and sticking to it. Establishing a routine makes it easier to stay on task and helps you take breaks when needed. Create a study schedule and set reminders for important deadlines or exams to make it easier to study daily.

Set goals and reward yourself

Finally, rewarding yourself when you reach your goals is a great way to stay motivated throughout the school year. Watch your favorite show at the end of a homework session or visit your favorite restaurant after finals to celebrate your hard work.

Leverage these techniques and digital tools to stay focused on your homework and achieve your academic goals. If you’re looking for an operating system for students and professionals alike, Windows 11  has you covered.

Products featured in this article

Microsoft Edge

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How to record your screen on Windows 11

Simple tips for staying happy, healthy, and connected

An online Pomodoro Timer to boost your productivity

What is pomofocus.

Pomofocus is a customizable pomodoro timer that works on desktop & mobile browser. The aim of this app is to help you focus on any task you are working on, such as study, writing, or coding. This app is inspired by Pomodoro Technique which is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo.

What is Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is created by Francesco Cirillo for a more productive way to work and study. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Each interval is known as a pomodoro, from the Italian word for 'tomato', after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used as a university student. - Wikipedia

How to use the Pomodoro Timer?

• Add tasks to work on today
• Set estimate pomodoros (1 = 25min of work) for each tasks
• Select a task to work on
• Start timer and focus on the task for 25 minutes
• Take a break for 5 minutes when the alarm ring
• Iterate 3-5 until you finish the tasks

Basic Features

• Estimate Finish Time: Get an estimate of the time required to complete your daily tasks.
• Add Templates: Save your repetitive tasks as templates and add them with just one click.
• Visual Reports: See how much time you've focused each day, week, and month.
• Custom Settings: Personalize your focus/break time, alarm sounds, background sounds, and more.

Premium Features

• Add Projects: Track how much time you spend on each project.
• Yearly Reports: View your focus hours for each year.
• Download Reports: Download your focus history in CSV format.
• No Template Limit: Save more than 3 templates.
• Todoist Integration: Load tasks from your Todoist account.
• Webhook Integration: Connect to other apps (Zapier, IFTTT, etc).
• No Ads: Enjoy a clean and distraction-free app experience.

Download App

• For macOS (zip file) *Right click the icon to open
• For Windows (zip file)

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5 Ways to Improve Your Fitness on Vacation

Fitness experts share their tips for managing your workout routine while traveling.

By Anna Maltby

The next time you’re trying to fit in a workout on a trip, it might be comforting to know that even fitness experts don’t necessarily recommend a “no excuses” attitude.

Cedric Bryant, the president and chief executive of the American Council on Exercise, said you should prioritize balance and your well-being when deciding whether — or how much — to exercise on vacation. “The key is to be smart enough to listen to your body and your mind, and do what feels right for you,” he said.

Still, making a little time to move has clear benefits: Physical activity helps reduce stress and lower cortisol, which can enhance how relaxed you feel, Dr. Bryant said. Plus, staying active can help regulate your sleep, which could make it easier for you to adjust to a new time zone.

Here are a few ideas from fitness trainers and coaches for how to approach your exercise routine while traveling.

Use exercise to explore the area

Most people walk a lot more on vacation than at home without realizing it, said D’Annette Stephens, a personal trainer and the fitness programs coordinator at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. Walking, running and biking are all excellent ways to experience a new place — and get some cardiovascular exercise while you’re at it. Walking just 4,000 steps per day can reduce the risk of dying from any cause, according to one study from last year.

A hotel, resort or studio in another city can be a good place to try a new fitness class, said Jamie Carbaugh, a weight-inclusive online personal trainer: “It’s a great chance to explore something outside your comfort zone without the worry that your co-worker might show up right next to you,” she said.

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Today’s ‘quordle’ hints and answers for sunday, august 18.

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POLAND - 2024/01/25: In this photo illustration a Quordle logo seen displayed on a smartphone. ... [+] (Photo Illustration by Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Looking for Saturday’s Quordle hints and answers? You can find them here:

Hey, folks! Hints and the answers for today’s Quordle words are just ahead.

How To Play Quordle

For any newcomers joining us, here’s how to play Quordle : Just start typing in words. You have four five-letter words to guess and nine attempts to find them all. The catch is that you play all four words simultaneously.

If you get a letter in the right place for any of the four words, it will light up in green. If a word contains a letter from one of your guesses but it’s in the wrong place, it will appear in yellow. You could always check out the practice games before taking on the daily puzzle.

Here are some hints for today’s Quordle game, followed by the answers:

Samsung Warns Millions Of Galaxy Users—You Will Miss Update Deadline

10 great movies leaving netflix at the end of august, gmail users beware—this simple mistake could wreck your privacy, what are today’s quordle hints.

• Word 1 (top left) hint — distance from the surface to the bottom of a body of water
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What Are Today’s Quordle Answers?

Spoiler alert! Don’t scroll any further down the page until you’re ready to find out today’s Quordle answers.

This is your final warning!

Today’s words are...

That’s all there is to it for today’s Quordle clues and answers. Be sure to check my blog for hints and the solution for Monday’s game if you need them.

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