Now that I am going back to grad school, I am trying to create an environment that will be more supportive than the last time. In the last few months, I have moved my desk several times, bought the perfect desk chair, and even spent hours watching Study With Me TikToks for motivation. All in hopes that this time it will help me stay focused on my studies.
Staying focused is something I struggle with. It leads to falling behind in school which adds to the stress of completing assignments. Last time I tried grad school there were many things that went wrong. But I did learn things that helped me.
The perfect setup to stay focused
The first step to making sure you can stay focused is making sure you have the right setup. This is the foundation for a good study session.
Create a space
Creating a study space is important. While we all love studying in our beds, it makes it easier for distractions. It also can affect our sleep quality.
Think of it like your pet. You train them to sleep in a certain spot or eat in a certain area. You are training yourself to study in a space without distractions.
- Find a space that makes you happy. For me, that means lots of sunlight. I moved my desk in front of a window so I could have daily sunlight and fresh air.
- Make your spot cozy. Add small things that make you happy! Candles, a small lamp, flowers, pictures, cute mousepads. It should be a space that makes you excited to be at. Just like your bed, make it welcoming.
- Keep the distractions out. Try and use this space only for studying or work related tasks. Avoid using your phone or playing games. This will make it easier to avoid distractions in the future.
- Activate all your senses. This helps your brain know what time it is. Have cozy lights that you turn on, light a candle, and wear something specific like sweats or shoes.
Have a routine
When I had a study routine, I found it easier to do work. This was because I could focus on what needed to be done. There were fewer distractions and I was able to think clearly.
The easiest way to create a routine is to make a schedule for yourself. Start by looking at how many hours you need for each task. Or if it is the beginning of the semester, how many hours a week it’s recommended to study for the class. Then use this number to schedule the times each week you will sit at your study spot to do work.
It helps you know you have enough time each week. Over time, you can adjust your schedule. Add or subtract hours based on how long it actually takes you.
Set goals and time limits
Work burnout is real. Prevent it by setting limits for yourself. The Pomodoro Method is a great way of making sure you give yourself breaks through your study time.
It gives you a time limit for studying and then a short break. The most common ones are 45-minute study / 15-minute break or 25-minute study / 5-minute break. There are several apps or YouTube videos that provide timers
Next, make sure you have good study goals. Each time you sit down at your desk, write out a list of things you want to get done. Then, cross them out as you complete each one. This helps you stay on task and feel like you are getting things done.
Tools to help you stay focused
Now that you have the foundation down, it is time to find the right tools. These tools will help keep distractions down and encourage focus.
Study with me videos
I love Study With Me Videos. I first came across them on TikTok when following creators who would do lives. Since then, I have used these videos any time I need to focus.
Study With Me videos work because of body doubling. It’s commonly used by people with ADHD because it reminds the person of the task they need to complete.
These videos are great for body doubling because it feels like another person is there. Think of it like going on a study date, without the distraction of talking to your friend. It also makes it feel like you are not the only one studying when alone.
Merve is one of my favorite YouTubers who creates Study With Me videos. Her videos are on the longer side, perfect for full study days. I also watch TikTok Live versions when I need the extra feeling of someone working alongside me.
The videos are not just good for studying. They can be used when doing your work from home job, chores, or other tasks.
Focus noises
Sometimes I need to cut out all distractions. When this happens, I put in a pair of headphones and choose a focus noise.
Focus noises are things other than your daily playlist. While your playlist might be great, studies have shown that lyrical music makes it harder to focus. That is why I have a list of playlists that help me focus.
- Lofi playlist – great for modern music without the lyrics
- Thunderstorm playlist – when you need something loud but not distracting
- Instrumental Study – if you don’t like classical music but need something soothing
- Coffee Beats – for those who love the coffee shop vibe
Another option is using brown or pink noise. I personally don’t love these options, but they are great for staying focused.
Online study groups
A great place for accountability is online study groups.
I work from home and do school online. Some days it is hard to get out of bed and do things. Especially after working in an office or attending campus classes. I also miss the routine of meeting with others.
That is why I was happy when I found Accepted Society. It is a membership group, but it comes with many benefits. Such as chats and online study groups. Each semester they are scheduled for a specific time and day each week. I love this option because it makes me feel like I am meeting with classmates again.
There are many other free options as well. Start looking online or create your own. My school has online Facebook groups where students often make their own study groups. You can also make one with friends.
Now you are prepared to stay focused!
Hopefully these tips help you stay focused. It has taken me years to find ways to get things done. With everything moving online, it is hard to cut out distractions. Now you have the tools and tips to be more productive.
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