How to Focus When Studying at Home

Studying or learning at home? Whether it's your phone, social media, or the noise of your family in your house, it can be hard to stay focused - but it's also essential to academic success! Whatever it is that’s distracting you, we’ve compiled a few tips on how to focus on studying while at home.

Set up a study space at home.

Dedicate an area at home where you can study without interruptions. Let everyone in your home know that when you are in this dedicated area, they shouldn't disturb you. Having an area you can associate with studying and school work will help you focus. Check out our tips for setting up your study space at home to begin!

Distracted by noise? Headphones are your friend!

Try listening to music or white noise to turn a busy place into a zen space! It’s normal to get distracted by noises. Headphones can help block out noise and signal to others that you are busy. Create a study playlist with your favorite songs, add white noise tracks, or classical pieces. No headphones? Play music or white noise in the background from a computer, radio, or tv.

Turn off your phone or place it 5 feet away from you.

Phones are the ultimate distraction. The best way to avoid the temptation of checking your notifications is to turn your phone off. If you need to leave it on, place the phone 5 feet away from you. Having to walk to your phone will add another layer of effort before you can check it. This extra action may be enough to deter the habit of checking your phone when you should be studying!

Study with friends!

Set up a video call to study with your friends. For this to work, you all have to agree to block out a set time of studying (the Pomodoro technique can help!), before socializing. By uniting around a common goal, you can get your respective homework assignments and studying done together.

Try the Pomodoro technique.

The  Pomodoro technique can help you focus on a task by using timed sessions and a timed break in between each session:

1. Choose a task to work on.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes.
3. Work on the task until the timer ends. On a piece of paper, give yourself a checkmark.
4. Take a short 5 minute break.
5. After 4 Pomodoro sessions (checkmarks), take a longer break (15-30 minutes).

Need extra studying help? Text #Hello to 33-55-77!