Concentrating while doing homework (PR) is not easy, especially if there are other activities that are more fun. It could be that your mind is often distracted because you want to look at your cellphone to check incoming messages, your stomach is rumbling, or you want to take a nap because you are sleepy. The good news is that you can ignore distractions and concentrate by changing your study routine.
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Method 1 of 16: Avoid things that can distract you
Step 1. If you are constantly looking at your phone, keep it in a closed place
Put your phone in a desk drawer or backpack. Turn off your computer or tablet, unless needed to do your homework. Turn off the TV or any distracting music player so you can't concentrate.
Some people find it easier to concentrate if they hear a faint sound as a learning accompaniment. If you focus more on listening to songs while studying, that's okay! However, turn off the sound source in case you have trouble concentrating
Method 2 of 16: Block distracting apps and websites on your computer or tablet
Step 1. Concentration is easily disturbed if you have to use electronic devices while doing homework
Work around this using an app, such as Forest, Screen Time, or OurPact. If you can't install it yourself, ask a sibling or parent for help.
- For example, maybe you need to block Facebook or YouTube until you finish studying.
- If you still hear a ringing alert or notification, turn it off so you don't get distracted. Don't let your tablet keep ringing because piles of Facebook notifications distract you while you're doing your homework!
Method 3 of 16: Do the tasks one at a time
Step 1. The learning process is less productive if you do several activities at the same time
Don't listen to biology lecture videos while doing your math homework. Maybe you want to finish studying faster, but this method actually hinders you! Complete the task to completion before working on the next task.
Postpone texting friends or chatting with family members until homework is done
Method 4 of 16: Break tasks down into easy-to-do activities
Step 1. Tasks are easier to complete if they are done one at a time
Create a list consisting of activities that must be done while working on each task. Complete the first task completely before working on the second task and so on. Use a timer so you don't waste time doing certain tasks.
- For example, if you have to read chapter 5 of a book and write a paper, start by reading the title of each sub-chapter to find out the topic, then read chapter 5 from start to finish while noting the important information. Next, arrange the outline of the paper, write the paper, then check your writing so that there are no errors.
- If you have to work on several tasks, make a list by listing the most difficult or most important tasks first.
Method 5 of 16: Refocus your mind on the lesson if you start daydreaming
Step 1. It is normal to be distracted
Don't beat yourself up if you notice you're daydreaming or thinking about other things unrelated to the lesson. The mind is very easily distracted! Redirect attention to the lesson. If you practice regularly, you can notice and reprimand yourself when your mind gets distracted.
- Pick an object to focus your attention on so you don't daydream. For example, pay attention to the rhythm of your breath or the sounds around you.
- If you're studying with a friend or family member, ask them to remind you to stay focused, for example by saying, "Come on, focus!" or pat your shoulder if you start daydreaming.
Method 6 of 16: Use hand gestures to focus attention
Step 1. Some people find it easier to concentrate if their fingers are still moving
Prepare objects to hold while studying, such as a stress ball, fidget spinner, a string of keys, or other objects as a means of moving your fingers while studying. If you need to use both hands, keep your mouth active by chewing gum, crunchy carrot slices, or a silicone mouth fidget.
This step can improve your ability to concentrate, but it's not for everyone. Do not use the tool if it feels disturbing
Method 7 of 16: Take time to do some light exercise or stretch while studying
Step 1. Studies show that body movement can improve thinking skills and learning performance
Sitting too long makes you feel bored, tired quickly, and easily distracted. Avoid this by leaving your seat to walk around or do some light stretching. In addition, you can do jumping jacks or run in place for a few minutes. Studying while standing is also very good for improving the ability to concentrate.
Try sitting on an exercise ball or rocking chair while memorizing lessons to keep you focused
Method 8 of 16: Use homework as a game to get you excited
Step 1. Use homework as a quiz to test yourself
Set the timer to ring after 5 minutes to find out how many questions you got right or use note cards to test your knowledge. By challenging yourself to achieve your study goals, the most boring lessons are more enjoyable!
- You can involve a friend or family member, for example, take turns asking questions and then giving a score for each correct answer. The one with the highest score is the winner.
- If you don't like serious games, try making up a story based on the subject you're studying. For example, if you are memorizing the history of the proclamation of Indonesian independence, imagine that you live in 1945.
Method 9 of 16: Invite a friend to study together
Step 1. Find friends who want to study diligently and not interfere with concentration
You can invite a classmate, classmate, or sibling, but make sure he's willing to learn too, instead of wanting to chat! If you can't meet face-to-face because you're not allowed to congregate, use Skype or FaceTime to study together virtually.
Form small groups of several people so you can share notes, ask questions, or work on assignments together
Method 10 of 16: Prepare water and nutritious snacks as a source of energy
Step 1. Hunger and thirst often interfere with learning concentration
Avoid this by preparing water in a bottle or thermos to be ready to drink when you feel thirsty or sleepy. Also prepare nutritious snacks as study companions to prop your stomach so you don't feel hungry, for example:
- Apple slices and peanut butter
- Nuts, especially almonds
- Greek yogurt
- Fruit salad
- Dark chocolate
Method 11 of 16: Take an hourly break
Step 1. Use a timer if you often forget to rest
Sitting for too long can cause difficulty concentrating. While resting, take 15 minutes to stretch your muscles, dance to your favorite song, have a snack, or watch a comedy video.
- Set a timer to make sure you don't take too long of a break. Remember, the sooner you get back to studying, the quicker your homework will be done!
- If you're very tired, upset, or sleepy, take an off-schedule break. You can take a few minutes to relax, then study again.
Method 12 of 16: Find the best time to study
Step 1. The ability to concentrate improves when the physical condition is very good
Find out when you feel most fit: during the day, at night, or in the early morning before getting ready for school? You can concentrate well if you do your homework at the right time!
- Get in the habit of doing homework at the same time every day. For example, if you feel most fit at night, do your homework after dinner. Study schedule makes schoolwork feel lighter.
- You are free to determine the most appropriate study time, but you are better prepared to learn if you run a daily routine! Finish compiling a study schedule, apply it consistently.
Method 13 of 16: Set up a quiet and comfortable study area
Step 1. Make sure you study in an area that is well lit and there is a place to put your study equipment
As much as possible, find a place to study that is free of distractions, such as the sound of the TV or children. Prepare a table to put study equipment and comfortable chairs.
- If you study at home with your family, ask them to stay calm while you do your homework.
- Think carefully if you want to study in the bedroom. Learning motivation tends to decrease if you do your homework in a room that is usually used to sleep or relax. As much as possible, prepare a place to study outside the bedroom and do not do homework in bed.
- Setting up an ideal study area is not easy, especially if other people are working in the same place. Use earplugs if you have to study in a noisy place. Listen to white noise or instrumental music as a study accompaniment as an object to concentrate on.
Method 14 of 16: Get in the habit of organizing study equipment
Step 1. You will find it easier to concentrate if your study equipment is neatly organized
Store stationery in a pencil case or stationary case. Insert the sheet of paper into the folder according to the subject so that it is easy to find if needed.
- If you like to snack while doing your homework, prepare a snack before studying.
- If there are unnecessary items in the study area, take the time to store or throw them away before doing your homework. Put the completed tasks into the folder, then tidy up the study table.
Method 15 of 16: Find a new place to study if you feel bored
Step 1. A change of mood can refresh your mind and improve your ability to concentrate
If studying in an ordinary place feels boring, find a new location, for example on the terrace or outside the house (in the study room or school library). Usually, people tend to be more awake and motivated when they are in a different environment than usual.
- Rearranging the study area can bring a change in the atmosphere, for example by placing a flower pot in the corner of the room or moving the study table.
- Some students find it easier to concentrate if they are surrounded by sounds with a certain volume. This is why they prefer to study in a coffee shop or auditorium.
Method 16 of 16: Reward yourself when you finish studying
Step 1. Decide on a fun activity that makes you want to get your homework done quickly
Before you start studying, think about what to do after your homework is done. You will be more excited if you get a prize every time you finish studying!
