With practice (and focus) you'll be able to get your work done more efficiently.

Whether you’re working on a big research paper or studying for a final exam, you know what you should be doing, right? You should be nose-deep in a book somewhere quiet, with nothing to tempt you into heading out for a midnight snack or gaming break.

But then your roommate comes in with a pizza or a plan to do something way more fun than your work, and it’s over. Or maybe your roomie is conscientious and studying hard, too—but that tap tap tapping of her pencil is going to drive you insane.

There are hundreds of study distractions that can make studying feel impossible. When you’re pressured for time or at your wit’s end, try these tips for how to concentrate on studies—even when you 100% don’t want to.

1. Be a Monk, Not a Multitasker

Studies show that trying to multitask—listening to music and texting while doing online research and making dinner, for example—actually lowers your IQ and makes the outcomes of every one of the things you’re working on worse.

To beat the temptation to do several things at once, try getting Zen about your studies. Have just that one book open on your desk, and when you find your mind wandering, gently remind yourself that the only thing going on in your life right now is that book. Like meditation, this level of mindfulness takes practice, but it will get you grounded in your task.

Sometimes this is easier said than done, especially if you have roommates who are on different study schedules. Head to your school library, if you need a quiet place to study. They might even have study rooms—where no talking is allowed—that will cater specifically to your focusing needs.

2. Block Your Notifications

All those helpful dings and pings and banners and buzzers? They’re killing your concentration. Every time your phone makes a sound that makes you shift away from your studies, it takes you a few minutes to get back into the groove. Multiply that by hundreds of texts and emails, and you’ve got a serious problem. Here’s how to solve it:

• Turn off your phone notifications. You don’t need a badge or sound to pop up for every little post on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. Shut down social media notifications—both sound and visuals—and only check it when you’re done studying.
• Try a silent ringtone. Make your default ringtone a silent one, and you’ll never be interrupted again. If you’re worried about missing a truly important call, put mom, dad, the pizza place, and maybe your best friend on a recognizable ringtone so you’ll pick up. Everyone else can wait.
• Schedule email times. Don’t leave your email running in the background of your laptop—you’ll be distracted every time one pops up. Instead, schedule your email times during the day (maybe during meal times and before bed), and only open it then.
• Schedule phone times. Does your family seem to call at the worst times? When you know you need to set aside some study time, be sure to call your parents beforehand to catch up—and be sure to let them know that you might be incommunicado for the next few days. They’ll understand and will probably be glad that you’re highly committed to hitting the books!

3. Just Say No (Gracefully)

If you’re an extrovert who thrives on social contact, your biggest distraction is likely to be the people around you. Getting on board with the previous suggestions should help, but sometimes you need a way to (nicely) avoid people while you get down to work.

Noise-canceling headphones can be a great, non-confrontational way to cope. When you wear them, most people will understand the visual signal you’re sending (i.e., “I’m busy”) and leave you alone. If they try to get your attention, avoid eye contact—that way you can claim you didn’t hear them.

If you absolutely must stop to speak to someone, practice saying, “Could we talk later? I have a test tomorrow.” It’s short, sweet and polite—just say it right away, before you get stuck in a conversation.

4. Remember Your Goals!

Sometimes a little reminder of the “why” can go a long way. Long term or short term, the carrot at the end of the stick can be a great motivator. Anxious for summer break? Or do you get your motivation from thinking about your long-term career goals? Either way, take a moment to remind yourself of these goals before you sit down to study.

Being in the right mindset can make those distractions seem a lot less important. Eyes on the prize!

With the right distraction busters in your arsenal, you’ll get down to business more easily, and with practice you’ll be able to stay focused for longer periods of time. Best of all, by the end of the semester, your grades will look great.

Want even more help studying? Check out HAMNIC Solutions online today.

HAMNIC Solutions is here to support your graduate journey. Our professional writing and editing expertise helps you manage your academic workload, reduce stress, and focus on well-being for a balanced academic and personal life. Visit HAMNIC Solutions to learn how we can make your student life easier and healthier, enabling you to achieve your academic ambitions without sacrificing a balanced lifestyle.