Self-studying is an essential part of learning. When you are a student, learning does not just end the moment you step out of the classroom. Of course, it continues beyond the physical school and outside class hours. Studying at home is actually a huge portion of succeeding in the process of learning. While classroom educators teach and guide you, needless to say, you have to sharpen yourself to learn too.
Regardless of grade or year level (from preschool to graduate school), you certainly need to study at home, so you can learn more and remember more of what you are taught in school. Furthermore, it is vital to prepare yourself for examinations and for future career requirements.
Definitely, self-studying is of high importance. The issue to take note of however is that it’s not as easy-peasy as it seems when you just visualize yourself doing it. That is because there are quite a lot of things that grab your precious attention when you self-study. What are those things? They will be further discussed in the list below, which is mainly written to help you ward them off.
Here are top 9 tips to delete distractions while self-studying inside your very own home! If you’re not in your actual family’s house, well, in your dorm or boarding house. Read on, and don’t be distracted!
1 – Designate your private study room or area.
The element to organize first and foremost is the specific place inside your house where you will hit the books. Designate your private study room. If not a room, it can be a secluded area or corner.
For individuals living with other people, self-studying will be filled with noise if you stay in a space shared by everyone in the house. Choose an extra room which you can clean up and arrange, so it turns into a study nook. If your bedroom has ample stretch, it would also be the best home zone where you can review your lessons.
Sanitize your selected bay, then assemble all your learning materials properly. Doing so makes your self-studying comfortable and convenient. What’s more, since it’s an assigned study area, people in the house will be careful entering or passing by when you’re studying. It’s inciting respect and responsibility too.
2 – Turn off the TV or any video-playing device.
Anything interesting or intriguing that your eyes see around can become magnets of distraction while you grind. Because the eyes are opened while you study (of course!), they are the major entryway for visual interference.
Turn off the television or any video-playing device you have nearby whenever you are self-studying. Although you might not be sincerely watching, you never know when something attention-grabbing shows up, such as the drama you’ve been keeping track of, the celebrity you love or the movie trailer you’ve been waiting for.
Even though they may only run for at most a minute or two, the effects of their appeal to your mind and mood can be more distracting than you know. They can actually redirect your thoughts before you know it!
3 – Put your mobile gadgets away unless they’re needed.
It’s number 3 on this list, but everyone can agree that it’s the number 1 distraction! Using mobile gadgets while self-studying is surely robbing focus from your book to your Facebook.
Put your electronic gadgets away from you and your learning apparatuses unless they are needed. When they are so visible, these devices are so attractive too. They make your hands itch to pick them up and check your social media accounts. You know what happens the moment you give in to the tempting call of those gadgets, right? Your goal of successfully self-studying on time and on the perfect vibe will break into pieces. Later, you will regret it!
For online tutoring, classes and workshops, you need laptops and sometimes your mobile phones too, so that’s understandable. Since it’s distant learning, the virtual format is a big help and need. Just bear in mind that even though these gadgets are a must for this, avoid using them irresponsibly both in your group classes and in your self-studying.
4 – If sounds distract you, don’t play music.
Different students have different learning styles. Some can retain information better as they hear music, but some find it impossible to do that. If you’re one of the latter, do not play music while self-studying.
Good music relaxes the mind and radiates a zestful feeling, especially if it’s your favorite playlist. If sounds distract you though, keep your music player switched off. Instead of being able to absorb your lessons, you are singing along with the music, so it can become a hindrance and not an assistance.
5 – Switch off the Wi-Fi unless your learning materials are online.
For students in one-on-one online tutoring and group virtual classes, there’s no denying that electronic devices and the Internet are top necessities. Along with that, learning materials used by teachers are in soft copies. Of course, you need Wi-Fi to access them, but if you have downloaded all of them already and need nothing more using the Internet, then switch off the Wi-Fi, and study.
Though it’s hard for people used to seeing that Wi-Fi icon activated, you have to do this if you really want to focus on self-studying and to prevent temptations of using your gadget. Additionally, this disables social media notifications from giving you a buzz.
6 – Inform people you’re talking to online that you’ll be away from the keyboard.
Often, being too active and interactive in social media makes it tough for you to bring down that smartphone. Also, because it is used for necessary communication, that phone is almost glued to your hands.
“Oh, I forgot to reply to my friend’s comment.” “Wait, I’ll respond to my best friend first.” “Right, I have a few unread messages.” They and the like all sound harmless as they really are, however, they can launch endless distractions. In such situations, the truth is you either just want to act upon them or really need to because of responsibility.
So you won’t worry or think a lot about people you’re talking to online or through text messaging, inform them that you’ll be away from the keyboard because you have to study. Don’t be hesitant. Don’t be peer-pressured when some “friends” are inviting you to play video games. Your studies are more crucial, so prioritize them.
7 – Avoid lying down on your back or on your tummy.
Indeed, being comfortable while you’re self-studying is one of the keys to effectively learning. But still, it cannot be just any kind of comfort, so avoid lying down on your back or on your tummy as you rehearse your lessons. You got it right, that is to prevent yourself from suddenly falling asleep. And before anything else, that is to fend off possibilities of getting bored, lazy and unenergetic.
You need enthusiasm for self-studying, and the right posture will give you that.
8 – Eat before studying.
The feeling of dullness and hunger can be the root of many distractions too. Eat before studying, so you are geared up to bone up! In that way, you won’t need to stand up here and there to get food or to order some in the middle of your self-studying.
9 – Let your family know that you’re studying.
Lastly, if not things, people can actually be your hindrances while you self-study. They are asking you or telling you this and that, talking or even screaming for some reason, playing loud music by the living room speaker, cleaning, remodeling the house, and so much more.
While it’s your home, and you’re actually free to do what you want in it, of course, respecting every member is among the chief house rules.
Let your family know when you’re studying, so they can adjust their activities and the volume of these. Tell them how they can reach you while you’re self-studying in your room. Can they knock or just enter quietly? Should they text or call you through your phone? To prevent family members from becoming your distractions, arrange these important things and more before you study.
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SELF-STUDY DISTRACTION-FREE
Concentration is crucial when it comes to self-studying. If it’s snatched away by interruptions, it can be difficult to gain it back, especially when you did not really have a strong focus in the first place. That’s why you must have total drive and discipline for you to keep your mind set to properly finishing your self-studying tasks.
Yes, drive; you need to be motivated to learn by yourself. There are people who merely rely on their mentors’ teaching methods and materials and never make an effort to find their self-studying techniques. Well, excellent teachers can help boost your dynamism, but self-push is still necessary to allow the help they do to create great results.
And yes, discipline; you need to have self-control to prioritize your studying over distractions. Without a doubt, numerous diversions are everywhere! Nonetheless, they can only have power over you when you allow them to have it.
Have the drive and the discipline to ensure that you eliminate the unneeded things, so you can self-study distraction-free.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nicole Ann Pore is a writer, an events host and a voice over artist. Quality and well-researched writing is her worthwhile avenue to enlighten and delight others about things that matter. She is a daytime writer for InFlow Education, expert tutoring services in Australia. Nicole graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts.
