Study Tips: Distractions

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Everyone has his or her own way to study. I finally was able to pinpoint the distractions that negatively impacted my ability to properly focus and study.

In the past, I've found that the following are distractions that served to distract me as I tried to focus and study:

1. Hunger
   
2. Room too hot/too cold
   
3. Lack of sleep/fatigue
   
4. Illness
   
5. Stress/worry
   
6. Full bladder
   
7. Clothing too tight
   
8. Ringing phones, text messages
   
9. The computer
   
10. Too loud/too quiet
    
11. I can't say ‘No'
    

External distractions are easiest to manage. Choose a comfortable room, but not so comfortable that you want to go to sleep. Keep the temperature at a constant setting, not too hot or too cold. Turn off the computer or at least, turn off instant messages, text messages, and the phone. Wear comfortable clothing.

The internal distractions are hardest to handle. Be sure to eat properly, exercise your bathroom privileges, get plenty of sleep, rest periodically, and exercise. Although many people love it, it's best to avoid caffeinated beverages. That was hard for me to accept.

Take frequent breaks to refocus. If you are easily distracted by thoughts that pop into your head, this can cause undue stress. Worrying about something, I would get easily distracted and unfocused. Try getting up and taking a walk when this happens. It breaks up the monotony and clears your head.

Finally, I had to learn to say, ‘NO', and mean it. Well-meaning family/friends had to take a back seat.

Getting into a routine free from distractions will help you to focus and be successful with your study habits.