Distractions and procrastination Time management skills
Sometimes it can be difficult to get down to your studies because you have distractions to deal with, and you may find that you put off a study task. Distractions can be real (for example, your child needs your attention), but they can also be displacement or replacement activities, or ways of procrastinating in disguise.
Some people say that they need the pressure of a tight deadline to get on with, say, writing an assignment. Ask yourself whether this way of working is really effective or whether it is disguised procrastination. You might find you produce better work under less stress.
Dealing with distractions
Set realistic goals for your study session, for example 'I'll read this section, or work for 40 minutes before I make that coffee', and aim to minimise real interruptions. Perhaps turn notifications off on your phone, or ask friends not to disturb you. Do a deal with yourself - 'Okay, I'll go to the pub with my friend tonight, but this means that I'll need to get up early on Sunday to study instead'. However, avoid taking on too many commitments - learn to politely say 'no'.
Remember that it's best to try and have short-term deadlines that you stick to for significant study activities, such as completing an assignment by the cut-off date. Try not to feel that you need to produce the perfect assignment or project and learn to prioritise your tasks.
And finally, just do it! You may find that the task doesn't take as long as you expected and you'll feel much better for getting it out of the way.
Techniques for dealing with procrastination
There are many different techniques available to help reduce procrastination. A popular one, for example, is the Pomodoro Technique.
The Pomodoro Technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo. It helps to improve focus and productivity by breaking work into intervals. The intervals, called 'pomodoros', are usually 25 minutes long, followed by short breaks.
The Pomodoro Technique can be especially effective for studying. Here’s how you can apply it:
Pick a specific subject or chapter you want to focus on.
Set your timer for 25 minutes.
Work on your study material without any distractions until the timer rings.
Take a 5-minute break to relax, stretch, grab a snack, or just rest your eyes.
After four pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes to recharge.
This method helps you stay focused and retain information better by giving your brain regular breaks. It also makes studying feel more manageable by breaking it into smaller, focused intervals.
