We all get a little distracted sometimes!
Find the cause Find out why you get distracted in class. Maybe it’s someone, something you enjoy doing instead (checking your phone), an object, lack of distraction, or you’re feeling bored/tired.
If someone’s distracting you... Typically when people are distracting you, it’s either incessant chatter (not directed at you), incessant chatter directed at you, or someone who wants to socialize.
For undirected incessant chatter, try tuning them out whenever you can. If music is allowed, put in some earbuds and listen to non-distracting tunes. If music isn’t allowed, train yourself to tune them out. Focus on another sound (ex. pencil/pen scratching on paper) instead.
If it’s incessant chatter directed at you, politely tell them to stop. If you directly address them, this may backfire because humans are fickle beings. Instead, indirectly address the problem as if it were your own. Take care to lessen pointing fingers at anyone.
Someone trying to socialize is the easiest and hardest things to solve. (For me, maybe not for you!) Do what you feel is appropriate.
If something you want to do is distracting you... Most cases it’s a phone, laptop, or some other device. If you find yourself off-task on any mobile device, use an app like Forest. This keeps you from using other apps. Also, become less dependant on your phone if you can. If you use it for a calculator and you become distracted, get a real calculator.
For laptops, you can use extensions on Chrome. I use Forest for shorter intervals of time and SimpleBlocker for longer stretches. Blacklist all sites you get distracted on.
If you’re constantly drawn to social media during school, stop the temptation to use a VPN. In my school, nearly everyone uses a VPN app to bypass social media regulations.
If something is distracting you... Don’t bring it, put it away, etc. If there’s a lack of distraction... I know some people who get distracted because of emptiness in their thoughts. It’s too distracting to not have anything to do. I’m not an expert in this, but maybe bring a smaller distraction to fiddle with that won’t distract you that much. Maybe try finding another task to do. If a teacher’s talking, pull out a sheet of paper and take notes. If you have class work, do it!
If you’re feeling bored... Find a reason. Finding a reason that gets you to class every day will build up your self-discipline. The stronger the reason, the more committed you will be to try to focus. Here are some reasons: - I’m curious and I want to learn - I want to learn to become a _____ so I can help/do _____ - I want to make myself proud
any many more! Aim for reasons beyond “I’m forced to do this, I need to, my parents expect me to...”
If you’re feeling tired... Address the roots first. Maybe you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re not drinking enough water, or you’re not eating well enough. Make the right adjustments to make you feel better in all areas of life beyond school.
Prioritize your time better if you aren’t getting enough sleep. Always invest in rest. If you feel distracted because you’re hungry, bring a few small, healthy snacks to eat in class or between class. (If you can!) Finally, always bring a waterbottle! Staying hydrated will help you so much in class, speaking from personal experience :)
