Narnian wrote:I'm not sure if this is the right place for this. Please let me know through PM if I should post this somewhere else and I will gladly do so.
I don't have any problems with the material of my homework; in fact, it's pretty easy for me. But I have trouble concentrating and usually end up working for only five or ten minutes at a time before getting up to pace for a long time, and I have a lot of trouble making myself go back once I'm in that loop.
Any tips for helping myself stay on task for longer?
1. Rid your workspace of any and all distractions. Anything like mobile devices, toys, games, etc. should be cleared. If there's a TV running somewhere, see if you can turn it off or retreat to a quieter place. I understand that some things, like computers, are occasionally needed during homework, and in that case, try to avoid browsing social media, CS, or any other websites unnecessary to your work.
2. Depending on what kind of a learner you are, listening to music with headphones might help you with blocking out any background noise that could be distracting you. Always choose instrumental music over lyrical/vocal music. I've read somewhere that listening to music you haven't heard before could help you boost creativity and motivation, so maybe go on YouTube and search 'instrumental study music' or something and listen to that; that's what I usually do when I need to get some writing done. Personally, I've found that once I have headphones on and am listening to music, I get reluctant to leave my workspace, so that could possibly help you stay where you are and focus on your work. However, if you suspect that YT could end up being a distraction to you, as I've said in the tip above, use your own judgement on whether or not you really need that music.
3. Keep a bottle of water handy nearby. It hydrates you, improving your memory and brainwork, and could also quash any feelings of mild hunger/food cravings that could distract you. However, don't forget to eat dinner!
4. If you really feel like you can't focus on your work, try setting a short time period for yourself, like "work for ten/fifteen minutes, and then you can take a break". Then work nonstop during that time period. At the end of the time period, you may find that you're unwilling to leave because you're already in the 'groove' of your work. If not, then permit yourself a five minute break in which you can do whatever you want, and then get back to your work. Try to take only one of these breaks an hour, though, and avoid extending them. The average human mind can only focus on a task for forty-five minutes to an hour at a time, so taking a break could help your mind refresh yourself, so to speak, and be more susceptible to studying/doing work.
Hope these helped!