In a world of online schooling, distractions are only a reach away. A quick check on your phone can become a two-hour Tik-Tok break. You end up leaving everything for the last minute and are stuck scrambling to finish it all before the due date. So, how do we combat this? How do we fight this urge to drop all of our work and pick up our phones?
The most obvious way to stop procrastinating is to get rid of any distractions. The main distractions are our phones, computers or any other methods of communication. It has become considerably harder to avoid these devices now that everything has moved online, but there are still ways to avoid procrastination.
The NSU Tutoring and Testing Center offers a plethora of tips and tricks for avoiding procrastination.
“Try to keep a similar routine to how you would before the pandemic. Try to change from your pajamas to a daytime outfit and get somewhat ready to change your attitude from sleeping and relaxing to work and productivity,” said Emily Garcia, the assistant director of Testing and Academic Success.
Getting out of bed and preparing for the day ahead gives your body a sense of motivation to complete any tasks you need to do. Staying in bed all day compels your body to sleep and relax and you do not feel motivation whatsoever. Garcia also explained the importance of maintaining a balance — having a blend of working and relaxation is key to both avoiding procrastinating on your work and keeping from becoming overwhelmed or stressed.
“You need a good balance between me time and work time. You can do this by drinking your favorite cup of tea while you study, going on a walk while you listen to a lecture or getting comfy on the couch while you read,” said Garcia.
Major companies, such as Apple and Google, have created ways for students to avoid distractions this school year. They have created apps such as Forest that help you focus on your schoolwork. The app, which is available for $1.99 in the Apple Store, Google Play Store and free as a Chrome Extension, creates a distraction-free study environment with a reward at the end of your study session When you’re ready to study, plant a seed on the Forest app, and every 30 minutes of studying, the plant grows. However, when you go off topic and use something from the backlist, which are apps or websites you add as distractions (such as Instagram, YouTube or Snapchat), your plant dies. Keep focused and studying and your plant will grow into a beautiful tree. Over time, your trees will become a lush forest filled with your hard work.
Remember Sharks, if you are ever feeling overwhelmed with work, you are not alone. Do not procrastinate and push things away, do your best, and if you do need help, ask for it. The Tutoring and Testing Center, Henderson Student Counseling Services and Brief Therapy Institute are only a call away. We can do this!
