How to Stay Focused in a Digital World

In today's world, all of us are on our electronic devices from the minute we wake up to the moment we sleep. It becomes essential for students to find a good balance because assignments and exams have deadlines. We often need to pay more attention to the time we spend on social media when it takes up a significant portion of our day.

Here are some time management techniques that could be helpful:

1. Awareness of digital overload

The first step is to become mindful of our time on social media. A lot of times, we underestimate the time we spend on social media and games. Tracking apps and screen time managers help us record the actual time spent, which will help us be more aware. 

2. Reduce distractions during study time.

Turn off notifications on your phone. There are a lot of apps and settings to manage notifications while in study mode. We can put our phone on ‘do not disturb’ with only necessary information/calls coming through. This also helps us stay in the present moment, learn that not all notifications are urgent, and work in a quiet space.

3. Create a distraction-free study space.

Designate a distraction-free space in your home for studying. It could be a separate room, a study table, or a quiet area that helps you stay focused. Unclutter this space and remove anything that can take your attention away. 

4. Set your intention

It's harder to get distracted when you're clear about your priorities and where you want to focus your attention. You can write positive affirmations and stick them to your study table. Some examples are: 

• “I can do it.”

• “I am calm and focused.”

• “I take care of myself and allow myself to take breaks.”

• “I have studied hard this semester. I am smart and capable.”

5. Use the A-B-C Rule

Recognise that you always have a choice: give in to distractions or stick with what's important. The A-B-C method involves three steps:

Here’s a simpler version:

A: Notice the distraction.

B: Take a deep breath to pause and reset.

C: Choose how to respond. This pause helps you focus on what matters most.

6. Use the Pomodoro technique.

Break your study time into 25 minutes and then a 5-minute break. Put a timer for 25 minutes on your device and keep it at a distance where you can hear the timer. You can also use an alarm clock for the same. Repeat this cycle for 3-4 rounds, then take a longer break for 20 mins. This helps in sustaining attention.

7. Practice mindfulness

Incorporating mindfulness into your routine, even for a few minutes daily, can significantly improve focus. Practices like meditation, getting enough sleep, exercising, spending time in nature, or reflecting on three things you're grateful for before bed help to organise and prepare you for the day ahead emotionally.

8. Monitor your progress

Keep track of your completed tasks and time spent on each task. Use the weekly check in document provided in the link below. Choose some activities from this blog and try to follow them for a week. This can help you to identify areas for improvement and adjust your priorities.

Keeping track of our digital footprint is important, or it will overpower us. Subscribe to read our next article.