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Focus

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

How this was put together

If you only read a few

  1. Use earbuds with white noise, headphones playing music, or waxy ear plugs to block out sound.

    One person reduced essay writing time from 15-20 hours to 5-8 hours using this method.

    • Waxy ear plugs cost around four dollars.

    3 people, independently

  2. Put on video game music during work or study sessions.

    Such scores are built to maintain engagement and focus without becoming a distraction.

    • Some people find it encourages procrastination by making them want to play the game instead.
    • It may not be suitable for tasks requiring memorization of theories or vocabulary.

    39 people, independently

    • Play video game soundtracks without vocals to aid concentration.3

  3. Use the Pomodoro technique: work for 25 minutes, then rest for 5 minutes.

    It sounds straightforward but actually works.

    • The first session is the hardest.

    5 people, independently

    • Work in concentrated 30- to 45-minute blocks while keeping your phone in another room to avoid distraction.3

  4. Disable badge notifications on your apps.

    They create a false sense of missing out and are distracting.

    3 people, independently

  1. Listen to music in a language you do not speak to prevent lyrical distraction while reading or writing.

    • Does not work for those who try to decipher lyrics.
    • May be distracting for people with ticker tape synesthesia.

    12 people, independently

  2. Set your phone to Do Not Disturb unless you are waiting for something critical.

    This prevents you from reflexively checking the device every time an alert appears.

    4 people, independently

  3. Shift to a specific workspace such as a library, campus, café, or kitchen counter to reduce interruptions and prepare your brain for tasks.

    Moving to another location readies your mind for labor, while social expectations deter idling.

    5 people, independently

  4. Summarize what each paragraph or section said after reading it without looking at the text.

    This ensures you understand and retain the information.

    3 people, independently

7 more on this

  1. Listen to video game soundtracks, such as those from Hitman, Skyrim, Oblivion, Legend of Zelda, Sonic, or Assassin's Creed.

    Gaming music is designed to hold your attention and keep you focused without being distracting.

    3 people, independently

  2. Set up distinct digital profiles for academic work and personal time to restrict access to distracting apps.

    This helps stop you from switching to other tasks during lessons.

    3 people, independently

  3. Break large projects into parts and focus only on performing one part at a time.

    3 people, independently

    • Divide dull or overwhelming topics into small, doable steps, like reading a single page and summarizing it in one or two sentences using your own phrasing, or simply reading for 5 minutes.3

  4. Play Jeremy Soule's scores for Skyrim and Oblivion while doing various tasks.

    These game soundtracks often add to many activities.

    3 people, independently

  5. Time your rest periods so you have a clear signal for when to resume working.

    4 people, independently

  6. Use film scores as background audio when you require concentration.

    5 people, independently

    • Listen to soundtracks from Skyrim, Civilization, or Disco Elysium to improve focus.3

  7. Place your phone farther away from you, such as in a drawer, shelf, or different room, to reduce accessibility.

    3 people, independently

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