Concentration and Quiet

As a student, your number one responsibility is ensuring that you complete your school-work and learn what your teacher teaches you. This can be difficult if there are too many distractions when you're trying to do your homework or study.

Some students have noisy siblings or pets. This can be a definite problem, but don't get angry with your dog or yell at your little brother just yet. If noise is a problem in your study space, there are several solutions.

• Earplugs are my go-to life-saver for blocking noise. You can get a jar of fifty pairs at the drug store for around ten dollars. The ear plugs are reusable, but I'd suggest replacing them every other week or so to avoid infections. 
• If you have a pair of headphones, crank it up! I don't mean to blast the latest pop hit. That could be a distraction all by itself, especially if you're going to be dancing around in your chair when you should be writing your English essay. Here are a few alternatives:
• Rain sounds. 
• Jungle sounds.
• White noise.
• Heartbeat sounds. (This one is great if you're nervous about an upcoming test or assignment, as it is very calming.) 

Maybe noise isn't the problem, though. Maybe you can't focus because there is just too much happening around you. Try to set up a calm, quiet, peaceful study space away from the hustle and bustle of siblings running around, pets hopping about, and caregivers preparing dinner. This is especially important as you get into middle school and high school. 

No one can focus well on an empty stomach. Have a snack before you start. 

If you've been hitting the books for more than two hours, it's time to take a break. Get up. Do some stretches. Take a few deep breaths. Go outside for some fresh air. Rehydrate yourself. Wash your face to energize yourself. You might even want to spend a few minutes cuddling your pets or catching up with your siblings/caregivers. Just don't make the mistake of logging onto social media during your break. Before you know it, you'll look up and it'll be an hour later and you'll be way behind schedule. 

And finally, if you're falling asleep at your desk and you can't stay awake another minute, take a short nap and set your alarm to go off in fifteen or twenty minutes. Just make sure it's out of arm's reach so your power nap won't turn into an early bedtime.