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How to Concentrate on Your Homework
Last Updated: June 24, 2024 References
This article was co-authored by Josh Jones and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD . Josh Jones is the CEO and Founder of Test Prep Unlimited, a GMAT prep tutoring service. Josh built the world's first and only score guarantee program for private GMAT tutoring. He has presented at the QS World MBA Tour and designed math curricula for Chicago Public Schools. He has over 15 years of private tutoring and classroom teaching experience and a BA in Math from the University of Chicago. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 436,643 times.
Focusing on homework can be tough, especially when you’d rather be doing anything else. Maybe your attention keeps wandering back to your phone, your stomach is growling, or you just want to put your head down and take a nap. The good news is that you can beat these distractions and get back on track with a few easy changes to your study routine.
Move around or stretch while you work.
- Try sitting on an exercise ball or wobbly chair when you’re doing your homework. The movement may help you stay focused.
Fuel up with water and healthy snacks.
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Nuts, especially almonds
- Greek yogurt
- Fruit salad
- Dark chocolate
Put away anything that might make it hard to concentrate.
- Some people actually concentrate better with a little noise in the background. If it helps you to have some quiet music on, that’s totally fine! But if you find that it distracts you, turn it off.
Block distracting apps and websites on your computer or tablet.
- For example, you might need to block apps or websites like Facebook or YouTube while you’re working.
- If you get alerts or notifications on your device, turn them off so they won’t distract you. The last thing you need is your tablet blowing up with Facebook notifications while you’re trying to work!
Work on one assignment at a time.
- Don’t try to text your friends or have a conversation with a family member while you’re doing homework, either.
Break your assignments into smaller tasks.
- For example, if you’re supposed to read a book chapter and write a report, start by skimming the chapter headings for important points. Then, read the whole chapter and take notes. Next, make an outline for your report. After that, write the report, and finish up by checking it for mistakes.
- If you have more than one assignment to work on, make a to-do list and put the hardest or most important projects first.
Redirect your attention if you notice your mind wandering.
- It can help to pick a specific thing to focus on to bring yourself back to the present. For example, pay attention to your breathing or to any sounds you can hear around you.
- If you’re working with a friend or family member, ask them to help you stay on track. They can say something like, “Are you focused?” or tap you on the shoulder if they notice you getting distracted. [9] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source
Fidget with something to help you focus.
- Fidgets are great concentration aids for some people, but are distracting for others. Don’t keep using a fidget if it’s taking your mind off your work.
Turn your homework into a game to make it more fun.
- You can also turn it into a game with a friend or family member. For example, take turns quizzing each other and give points for each right answer. Whoever gets the most points wins the game.
- Or, if you’d rather not play a structured game, try making up a story about what you’re doing. For instance, if you’re studying history, imagine yourself living in the time period you’re learning about.
Try working with a study buddy.
- You could even get together with a small group. Trade notes, quiz each other, or just hang out quietly while you all do homework together.
Take a break at least once an hour.
- You can also use a timer to make sure your breaks don’t go on too long. Remember, the sooner you get back to work, the sooner you can get it done!
- If you’re feeling really restless, frustrated, or distracted, it’s okay to take a break ahead of schedule. Give yourself a few minutes to unwind, then try again.
Pick a time when you feel awake and rested if possible.
- Make it a routine to do your homework at the same time each day. For example, if you’re an evening person, try doing it right after supper every night. [16] X Research source Having a schedule will make your work feel less overwhelming.
- You can’t always choose the perfect time to do your homework, but having a routine can still help you get in the zone when it’s time to work! Once you pick a time, try to stick to it.
Study in a quiet, comfortable spot.
- If you’re studying at home with your family, ask them to keep it down while you work.
- Be careful studying in your room—if you use a space where you usually sleep or relax, it’ll be hard to get into homework mode! Set aside a spot just for homework, and don’t do your work in bed. [18] X Research source
- Finding a good study space can be tough, especially if there are other people around. If you can’t find a quiet spot, put on some noise-canceling headphones. Listen to white noise or peaceful music without vocals to help you tune out background sounds.
Organize your study supplies.
- If you like to nibble while you study, set your snacks out before you get started.
- If there’s stuff in your study space that you don’t need, take a few minutes to clean it up or put it away before you start working. Put completed assignments in their folders and throw away any trash.
Move to a new study spot if you’re feeling bored.
- Even changing your usual study space a little can help. For example, put up some new decorations or move to the other side of the dining table.
- It seems weird, but just the right amount of background noise can actually help you concentrate! That’s one reason some people work better in coffee shops or study halls.
Reward yourself with something fun when you’re done.
- For example, you could watch an episode of your favorite TV show, play a game you like, or call up a friend.
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- Try mindful meditation to help you focus and relax. [21] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source Look for mindful meditation videos online or use an app like Calm or Smiling Mind to help you practice. The more you practice, the easier it’ll be to use your mindfulness skills when you need them—like when you’re doing homework. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Tips from our Readers
- Take detailed notes in class to help you. If you are able to, type on the computer rather than handwrite (it won't make your hand ache, and it's faster, so long as you don't get distracted). Also, don't wear your most casual clothes for homework, as this will relax you and will make you focus less. Don't look at how much more you have to do; look at what you've done already, as this will make your assignments seem less daunting.
- I used to have some trouble focusing on homework because I would always try to watch YouTube while doing it. It helped me to set a timer for 20 or so minutes and work on homework. Then I would take a 10 minute break. It helped me do homework without frying my brain.
- When rewarding yourself, don't reward yourself with television or games. Sometimes it'll turn into procrastination. Instead, reward yourself with small stretches or a favorite snack.
- If you need to use the bathroom or anything while you are working, assign a number of questions that you have to finish to use the bathroom. This will make you want to work harder!
- Put your phone on airplane mode. This will mute your phone and you will have to manually put it back to regular mode. Only switch it off when you're done with all your work.
- If you have something that you seriously don't want to do, take small 5-minute breaks between steps. This will calm your stress and help you concentrate more.
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- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/movement-and-learning/
- ↑ https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/applied-psychology/how-to-concentrate-on-studies/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
- ↑ https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/5-ways-to-help-students-manage-digital-distractions-and-stay-on-track
- ↑ https://today.uconn.edu/2015/07/multitasking-increases-study-time-lowers-grades/#
- ↑ https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/tips-for-helping-your-child-focus-and-concentrate
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_focus_a_wandering_mind
- ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/add-adhd/how-to-improve-focus-in-kids
- ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/distractibility-inattention/child-trouble-focusing
- ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/10-ways-fun-study/
- ↑ https://www.washburn.edu/academics/center-student-success/student-success-collaborative/Navigate-Study-Buddies.pdf
- ↑ https://time.com/3518053/perfect-break/
- ↑ https://www.uindy.edu/studentcounseling/files/studyingfromhomeduringcoronavirusdukekunshanu.pdf
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210114-why-youre-more-creative-in-coffee-shops
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_practice_mindfulness_throughout_your_work_day
About This Article
To concentrate on your homework, start by settling into a quiet place and putting your phone away so it's not a distraction. Then, tackle your hardest or most time-consuming homework assignments first to get them out of the way. Try to finish each task before moving onto something else since jumping between assignments can disrupt your focus. Also, take 5-minute breaks every 30 minutes so your homework doesn't feel endless and you have something to look forward to. To learn how to stay motivated while doing your homework, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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