Major external distractions and their fixes to better education, Part-01

All this while we have been discussing, writing and talking about ways to prepare better for our examination. Here we deal with the core problems that disrupt our concentration and hamper our spontaneity. We see how simple gadgets and our simple environment which is otherwise kind and sublime to us can actually have a negative impact when we actually sit down to study. Hence, we should then start disciplining ourselves so that we utilize the time to studies to actually study.

For major internal distractions and information on how to handle them please, click here.

Mobile Phones

Technology has rightly been called a boon and a bane. Today mobile phones have transcended from being a luxury to being a mere necessity. However, as helpful it might be it also forms a major distraction to people who are studying.  With thousands of applications, games to play, friends to text music to listen to and above all calls to attend and make it distracts us, occupying most of our attention and using most of our precious time.

However, one should learn to overcome this hurdle by disciplining himself. He should either switch off his phone or keep it on silent during the studying hours. Talking over the phone is a major distraction and should be avoided at all times. Calls missed can always be returned once a particular portion has been covered or during study breaks.

Computers and Laptops

Well it is seldom that we use the computer directly for our preparations. We either take printouts of the material directly from the net or don’t use the computer at all. However computers and laptops are another major hurdle to our studies. With growing connectivity and face book fever has us all glued to the screen for all the wrong reasons. YouTube, instant messaging and mails are a constant distraction to our studies.

The fix to this is simple, we need to keep the computer switched off when not in use, face book, instant chats and games should not distract us. Best ever if we are able to study in a room that is devoid of such temptation.

Friends

Well, reality can get harsh at times. Though our friends have the best interest in minds however if they do not have the same timetable as us, and if they have no examinations approaching then they will have no reason to study and thus this will definitely get us off our grid. However, if your friends belong to the same study group then that would not be a problem, since you both have examinations to prepare for.

The simple fix to this is you either learn to study by yourself or with a study partner.  And as far as your friends are concerned, well if they are your true friends then they will definitely understand you, and know that you should not be disturbed because you need to study and leave you to it, however if your friends don’t allow you to study then you need to take it from them for your score.

Noisy Neighborhood

In India the system of joint families are common thus increasing the number of members in a family well above five. And a person studying from home finds it extremely difficult to find a quiet space and time to study for his examinations. Many times this resorts to people preparing for their examination to lead an erratic lifestyle defined by sleeping throughout the day when everyone is awake and preparing at night when everybody is asleep.

This is an effective solution but in the long run it plays havoc with our physical system.  Other effective solutions to this problem that is if you are unwilling to burn the midnight oil would be to ask your parents to devout to you a quiet room where you can study in peace. You can also escape to quiet places like parks and libraries or coffee houses to study.

Your Body

This is another area that needs developing. Our own body and our physical needs can be in itself an obstacle to studying at a stretch without really getting distracted. Not minutes into our studying routine we start to feel lethargic, sleepy, hungry and devoid of concentration. This should be avoided.

Before sitting to study we should be over with all our physical needs. We should make sure that we have consumed enough food to not make us feel hungry nor over eaten so we begin to feel lethargic. We should also choose that time to study when our mind is fresh and we can concentrate maximum.

For major internal distractions and information on how to handle them please, click here.