Distractions
I have no problems making specific goals and setting aside enough
time to study but I am always getting distracted by family, friends and
my dog. I can't seem to get back to what I was doing before I was interrupted
and I never get enough work done.
Distractions are a part of everyday life and while you can't avoid them
completely, you can take steps to lessen their impact on your study time.
Family, friends, television, other responsibilities, fatigue, emotional
distress, and hunger are all distractions that can prevent you from focusing
on your studies.
Strategies for Reducing Distractions
Setting boundaries
Working on an online course when there are other, more interesting things
to do takes discipline. Setting boundaries is one way to support your
decision to do course work. Setting boundaries could mean turning the
ringer off on the phone, shutting the door to the computer room, asking
your children, spouse, or roommate to give you time alone to study. Setting
boundaries could also mean consciously deciding not to think about a personal
problem until a later time and redirecting your attention back to your
studies when your thoughts wander. While setting boundaries may feel like
you are depriving yourself of good things like the company of loved ones,
it also acknowledges your need for time and space to accomplish your goals.
Get the support of co-workers, family, and friends.
You may need to negotiate for time at the computer and for uninterrupted
time while you're there, particularly if you have small children or share
access to a computer with a roommate or co-worker.
Choose a good place to study.
Choose a place, if possible, that does not have a view of other activities
you want to be involved in, with good lighting and enough space to spread
out your course materials.
Competition for computer access at home or work can be distracting. Decide
which course work can be done away from the computer, and which tasks
must be done on the computer, such as reading and responding to messages.
Online course pages, such as assignment directions, can be printed off.
Keep a distractions list.
Often while you are trying to concentrate on your course, other tasks
will come to mind, such as appointments or errands. Write these down as
they occur and set the list aside. Often writing them down will clear
them out of your mind until you're ready to take care of them.
Try to study when you are rested and fed.
Hunger and fatigue are powerful physical distractions. Fix a snack to
eat while studying. Drink water while studying; a well-hydrated person
thinks better than a dehydrated one. If you feel fatigued, close your
eyes for a minute or exercise them by moving them up and down and side
to side, and focusing them far away and close by. Take stretch breaks.
 
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