If you're anything like me, procrastination is your number one enemy when it comes to completing assignments— and even in the first week of college classes, work can already start to pile on. So, for those times when your mind refuses to function, take a look at this list and these helpful tips might improve your concentration.
1. Take a walk
Even the simplest form of exercise can help refresh your mind. A leisurely walk around the block will give you a much-needed change of scenery, and just a little movement can release endorphins- which not only help you feel better but help you think better, too!
2. Organize your room
Don't spend hours trying to get everything perfect, but taking a few minutes to give your room a quick spruce up can really boost concentration. Having clutter only adds to stress, so getting away from the computer and moving around a bit will clear your space and clear your mind.
3) Download the Forest app
While I don't often use apps to track my personal life, I found this one did a good job of zeroing in on my priorities and holding me accountable for what needs to get done. You can set an amount of time and the app will plant a sprout. If you exit the app to text or browse Facebook, the sprout dies. This app is super cheap (it is around $2) and it's super satisfying to watch your little forest grow!
4. Meditate
Meditation is one of the best ways to practice mindfulness. Though it may take some time to get the hang of it, once you do, it can be a very efficient way to stay focused. The entire basis for meditation is to stay present and focused— controlling your thoughts to combat worry, stress, and anxiety. Once you've become skilled in meditation, it will take less time to get your mind calm and focused— which leaves more time to get shit done!
5. Take care of your plants
I love plants and my room doesn't feel complete without a succulent here and there. Tending to plants— and just connecting to nature in general— can be very therapeutic. If you don't have plants, now's a great time to get some! You don't have to have a green thumb to be successful, just some diligence. In fact, if you have trouble staying on track, this helps to build healthy habits (like remembering to water them every day/week/etc). That can transfer over to schoolwork as well.
6. Workout
For those who are more athletically inclined, a short workout will do wonders for your ability to refocus. As I mentioned earlier, exercise releases endorphins, which help to boost your mood and refresh your mind. So if a casual walk is too slow for you, a trip to the gym will do just as well— if not better!
7. Grab a snack
Another thing about me: I'm always hungry. You can never go wrong by using your break to grab some snacks. Whether this means fixing something in the kitchen or making a quick run to the coffee shop, snacks are important for replenishing energy and improving concentration. Just try to avoid junk food (as tempting as it is), as that could do more harm than good.
8. Go for a drive
Another thing about me: I like to drive. Given you have enough gas, a short drive— maybe to a part of town you've never been or a park you like to frequent— can provide some pleasant distractions when you need to get away from work. Breaking routine and exploring new areas might also help to open your mind and introduce new, fresh ideas.
9. Switch tasks
If you find yourself feeling bogged down with all the work you need to get done, take a breather by switching to a task you actually want to do. As long as you keep yourself in check and don't let it consume your afternoon, spending an hour engaging in a more preferable activity might make returning to work a bit more bearable.
10. Take a nap
I'd do my best to use this as a last resort, but sometimes the best way to recharge is a nice cat nap. It's amazing how much better you feel once you've gotten some rest— especially if you're sleep deprived (which I usually am). Be careful not to sleep too long, however, as we all know those quick naps can turn into five-hour siestas. So, it's best to set an alarm to limit your nap to about 30 minutes. This is the ideal length of time in order to feel refreshed when you wake up and not groggy and terrible (the way you might feel after one of those accidental marathon naps).
These tips may not work for everyone, so it never hurts to brainstorm your own. But if this semester ever finds you in a slump or feeling brain-dead, these quick tips could save your grade!
