I'll be the first to admit I have serious problems focusing, and with schoolwork piling up, it's not the best position to be in. It feels like I can never focus, and it's the worst when it's a topic I'm simply not interested in, but must complete.

1. Avoid Distractions

Put that phone down! I know the urge to check Snapchat or scroll through your Instagram feed can be overwhelming, but you will work so much more efficiently if you turn off your phone. Close the blinds if you tend to stare out the window. Turn off the music. Ask people to leave you alone. Find a quiet spot.

2. Install Apps

There are apps (Offtime, BreakFree, etc.) that can prevent you from accessing certain apps or websites for a set amount of time, so you can download one of those and stay away from YouTube for an hour or two.

3. Practice Focus

Focus doesn't always come naturally, and that's ok. It's like anything else, you just need practice. Start small, maybe doing something that you don't really enjoy for maybe fifteen-minute increments, and see if you can bring that up to thirty minutes, or even an hour.

4. Set Goals

Often, tasks are easier to accomplish when you set a goal for yourself. What do you want to accomplish? When do you want it done by? Why do you want it done?

5. Prioritize

You won't get anything done if you have a hundred things pending and you keep switching from task to task. Choose one or two tasks that you really need to finish and do those first. It also helps to finish the difficult tasks first and leave the easier tasks for later, when you're more tired.

6. Create A Schedule

Scheduling different times for you to start and stop working can help with your focus. Perhaps you focus better in the afternoon, or late at night. Schedule your most important tasks for those times.

7. Allow Yourself Breaks

Give yourself breaks. After an hour of work, giving yourself fifteen minutes to check your texts won't hurt, and can increase productivity afterward.