Let’s face it:
Staying focused on one’s studies is not the easiest of tasks. Study
distractions are everywhere these days, and they’re either unavoidable or extremely
difficult to resist. If you have a hard time progressing in your IELTS training due to distractions, then this article
can help you out!
Here are some
of the most common study distractions today and the best ways to avoid or get
rid of them.
1. Your Mobile Phone
Your
mobile phone definitely deserves its spot as the top study distraction in this
article—and you probably know why.
Having
the entire Internet at your fingertips is both a blessing and a curse,
especially if you’re big on social media and mobile gaming. There’s the
temptation to check for messages and notification every time you hear your
phone chime. And, let’s be honest. Once you fold and open an app, it’ll be very
hard to return to your IELTS training.
How to avoid/get rid of it: Put your phone on silent mode and keep
it out of your sight. If you can’t stand being away from your phone, ask a
friend to hide it or keep it for you.
2. Your Housemates
Studying while your housemates are noisy
in the next (or the same!) room is not easy.
Imagine trying to review your IELTS UKVI review center materials while children play
and throw tantrums nearby, your housemates are throwing another party
downstairs, or your spouse/partner vies for your attention. While not all of
these scenarios are unwelcome, all of them can definitely derail your study
efforts.
How to avoid/get rid of it: Let your housemates know of your test
preparations. If the people you share space with cares about you, they’ll
understand and adjust to accommodate your needs accordingly. Otherwise,
consider taking your review efforts outside of your home.
3. Your Physical Needs
Did
you know that your body can derail your IELTS review just as effectively as any
other study distraction? Hunger, thirst, drowsiness, and physical discomfort
reduces your concentration and retention. Bathroom breaks are also study
distractions—not because they can affect your mental faculties, but because
they can derail your study focus.
How to avoid/get rid of it: Attend to and anticipate your physical
needs. Take a nap, eat a light but filling meal, and use the bathroom before
your study session. Keep a water bottle near you at all times.
4. Your Other Commitments
Are
you currently employed? Still studying in high school or college? If so, then
you know how it can sometimes get in the way of your IELTS preparations.
There
will be days when you’ll be so tired or drained from work/school that you won’t
be able to focus on your test review. Just like there will be days when you
have to set aside your IELTS training to
accomplish take-home work. Among the distractions in this list, this is the one
that’s trickiest to deal with. You can’t exactly ignore your commitments for
your exam prep.
How to avoid/get rid of it: Know your schedule and priorities.
Create a timetable, at least for the duration of your IELTS
training period, and plot out the things you need to. During your IELTS
study sessions, clear your desk of anything related to your other commitments.
Focus on your test review only.
Don’t let any of these
things interfere with your test preparations. Take active measures to avoid
them so you can focus on your exam review. Want to learn more tips and tricks
to supercharge your training? Enroll in the nearest JRooz IELTS UKVI review center in your area!
References:
"7 Study
Distractions and How Best to Escape Them." 4Tests.com. September 27, 2015.
Accessed May 29, 2018. https://blog.4tests.com/7-study-distractions-and-how-best-to-escape-them/.
"How to
Overcome Distractions When It’s Time To Study." Personal Excellence.
October 01, 2017. Accessed May 29, 2018. https://personalexcellence.co/blog/overcome-study-distractions/.
"Ready?
Set? Concentrate!" Academic Success Center. October 27, 2016. Accessed May
29, 2018. http://success.oregonstate.edu/learning/ready-set-concentrate.
Roell, Kelly.
"10 Study Distractions You Should Avoid." ThoughtCo. Accessed May 29,
2018. https://www.thoughtco.com/external-internal-study-distractions-3211505.