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Beating Distractions at Home

Home is typically the best place to study. There’s no place like home where you are guaranteed a space to study without jostling with crowds, permitted to wear (or not wear) anything you want, get iced water when you’re thirsty, take a bath when you’re sleepy, or switch on the fan when the weather is hot.

That’s right. You are in full control at home. Too many distractions at home? This is just an excuse. You can get rid of the distractions if you set your mind on it.

Study like a hermit

Do you really need the internet to study? Or is that just an excuse to justify watching your garden grow on Facebook when you’re supposed to be studying? If you have been paying attention in class, your notes and your teachers’ lecture notes should be adequate to help you understand the exam syllabus. If you really need to use the internet to look up some answers, do so when you’re already immersed in the study mood, or at the end of your study session. Alternatively, call your friends or teachers and ask them for help.

Switch off your handphone when you’re not using it. Replying to messages and emails can take up more time than perceived, especially when you and your friends are messaging each other to and fro.

Keep those gadgets away

Hide your laptop and PlayStation. Switch off your computer and television. For the weak minded, stick a notice across your screens with bold words “I don’t want to fail my exams”.

If your family members want to watch television or do karaoke in your presence, implore them not to do so for your sake. After all, a family is supposed to share weal and woe together, right?

If you have your notes typed, print them out if you must. Reading off paper is far kinder on your eyes than reading off the computer screen. You will be able to focus better and for longer when your eyes are refreshed.

Stay in your seat

Most people study for one to two hours before taking a break. If you keep leaving your seat during this short time, you will end up having less time to study.

Anticipate your needs and get hold of them before you start your study session. If you will be using stationery, lay them out before you. Keep a bottle of water at hand so that you will not need to head to the kitchen frequently.

Make yourself comfortable before you start studying. This means comfortable clothes, taking a bath if required, and adjusting the lighting and room temperature appropriately. This way, you do not waste time trying to adjust to an uncomfortable environment, and then waste even more time making changes to your environment.

Sit up properly

If you study on the bed or lounge on a couch, you will most likely feel sleepy. Don’t do that. Instead, sit up properly in a comfortable chair in front of a table.

Don’t munch while you study

Your concentration will be divided between chewing actions, thinking about the food, and studying. It is also bad for health as you may subconsciously overeat and put on weight. Save the snacking for one of your breaks.

Dealing with noisy family members

Your family members may not realize that they are disturbing you when they talk loudly, squabble or turn up the volume on the television, radio or PlayStation. Do not escalate the conflict into a shouting match. Instead, explain your difficulties politely. If your words are not getting through to your younger sibling, ask your parents for help.

Dealing with noisy neighbours

Most people don’t realize how loud they get, and are often apologetic when informed. Tell your neighbours politely when their volume level gets disturbing. A sweet smile and apologetic expression often help. If they are decent people and do not harbour any enmity towards you, they should heed your request (and that is why being on good terms with your neigbours is important!).

If your neighbour is conducting renovation work during your study period, not all is lost. HDB laws restrict noisy renovation work such as demolition of walls, removing wall and floor finishes, cutting of tiles and drilling works to 9.00am to 5.00pm daily on weekdays. If your neighbour’s contractor breaches this law, give your neighbour a polite reminder.

If all else fails, invest in some good ear plugs.

Distractions are always present. It is entirely up to you to eliminate them. If you can resist temptation, you will not only score well in your exams, but also emerge a stronger and wiser person.

– This article first appeared in a lifestyle magazine