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Education

How to Stay Focused While Studying Online

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Hey, If you’ve ever opened your laptop for class and thought, “Ugh, not this again,” you’re not alone. Maybe your teacher’s voice sounds like background noise, your phone keeps buzzing, and your brain is busy planning what snack to eat next. Same. We’ve all been there. Online study can feel like a never-ending loop of clicking, yawning, and pretending to pay attention. But here’s the truth: you can train your brain to focus, even when it feels impossible. And no, it doesn’t mean becoming a robot or giving up fun. It just means learning a few tricks that actually work.
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” ― Zig Ziglar
So here’s what’s helped me—and a bunch of other students—stay focused when our brains are doing backflips

Your Study Space = Your Focus Zone

Let’s be honest: studying in bed sounds amazing. But it’s also a trap. You’ll end up sleepy, distracted, or watching cat videos.

Instead, find a small space that feels like your zone.

  • A desk, a corner, even a table with your favorite pen and water bottle
  • Add something fun—a sticker, a tiny toy, a photo of your best friend or pet
  • Keep it clean-ish. Messy space = messy brain

“Your environment shapes your energy. Make it work for you.”

The Timer Trick That Actually Works

I used to sit for hours trying to study and ended up doing… nothing. Then I found this trick:

  • Study for 25 minutes
  • Take a 5-minute break
  • Repeat 3 times, then take a longer break

It’s called the Pomodoro Technique, but I call it “Focus Sprints.” You race against the clock, then chill for a bit. It makes studying feel like a game.

“Small steps every day lead to big results.”

 

Your Phone Is Not Your Friend (During Study Time)

I know. It’s hard. Your phone is fun, comforting, and full of memes. But during study time? It’s the biggest distraction ever.

Here’s what I do:

  • Turn off notifications
  • Put it in another room
  • Use apps like Forest (you grow a tree while you stay focused—cool, right?)

“Distraction is the enemy of progress.”

Tiny Goals = Big Wins

Saying “I’ll study math” is like saying “I’ll climb a mountain.” It’s too big. Break it down.

  • “I’ll finish 5 questions”
  • “I’ll revise 10 new words”
  • “I’ll watch one science video and take notes”

Every time you tick something off, you feel like a superhero. And that feeling? It keeps you going.

“You don’t have to do everything. Just do something.”

 

Breaks That Actually Help

Scrolling through reels isn’t a break—it’s a black hole. Real breaks help your brain reset.
Try this:

  • Close your eyes and take 5 deep breaths
  • Do 10 jumping jacks
  • Walk around the house
  • Listen to a chill song

“Almost everything works better after a short break—including you.”

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to try.
Some days will be messy. Some days will be awesome. That’s normal.

Just show up. Do a little. Celebrate the small wins.
And remember—every time you choose to focus, even for a few minutes, you’re building something amazing.

“Believe in yourself. You’re braver than you think, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you know.”

―  A.A. Milne

You’ve got this. And I’m rooting for you.