For Holy Cross students, this year’s final exam period begins on May 9th, with a four-day reading period preceding this starting point. Since this is the case, I have begun to consider my plan of attack regarding the efficient completion of my major assignments.
With my phone almost always in reach while I’m studying, I have a bad habit of taking one too many “phone breaks” when I should be focusing on my work. While placing my phone in my backpack and zipping it closed ceases distraction for a limited amount of time, I’ve concluded that having the option of opening social media apps altogether, for example, should probably be eliminated in my case.
In recognizing this, I thought back to an anti-distraction method that one of my roommates and fellow Her Campus member, Rhiannon, has incorporated into her own study sessions. She recently purchased the Brick, which, to put it simply, is a physical object that disables apps of your choosing on your phone. The only way to reverse these restrictions is to tap your phone against the Brick. Rhiannon leaves the Brick, a magnetic device, on our fridge, so when she is studying outside of our apartment, she has no way of exiting “focus mode” after activation.
While I have yet to purchase the Brick, I definitely think doing so would be a smart idea. Rhiannon sings the Brick’s praises, mentioning on multiple occasions that it has undoubtedly helped improve her degree of productivity. If you need a little extra help focusing on your assessments during this year’s finals period, I would be sure to look into the Brick!