Am I the only one who has so much to read for multiple classes? Or who has to watch a two-hour lecture? The amount of time it takes to read 18 chapters is truly diabolical – especially for someone whose attention span needs a little tweaking here and there (it’s not great). It seems every time I try to start a chapter, my phone starts calling my name. I give in, and then a cycle continues in which my brain fights to stay focused. This is why I have resorted to extreme measures to somehow better my attention span, even just a little. Here’s a little insight into what I have to do.
No, the title is not clickbait! I actually do this (ask my roommates). Out of complete boredom, I recently discovered that I am able to climb into the top space in our closet that’s empty. At first it was for fun, but when I had to read 18 chapters in two days, it became a sanctuary for my attention span. I threw my phone on my bed and shut myself in the closet with a book and a book light. I ended up finishing in time. Even if you just need time to think or are tired of watching Instagram Reels on your phone all day, the closet is the spot – nice, peaceful, and quiet.
Another thing I find helpful is giving my phone to people to hide. If I don’t even know where my phone is, then I won’t be able to use it. I don’t allow them to give it back until I do what I need to do for the day. It’s almost like a reward system. If you don’t have anyone to hide your phone for you, though, I would recommend just throwing it somewhere or leaving it charging so you forget about it. Out of sight, out of mind literally works. Just toss it over your shoulder and don’t think about it until your work is done.
A big one that people should practice more often is not touching your phone during a movie. It sounds like a simple task that people should already be doing, but trust me, it’s not. It has gotten so bad that screenwriters are being forced to adapt scripts for the “second screen,” meaning they’re making scripts easier to follow while you scroll on your phone. Insane! So, this is a challenge that you could set for yourself at home – or, if it’s easier, go to the movie theater!
I know a lot of people say this, but romanticize everything! Often, the ambiance can change the mood and force you into wanting to complete your tasks. If you want to read a book, light some candles, put on a face mask, and maybe listen to some classical music, then relax and grab a book that you have been meaning to read. You can pretend to be the main character in the library with your headphones on and get distracted by your work. I promise the vibes will build up the anticipation for the task that you want to do.
This is not an unhinged tip, but it’s useful. I also tend to use audiobooks a lot, especially when it comes to reading for class because we know how hard reading for class is (no matter how much you enjoy reading in your free time). Audiobooks are literally my all-time favorite because I can multitask while also completing my reading assignments for my class. I usually go on walks or clean my room, and by the time I know it, I’ve finished all the reading that I have to do. It’s a lifesaver! I 100% recommend trying it out.
Lastly, when we need to do something that we dread, like homework, we often find it hard to start that task. So, instead of writing on the calendar, “Finish group project,” try keeping it simple and write, “Open your computer.” When you reduce tasks to simple actions, it makes it easier for you to complete them. Reading simple tasks rather than huge, dreadful ones can be easier to get you started! After all, that’s the hardest part – letting go of your fun doomscrolling to get to work. Once you open your computer, you start looking at things you need to do and you go from there!