10 Ways to Manage Your Gadgets While Studying

Of course, technology has changed our lives significantly. The latest gadgets or devices give us access to research opportunities and a limitless supply of information to get in the blink of an eye. However, the same gadgets that help us learn might slow down the studying process instead of speeding it up. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to manage your gadgets while you study.

Each of us spends several hours a day on the Internet. Of course, the best way to stop the device distraction is to turn it off. However, there are other ways too. In this article, we’ve put together a few steps for you to be productive and manage your gadgets while studying.

Manage Your Gadgets While Studying with These Effective Tips

1. Use apps that block notifications.

One of the most radical ways to make you more focused is to turn on “airplane mode” on your phone. It blocks all notifications and calls for the selected period of time. So, before starting your study session, switch on this mode until your homework is done.

Another way is to turn off the wi-fi connection, unless you’re working on your laptop. Admit it – you can’t do a brilliant job without paying full attention to it. Such a step completely eliminates the possibility of notifications interfering with your studies.

2. Develop a schedule with time frames.

Do you intend to study for a specific period, say 50 minutes? Download the app that keeps track of time or just use the alarm. After you activate “airplane mode” or turn the wi-fi off, set a timer for 50 minutes and put your phone down. When the alarm goes off, turn on notifications for a couple of minutes to receive messages.

Many believe the most useful apps are Pomodoro and Unplugged. They set the timer and remind you to put your phone away every time you pick it up at the wrong time.

3. Tell everyone you will be unavailable.

Sometimes when we’re fully concentrated, everyone starts trying to reach us. This way, parents may want you to go to the nearest store to buy vegetables, grandmother may need you to install the latest version of Skype, and friends may ask which photo is better to post on Facebook.

This may sound overwhelming, but in reality, all you need to do is just tell your loved ones that you will be unavailable due to school tasks. Pick a specific time so they know they won’t reach you during this period.

In addition to gadgets, we can be distracted by unfinished business when its deadline is close. That is why many students turn to essay writing professionals, as it’s often simply impossible to finish everything on time. And while the author is working on your paper, you can devote yourself entirely to other study assignments.

4. Manage your gadgets by keeping them out of sight.

In 2017, a group of scientists from the University of Texas came to a disappointing conclusion. Participants were told to leave their gadgets on the table, screen-side down, in their pocket, in a bag, or in another room. Their findings show that a gadget lying on the table and not in use also affects the productivity of its owner.

The study found that people who left their phones in another room significantly outperformed those who left their smartphones on the table in front of them. Their results were also slightly better than those who put their phones in a bag or pocket.

Therefore, an effective method is to move the phone out of sight. Give it to a friend if you cannot part with it yourself. 

5. Organize the learning process.

The next step is to write a to-do list so you have a clear action plan for your study session. Divide large-scale tasks into several steps. 

For example, suppose you are working on a presentation. In that case, the steps can be as follows: analysis of all information, choosing the main points, working on the first/second/third part, designing the slides, and final editing. When the task is done, be sure to cross out what you do from the list. It brings amazing pleasure.

6. Use breaks wisely to get up and move around.

You may be tempted to fill the pause between sessions by scrolling the feed. However, resist it. Better make yourself some herbal tea, go outside, or listen to bird singing. Use these short breaks to reflect on the task, recharge, and consider alternative approaches.

7. Keep only one gadget open while studying.

Of course, when you can’t do your homework without Internet access, we suggest doing it on a device that will be used only for school projects. Let’s take your laptop, for example. It will be of great use once you block access to social networks through the browser.

8. Create a folder with a special name as a deterrent.

Try collecting the most distracting apps in a folder with a specific name, say “Senseless” or “Time Consuming.” The folder name will constantly remind you of the importance of not opening it.

9. Do a general digital cleaning to manage your gadgets effectively.

See what’s installed on your phone and delete everything requiring too much time and attention, including news apps. This also helps minimize distractions and is surprisingly refreshing. 

See which applications duplicate the functions of others installed on your devices. It might be worth deleting mail from your phone if you are used to checking it on your laptop. Or get rid of the news app if you have access to the same information from your tablet.

10. Manage your gadgets by anticipating your reactions.

One of the reasons why it is better to spend 5-10 minutes between sessions away from your phone is that you can get nervous about new messages. You never know whether you will receive a frustrating message or a funny one. In any case, it can influence your mood. 

So, check your social media when you are confident that you have the focus and energy to deal with it. Then, you can respond to emails, not worrying about your emotional balance.

In conclusion.

In the 21^st century, users are constantly at risk of being trapped. We bring new devices into our lives without wondering whether we can control our impulses to use them all the time. For many years, scientists have been studying the effect of gadgets on the human brain. The results are saddening: checking the phone, reading posts, and viewing pictures significantly reduce our ability to concentrate.

Considering that gadgets entertain us, we are distracted by them more often than by anything else. However, you must avoid allowing them to distract you. If you have any questions or suggestions, we always love to hear from you in the comments below. Also below are links to more fantastic articles about ALL things DESIGN for your home or business.

Images Courtesy of Canva.

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