Self-discipline can be futile when surrounded by a myriad of distractions that lie beyond your pen. Here are 11 tips for reducing distractions the next time you need to focus.

1. Before starting, get small chores or other tasks out of the way, to reduce the internal distraction of mind clutter.


2. Write a study session plan, including page numbers to read, problem sets to do and necessary review.


3. Put your phone in another room, unless the material you're working on relies upon an app. Mute it and turn on flight mode.


4. Same goes for the laptop. If you only plan on taking notes from books or printouts, keep the laptop in another room.


5. When you're out, turn off your phone and laptop, and keep them in your bag. When not possible (maybe you're waiting on an important call or need your laptop for research), consider an app or browser plugin / extension, such as Forest, to keep you on your toes.



Gain a fresh perspective, be accountable and avoid unexpected visitors.

6. Remove unrelated material away from your workspace and out of sight. For example, if you're working on an English assignment, only relevant textbooks, notebooks and required stationery should be on your desk.


7. Without resorting to a smartphone, listen to nature sounds or music without lyrics to help concentration. Or, if you must keep your phone or laptop nearby, try Coffitivity to add ambience to your workspace, enhance creativity and increase focus.


8. Inform people of when you're going to study, for how long or when you think you'll be finished, and request you only be interrupted in the event of an emergency.


9. Use a (Please) Do Not Disturb sign. If you're sharing a room, you could create a colorful sign to place on your desk instead.


10. Use a small whiteboard to write motivational messages to yourself that change per session. Say you're not doing very well in a language, for the study session write: "Memorize 5 verbs per day. You still have 2 weeks! You got this."


11. Go to a cafe, library or other public space. Gain a fresh perspective, be accountable to strangers and avoid unexpected visitors. Sit such that your back faces most people. You won't know who's watching when you're not being productive and will be less likely to procrastinate.