Hello again, dear juniors! I bet many of you hear this daily at home – “THROW THAT PHONE AWAY!”. So, let’s gift our moms and ourselves a break from the mobile.
Imagine that we’re chilling at the chai stall, and I am sharing study tips with you. Ready for some distraction-free study guidance? Let’s start talking about it.
Kicking Online Distractions
Alright, let’s be honest. The online world is like an open bag of chips; once you start, stopping is impossible. Not until the battery dies, at least.
Nowadays we are so swayed by social media, we spend half of our day scrolling reels without realizing it. We get so ingrained in what’s happening in other peoples’ lives that we stop working on our lives.
I get it, scrolling is very addictive, I’ve done it too. But you need to understand that scrolling away your time is the worst thing you can do with it. It does not help you be productive but it does not help you relax properly either.
It is like a useless activity that shortens your attention span even more, creates a lot of FOMO in your head, makes you insecure, makes you feel isolated and ugly and even affects the body negatively.
Taming the Social Media Monster
Social Media is the biggest enemy of every student. You need to make sure that you have it under control.
Every few minutes, there’s a story, a post, a message! Here’s the plan: turn off notifications from social media apps. Yes, mute those alerts that something new has dropped. Or better, switch off your mobile data or wifi, do not receive the messages only.
If there’s an urgent message, they can call your parents or roommate. For now, nothing’s more dear than NEET, only NEET must be on your mind.
The Almighty App Blockers
Heard of app blockers? They’re your watchmen at the apps. You can set timers on distracting apps – they’ll lock you out after you have used up your daily time allowance. Sounds silly, I know, but it works as a reminder that you are wasting your time.
Nowadays, you can also set a daily limit on all these apps. They will help you make a clear distinction between mindless scrolling and addiction. The reminders also keep popping up every 15 minutes till you set them off.
No matter the temptation, don’t uninstall the blocker or cancel the reminder. Initially, you’ll get irritated and will want to waste some more time. But eventually you’ll come to terms with it. We’ve got self-control, right? So, lock them up, you can do this bro.
The Ultimate Study Sanctuary
See I’m hoping you have the NCERT books. You will study from the books, right? So, no mobiles on the study table. If you’re watching YouTube lectures, borrow another person’s phone. It’ll have fewer distractions. Or use a tablet or a laptop if you have access to one.
Your study space should be free of any distraction or irritation, with only study materials in sight. Trust me, it’ll make all the difference in the world.
Also keep everything accessible in your study space. This will make it even more easier to study without interruptions.
Airplane Mode FTW
Another thing you can do is: Download YouTube videos that you want to watch. Make them available offline. Then, Switch your device to airplane mode or ‘Do Not Disturb’.
This will make sure that you can use your mobile without distractions.
It might feel unsettling in the start, you’ll start thinking that you’re missing out. But remember, everything can wait except NEET, NEET is the only priority.
Pomodoro Technique
This one’s my personal favorite – the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for 45 minutes, start working, then take a 15-minute break. Rinse and repeat.
This will help if you are addicted to your mobile. Initially you will be allowed to use it every 45 minutes for a 15 minute interval. But slowly, I promise you, you yourself will want to do something more relaxing in the break. You will want to take a nap or just read a book.
You can download a Pomodoro app on your phone. It’ll also lock your phone during those 25 minutes, preventing any mindless scrolling. This is a very efficient way of studying.
NEET Students Need Sleep
I’ve said this a hundred times before, no mobile before sleep. Turn off screens an hour before you sleep. This will make sure that you do not feel sleepless in the night.
Earlier, I used to scroll for a very long time, after going to bed. This made it impossible to fall asleep. Then, because I couldn’t sleep, I used to get back to scrolling. A vicious loop.
Instead relax your mind with a book or soothing music. Do not compromise on your sleep. Mindless scrolling can mess up your sleep schedule, so be aware and don’t yet the blue light get to you.
What You Can Do With Your Time, Instead Of Scrolling It Away.
Physical Activities: The Brain Boosters
When the brain’s tired, get the body moving. Physical activities not only keep you fit but also refresh your mind.
Morning Walks – There’s something special about the morning air. A 20-minute walk can set a very positive vibe for the day.
Yoga – It declutters the mind. A calm mind is much more productive than an aggravated one. Try some basic Yoga poses to keep stress at bay.
Dance Breaks – Once in a while, just shake it off! Way better than wasting time online.
Food for Thought: Brainy Bites
Eating is an art, especially when feeding your brain. Snack smart, stay active, and avoid laziness.
Almonds & Walnuts – The brain boosters. Moms are always right!
Fruits – Vitamin C rich fruits like oranges can give you that instant energy boost.
Stay Hydrated – Keep a bottle handy and sip regularly.
Music: The Unsung Hero
Music can be therapeutic.
Classical Tunes – You can also listen to Indian classical tunes and work with them.
White Noise – Background sounds like rainfall or waves can help you focus.
Instrumental Beats – Distracted by lyrics? Go for pure instrumental beats.
That’s how you make good use of your phone.
DIY Study Tools: Craft it Out
Student’s workspace with colorful study tools. A bit of art, a bit of craft, and voila – your personalized study tools!
Flashcards – Great for quick revisions.
Mind Maps – A boon for visual learners. Draw out complex concepts.
Replace your phone wallpapers with these. Every time you use your phone, you’ll be reminded of the time you’re wasting.
Nature Breaks: Embrace the Green
Nature is healing. When screens get too much, turn to nature.
Gardening – It’s therapeutic.
Sit in the gallery – Relax with a cup of tea and listen to/watch the birds early in the morning.
Swap your scrolling sessions with these calming activities.
The NEET success dream.
That’s a wrap on tech-proof study hacks. Something you can do to keep yourself disciplined is stick a warning on your study desk. It’ll serve as a constant reminder.
Always remember, gadgets are tools that you can use, they are not your masters. With these strategies, you’ll be more focused and free from distractions.
Also, as harsh as it sounds: Being a doctor ‘a medico’ demands discipline. It is not a extra skill that you can or cannot have, it is one of the most important necessities. You cannot not be disciplined and expect to get into a top medical college.
Signing off with high-fives, your NEET senior is here to help your tech-proof and distraction-free way to success!
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