So you know when you're working on a project and you fall into the trap of, I'll just check my email real quick and get back to work, but you end up watching Youtube videos and checking out Pinterest as well? Hours pass by and when you finally close off those tabs, you feel too tired to process anything, so you push it off until tomorrow...
Been there. Done that.
It's hard to stay focused on something for long, especially if it's stuff like school...but here are a few tips and examples of my own to help you stay focused and get stuff done!
1. Take A Break
As you know, I'm editing my book from NaNo. It's tedious work, having to see if everything is spelled correctly, if everything is grammatically correct, having to add more or take away things, and so on... It's tiresome on my eyes too. So, every hour or so, I take a break. I get up and stretch, perhaps grab a snack, anything else besides sitting at the computer. Once I'm refreshed, I sit back down and start writing again.
Now, if it's something like school (bleh), I'd suggest doing your homework in 30-60 minute increments and having a 15 minute break in between. That way, you can still be focused on school, yet be refreshed.
Why take a break?
Because if you keep trying to do whatever it is you're working on even though you feel bleh, you'll be slower. You may have to go back and reread something because you didn't understand it or perhaps your eyes won't be able to focus.
2. Turn Off Your Wifi
Yes, I just said that. Turn off the wifi on your computer or phone or ect... Let's face it, the internet is a blackhole of distractions. There's never nothing to do on it! (double negative, I know) Unless you need the internet for something, turn it off. Please. It will save you lots of time.
My family turns the wifi off at night and sometimes I'm writing when they turn it off. Thankfully, my writing platform doesn't need wifi to work. And you know what? I get the most writing done with it off! The internet can't distract me.
3. Have Something To Motivate You
Hoooooowwwww can I be motivated to do something I don't want to do, like school?
Reward yourself! And not just a pat on the back. I mean, getting a special snack, or buying some songs you've been wanting, or watching a movie you've been waiting to see.
This has really helped me when editing. My mom said we would go to the movies if I finished editing the two chapters I've been working on. And I must say Marvel's Civil War WAS SO AMAZING GAHHHH, I CAN'T STOP THE FEELLLLLLZZZZZ.
The next reward for me is after I get done with editing half-way through my book (which is close, eek!), I'm gonna buy myself a book I've been wanting sooooo bad.
4. Sprint
I don't mean actual running, I mean having a race with yourself. This kind of goes hand-in-hand with #1. See how much you can get done in a certain time limit and take a break, then do it again.
While competing in NaNoWriMo, people would hold word sprints. Usually they'd go on for 15 minutes and I'd write as much and as fast as I could in that limit. Once time was up, I saw how many words I wrote and tried to beat that the next time. It was quite fun and it helped get my word count in for the day!
5. Stay Hydrated and Don't Eat Sugary Foods and Drinks
Eating and drinking stuff with lots of sugar in it (soda, candy bars, ect...) may give you a small boost, but the sugar drop is nasty. It will leave you feeling tired and sluggish. You don't need that when you're trying to finish a project! Drink lots of water and eat fruits, nuts, veggies, granola, ect...
I hope this will help you! If you have any other tips or if one of these helped you leave a comment below! I'd love to hear from you! :)
Time to start editing again!
Ciao!
*glares at un-edited novel chapters*
ReplyDelete*remembers deadline*
*growls*
Lolz I really should work on that hahahahaha anyways...
Lovely post darling <3
-Anna
www.demigodsandunicornsblog.weebly.com
Lol, really though. xD Thanks girl! <3
DeleteThat was amazing!!! Lovely post! l will definitely be useing these. ;)
ReplyDeleteSimple Sentiments
Thanks Hannah! :) <3
Delete