Staying focused is not always an easy feat, whether it’s trying not fall asleep in class or trying to stop thinking about your concerns. Distractions are all around us, its that thought you have in the middle of a conversation, it’s the phone call from a loved one, even the lack of sleep you got the night before. I am going to share some of the ways I have dealt with my distractions and some tips I picked up on how to deal with them so that you can get work done efficiently.
Staying Away from Your Bedroom:
As college students, we often have a lot of weird spaces in our schedules and in between our classes to eat, relax our minds, finish up homework, or study. However, when you choose to spend that free time in the comfortable environment of your room you are less likely to get your responsibilities done on time. Speaking from personal experience, 
staying in your bedroom all days distracts you from the realities of what you have to do for the day! So stay away from the poisoned mattress and try spending your free time in the library where you can remain active and focused. We have all been victims to the surprise nap attack, the longer you stay in bed the drowsier you become!
Leaving Your Phone on Silent or Vibrate:
This tip is especially helpful during class if your phone is always on silent, you are less tempted on checking that notification or having that embarrassing moment in class when your rings aloud. This is fairly obvious but it is easier said than done!
Disabling Your Mind from Wandering:
You have questions and concerns, that’s understandable but don’t overthink your problems while you are in class or in the middle of something important. Whatever the concern is can wait, your grades and goals are top priority. Have something on your mind that you just can’t stop thinking of? Talk to someone about it. There is always someone you can talk to whether its professionally or personally about the thing that is causing you to lose focus. Try to block negative emotions and thoughts, stay positive in even the worst of situations and things will turn out differently. Life is too short for constant negative vibes.
Separating Your Personal Life and Your Student Life:
One has to be able to tell when something in one’s personal life is affecting other parts. If there is any issue or person so distracting that you yourself can tell that it is causing you to 
fail in your academics, then its time to either find a solution or drop it. That is the harsh reality of adulthood, learning to let certain people or things go because the relationship is toxic or the issue irreparable. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from achieving your goals and stop you from getting amazing grades, is it too distracting? Cut it.
Getting a Good Night’s Rest:
Sleep is very important, and many college students don’t get enough of it. It’s one of those things you are tired of hearing yet do it anyways, not sleeping enough hours. For you to function during the day and focus in class one must get at least seven hours of sleep! It is not always easy to do but if you manage your time wisely and get done all of your work during the afternoons, the nights are free for you to do whatever you want and get enough sleep time in. Not only are you better prepared to take on the day’s activities but you are automatically in a better mood and state of mind. Not only are you more relaxed because you gave your body what it needed but you are also less likely to have negative thoughts and feelings.
My mother used to tell me, “Even crazy people give good advice”. That doesn’t mean to exercise their advice always, it just means to take it into consideration because there is a lesson to be learned from everyone. Hopefully, you’ll take mine on dealing with distractions.
Leobianny H. Class of 2019 Majors: English & Communication Workshop Theme: Embracing the Uncomfortable
Please Note: The views of our student bloggers do not necessarily reflect the views of the UAlbany Advisement Services Center. These are their stories and their voices.
UAlbany Project MyStory 
0 comments on “Advice from a Crazy Person”