love,tin

I tend to beat myself up a lot for not being disciplined enough to carry out the dark academia lifestyle. It’s difficult to remember that everyone’s struggling with paying attention. So, I compiled a few things that have helped me developed some habits for lengthening my attention span during class!

1. Don’t immediately reach for your phone when bored. 

Generally the first step to training yourself out of this habit is to practice it outside of class. If you have access to them, video games are a great way to relieve boredom. It isn’t instant gratification in the same way social media is, and, depending on the game, requires focus. It isn’t inherently academic and won’t take up too much brainpower, which is perfect for curing boredom and getting yourself away from the instant gratification mindset.

2. When watching a show/movie, don’t get sidetracked or do other things.

I have found myself watching one of my favorite shows (criminal minds) and not being able to go without checking my phone throughout the entire 40 minute period. Pour your focus and energy into whichever show or movie you’re watching. For example, with criminal minds, try and form a profile with them, or construct your own theories. If you really need to take a break from watching, pause the show, and give yourself a 5 minute limit. Finishing what you start is a huge part of this.

3. If you’re in college, attend zoom lectures and not just pre-recorded ones.

This helps hold you accountable for paying attention in class. If comfortable, turn your camera on– not only for yourself, but also to help your professor feel more comfortable teaching. Being there in real time makes you more likely to ask questions and take detailed notes. If possible, treat the pre-recorded lectures as more of a textbook or resource than an actual class.

4. Find something to do with your hands.

Not only is your phone something to look at, it’s something to do. Find something else to replace it with. It could be something designated for fidgeting (fidget cube or spinner), or it could just be mindless doodling on paper. I formed a ring out of polymer clay that I spin between my index finger and thumb.

5. Start simple.

Don’t just immediately decide that you’re never going to use social media ever again. Set a simple goal for yourself, like spending an hour a day separated from your phone and electronics. For this, I like to use the app Bakery on my phone. It allows you to set a timer for a baked good, and if you leave the app for more than 10 seconds, the baked good burns. Of course, this isn’t going to wholly prevent you from using your phone during the allotted time, but for me, it served as a good reminder of what im striving towards. 

25|03|2021

long time, no post… things have been crazy and difficult and a bit overwhelming recently and my studyblr kinda suffered for it. but i’m hoping that now i’m on easter break for three weeks, i’m hoping that i can get on a bit more of a schedule and start posting properly again 

📚 serpent and dove