Are you one of those students who constantly struggles with procrastination and finds it challenging to focus on their studies? Do you often feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do, causing your GPA to drop? If so, then you’re not alone. Many students struggle with procrastination and distractions, which can lead to lower grades and increased stress. However, there are ways to overcome these challenges and improve your academic performance. In this article, we discuss tips and strategies to overcome procrastination and distraction, which ultimately lead to a higher GPA and less stress.
How to overcome procrastination and distraction
to improve your GPA and reduce stress
According to an article (5 Research-Based Strategies to Overcome Procrastination) by Chris Bailey, he identifies research-based content about why people procrastinate. So scientifically, there’s a reason why you procrastinate.
According to Piers Steel, 95% of people admit they procrastinate. Procrastination is a human condition. Tim Pychyl, author of Solving the Procrastination Problem, has identified seven triggers that make activities more frightening. Boredom, annoyance, difficulty, uncertainty, unstructuredness, not intrinsically fulfilling and lack of personal meaning are some of these causes. Procrastination appears to be neurologically mediated by the limbic system, the prefrontal cortex and the affective part of the brain (Bailey, 2017).
Knowing that procrastination is a human condition that can be dealt with, let’s take a look at the tips or strategies that can help us overcome procrastination and distractions to improve your GPA and reduce stress.
Identify the cause of your procrastination
Procrastination is often a symptom of underlying causes such as performance anxiety, lack of interest in the task at hand, or feeling overwhelmed. A Tim Pychyl identified the activities that cause procrastination and distraction, it is important to also identify the source of your problems to help with the best solution. Once you’ve identified the cause, you can address it and take steps to fix it.
Make a schedule
Make a daily or weekly schedule with study time, breaks and leisure activities. Stick to your schedule and avoid distractions during your study time. And make sure to change your study style. For example, if boredom puts you off, make your reading more fun by doing what you study, listening to good music, or studying in an active environment. But make sure you do what’s best so you don’t see the cause and bring back the procrastination spirit.
Break up tasks
Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks. This makes the task seem less daunting and more achievable.
Use time management techniques
Time management techniques like the Pomodoro method can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. This means that you work for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break.
Avoid multitasking
Multitasking can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress levels. Focus on one task at a time and avoid distractions like social media or email.
Eliminate distractions
Identify and eliminate distractions such as noise, social media or TV. Create a quiet and distraction-free study environment.
Prioritize tasks
Prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadline. Focus on completing the most urgent tasks first.
Taking breaks
Taking breaks can help you recharge and refocus. Take a short break every hour to prevent burnout.
Stay organized
Keep your field of study and materials organized to avoid wasting time searching for things. Use tools like to-do lists or calendars to help you stay on track.
Get help
If you struggle with procrastination or distractions, seek help from a counselor or academic advisor. They can provide support and guidance to help you overcome these challenges.
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In conclusion, procrastination and distraction can negatively impact your GPA and increase stress levels. However, with the tips and strategies outlined above, you can overcome these challenges and improve your academic performance. Remember to stay focused, prioritize tasks, and seek help when needed. With perseverance and dedication, you can achieve your academic goals.