🏁 Productivity
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Jan 9, 2025
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5 min read
You sit down to study, determined to make progress. Thirty minutes later, you find yourself deep in TikTok or Instagram, and your notes are untouched. Where did all the time go?
It’s a common struggle for students today. The phone, meant to be just a tool, often becomes a black hole for attention. It pings with notifications, lures you with social media, and distracts you with endless content. But this doesn’t have to be your reality.
According to a recent survey, students spend an average of over seven hours a day on screens—not counting schoolwork. Many report difficulty focusing, especially when studying, due to constant phone use.
Why Scrolling While Studying is a Problem
Academic Impacts
Excessive phone use during study sessions reduces your ability to concentrate and retain information. Multitasking between studying and scrolling increases the time it takes to learn and decreases the depth of understanding.
Mental Fatigue
Switching between tasks creates “attention residue,” where part of your brain stays stuck on what you were doing before. This not only makes studying harder but also leads to mental exhaustion faster.
Long-Term Productivity Issues
Constant distractions train your brain to seek instant gratification rather than deep focus. This habit can snowball into procrastination and make tackling larger tasks feel overwhelming.
Actionable Steps to Stop Scrolling While Studying
Step 1: Schedule a "Focus Time" Session on Jomo
The goal isn’t to eliminate phone use completely but to control it so that it serves you rather than distracts you. By blocking distracting apps during study hours, you create a focused environment that allows for deep work.
To do this, download the free Jomo app, available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac:
Install Jomo and go to Rules > + > Recurring Session.
Name your session (e.g., 🍅 Focus Time).
Under the “Block” section, select the apps that distract you the most (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, YouTube).
Turn on Strict Mode and disable breaks.
Set a schedule for your study hours (e.g., Monday-Friday, 6 PM to 9 PM).
Tap on Schedule to start!
Step 2: Create a Distraction-Free Study Zone
Studying effectively requires a space that supports focus. Here’s how to optimize your environment:
Put your phone out of reach or place it in another room. If you need it for study purposes, use apps like Jomo to limit distractions.
Organize your workspace. A clean desk free of clutter reduces visual distractions and helps you focus on the task at hand.
Use analog tools. Whenever possible, opt for pen and paper to take notes or review material, as it minimizes the temptation to check your phone.
Step 3: Build Sustainable Study Habits
Consistency is key. Implement these small changes to improve your study routine:
Use a timer. Try techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of focus followed by a 5-minute break).
Set specific goals. Instead of saying, “I’ll study math,” decide, “I’ll complete 10 practice problems.”
Reward yourself. After a distraction-free session, take a short walk or enjoy a snack to reinforce the habit.
Step 4: Track Your Progress
Jomo helps you stay accountable by tracking your streaks. The longer you stick to your study-focused rules, the more rewarding it becomes. Celebrate your wins and notice how much more productive and less stressed you feel.
Scrolling while studying might feel like a harmless habit, but it’s costing you focus, learning, and academic success. By using tools like Jomo’s “Focus Time” session and making small adjustments to your routine, you can regain control of your study time and achieve your goals. Take the first step today—download Jomo and create study sessions that work for you.
