Have you ever had so many assignments to complete you decided to take a nap instead? Do you have extra tabs open for Twitter and Facebook when you’re conducting research for that five-page paper that’s due in eight hours? If the answer is “yes,” don’t fret. You’re not alone. When it comes to doing homework, distractions come with the territory. If you’re anything like me, you schedule distractions ahead of time. If you’re not like me, it sounds silly and booo! on you. But I had to be honest with myself a long time ago: I know for a fact I’m not going to complete my assignments within the timeframe I had planned in my head. Instead I set an “eventually” deadline and spend my precious time doing everything except my homework.
Mid-terms are over, and it’s crunch time. Here are a few of my best go-to distractions.
Update Your Music Playlist
The perfect playlist can get you through any occasion. Being weighed down with tons of homework can be overwhelming and listening to music is a great way to de-stress. Try to create a playlist with hard hitting 808s or songs with laidback, mellow beats. Avoid listening to songs about love and heartbreak. The last thing you want to do is spend those final few hours sobbing about your ex while jamming to Mary J.’s “The Breakthrough” album. Been there. Waste of time. While some people can listen to music while completing an assignment, that’s not the case for me. I focus best in complete silence; therefore, I throw my mini concert before I begin my work session. However, choose the method that suits you.
See What’s Trending on Social Media
In the age of social media, being distracted by selfies, internet beef and the latest celebrity gossip is a given. Take a break from that calculus study guide and see who the latest victim of a legendary Black Twitter dragging is. Don’t have a Twitter account? Neither do I. No worries, just catch the screenshots on Instagram and Facebook. Participate in the ever-so-funny (and nostalgic) #GrowingUpBlack hashtag. Laugh at the latest memes. Lighten up the mood.
Take a Nap
Nothing’s better than taking a nap to rejuvenate before a long night of homework and studying. I sometimes put my textbook or notes under my pillow for good luck. Take a nap that lasts no longer than an hour. You don’t want to fall into a deep sleep and wake up in a panic at 4 am. Be sure to set your alarm clock. Set three alarms if you need to. You still have to get those assignments done before the next day.
Try on a Few Outfits
Try on that new blouse and jeans you have yet to wear. Snap a couple of selfies in the mirror to remind yourself how fly you are. Think about how you could enjoy a night out with your friends and show off your fresh ‘fit if you were actually done with your PowerPoint presentation. Take a breath. Take a break. Laugh a little. Clear your mind. Distractions aren’t always bad. Sometimes they are the push we need to mentally prepare ourselves for that boatload of homework assignments. At least that’s what I tell myself.