Describe something you do to help yourself concentrate when you study or work

To help myself concentrate, I use a method where I study in short, timed sessions. I discovered it about two years ago, when I was preparing for some important exams and found that I kept procrastinating. I'd sit down to study for hours but achieve very little, mainly because I was checking my phone every few minutes.

A classmate suggested I try working for twenty-five minutes at a time, followed by a five-minute break. So I set a timer on my watch, put my phone in a drawer in another room, and tell myself that I only have to stay on task until the alarm rings. After four sessions, I take a longer break of about twenty minutes, usually to have a snack or go for a short walk. I normally do this at my desk in my bedroom, which I try to keep tidy and free from distractions, or occasionally in the university library when I need extra quiet.

It works remarkably well for me. Knowing that the break is coming makes it much easier to start, because twenty-five minutes doesn't seem like a heavy burden, and the time limit adds a bit of pressure that stops me from drifting. I get through a lot more in three hours than I used to in six. It's also better for my energy, as regular breaks stop me getting tired. The only drawback is that it can interrupt me when I'm deeply absorbed in something, but in those cases I simply carry on. Overall, I feel I'm making the most of my time.