50-minute studying session with distant thunder and a timer, when you are somewhere noisy

1 Before you start

• Decide what counts as done for this block. "Two pages" is better than "make progress".
• Lower the bar until starting feels almost silly, then start.
• Turn off notifications for the next block, not just to silent.
• Remember that motivation usually arrives after starting, not before.
• Put the thing you keep reaching for out of arm's reach.

2 While the timer runs

• When you catch yourself re-reading the same sentence, stop and write down what you were looking for.
• If you feel the urge to check something, write it on the paper beside you and keep going. Deal with the list afterwards.
• If you are bored, the boredom is usually the last thing before something clicks.
• When you notice you have drifted, do not restart the block. Just come back and carry on counting from where the timer is.

3 When it ends

• Write one line about where to start next time. Future you will be grateful.
• Roll your shoulders and your neck before the next block.
• Have a drink of water before you check anything.

4What to put on

distant thunder — Low rumbles with long gaps. Suits people who find sudden noises more distracting than constant ones.