Here’s an Odd Method I Use to Stay Focused—And It Works

Staying focused for hours can be challenging, especially when working or studying alone. But, there is a method I use to stay focused for hours on end. Not only has it improved my productivity, but it also helps me stay on track when distractions creep in.

Work or study video with me

Studying or working for hours alone in the four walls of your room can be incredibly isolating at times. While some people thrive in silence and finding a quiet atmosphere helps sharpen their focus, I’ve always been the opposite. That’s why many people tend to go to coffee shops or libraries to do work.

These places not only offer an ideal environment for concentration, but also create a sense of camaraderie, reminding you that you are not alone in putting in the effort. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to libraries or coffee shops that they can go to whenever they need a productive environment to focus. This is where the “Work/Study with Me” videos come in.

They replicate the experience of being in a shared space, and essentially create the illusion of working with someone. Some of these streams are pre-recorded, while many others are broadcast live and often span several hours – which are perfect for those long study days when you don’t want to feel alone!

I push myself to complete my tasks (in a good way)

If you’ve ever studied in a library, you’ve probably felt a pang of guilt about taking a quick break to scroll through Instagram while everyone around you is deep in concentration. This reaction is linked to a concept of neuroscience called mirror neurons, which are cells in your brain that respond to the actions of others, causing you to unconsciously reflect their behavior.

So, when you see someone studying intensely, your mirror neurons are activated, and eventually you will also feel the desire to focus.

The same effect applies to the “Study / Work with me” streams. Watching someone else work or study, even on a screen, activates your mirror neurons, helping you to refocus and push your tasks.

So, whenever I watch one of these streams, and the inevitable urge to look at a meme my friend sent me rages on, all I have to do is look at my laptop screen and see the streamer that gives everything to regain my focus.

They include Pomodoro Timer and Soothing Background Sounds

Something I’ve always struggled with is taking too long breaks or none at all, and the only thing that’s really helped me is these streams. If you’ve ever looked for productivity methods, chances are you’ve come across them the Pomodoro technique.

The method essentially involves focusing on a task for 25 uninterrupted minutes, taking a five-minute break, and repeating this cycle four times. After completing four cycles, take a longer break of 20 minutes. Another great thing about these “Study/Work with Me” streams is that almost all of them feature a Pomodoro timer.

So, you can essentially study when they study, and when they take a break, you will remember to do the same. When you’re back at work, it also helps you get back into the groove.

Personally, I’ve never been a fan of the standard Pomodoro methodas I find that taking a short break after 25 minutes of focus disrupts my momentum. So, I tweak the method slightly, and focus for 50 minutes and then take a shorter break of 10 minutes. If you’re anything like me, you don’t need to worry.

Since YouTube is full of tons of these streams, it is not difficult to find a video with a timer that fits your preferred structure.

Along with timers, these streams also feature all kinds of background music. Some have soothing Lo-Fi beats, while others play soothing sounds like rain or waves. Many streams have no music at all and are focused on ASMR. These videos without music are often recorded in coffee shops or library atmospheres, so if you want to study in that type of environment but can’t, these videos can be incredibly helpful!

While this method may seem a little strange at first, trust me when I say, don’t beat it until you try it. You might be surprised how effective it can be in helping you stay focused!