how to get in the homework zone

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How to Concentrate on Your Homework

Last Updated: May 6, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Josh Jones and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD . Josh Jones is the CEO and Founder of Test Prep Unlimited, a GMAT prep tutoring service. Josh built the world's first and only score guarantee program for private GMAT tutoring. He has presented at the QS World MBA Tour and designed math curricula for Chicago Public Schools. He has over 15 years of private tutoring and classroom teaching experience and a BA in Math from the University of Chicago. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 435,669 times.

Focusing on homework can be tough, especially when you’d rather be doing anything else. Maybe your attention keeps wandering back to your phone, your stomach is growling, or you just want to put your head down and take a nap. The good news is that you can beat these distractions and get back on track with a few easy changes to your study routine.

Move around or stretch while you work.

• Try sitting on an exercise ball or wobbly chair when you’re doing your homework. The movement may help you stay focused.

Fuel up with water and healthy snacks.

• Apple slices with peanut butter
• Nuts, especially almonds
• Greek yogurt
• Fruit salad
• Dark chocolate

Put away anything that might make it hard to concentrate.

• Some people actually concentrate better with a little noise in the background. If it helps you to have some quiet music on, that’s totally fine! But if you find that it distracts you, turn it off.

Block distracting apps and websites on your computer or tablet.

• For example, you might need to block apps or websites like Facebook or YouTube while you’re working.
• If you get alerts or notifications on your device, turn them off so they won’t distract you. The last thing you need is your tablet blowing up with Facebook notifications while you’re trying to work!

Work on one assignment at a time.

• Don’t try to text your friends or have a conversation with a family member while you’re doing homework, either.

Break your assignments into smaller tasks.

• For example, if you’re supposed to read a book chapter and write a report, start by skimming the chapter headings for important points. Then, read the whole chapter and take notes. Next, make an outline for your report. After that, write the report, and finish up by checking it for mistakes.
• If you have more than one assignment to work on, make a to-do list and put the hardest or most important projects first.

Redirect your attention if you notice your mind wandering.

• It can help to pick a specific thing to focus on to bring yourself back to the present. For example, pay attention to your breathing or to any sounds you can hear around you.
• If you’re working with a friend or family member, ask them to help you stay on track. They can say something like, “Are you focused?” or tap you on the shoulder if they notice you getting distracted. [9] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source

Fidget with something to help you focus.

• Fidgets are great concentration aids for some people, but are distracting for others. Don’t keep using a fidget if it’s taking your mind off your work.

Turn your homework into a game to make it more fun.

• You can also turn it into a game with a friend or family member. For example, take turns quizzing each other and give points for each right answer. Whoever gets the most points wins the game.
• Or, if you’d rather not play a structured game, try making up a story about what you’re doing. For instance, if you’re studying history, imagine yourself living in the time period you’re learning about.

Try working with a study buddy.

• You could even get together with a small group. Trade notes, quiz each other, or just hang out quietly while you all do homework together.

Take a break at least once an hour.

• You can also use a timer to make sure your breaks don’t go on too long. Remember, the sooner you get back to work, the sooner you can get it done!
• If you’re feeling really restless, frustrated, or distracted, it’s okay to take a break ahead of schedule. Give yourself a few minutes to unwind, then try again.

Pick a time when you feel awake and rested if possible.

• Make it a routine to do your homework at the same time each day. For example, if you’re an evening person, try doing it right after supper every night. [16] X Research source Having a schedule will make your work feel less overwhelming.
• You can’t always choose the perfect time to do your homework, but having a routine can still help you get in the zone when it’s time to work! Once you pick a time, try to stick to it.

Study in a quiet, comfortable spot.

• If you’re studying at home with your family, ask them to keep it down while you work.
• Be careful studying in your room—if you use a space where you usually sleep or relax, it’ll be hard to get into homework mode! Set aside a spot just for homework, and don’t do your work in bed. [18] X Research source
• Finding a good study space can be tough, especially if there are other people around. If you can’t find a quiet spot, put on some noise-canceling headphones. Listen to white noise or peaceful music without vocals to help you tune out background sounds.

Organize your study supplies.

• If you like to nibble while you study, set your snacks out before you get started.
• If there’s stuff in your study space that you don’t need, take a few minutes to clean it up or put it away before you start working. Put completed assignments in their folders and throw away any trash.

Move to a new study spot if you’re feeling bored.

• Even changing your usual study space a little can help. For example, put up some new decorations or move to the other side of the dining table.
• It seems weird, but just the right amount of background noise can actually help you concentrate! That’s one reason some people work better in coffee shops or study halls.

Reward yourself with something fun when you’re done.

• For example, you could watch an episode of your favorite TV show, play a game you like, or call up a friend.

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• Try mindful meditation to help you focus and relax. [21] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source Look for mindful meditation videos online or use an app like Calm or Smiling Mind to help you practice. The more you practice, the easier it’ll be to use your mindfulness skills when you need them—like when you’re doing homework. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Take detailed notes in class to help you. If you are able to, type on the computer rather than handwrite (it won't make your hand ache, and it's faster, so long as you don't get distracted). Also, don't wear your most casual clothes for homework, as this will relax you and will make you focus less. Don't look at how much more you have to do; look at what you've done already, as this will make your assignments seem less daunting.
• I used to have some trouble focusing on homework because I would always try to watch YouTube while doing it. It helped me to set a timer for 20 or so minutes and work on homework. Then I would take a 10 minute break. It helped me do homework without frying my brain.
• When rewarding yourself, don't reward yourself with television or games. Sometimes it'll turn into procrastination. Instead, reward yourself with small stretches or a favorite snack.
• If you need to use the bathroom or anything while you are working, assign a number of questions that you have to finish to use the bathroom. This will make you want to work harder!
• Put your phone on airplane mode. This will mute your phone and you will have to manually put it back to regular mode. Only switch it off when you're done with all your work.
• If you have something that you seriously don't want to do, take small 5-minute breaks between steps. This will calm your stress and help you concentrate more.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/movement-and-learning/
• ↑ https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/applied-psychology/how-to-concentrate-on-studies/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
• ↑ https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/5-ways-to-help-students-manage-digital-distractions-and-stay-on-track
• ↑ https://today.uconn.edu/2015/07/multitasking-increases-study-time-lowers-grades/#
• ↑ https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/tips-for-helping-your-child-focus-and-concentrate
• ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_focus_a_wandering_mind
• ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/add-adhd/how-to-improve-focus-in-kids
• ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/distractibility-inattention/child-trouble-focusing
• ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/10-ways-fun-study/
• ↑ https://www.washburn.edu/academics/center-student-success/student-success-collaborative/Navigate-Study-Buddies.pdf
• ↑ https://time.com/3518053/perfect-break/
• ↑ https://www.uindy.edu/studentcounseling/files/studyingfromhomeduringcoronavirusdukekunshanu.pdf
• ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210114-why-youre-more-creative-in-coffee-shops
• ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_practice_mindfulness_throughout_your_work_day

About This Article

To concentrate on your homework, start by settling into a quiet place and putting your phone away so it's not a distraction. Then, tackle your hardest or most time-consuming homework assignments first to get them out of the way. Try to finish each task before moving onto something else since jumping between assignments can disrupt your focus. Also, take 5-minute breaks every 30 minutes so your homework doesn't feel endless and you have something to look forward to. To learn how to stay motivated while doing your homework, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Achieving a flow state: 7 ways to get in the zone

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What is flow state?

What happens to your brain in flow state, how flow state benefits physical and mental wellness, how do you achieve flow state.

If you’ve ever been so absorbed in a task that you lose track of time, then you’ve experienced flow. But being in a flow state does more than just make the day go faster. It has a positive impact on your life, health, productivity, and well-being .

To understand what makes the flow state so magical, you’ll need to understand what it is and how it works. Learn more about the science behind flow and how to get carried away.

What is a flow state?

Psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, known as one of the cofounders of the field of positive psychology, was the first to identify and research the phenomenon of flow. Even if you’ve never heard the word before, you likely have other names for the experience. People call it being “in the zone,” “in the groove,” or “losing track of time.

The flow state is the experience of being so absorbed by an engaging, enjoyable task that your attention is competely held by it. You generally lose sense of time, self-consciousness, and anything that doesn’t have to do with the task at hand.

In flow, you feel as if you could keep doing whatever you’re doing forever. There’s no one experience that leads to flow. It could happen while you’re reading, writing, painting, running, or gardening.

Although there’s no one activity guaranteed to create flow, there are some common characteristics of flow state that people experience. Not all of these are always present. But the more factors are present, the more likely you are to experience flow. 

10 characteristics of flow state

1. attentional focus.

In flow, whatever you’re working on has your complete attention. You’re not thinking of anything else. Someone would have to work to get your attention or to interrupt you from the task at hand.

2. Challenge

The activity has to be the right amount of difficult. Too easy, and it won’t be absorbing enough. Too challenging, and you won’t be able to get into it.

3. Goal-oriented

To trigger flow, the activity has to have some point to it. It doesn’t have to be grandiose — you could be playing a video game or coloring a picture. But in order to direct your attention, you have to have something to direct your attention to .

4. Feedback

There is a give-and-take of energy in the activity. Ever spend hours playing one of those puzzle games on your computer or phone? They’re engrossing because they give immediate feedback. You win a game, finish a level, or earn a star — which keeps you playing because you feel like you’re doing well .

5. Personal control

You’ll have a hard time getting into flow if you feel like the activity or situation is out of your control . As a spectator, it’s difficult to have the mental absorption and sense of engagement that characterizes a flow state.

6. Timelessness

When you’re in flow, you feel lost in the activity. This triggers a sort of altered consciousness around time. It can speed up or slow down — but either way, you’re a little surprised when you check the clock. This transformation of time comes from being completely absorbed in the present moment.

In flow, you have a feeling of calm. You’re absorbed in the task, but not stressed out or worried by it. You feel less self-conscious and even less anxious . This particular characteristic lasts beyond the experience itself, since being in a state of flow balances cortisol and stress levels .

8. Intrinsic motivation

To get into flow, the activity itself has to be rewarding for its own sake, independent of the outcome. For example, if you enjoy swimming, you can be in flow whether you’re competing, exercising, or just splashing in the pool. The results are secondary to the task itself. Csíkszentmihályi called this an “autotelic experience.”

9. Disconnect from physical needs

When you’re in the zone, you might temporarily forget that you’re thirsty, tired, or need to use the restroom. You have a loss of self-consciousness from being fully engaged in the activity. In this mental state, you may forget to eat or stay in an uncomfortable position a bit too long. 

10. Single-mindedness

Perhaps most importantly (and frustratingly) you can’t multitask your way into flow. In order to get in the right state of mind, you have to give all of your attention to the task at hand. It makes sense — after all, you can’t experience attentional focus without giving your entire attention to something.

What makes the flow state so special? Neuroscience hasn’t completely figured it out yet. Researchers have recognized that flow is a distinct mental state. It arises only when the level of challenge of the task and the level of skill of the person are in balance.

Working on a task that is engaging — but not so difficult as to be frustrating — lets our brains relax in an unusual way. When we are engaged in effortful focus, the brain’s central executive network (CEN) is engaged.

When we are “doing nothing,” the default mode network (DMN) takes over . This part of the brain is associated with daydreaming, but it plays an important neurological role. Our levels of activity are significantly higher when in the DMN, even though we don’t look like we’re doing much at all. Counterintuitively, this part of the brain is also active during flow.

When we are in a flow state, our minds are fully engaged in the task at hand in a way that seems to free up other parts of our brain to make connections. Although you are working, flow is inherently restorative and pleasurable. When in flow, dopamine is released. This neurotransmitter makes you feel more relaxed, optimistic, energized, and dedicated to the task at hand.

Understanding how dopamine works is critical to understanding human behavior. When we experience something positive, dopamine helps us register it as pleasurable and encourages us to do it again. It’s the source of many of our habits, cravings, and impulses. According to Psychology Today , “It is no exaggeration to say that dopamine makes us human.”

Our physical, mental, and emotional well-being are directly tied to our dopamine levels. When they’re out-of-whack (whether too low or too high) we can become ill or engage in self-destructive behavior.

Flow rewards us for the mental engagement and attentional focus that keeps us growing. The neurological and subjective experience of flow has benefits — both in and out of flow state. Here are some ways flow benefits your well-being:

1. Higher productivity

People in a flow state often find that it correlates with peak performance. These peak experiences are often due to the total attentional focus — coupled with a lack of self-consciousness. This enables people to be more productive while using less energy.

2. Increased satisfaction

Because of the high levels of engagement in flow, people often feel more satisfied with themselves and their work. They experience a dopaminergic reaction, boosting their positive experience both during and after flow.

3. Improved emotional regulation

Improved focus and increased confidence help to reduce anxiety and stress. These gains are also associated with improved emotional regulation . Researchers suggested flow as a positive alternative to unhealthy and unproductive coping mechanisms .

Once you understand how flow works, you can set up your schedule and work environment to make it as flow-conducive as possible. Here’s a guide to how to get into flow more often — and stay there.

1. Choose clear goals

Part of getting into a flow state means working on a task that has a specific, finite outcome. You’ll find that it’s easier to achieve the right frame of mind when you know exactly what you’re working on . While you could set a time goal, it’s often more effective for the task to have a designated end or completion point. Knowing what you’re out to accomplish also gives you a sense of control.

2. Make it challenging

Activities that are the right amount of challenging are more engaging. If you can’t alter the task, you might be able to change other factors to make it harder. For example, I used to work in a role that required a lot of data entry. When I got bored with it, I’d race myself to see how fast I could complete the entries or how many I could do in a certain amount of time. Finding ways to make a routine task more challenging made it more enjoyable.

3. Make it easy to focus

Take time to look at your calendar and block off periods where you can work without distractions. You may want to schedule these blocks around certain activities or times of day when you’re naturally more productive and alert. Learning more about your circadian rhythms can help you identify your most productive times of the day.

“Inducing flow is about the balance between the level of skill and the size of the challenge at hand.”   Jeanne Nakamura, positive psychologist and flow researcher

4. Take care of yourself

In the state of flow, you forget about food, water, sleep, or how long you’ve been sitting on your foot. While this is great for staying focused, it’s not so great for your body. Create self-care routines that help you stay comfortable and taken care of so you can stay in flow longer. You might leave a bottle of water on your desk, a protein bar within easy reach, or invest in a supportive desk chair.

5. Turn your phone off

Part of eliminating distractions means turning off your phone. It deserves its own category, though, because it doesn’t help to block off your calendar if you’ll be carrying a distraction in your pocket. Once you’ve communicated that you’ll be unavailable for a certain amount of time, put your phone away. Turn off your notifications or use an app like Forest to prevent you from sneaking back.

6. Create a pre-flow ritual

You can help your brain get into the zone by creating a ritual. For example, before I write, I check my messages, put my phone on silent, grab a beverage, and turn on “focus” music. It doesn’t have to be formal, practical, or the same for every activity. It’s just a way of cueing your brain that you’re about to get to work — and that it should, too.

7. Get to know yourself

It’s hard to get into flow when we’re doing something we don’t like — but it’s worth paying attention to why we don’t like it. Is it too easy? Too hard? Too boring? Do we not know how to do it well?

Take the data entry example. I love working with computers, I’m competitive, and I love to learn new things. Data entry involves computers, but not usually a whole lot of learning. Making it a game worked for me because it tapped into my competitive nature.

I could also have made data entry more engaging by turning it into a learning experience. I could use it to learn proper finger placement on the keyboard or macros (shortcut keys). Although the activity itself wouldn’t change much, the perceived challenge of the activity would. This is what Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi refers to as challenge/skill balance in his book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience .

I truly believe that we might not enjoy everything, but we can find almost anything enjoyable. If we work to find something worth learning in every task, we can transform nearly anything into a flow experience. Aiming to experience this state of mind as often as possible leads us to happier, more satisfying lives.

How long can you stay in flow state?

The brain can’t stay in flow all the time. In a creative, flow state, the mind works optimally for about 90 minutes to 2 hours. You can make the most of this time with techniques like the Pomodoro method . Focused periods alternated with brief periods of rest allow your brain to be its most efficient and creative without triggering burnout.

It is possible to have multiple periods of flow in a day, which is very healthy for both you and your brain. For example, you might get your best work done early in the morning, go for a run to clear your head in the afternoon, and get lost in a book before bed. These are three distinct flow experiences, but each contributes to your well-being in a different way. And to be honest, that sounds like a great day.

Learn to go with the flow

Flow may be the most enjoyable of all human experiences. It might even be the secret to happiness. Flow is intrinsically rewarding, lowers our stress, and brings meaning and joy to just about any experience.

Looking for ways to maximize the amount of time we spend in flow state makes us more engaged, satisfied, and creative. Whether you’re working, playing, or something in between, you feel better when you’re in flow.

Bringing the concept of flow to our everyday life helps us to stay present as we continue to grow.

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Allaya Cooks-Campbell

With over 15 years of content experience, Allaya Cooks Campbell has written for outlets such as ScaryMommy, HRzone, and HuffPost. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and is a certified yoga instructor as well as a certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach. Allaya is passionate about whole-person wellness, yoga, and mental health.

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3 Tricks to Help You Get in the Zone

Being deeply immersed in your work is deeply satisfying. a happiness expert explains how to get in the flow..

You might not know the term or its origins, but you've certainly experienced the state psychologists call “flow.” No doubt you liked it.

“Named by Mihly Cskszentmihlyi ,” Wikipedia helpfully tells us, “flow, also known as the zone, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does.” As my colleague Christina Desmarais has pointed out , it is “a much sought-after state of being.”

But thanks to our world full of constantly beeping devices and jam-packed schedules , it's also a pretty hard state to achieve for many of us. But it is possible, author and positive psychology expert Christine Carter insisted recently in a Medium post . In the piece she goes into depth on how to clear your mind and focus enough to “get in the zone.” Here are a few of the basics.

1. Clear your mind

You can't get in the flow if your attention is on what you need to do rather than what you're actually doing now. By taking a minute to think about your open to-do list items and when you'll get to them before you start working, Carter explains, you can keep your mind from constantly breaking your concentration with unhelpful reminders.

“When our subconscious mind doesn't know when we will complete a task, it will often interrupt our flow state with intrusive reminders about what else we need to do. Research shows that our unconscious isn't actually nagging us to do the task at hand but rather to make a plan to get it done. So scheduling a task can make a huge difference in our ability to focus on something else,” she writes.

2. Nip interruptions in the bud.

The modern world offers plenty of distractions. Rather than hoping you'll ignore them when they crop up while you're working, take steps to ensure you're never interrupted at all once you get in the zone. "If you can't concentrate , you can't be in your sweet spot. Period,” Carter warns. So before you start working close your browser, put your phone on silent (hide it even), visit the bathroom if you have to, and even grab a tissue or snack to keep on hand if you think you'll need one.

3. Ready your brain

“This doesn't require any sci-fi technology that sends a probe or special rays into your brain. Instead, it just takes a few simple, very ordinary steps,” Carter reassures readers. What are they? Fuel up with a healthy snack , make sure you're well hydrated, and choose some tunes to listen to that will fire you up without distracting you.

Finally, “exhale deeply for a minute or so. Our breathing profoundly affects our nervous system and blood flow in our brain--and, therefore, our performance. Taking some nice deep breaths signals to our brain that we are safe, allowing us to access mental resources we can't when our breathing is shallow,” Carter concludes.

Want more details on the psychology of the flow as well as examples of how elite performers get in their personal zone? Check out the complete post .

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

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How To Eliminate Distractions And Get In The Zone

By this point in your education, you have probably heard many of the tried and true methods for supposedly shaking that nasty procrastination habit and getting down to business. Some of them are quite useful, but not all of the classic techniques work for everyone.

In fact, if you’re the more unconventional type, you might need an unorthodox approach to productivity if you’re going to pull it off the right way. Today, we’re going to explore some novel approaches to cutting the fat and improving your focus in a way that you may not have encountered before.

Preplan & Pre Commit To Studying

If you approach your studying like a chess master, you’ll find the pieces fall into place more frequently than they would if you’ve been strictly improvising your approach. Along those same lines of thinking, if you tell yourself “I’m going to do X at Y time” well before that time comes, you’re more likely to follow through with the act.

You can streamline your timetables and maximize your productive time by using timekeeping tools/software. This kind of software is perfect for identifying what you’re doing at what times and where you need to focus your efforts to improve your daily game plan.

Simplify Your Checklists

One reason that many people have trouble with checklists is that they are too long and too complicated to prioritize. The solution is to chop down that list to maybe one main goal a day with two or three sub-goals you’re going to knock out the way.

Let’s say you are working on a project. You could try going all out and handling every bit of the project you need to submit at once, or you could break it down to a more feasible segmented challenge. Instead of pulling yourself every which way, tell yourself, “today, I’ll just evaluate my progress and research for the next chapter.”

If you happen to complete faster than expected, then you can set up a new main goal. This will allow you to give 100% on any given homework or exam, and prevent you from splitting your focus (which might reduce the quality of your time spent drastically).

Identify What Not To Do

Though we often concentrate a lot on what we should be doing, the things we shouldn’t be doing are just as important. They differ from person to person, so you have to sit down and make an honest evaluation of what’s holding you back, then strive to eliminate it if you can.

Maybe you’re checking your email too much? Write yourself a reminder to only do it once a day. Spending too much time on meaningless busy work that you promised your friends you would do for them? Learn to say “no.” Once you know what to cut out, it’s a simple process to disengage from the time-wasting activity.

Go With The Flow

Sometimes, distraction and procrastination will just become unavoidable. In these cases, go with it. Make sure you’re procrastinating in a way that will leave you feeling recharged afterward, and just count it as a break. That way, you won’t be kicking yourself over how you were wasting time.

You have to allow for some flexibility with what you do, but as long as you have the basic structure of your day planned out, a quick diversion isn’t going to kill your flow (especially if you took the time to plan for it beforehand). If you are looking for more useful tips like these, make sure to check out more blogs at College Basics.

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How to get “in the zone” and stay there.

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You know you’ve heard these phrases around your office or work space:

“I’m in the zone.”

“I’m in my flow.”

“I’m getting sh*t done.”

“I’m laser-focused.”

While there are many different terms for this state, they all boil down to a sense of being productive, aligned, immersed in your task or activity. They can feel like you’re pushing to the outermost limits of your creativity, literally stretching your brain capacity and developing a sense of ease in whatever you’re doing.  

Flow means you are truly absorbed in an activity to the point where you can lose your sense of time. You reach your optimal performance with ease. The term “Flow” was coined by researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the 1970s based on his research to help people live in their optimal performance so they could enjoy life.

Csikszentmihalyi discovered that, when we perform at our highest potential, we use a very small and specific part of our brain that allows us to be laser-focused and gets rid of our sense of self-conciousness or imposter syndrome. Our inner critic is silenced when we are fully immersed in this way.

The problem is that, while we all experience flow states, it’s challenging to access them on demand. Instead, we spend much of the day twiddling our thumbs, waiting to be struck by a lightning bolt of genius.

Then, as soon as we get into a flow state, the experience may be fleeting because we become so preoccupied about losing the focus. As a result, we lose focus and become distracted again.

What if you could create a structure where you could access your flow on demand to live at optimal performance? What if you could get more done before 9am than you typically do in a full day? What if you were able to truly transform the way you work so that you could have the impact you want?

It’s possible, but it takes practice.  

So how do you enter this flow state? I have a few key tips:

1. Choose a challenge you love.

By identifying exactly what you want to do, you begin to narrow your focus and identify your point of focus. Choose a hobby, a business venture, or another experience that you really enjoy. If you have trouble deciding what activity would be equally fulfilling, challenging, and satisfying, write down all your ideas to start- then narrow down later.

2. Develop the necessary skills.

Narrow down your top 1-3 challenges identified in part 1, and identify and begin to develop the necessary skills to practice that hobby, business venture or activity (surfing, writing, chess).

3. Set goals.

By setting goals using the SMART strategy, you ensure that you move in the desired direction, not just in any direction. This is how flow helps us move closer to our goals.

SMART goals suggest choosing goals that are: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.

4. Work at times where you feel most productive.

One of the primary ways to hone or hack your flow is by using time to your advantage. This means that, if you tend to be more focused in the morning, you would work at those times. Conversely, if you’re struck with genius in the middle of the night, work more during those hours.

If you’re someone who feels that genius states are random, start to track whenever you’re most focused and work backward from there. Once you identify any sort of pattern, start scheduling your work time or your most challenging tasks during those times.

5. Focus on the activity, and free yourself of distractions (notifications, alerts, interruptions).

We live in a digital and interconnected world. For some of us, that means more connections but, for all of us, it means we tend to be spread a bit thin and bombarded with alerts. Timelines and unreasonable expectations often keep us from focusing for long periods of time.

To get into a flow state, first turn off notifications, close your office door, sit in a café with fewer interruptions, put your phone hidden out of view, or put an away message up.

6. Enjoy engaging with the activity.

The goal of flow is not just productivity but the enjoy what you’re doing. In a flow state, self-consciousness slips away, leading to complete absorption. This means that when you engage in an activity, you’re fully immersed without your inner critic.

Make sure you’re enjoying this hobby, activity, task, or skill in order to further hone and experience flow states.

7. Measure feedback and sense of accomplishment.

Set up rules and guidelines so you receive feedback and make sure you are moving closer towards your goals.

8. Keep stretching yourself to your creative capacity & increasing challenge.

Flow and genius encourage the enhancement of your abilities. Once you’ve achieved your goal, you don’t stop there; you up-level your goal to stretch your capacity, skills, and genius to their optimal performance. If you keep honing these skills, the payoff will result in more dynamic and productive work where you feel focused, rather than on the verge of burnout.

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About the author

Julia Colangelo is one of the wonderful therapists in the MyWellbeing community. She is a professor at Columbia, a scholar at UPenn, a therapist, and a flow consultant and coach. You can connect with her at   www.findflowtoday.com and contact her by email at [email protected]  or on Instagram at @juliacolangelo_ .

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7 Ways to Take the Hassle Out of Homework

Homework can feel like a huge drag. Here’s what you need to know about how to make homework less painful and more useful.

Here are our top seven:

Help them get organized..

Encourage students to track their homework tasks by using a paper or digital planner, and help them set up a system for storing what’s been completed and what still needs to be done.

Make it part of the routine.

Try to make homework happen at a consistent time each day , like during an after-school program, right after getting home, or immediately after dinner. Aim for a 30-60 minute block when they’ve had some time to relax but aren’t too tired. You may want to consider allowing older kids to decide for themselves when they want to do their homework—but be clear that it needs to be done by a certain time every day. Once the routine is set, try not to nag. Communicate that it’s their job to get their homework done.

Create a consistent homework space.

Ideally, this should be somewhere quiet and well-lit, where you can check in with your child easily. Try to minimize the need for students to have to get out of their chair. If you use your kitchen table, pick up an organizer caddy that can house homework supplies and be easily pulled out and stored away.

Reduce distractions.

Emphasize that homework time is a time for being quiet and focused. You can model good behavior by setting the expectation that loud music, TV, and video games are off limits for everyone (including yourself!) in the homework zone. If one child finishes before others, give them the option to read, draw or play quietly somewhere out of sight.

Be a coach, not a player.

Does a coach go onto the field and start scoring goals? Then why are you holding the pencil? Your role is to monitor and motivate, not do the work yourself. In fact, there’s some evidence that helping kids with their homework doesn’t actually do any good . When they get stuck, encourage them to think through ways of solving the problem on their own, for example by exploring online resources or writing down questions to ask their teacher. Avoid the urge to try to teach them yourself, especially if you’re not sure either. If it seems like they’re often confused or frustrated, it’s time for a talk with the teacher.

Build in breaks.

Keep an eye on how long it takes your child to complete their homework. The amount they should have depends on their age and grade level. For longer stretches, ensure students take brain breaks to get the blood flowing and increase alertness. For high school, every 30-45 minutes of studying should be followed by a 10-15-minute break. For elementary, every 15-30 minutes should be followed by a 5-10-minute break. Set a timer, if that helps them stay motivated.

Keep the high fives coming

Finally, remember that a little praise goes a long way. Give your kids regular props—and yes, maybe even the occasional reward —for hard work and making progress!

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How to Use Mindfulness Meditation to Get in the Zone

Although many athletes have experienced being in the zone and know how to describe it, most of them say that they can’t predict it. They don’t know how to get in the zone , and they don’t know when it’ll happen.

As a result, the zone, as an elusive state which leads to enhanced sports performance, has piqued an interest in sports psychologists in recent years. They wanted to know, what exactly is the zone? How can we help athletes experience the zone more frequently?

It turns out there’s a unique formula to get in the zone and experience what psychologists now call “flow,” and practicing mindfulness meditation can be one of the best ways to do it. In this article, we’ll discuss flow and the unique formula for experiencing it. Then, we’ll talk about how mindfulness meditation can help athletes experience flow and perform up to their potential.

What is flow?

In 1975, American-Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi first coined the term flow in his book, “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.” Originally, he was interested in how artists and painters often become so involved in what they are doing, so focused on the present moment, that they forget to eat, drink or sleep. He soon realized that many activities including sports can bring about the same experience.

In 1999, he co-wrote a book with Susan Jackson titled “Flow in Sports: The Keys to Optimal Experiences and Performances” where he wrote all about flow in relation to sports. Since then, sports psychologists have been researching flow according to Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory.

According to Csikszentmihalyi, there are nine dimensions of flow. The more dimensions an athlete can achieve, the closer they’ll be to experiencing flow and feeling completely in the zone. These are the nine dimensions of flow for athletes:

1. Challenge-skill balance – Athletes must feel challenged while at the same time feeling capable of completing or overcoming the challenge.

2. Clear goals – The athlete’s goal must be clearly defined, and they should know exactly how to accomplish whatever they’re trying to accomplish.

3. Sense of control – The athlete must feel in control of their success. That is, the athlete’s success should depend on them, not external factors.

4. Unambiguous feedback – The athlete must receive clear feedback as they perform. Feedback can be bodily kinesthetic, or external from a coach or crowd.

5. Autotelic experience – The athlete must be performing the task for internal rewards rather than external rewards.

6. Total concentration on the task at hand – The task must require the athlete’s complete concentration.

7. Loss of self-consciousness – The athlete must feel so concentrated on the task that they lose their sense of self (lose all self-consciousness).

8. Action-awareness merging – The athlete must be so absorbed in the task that all awareness is limited to the task at hand.

9. Transformation of time – The athlete may experience a distorted sense of time where time seems to speed up or slow down.

With these nine dimensions of flow in mind, athletes and coaches can modify their mindset and behavior to create conditions which support the flow experience. For example, coaches can define goals more clearly for their players and/or provide more unambiguous feedback. Athletes can practice taking accountability for their successes and failures to enhance their sense of control.

A reoccurring theme in the nine dimensions of flow is the theme of complete concentration and absorption in the task. If athletes can learn to lose themselves in the present moment and become completely involved in what they’re doing, they’ll be more likely to lose self-consciousness, experience action-awareness merging, and overcome challenges that require their full attention. There is where mindfulness meditation comes into play.

How can mindfulness meditation help?

It’s not always easy for athletes to focus all their attention on the challenge before them. Pressure from coaches, family, friends, fans, and their own expectations can be extremely distracting, especially during matches and competitions.

Many athletes experience sports performance anxiety and get sweaty palms, shortness of breath, and racing thoughts. They might start to wonder, “What if I lose?” “What if I miss?” “What if I fall?” Others get caught up in their small mistakes during the competition and can’t seem to get back on track mentally. There are many reasons why athletes might have a hard time focusing, but they must learn to focus if they want to get in the zone and perform at their potential.

Mindfulness meditation is a mental training practice which has been proven to improve focus and concentration. The practice consists of focusing the attention on the breath while noticing thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment without judging or analyzing them. The meditator simply observes the body and the mind without letting day dreams, hypothetical situations, or thought analysis distract them from the present moment.

Likewise, meditation has power in sports . By performing mindfulness meditation exercises , athletes learn to simply experience their thoughts and emotions without becoming distracted by them. With all their attention on the challenges of the present moment, they can experience all nine dimensions of flow and be completely in the zone.

Do you want to get in the zone and experience all nine dimensions of flow? Mindfulness meditation is the answer.

Kelly Cappello works for Ertheo Education & Sports where she shares information and advice to help youth athletes reach their full potential.

Mindfulness is a key step of Emotional Core Therapy which is scientifically proven to be the most effective golf psychological approach available worldwide.

Here are some links to my actual work which may benefit you. Here are 16 peer reviewed, journal articles on Emotional Core Therapy which is scientifically proven to be the most effective psychology/ spiritual approach available worldwide to find human happiness and treat relationship stress. This is the first time in history that the human population has at their fingertips a behavioral psychology approach that is scientifically proven to be the most effective worldwide at treating stress. See my blog at http://www.robertmoylanlcpc.blogspot.com  for free books and videos. My website has free books and video also  http://emotionalcoretherapy.com/   Mr. Moylan is a state and nationally certified trainer for CEUs for many professions. See his website above for further information.

Here is his one hour training video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty9OE2lqNX8

Watch Mr. Moylan, LCPC explain the ECT process on the Dr. Zeine Show. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qAE5cSOQznc

Here is a link to my Amazon page where my seven books are listed.

https://www.amazon.com/Robert-A.-Moylan/e/B00976KPCG/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Here is Emotional Core Therapy featured on SAMSA’s website for National Recovery Month.

https://recoverymonth.gov/events/emotional-core-therapy-behavioral-psychology-approach-call

Emotional Core Therapy Journal Article on the topic of Depression

https://actascientific.com/ASMS/pdf/ASMS-03-0187.pdf

Forensic Science and Addiction Journal Featuring Emotional Core Therapy on the topic of addictions

https://crimsonpublishers.com/fsar/pdf/FSAR.000587.pdf

International Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Journal Featuring Emotional Core Therapy on the topic of long term physical injuries

http://medcraveonline.com/IPMRJ/IPMRJ-03-00120.pdf

Journal of Biomedical Research article on Anxiety/ Fear

https://biomedgrid.com/pdf/AJBSR.MS.ID.000520.pdf

Journal of Current Medical Research Featuring Emotional Core Therapy on the topic of prayer, meditation and mindfulness

http://www.cmro.in/index.php/jcmro/article/view/77/51

Scientific Medical Sciences Journal Featuring Emotional Core Therapy on the topic of minimizing relapse in addiction patients

https://actascientific.com/ASMS/pdf/ASMS-02-0110.pdf

Journal of Psychiatry and Cognitive Behavioral Sciences Featuring Emotional Core Therapy to aide psychiatrists

https://www.gavinpublishers.com/articles/Perspective/Journal-of-Psychiatry-and-Cognitive-Behaviour-ISSN-2574-7762/The-Emotional-Core-Therapy-Process-is-the-Most-Effective-Psychology-Approach-Available-Worldwide-to-

Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Disorders Featuring Emotional Core Therapy to help the field of Psychiatry

http://www.jpsychiatrypsychiatricdisord.com/articles/using-emotional-core-therapy-to-help-psychiatrists-and-their-patients.html

Journal of Addiction and Rehabilitation Medicine Featuring Emotional Core Therapy to help humans cope with stress

https://juniperpublishers.com/gjarm/pdf/GJARM.MS.ID.555576.pdf

Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Intervention Featuring Complete Manuscript of Emotional Core Therapy

http://valleyinternational.net/index.php/ijmsci/article/view/443

Journal of Emergency Mental Health Featuring Emotional Core Therapy

https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/emotional-core-therapy-book-review-1522-4821-16-132.php?aid=32238

Journal of Neurology and Neurosurgery Featuring Emotional Core Therapy to help Neurologists

https://juniperpublishers.com/oajnn/pdf/OAJNN.MS.ID.555660.pdf

Journal of Neurology Featuring Emotional Core Therapy to help criminal offenders

https://www.ecronicon.com/ecne/pdf/ECNE-10-00396.pdf

Journal of Clinical Psychiatry and Cognitive Psychology featuring Emotional Core Therapy on the topic of Eating Disorders

http://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/using-emotional-core-therapy-to-effectively-treat-those-individuals-sufferingfrom-eating-disorders.pdf

Mental Health and Family Medicine Journal Featuring Emotional Core Therapy

https://www.mhfmjournal.com/pdf/emotional-core-theraan-exciting-new-psychology-approach.pdf

Emotional Core Therapy cigarette addiction article featured in EC Psychology and Psychiatry Journal.

https://www.ecronicon.com/ecpp/pdf/ECPP-08-00393.pdf

I had the privilege of being on the wonderful Golftalklive Radio Show tonight. Excited to share how my new book, “Mastering the Psychology of Golf with Emotional Core Therapy” can help golfers on and off the course. See link below. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/golftalklive/2019/02/15/golf-talk-live–special-guest-robert-a-moylan-lcpc-author-of-several-books

Mindfulness and Peak Experience from the perspective of Affective Neuroscience

Here is a new perspective on mindfulness that posits it as an essential element of achieving ecstatic, flow, or peak experience. The procedure it entails is very simple and you may wish to give it a try. It is based on the work of the distinguished neuro-scientist Kent Berridge of the University of Michigan who was kind to vet the argument for accuracy. My argument is validated by simple procedure and is easily falsifiable, thus it has a short shelf life if it does not work.

Simple Procedure Just be mindful and simultaneously and consistently engage exclusively in meaningful or important behavior and you will feel relaxed, pleasurably aroused, and ‘intrinsically’ motivated. The more meaningful the behavior, the greater the affective response. That’s it.

Simple Explanation Individuals who engage in tasks that have a consistent and high degree of ‘meaning’ (e.g. sporting events, creative activity) naturally experience a state of high alertness and arousal (but not pleasure) that maps neurologically to the activation of mid-brain dopamine systems. However, many of these individuals also report a concurrent feeling of pleasure or bliss, but these reports are evidenced only in non-stressed situations when the covert musculature is inactive or relaxed. Since relaxation engages opioid systems in the brain, and because opioid (pleasure) and dopamine (arousal) systems stimulate each other, blissful states require the simultaneous engagement of resting protocols (of which mindfulness is the most effective) and meaningful cognitive states, behaviors that can be very easily achieved and sustained.

I offer a more detailed theoretical explanation in pp. 47-52, and pp 82-86 of my open source book on the neuroscience of resting states, ‘The Book of Rest’, linked below.

The Psychology of Rest https://www.scribd.com/doc/284056765/The-Book-of-Rest-The-Odd-Psychology-of-Doing-Nothing

Meditation and Rest from the International Journal of Stress Management, by this author https://www.scribd.com/doc/121345732/Relaxation-and-Muscular-Tension-A-bio-behavioristic-explanation

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Study Zones: How To Get Better Grades in Less Time

Every parent knows the evening homework struggle, with distractions galore and sometimes tears. But what if there was a way to make this daily task more zen-like and efficient? Check out our tips for making a great homework spot and making studying more fun!

The School's Perspective vs. Reality

Sometimes kids get punished at school for not turning their homework in, and sometimes it's just not their fault. Maybe they missed out on a field trip or some other opportunity, or maybe they even had to write the teacher a reason why. The school sometimes acts like the kids are lazy, but you know they've tried very hard. And that makes you mad, right? If you've been there, this video is for you.

The Importance of Environment

Creating a work environment that's conducive to your child's zen and happiness is essential. When your child is stressed out at school, they don't want to come home and do more work. By creating a positive, zen-like learning environment, education won't seem so negative, especially if they're struggling at school.

The Ideal Study Space

Designate a study space. This isn't their bed or the floor. This is a dedicated space specifically for studying and homework, whether it's a desk in their room, a kitchen counter, or a spot in the living room. Equipping this space with essential tools and limiting distractions is crucial for success.

Tackling Distractions

Push the phone into another room, turn off video games and the TV. If your kitchen table is the designated homework hub, minimize distractions. For some children, a completely distraction-free environment is necessary for focus.

Tool Kits for Success

Equip your child with toolboxes or craft boxes containing supplies appropriate for their age. From pencils to protractors, having these tools on hand prevents unnecessary breaks during study time. Additionally, providing a favorite snack can serve as a mini-reward during their study session.

The Benefits of a Homework Zone

A homework zone provides relief from stress and creates positive triggers around studying. By making homework time nurturing and fun, parents can turn a challenging task into an enjoyable experience. Strategies for this transformation can be found in the Learning Success system , available for a free trial today.

Social Studying

Younger students in elementary school benefit from doing homework in family settings, emphasizing that humans are inherently social creatures. For older students, having a dedicated space in their room can be beneficial, but distractions must be controlled. Collaborative study sessions via FaceTime or Zoom with friends can also be helpful.

Key Takeaways:

The homework struggle.

"When my son Jamie was in third grade, every evening became a battleground. 'Homework time!' was met with groans and sometimes even tears. But after integrating some of the strategies from Liz Weaver's video, particularly creating a dedicated 'homework zone', the change was palpable. Suddenly, Jamie knew where everything was, from his crayons to his worksheets, and the process became so much smoother. The space transformed from a 'chore zone' to his 'zen zone.'"

Distraction Central:

"I remember one day walking into our living room to find my daughter Sarah with her math book open, TV blaring, and her younger brother playing loudly beside her. No wonder she was struggling to finish her work! Taking advice from the video, we made a dedicated 'distraction-free zone' for her. The transformation was immediate! She started finishing her homework faster and with fewer mistakes."

The Power of Social Studying:

"Last year, during a parent-teacher meeting, I discovered that one of Jamie's friends, Luke, was also struggling with homework. Recalling Liz's idea of 'social studying,' we set up a Zoom call for both of them. The camaraderie and little competitive spirit made them eager to finish their tasks. Not only did their performance improve, but they also looked forward to these virtual study sessions."

Craft Box Magic:

"My niece always had a hard time settling down to study because she’d often misplace her stationery. Remembering the toolboxes mentioned in the video, I got her a craft box. We stocked it with everything she might need. It's been a few weeks, and the improvement is evident. Now, she eagerly takes out her 'magic box' every study session, knowing she has everything she needs."

The Importance of Breaks:

"I saw my nephew, Ben, hunched over his books for hours. I introduced the idea of the Pomodoro technique, inspired by the video’s emphasis on a conducive environment. The result? Ben not only became more efficient but also happier, realizing that quality outweighs quantity."

Let's redefine homework – not as a chore to dread, but a zone of zen and discovery. When the environment is right, every page turned becomes an adventure! Look no further than the Learning Success System , a do-at-home educational therapy program that addresses cognitive micro-skills and helps with focus, reading, math, confidence, and more. And now, for a limited time only, a free trial is available for those interested in unlocking their child's full potential. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your child's future!

Our simple online analysis will help you get to the core of the problem and find the right solution for you.

Understanding how to help someone with a learning difficulty starts with understanding which micro-skills are affected. When you learn which of the micro-skills is the problem, you will then be on your way to solving it.

You'll also learn how to:

• Build confidence
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How To Get In The Zone: 10 Effective Methods

by: David Woutersen

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

First Published: February 22, 2023

Are you struggling to get in the zone when working? There are so many distractions around us that keep us from working efficiently.

However, with the right mindset and preparation, you will find yourself getting in the zone much easier.

Here is how to get in the zone:

1. Choose The Right Time Of The Day

One mistake people often make is trying to work at the wrong time of day. People have different times of day when they are the most efficient when working. 

For example, if you are more productive in the morning, you will have a better chance of getting in the zone when working at this time.

But if you’re more productive in the afternoon, this will be the best time for you to work. Getting in the zone is much easier when you work while your body is naturally alert and focused. 

So try to do the most difficult tasks during the time of day when you are the most productive.

2. Listen To Music

Many people feel that listening to music helps get them in the zone. Choose a specific genre of music that helps you focus and doesn’t distract you from your work. 

Your brain will connect this music to work time and help get you in the zone to work.

Some find that listening to classical music helps get them in the zone, while others prefer music with more base to keep them alert. 

Find a genre that works for you and play it while preparing for work. If you cannot concentrate on your work while the music is playing, play it before starting work and turn it off when you start.

3. Setup Your Workspace 

Another important tip to help you get in the zone is to set up your workspace before starting to work. Gather all your supplies, start your computer, and turn the lights on before starting to work.

This will help you focus better and get in the zone much easier than when you try to organize your workspace while working.

Also, remember to bring your snacks and water to your workspace so you don’t disrupt your workflow by getting up to grab something you need.

An organized workspace will help you feel calm and help get you in the zone without distractions.

4. Ensure A Peaceful Work Environment

Choosing a peaceful work environment is part of setting up your workspace. You will have difficulty getting in the zone if your workspace is in the living room where everyone watches TV.

Instead, select a peaceful part of the house without traffic coming through it to work in. 

Turn off your phone or turn it to vibrate while working to limit the distracting noises. Ensure the room you work in has sufficient sunlight and artificial light, so you don’t strain your eyes.

Plants in your workspace improve the oxygen therein and help keep you calm and in the zone.

While many people work in their bedrooms, studies have found that having a dedicated room or space for working is more effective.

Your brain connects this area with working, which connects your bedroom with sleeping and relaxing. Having a dedicated workspace will help get you in the zone much easier.

5. Set Realistic Work Goals

A mistake many people make when getting ready for work is that they set up unrealistic work goals for the day. This will keep you from getting in the zone as you constantly stress about getting everything done. 

Instead, take some time before starting your workday to list all the tasks you must complete that day.

Prioritize your tasks in order of importance. Start with the most critical tasks, or do those when you are the most productive.

Setting clear goals for the day will help keep you in the zone, and being able to check them off the list will improve your mood and satisfaction.

Be realistic about how long each task will take you and account for the time you lose when taking a break or going to the bathroom.

Setting clear, realistic work goals for each day helps keep you in the zone by giving you a sense of direction and reducing stress.

6. Don’t Forget To Take Breaks When Needed

Although it may sound counterintuitive, taking breaks is essential to staying in the zone. If you concentrate on work for too long, your brain will get fatigued and lose focus. 

Then, you won’t be in the zone anymore, and you will feel much less productive.

Taking a five-to-ten-minute break every hour helps your mind reset and helps you get in the zone much easier when you start working again. The best way to take a break when working is to get up from your desk and walk around.

Moving your body improves your oxygen intake and helps your mind relax.

7. Drink Water While Working

Being dehydrated makes your brain function slower and will make you feel tired and struggle to concentrate. Therefore, you must drink enough water while working to keep you hydrated and refreshed.

Keep a big bottle of water while working, and take small sips every few minutes. Having a water bottle is better than a glass, as you don’t have to refill it as often.

Set a goal to drink a minimum of half a gallon of water daily. Being mentally alert and hydrated helps to keep you in the zone.

8. Do Daily Exercise

Doing daily exercise helps get you in the zone while working. For example, a daily walk or bike ride helps your body move blood more efficiently and gets more oxygen to your brain.

Your body needs regular exercise to be healthy and strong, and daily exercise helps improve your energy output and focus.

If you aren’t used to exercising regularly, try going for a thirty-minute walk every day before or after work and see how much your concentration improves.

Having improved concentration also helps get you in the zone much easier.

9. Get 7 Hours Of Sleep Daily

In addition to getting enough exercise, you should also prioritize your sleep. If you’re more productive in the early morning, you should get to bed earlier at night.

Studies show that getting 7 hours of sleep a night is essential to improve your energy and focus throughout the day.

The more energy you have, the more focused you will be when working and the more work you can complete in an allotted time.

Being well-rested is crucial for getting you in the zone and will help you be more productive when working.

10. Eat Healthy Snacks

Finally, you should focus on eating nutritious, healthy snacks and meals while working. Healthy snacks high in fiber, fats, and proteins help to boost your energy and concentration throughout the day.

Many people forget to eat, but your body needs the nutrients to keep your energy levels up and help you focus.

Prepare your work snacks ahead of time and bring them to work to snack on while working. This helps prevent fatigue from being too hungry and will help you feel more energized and focused.

Eating healthy, nutritious meals is essential to get you in the zone and keep you there while working.

Final Thoughts On Getting In The Zone

If you’re finding it difficult to get into the zone and maximize your productivity, try out some of these tips.

Choose the best time to work, listen to music, set up your workspace, ensure a peaceful workspace, set realistic work goals, take a break when needed, drink enough water, do daily exercise, get enough sleep and eat healthy snacks. 

These ten tips should help you get into the zone and be more productive.

David Woutersen

David is the founder of Outofthe925.com and has been in the social media industry since 2017. Since then, his mission has been to help others take control of their online presence. For some, this has been earning an income online; for others, it's teaching how to use social networks more effectively. And each year, he continues to help millions with strategy, troubleshooting, and inspiration.

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How to create a Homework Zone

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As our children grow up, they start doing more focused work that demands a different environment than the one they play in and do crafts or run and play. Create a Homework Zone to help them focus, learn better, and ace their exams .

A focus zone is a special place where your child can work on their focused work and school assignments and stay focused.

A homework zone is a designated area in your home where your child can work on school assignments and projects free from distractions.

Creating a homework zone can help your child to focus on his or her studies and minimize distractions.

What does a child do in a work or focus zone?

• Activity books
• Manipulatives
• Science projects
• Experiments
• Board Games

Know your child’s learning styles

There are four different learning styles:.

• Kinesthetic

Each of these styles is based on different ways people learn. For example, some people learn best by seeing things, others by hearing things, and others by doing things.

There is no right way to learn; each person has a unique learning style.

Knowing your child’s individual learning style can help you create an environment conducive to learning.

For example, a visual learner child may benefit from having a designated space where he or she can hang up pictures and charts to help remember information.

An auditory learner  may prefer to study in a quiet place where they can listen to music or audio recordings of their lessons.

A kinesthetic learner  may benefit from having a space where he or she can move around and take breaks to walk or stretch.

And a tactile learner  may prefer to have materials that he or she can touch and manipulate while studying.

Tips on how to choose the right location and set up boundaries:

When creating a homework zone, it is essential to consider your child’s individual needs.

For example, some children work better at a desk while others work on the floor or at a kitchen table.

Choose a location for the homework zone based on your child’s preference, and ensure plenty of light and ventilation.

How to set up a homework space or station?

1) choose a designated area:.

Having a specific place for your child to do their homework is essential.

Designating a space will help create a routine and make it easier for you to find things they may need, like pencils, paper, or scissors. 

2) Stock it with supplies:

Be sure to have all the necessary supplies, like pencils, pens, paper, glue, tape, etc. You can even create a homework caddy that contains all of these items, so it’s easy to grab and go.

3) Set up a comfortable workspace:

Ensure the area is well-lit and comfortable. This will help to reduce eye strain and fatigue. If your child is working at a desk, be sure the chair is at the correct height so they can sit with good posture.

4) Establish rules and expectations:

Let your child know what is expected of them while working in the homework zone—for example, no TV, music, phones, etc.

5) Encourage regular use:

Help your child develop a routine by doing their homework simultaneously each day. This will also help to minimize distractions and disruptions.

6) Stay organized:

Encourage your child to keep their workspace clean and organized. This will help them to stay focused and on task.

7) Provide support and assistance:

Be available to answer questions or help with complex assignments. However, try not to do the work for them as this will defeat the purpose of the homework zone.

8) Take breaks:

Your child needs to take regular breaks while they are working. This will help to refresh their mind and body to stay focused.

9) Reward good behavior:

Praise your child when they use the homework zone and stay on task. This will help to reinforce positive behavior and encourage them to continue using the space.

How to create a Focus Zone in a tight space

If you don’t have a lot of space in your home, you can create a focus zone in a tight space.

A focus zone can be as simple as having the following:

• A shelf, a basket, or a box to keep their materials in
• A small table or desk to work, a tray, or even the kitchen table
• A comfortable chair
• A noise-canceling headphone if your child can’t focus with distractions
• Relaxing music if your child works better with music
• A lamp to create a well-lit space if you have a small child

Stories from Parents Who Successfully Implemented a Focus Zone in their Home

“My son has always been a very active and playful child, which often resulted in him being distracted while trying to do his school work. After hearing about focus zones from Ola, I decided to create one in our home. It’s been a total game-changer! My son can now focus on his work and finish it without distraction. I’m so happy I made this change!” Sarah – mother of Two

“I struggled to get my daughter to focus on her school work. She would get easily distracted and start playing with her toys or talking to her friends on the phone. I heard about focus zones from a friend and decided to create one in our home. It was a bit challenging initially, but with patience and guidance, my daughter could stay focused and finish her work. I’m so happy I made this change!” Katherine – mother of one

The importance of a focus zone can’t be stressed enough. This is because it will help your child stay focused and avoid distractions while working on their school assignments or trying to get some studying done.

Creating a focus zone in your home is easy; with these tips, you can help your child stay focused while working in this area. Praise them when they reach their goals and ensure the environment around their focus zone is free of distractions.

To create a focus zone, you will need the following:

• A quiet, distraction-free location in your home that is large enough to fit a desk or table
• Well-lit area
• Comfortable chair
• Organizers for their materials
• School supplies
• Sign or poster reminding your child to stay focused
• Snacks and drinks
• Pomodoro technique (optional)
• Realistic goals
• Calm and noise-free environment

By following these tips, you can create a successful focus zone for your child to help them stay on task and avoid distractions. Good luck!

A Certified Parent Coach and a cognitive behavioral therapist, Mom to 3 beautiful daughters living in Germany

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The Art of Simple Work Rituals to Create Tunnel Vision and Instantly Step Into Flow

Want to know how to get in the zone every time you sit down to work or study on your computer?  Maybe our “new society” is still evolving… Maybe we still have a long way to go before we know how to manage all this power at our fingertips… But one thing is clear. Many remote workers and students are flailing to gain some kind of focus. The promise of the Information Age has deteriorated into an Information Chaos… A constant panicked scramble to get something, anything, done on a day-to-day basis.

Download this article as a PDF

Ritualizing work can help train your brain for instant flow & on-call work productivity.

At FocusMe, we’re constantly looking for new ways to help remote workers and students allocate their mental resources better. To make each session at the computer more efficient. To limit wasted time and effort. And drastically ramp up productivity. One of the fastest, simplest ways to do this is the use of simple work rituals and patterns to “prep” the brain for success as you begin work. Work rituals can be very simple. Seemingly trivial, even. And yet still tap into high-performing brain patterns in mere minutes, often less.

What is a Focused Work Ritual? And How Does it Help You Get in the Zone?

As you probably know, “morning rituals” have become extremely popular in today’s self-help literature.

Everyone’s constantly looking for new ways to organize their days better, and imitating the patterns of the world’s most elite workers seems like a good place to start.

Freedom without structure can quickly become chaos.

(Especially if you work or study on digital devices.)

While these morning rituals start you off with a more productive day…

The Brain-Training Practicality of Prework Rituals is Often Overlooked.

A work ritual is a simple, usually brief series of steps to implement every time you sit down for an online work session.

It doesn’t have to be super complicated.

For example, you might just put away your distracting devices, jot down something in a notebook, put on your favorite focus music, and get going.

You might even toss in some visualization.

Or a superstitious tweak of your own, to get the mind in the right gear.

Be creative. Make it your own.

But Why Should You Use a Work Ritual?

The basic idea is that by repeating the same exact steps, in the exact same sequence, every single time you work, you create a powerful priming mechanism. The important part is the repetitive sequence. The pattern-seeking functions of your brain quickly pick up on this routine over time. Creating a simple, effective method for switching into work mode whenever you want. As your brain grows more familiar with the productive work sessions produced by your repetitive routine, that routine becomes more closely linked with stepping into flow. And you can activate tunnel vision moments regularly on cue. Allow me to illustrate.

Here’s an Example of a Simple Work Ritual for Getting in the Zone Instantly.

How to get in the zone – step #1.

It’s 6:45 a.m. and Russel, an online entrepreneur, knows it’s time to work. Because he’s made a “predecision” to structure his life that way.

Maybe he even has a reminder set on his phone so he never misses this “appointment with himself.”

He’s already gotten up early enough to get his workout in. Of course, that’s not imperative to reap the rewards of the work ritual’s mental conditioning. But working at the same time everyday establishes a highly productive pattern in Russel’s mornings…

So he finds it that much easier to structure his other healthy activities around work sessions and start the day off with a bang.

So at 6:45, Russel makes himself a quick cup of coffee and heads into his home office.

Things to Note:

• Try to honor specific time commitments for your work session. You don’t have to get up as early as Russel does, but sticking with a specific schedule will help your brain start gearing up as work time approaches.
• If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, forcing yourself to sit down and get started before you allow yourself to dip into your first or second cup is a great way to tap into the reward centers of your brain and create a little “bait” for yourself. Make delayed gratification work FOR you.
• Russel’s use of a home office creates a special space for getting work done. Not only does this minimize distractions and outside interruptions – but the brain learns to associate that space with workflow and getting in the zone. You don’t need a beautiful office with a giant mahogany desk and all the bells and whistles. A curtained off section of the room or corner of a bedroom (preferably with a locked door) should suffice. But own your work space.

How to Get in the Zone – Step #2

Russel turns off his smartphone and slips it into a drawer as he enters the office. He sets his hot cup of coffee on the desk, and makes sure to gather his computer charger (and anything else he might need) before he sits down.

He also lays a notepad beside his computer to jot down potential tangents and distractions as needed. This step of the ritual is about getting all his tools in place so he doesn’t need to get up again.

With everything in place, he shuts the door behind him. Everyone in the house knows it’s time to leave Russel alone.

He sits down at his computer and fires it up.

• Research shows just having a smartphone in the room with you makes it difficult to focus. The temptation is always there beckoning in the back of your mind. After you turn it off, consider leaving in a drawer on the other side of the house instead. If you do this every time you work, your brain will get accustomed to this strict no-phone rule while working.
• Notice Russel still isn’t drinking his coffee yet. He’s going to help himself slip right into the zone by saving his first sip for after the clock has started.
• Planning to have everything he needs there with him minimizes the chance unnecessary detours will drag him off track. Most distractions can be anticipated and prevented with a few simple daily steps before your tail hits the seat. Might as well include them in your “ritual.”
• Just the simple act of closing that door and sitting down at that same desk everyday has already trained Russel’s brain for what comes next. There’s no mistaking it – the time for deep, productive work has arrived!

How to Get in the Zone – Step #3

This is not required for a work ritual to support you…

But anyone who wants to reach new, higher heights of achievement, should consider drawing on the life-changing power of mental visualization techniques to get into the zone.

Jason Selk, a performance training coach for some of the world’s top athletes and business leaders, writes about simple mental rituals in “10-Minute Toughness,” and the follow up book, “Executive Toughness.”

Selk has athletes and business clients run a quick personalized highlight reel in their own head just before go-time, and then envision how they want to perform before they begin. They also recant a quick, personalized (deliberately structured) affirmation to tap into their most powerful version of themselves.

Sound like new age nonsense? Selk backs up his claims with research and client results. In any case, Russel’s version of this doesn’t even take 5 minutes, and it’s a great ritualizing component to his prework routine.

•  If you don’t have time to read Jason Selk’s books, no big deal. Just write your goals on a whiteboard above your desk. A quick review of them and an internal intention to move in their direction is enough. You might also consider some type of visual representation.
•  Visualization is powerful but doesn’t have to be fancy to work…For example, one of the easiest ways to break the habit of sleeping in is to take a quick second before sleep to envision yourself jumping out of bed as soon as the alarm goes off. The point is that setting a visual intention for something makes difficult things much easier.

How to Get in the Zone – Step #4

Russel takes a quick moment to grab his whiteboard marker (or a notepad and pen) and jots down a quick list of 3-5 things he intends to do after opening his computer.

These aren’t trivial to-do’s – they are the most important tasks he will complete today.

•  Preplanning your computer time only takes a moment; if you already have goals and responsibilities, you know what needs to be done first. But this simple step in your work routine ensures you open up your computer deliberately and move with purpose. A specific intention to not get sidetracked. There’s no easier way to fall out of the zone than just letting the digital labyrinth carry you away…

How to Get in the Zone – Step #5

Before doing anything else, Russel taps into one of the most important sensory inputs for sinking his mind into the zone.

Russel has a channel saved on his Spotify for binaural beats that help him focus. He pops on his headphones so he can’t hear family making intrusive noises around the house, and he hits play to take control of his own environment.

Music is a super powerful addition to ritualizing anything.

•  Different types of music work for different people. Classical music is great for mellow but deep focus. Or maybe you like something more upbeat, like hip hop or reggae. Music with lyrics might work for some, but for others it’s too distracting.
•  Try alternating types of music depending on the type of work. For example, Russel uses binaural beats when it’s time to do deep work, but when fielding emails and other admin tasks, a little r&b or jazz keeps him in a positive mood without allowing him to get bored.
•  Want another alternative? Try the background noise of a mellow coffee shop, or even the addition of a gentle rain. Studies show ambient coffee shop noise helps some people get more done. And it may cut down on the lonely feeling of working at home during lockdown. FocusMe has a free tool for this – stop by the RainyCafe anytime you want to liven up the office.

How to Get in the Zone – Step #6

Russel’s brain knows what’s up now and is shifting gear into full-on work mode!

He writes down his starting time (for tracking purposes) on the white board in front of him. And (now that he’s on the clock) finally takes a satisfying sip of his still-hot coffee.

Then he promptly begins work on his most important task of the day. The work ritual, or mind program if you will, is complete.

It’s time for the magic to happen…

• Remember, the coffee functions as a reward for starting. Many people love their morning indulgences but don’t make it intentional. Russel deprives himself until his work has begun, creating a small motivator for moving forward with a productive day.
• You can also hold off on the coffee, alternative drink, or even breakfast until you’ve completed an hour or two of work. What other little motivators can you think of? Sprinkle them about your day. Remember, they don’t need to be complicated. Get creative!
• Tracking work not only makes it much easier to know your metrics – revealing where your time goes and opportunities for improvement – but has other benefits within the ritual as well. The repeated step of writing start time down just helps solidify the work “ritual” structure. It also creates obvious wins and turns daily work into more of a game.
• If Russel really wants to gamify his work, he could check out gamification apps like Habitica , or create a simple spreadsheet for logging in and out of work, tracking hours, noting other metrics, etc. Tracking alone can help the reward-seeking brain find momentum (this is especially helpful if you struggle to get motivated for far-off goals). How far can you go to gamify YOUR daily metrics?
• Notice Russel starts with his most important or most satisfying work first. Not email or instant messaging! This minimizes the risk of slipping into reactive mode. And sets the stage for constant progress towards his most important goals.

How to Get in the Zone - Step #7

Rinse and repeat.

• Russel implements this same routine every time he sits down to work. After long breaks. After lunch. If he does an evening work session at random, he uses it again. The less he deviates from this, the better it seems to work…

Caution: Drawing on Work Rituals to Get in the Zone Doesn’t Have to Be Over-Complicated.

In this article, I’ve elaborated every little step in Russel’s ritual for clarity. But don’t get the wrong idea… These steps are very simple and take up almost zero additional time in Russel’s day. A work ritual can amount to a mere half a minute and still feel significant. The brain is a pattern-loving machine. If you give it a structure and routine, so it knows when it’s time to perform specific functions, it will optimize for you and help you stay on track. Try it for a couple weeks. You just might be amazed at the results…

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Create Your Own Back-To-School Zone with Sabrina Soto

August 17, 2015 March 6, 2024

DIY BACK-TO-SCHOOL ZONE

Things can get a bit crazy during the early part of the school year, and keeping your home in order is key to staying sane. Setting up a separate area with school supplies that is designed just for school work is a great idea to help keep kids organized. Check out the video above to see how VELCRO® Brand Ambassador Sabrina Soto sets up a creative Back-to-School zone that is perfect for studying and doing homework!

See More: Sabrina’s Top Back-to-School Hacks

Do you have everything you need for Back-To-School projects? Don’t forget to pick up a pack of our super-versatile Thin Clear Fasteners:

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Back to school season can be hectic for any family. The kids need school supplies, they want new clothes, new gadgets; it’s a whole thing. I like to keep things as stress-free as possible in-house and I find that if kids have a sort-of designated space to study every night it’s a lot more successful. It’s almost like a version of the home-office for the kids!

I like to call it The Homework Zone.

So I place all their school supplies that they need to study right onto this hutch using VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back Coins and Tape . You can also use the VELCRO® Brand Thin Clear Fasteners or Industrial Strength Low Profile depending on what you’re hanging. These are so easy to use that the kids can get in on the fun too!

Perfect. The Low Profile Industrial Strength works well with the pencil case because it’s going to be pulled off a lot. Homework’s going to be a lot less of a chore when it looks this good!

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10 MUST HAVE Items for Setting Up a Homework Station

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10 supplies for a homework station.

Supply Kit   –  A good supply kit with pencils, pens, highlighters, art supplies, paper, and other important items that students will need to complete their assignments is a must. By having all of these things in one place, there are no delays or excuses for notcompleting homework because they don’t have what they need.

Electric Sharpener   –  Find a good electric pencil sharpener that works for both standard #2 pencils and also colored pencils. It’s so much easier to use an electric sharpener than a manual one and wards off the distraction and procrastination tactic of sharpening pencils by hand.

So whether or not you have a dedicated area in your house for your Homework Station, making sure to have the necessary supplies at hand at all times is important to set your own students up for success this year.

Let me know what you favorite supply to have to keep you productive is below!

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Conservative media uses misleading camera angle of Biden to falsely claim that he was wandering aimlessly

Conservative media outlets selectively used a camera angle that left out important context to spread a claim Thursday and Friday that President Joe Biden wandered off from a meeting of world leaders, but the full video at another angle captured by NBC News tells a different story.

Instead of wandering off, Biden was walking toward a group of parachutists who had just landed in an Italian clearing and gave them two thumbs-up. 

The deceptive video began spreading online shortly after a photo opportunity at the G7 summit in Puglia, in southern Italy. Biden and other leaders from some of the world’s largest economies stood on a green lawn while people in military uniforms parachuted in carrying oversized flags of the different countries. 

Several cameras, including one from NBC News, were present to document the meeting, where Biden was expected to push for more support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. 

But the cameras captured slightly different angles, and Biden’s critics seized on one of them to push their allegation that Biden, 81, is absent-minded and too old to be president. 

The video is one of many that have circulated widely online in recent weeks attempting to cast relatively normal moments as gaffes or evidence that Biden is suffering from a mental decline. Experts have warned that while advanced technology like generative artificial intelligence can spread misinformation, so-called cheapfakes that often use only minor or selective editing can be more effective at spreading false narratives.

The NBC News video contains nothing to suggest that Biden wandered, a word that often implies aimless walking. Instead, it shows he was walking toward a specific destination: a group of at least three kneeling parachutists. 

Many of the deceptive videos went viral on X, which under owner Elon Musk has transformed into an increasingly influential media outlet in conservative circles — one that’s hostile to the Biden administration and where false stories spread with few checks by the platform. 

The New York Post, controlled by the conservative Murdoch family, posted a video Thursday that appeared to be taken with a phone in the vertical position, meaning that it showed little of what was happening on either side of Biden. The video shows Biden walking about seven steps away from the other leaders, seemingly with no destination, and giving at least one thumb-up to whatever was off-camera. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni follows him, touches his arm and directs Biden’s attention in the opposite direction. 

The New York Post, in text superimposed on the video, said that Biden “appears to wander off” and “has to be pulled back.” Its post on X got 4.2 million videos , according to X’s tally Friday. 

Andrew Bates, the White House senior deputy press secretary, criticized the Post’s reporting. 

“The Murdoch outlets are so desperate to distract from @POTUS’s record that they just lie,” he wrote on X . 

“Here, they use an artificially narrow frame to hide from viewers that he just saw a skydiving demonstration,” he wrote. “He’s saying congratulations to one of the divers and giving a thumbs up.” His post received 2.4 million views. 

A spokesperson for the Post did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. 

But the claims continued from conservative and Republican accounts, which used the same video or other camera angles with limited context. A post from a Republican National Committee used a video that, although it had a wider angle, still did not show what Biden was walking toward. It received 2.9 million views on X. 

“WHAT IS BIDEN DOING?” the RNC post asked. The RNC did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. 

A post on X from Clay Travis, a conservative talk radio host, used the same video as the RNC. He wrote that Biden “just goes wandering off” and that other national leaders “are babysitting our president in Italy.” His post received 1.1 million views . In a follow-up post Friday, Travis said he stood by his view that Biden is not mentally fit to be president.

The RNC's and Travis' posts did not have community notes on them Friday, though X users had proposed some and were in the process of voting. 

The NBC News video angle clearly includes what the others did not: the group of kneeling parachutists who were only steps away from Biden. As they’re kneeling, Biden walks toward them, stops and gives them two thumbs-up. At least one of them appears to acknowledge Biden by standing at attention. 

Meloni does pull Biden back to the group as someone appears to begin speaking, but there’s no indication in the NBC News video that Biden was unaware of his surroundings. 

Deceptive videos of Biden have become a common tactic during the 2024 presidential campaign, which features Biden and 78-year-old former President Donald Trump. Last year, conservative pundits used low-quality video to spread a false claim that Biden fell asleep during a memorial for wildfire victims in Hawaii. 

David Ingram covers tech for NBC News.

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How to get around paris during the olympic games.

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Traveling around Paris will be easier during the Olympic Games if you know what's open and what's ... [+] closed.

The Olympic Rings have been officially hoisted onto the Eiffel Tower, and in just 45 days, after a surprise general election, Paris will be welcoming millions of guests to its Olympic Games. With security an issue, parts of the city will be difficult to access by motorized transport and some Paris Métro (subway) lines will be closed. With all that in mind, here's how to best get around Paris.

Paris' Red And Blue Zones

There are red zones, where no motorized traffic is allowed to circulate, that include the area surrounding venues, along the marathon and cycling routes and along the banks of the river Seine during—and in the days leading up to—the Opening Ceremony.

The blue zones are on the edge of the red zones, where all motorized traffic will be regulated by the police and security services. The red and blue zones will be in operation on every competition day; they come into force two hours and thirty minutes before an event starts until one hour after it ends.

There are no restrictions to pedestrians and cyclists in red or blue zones. This map on the website of the Ministry of the Interior shows the red and blue zones in operation across Paris during the Olympic Games.

These areas include Trocadéro, the Eiffel Tower, Champ-de-Mars, Les Invalides, Grand Palais, Alexandre III bridge, Concorde, Arena Bercy, Roland-Garros (Parc des Princes), Arena Porte de Versailles, Arena La Chapelle, the La Défense Arena, the Stade de France and the Aquatic Centre, Le Bourget.

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People who really need to enter these areas during the Games (like delivery drivers) will be assigned a QR code so they can come and go.

Road Closures In Paris During The Olympic Games

As of May 17, three major roads began to be closed to traffic in order to prepare for the Olympics infrastructure, reports Le Monde .

The BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding and 3X3 basketball events will be hosted at Place de la Concorde , so traveling around the square will be different during the Games. All traffic—and that includes pedestrians and cyclists—is banned running north-south across Concorde. The metro (subway) station at Concorde will also be affected; Line 12 won't stop there at all, and Lines 1 and 8 are only stopping there until June 17. It's best to choose a station close by and walk.

Due to the cycling, triathlon, marathon swimming and para triathlon events, the Alexandre-III bridge is closed completely to traffic until September 20, except that pedestrians can use the upstream pavement.

The cycling, archery and marathon (both Olympic and Paralympic) will take place at the military history museum of Les Invalides , so Avenue du Maréchal Galliéni will be completely closed in the 7th arrondissement until September 25 and lots of surrounding roads and esplanades will be heavily affected.

In the 16th arrondissement, there are some road closures around Trocadéro , including a change along the Avenue du Président Wilson to make the traffic single-file.

415 km Of Interlinked Cycling Lanes

It's organizers call it the first cycling Olympic Games because they promised to allocate 415 km to cycling lanes across the city, either from existing lanes or by creating new paths, reports Le Monde . This is particularly important if visitors are staying in hotels or Airbnbs in red zones, where traveling by car will be challenging.

The upscale Hôtel San Régis is in one such zone, near a Metro station that will be closed (the Clemençeau station, near the Champs-Elysées), so its guests and staff will be able to use electric bikes to move about between work, home, the hotel and venues.

Paris' popular self-service bike hire service, Vélib' added 3,000 units to its fleet, and has built lots of temporary stations—the hope is that many event attendees will use these gray bikes with green baskets to travel about. Velib ' is easy to use, available in English (and other languages) and involves just a quick sign-up process before you'll be ready to ride about from cafe to venue to bed. Prices start at €3 for a one-way journey, to €20 for a three-day pass—that also includes, in some instances, electric bikes.

Other private companies, Lime, Dott and Tier, also provide green, red, or yellow electric bikes but you'll need to sign up to all providers if you want to keep your options open—there is no universal bike hiring app that operates across the city.

Paris Metro (Subway) Station Closures During The Olympics

RATP has a list of expected Metro station closures in English on its website, including:

• Champs-Elysées—Clémenceau, Concorde and Tuileries on Line 1.
• Pont Marie on Line 7.
• Concorde on Line 8 and Line 12.
• Exelmans, Michel-Ange—Auteuil and Michel-Ange—Molitor on Line 9.
• Boulogne—Jean Jaurès, Boulogne—Pont de Saint-Cloud, Michel-Ange—Auteuil and Michel-Ange—Molitor on Line 10.
• Champs-Elysées—Clémenceau on Line 13.

RATP also has an itinerary search tool to plan your journey across the Metro closures during the Games.

One Metro Line Will Open From Orly Airport

Anyone traveling to and from Orly station might be pleased with the new extension of Metro Line 14, which has started running for the first time without passengers and is planned to open to people on June 23. President Sarkozy first planned this metro extension to open in 2027 but it was brought forward for the Olympics, linking Orly airport with Olympiades station, direct to the 13th arrondissment.

Attraction Closures Across Paris During the Olympic Games

It's best to check directly on the attraction's website about individual closures—for instance, the Eiffel Tower is open throughout the Games except on July 26, the day of the Opening Ceremony. The chateau of Versailles and its gardens will stay open throughout, but be aware that the show jumping, dressage and eventing are taking place there.

The Olympic Games will run from July 26 to August 11, 2024 and the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8, 2024—visitors would be advised to check out the Government's interactive map after the Games begins to find the latest road closures and traffic obstacles.

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President biden secret service agent robbed at gunpoint during ca trip, president biden's secret service agent robbed at gunpoint ... during prez's l.a. trip.

President Biden 's Secret Service keeps taking hits -- one of the agents on his detail was robbed at gunpoint during the president's fundraising trip to California.

While POTUS was rubbing elbows with celebs, Barack Obama and megadonors Saturday night in Hollywood, one of his off-duty Secret Service agents was hanging out in Tustin -- about an hour south in Orange County -- where he got a crash course in Cali crime.

Police say the agent had his bag stolen at gunpoint around 9:36 PM at a housing complex. The agent fired his gun during the incident, though it's unclear whether the robber was struck by that gunfire.

Cops say the suspect drove off before being apprehended, and police were able to locate some of the agent's belongings in the area.

The Tustin Police Department says it's looking for a 2004-2006 silver Infiniti FX35 or similar vehicle that was seen leaving the scene ... and cops released an image of the alleged getaway car.

Biden was in California over the weekend for a massive fundraising event ... a star-studded affair that raised more than $30 million for the president's reelection campaign.

POTUS is having no issue raising money, but his Secret Service agents are having all sorts of trouble, dealing with dogs -- one in particular -- and now armed robbers.

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River defender group says it will sue over Thornton pipeline being built through Larimer County 

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The Trust Project

Save the Poudre, a nonprofit that has challenged and delayed a handful of major dam and waterway projects across Colorado in the past decade, warned officials Monday it will sue to block Larimer County greenlighting a crucial section of a pipeline meant to deliver Poudre River water to Thornton. 

Larimer County last month approved Thornton’s second attempt at receiving a so-called “1041” building permit, saying the Adams County city had shortened the route through Larimer County and made other emergency access and conservation concessions since its first failed application. 

Save the Poudre, other environmental groups and neighbors of the pipeline route objected strongly to the Larimer commissioners’ vote in May. They said Thornton should take its water rights through the Poudre River channel itself rather than building a pipeline. Using the river channel for delivery would revive river ecology while avoiding construction and access issues on local roads issues, they said. 

“It’s insane to divert the water out of the Poudre and put that water in a pipeline that crosses the river 12 miles downstream,” Save the Poudre director Gary Wockner said. “Using the river as the conveyance would increase the health of the river in Fort Collins, the riparian corridor along the river, and the recreational opportunity at the new Whitewater Park in downtown.” 

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Through years of talks among Thornton water officials, Larimer County officials and neighbors of the pipeline route, which now crosses 10 miles of land in Larimer County, the great majority of public comments have been against the pipeline and for Thornton using the river channel, Wockner said. 

The suit, planned for state district court in Larimer County, will allege county approval violates the commissioners’ own guidelines under the 1041 project approval process , including requirements to limit impacts and promote conservation of resources. 

“This decision not only violates the land use code, it violates the will of the people,” he said. 

The 1041 process refers to the number of bill in the state legislature in the 1970s that set up how counties can approve major construction projects that impact public resources, including those proposed by cities or entities from outside the county. 

The Larimer County commissioners in May said they had agonized over their votes before approving the Thornton permit 3-0. Final signoff on the permit application is scheduled for a regular commission work meeting Tuesday. Save the Poudre says it has 28 days from that final signing to file its lawsuit. 

The commissioners and county planning staff said they had gained numerous concessions from Thornton from their first rejected application, including shortening the proposed 27-mile route inside the county down to about 10 miles, improved access during construction, limits on noise from construction and a pumping station, and more. Thornton says it needs the Larimer County section to link water rights it owns in reservoirs taking Poudre River water near Ted’s Place, northwest of Fort Collins, and continuing to pipeline segments already under construction in Weld County. 

Thornton says it long ago rejected any consideration of using the Poudre channel to deliver its water rights, because the water would pick up contaminants such as PFAS, agricultural runoff, and industrial and municipal waste. That contamination would require a new treatment plant costing hundreds of millions of dollars, Thornton maintains. 

Thornton acquired the water rights when buying up land and agricultural water shares in Larimer and Weld counties in the 1980s . 

Colorado courts ruled on Thornton’s first 1041 application that Larimer County had the right to reject it, but could not demand using the river channel as a condition of future approval. 

A Thornton spokesperson said the city does not comment on potential or pending litigation. A spokesperson for Larimer County said the same. 

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Michael Booth is The Sun’s environment writer, and co-author of The Sun’s weekly climate and health newsletter The Temperature. He and John Ingold host the weekly SunUp podcast on The Temperature topics every Thursday. He is co-author... More by Michael Booth

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Jay williams fans jj redick-lakers flames with ‘first-time head coach’ reference.

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Jay Williams sent the NBA rumor mill into overdrive during Tuesday’s episode of “Get Up,” when he referred to his ESPN colleague, JJ Redick, as a “first-time head coach”, as buzz continues to swirl over a potential union with the Lakers.

“You have the Los Angeles Lakers that are trying to figure it out with JJ Redick, a first-time head coach, we wish him all the best of luck with LeBron James in his twilight years,” Williams said.

Does Jay Williams know something we don't yet? "You have the Los Angeles Lakers who are trying to figure it out with JJ Redick, a first-time head coach, we wish him all the best of luck." pic.twitter.com/cRq4Majbob — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 18, 2024

Williams had been discussing the Lakers’ possibility of contending following the Celtics’ championship win over the Mavericks on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Redick was in the booth during Boston’s 106-88 triumph over Dallas, along with Doris Burke and Mike Breen.

The former NBAer, 39, was rumored to be the favorite in the Lakers’ head coaching search after the team parted ways with Darvin Ham in May. Ham coached the team for two seasons and was bounced from his post after a first-round playoff ouster.

The search took an unexpected turn in early June when the Lakers set their sights on UConn’s Dan Hurley, who coached the Huskies to back-to-back national titles in 2023 and 2024.

Hurley met with Lakers brass and ultimately turned down their six-year, $70 million offer.

He is slated to receive a six-year, $50 million contract extension at UConn, where he has coached since 2018.

Redick stated earlier this month that he would address the buzz this offseason following a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania that suggested the Lakers were “zeroing in” on him to be their next coach.

“In terms of Shams [Charania], that will be addressed once the season is over, I’ll just say that,” Redick said on DraftKings’ “GoJo and Golic” show, adding, “I don’t mean any job — I mean Shams. We’ll wait on that one.”

Redick had his formal Lakers coaching interview over the weekend, according to the Los Angeles Times .

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What Is the Next Step For Josh Minott?

Josh Minott just finished his second season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the 21-year-old forward out of Memphis has been unable to crack Minnesota’s rotation. Still, many fans may find him intriguing because of his two-way potential and freakish athleticism. However, after a couple of seasons developing in Iowa, could Minott get an opportunity next season?

Minott’s time with the Iowa Wolves, Minnesota’s G-League affiliate, has been largely positive. He improved in his second season with the team, particularly on offense. Coming into the NBA, scouts considered Minott a raw talent with great athleticism. His time in Iowa has allowed him to develop into more of a complete player, and he’s even been able to show that during his occasional minutes in the NBA.

In the preseason, the Wolves gave Minott plenty of time to showcase his improvements from his rookie season. Minott earned a team-high in minutes in a game against Maccabi Ra’anana of Israel, finishing with 23 points. He showed his ability to affect the game in transition and his high activity on the offensive end. Minott proved he’s not just a dunker with lackluster offense but someone who can create for himself and play off others. Minott uses his athletic, high-energy style on both ends, which Wolves fans could appreciate as it’s reminiscent of fan-favorite Jordan McLaughlin . If Minott continually improves as a shooter, his intrigue will only rise.

The Wolves took Minott in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, and he has shown more promise as a pro compared to Wendell Moore Jr., Minnesota’s other draft pick that year. This has been particularly proven in their two Summer League showings, “garbage time” minutes, and G-League opportunities. Therefore, it seems like Minott has positioned himself ahead of Moore in the pecking order of candidates who could enter the rotation next season.

Kyle Anderson is entering free agency this offseason, which could affect Minott’s playing time. The Wolves coaching staff has immense trust in Anderson, and he expressed his appreciation for this in his exit interview.

“He’s trusted me with decision-making, to play my game and allow me to have the ball in my hands,” Anderson said . “That meant a lot to me because I’ve [come] across many coaches that haven’t let me do that.”

“We would love to have [Anderson] back,” Chris Finch said in his exit interview. However, due to Minnesota’s increasing financial barriers, there is a real chance Anderson will leave. The Wolves have the lowest projected cap space in the league and are one of four teams over the second apron, meaning while they can still re-sign players like Anderson, the only players they can bring in will have to be on minimum contracts. That will limit the likelihood of them bringing in a quality rotational player if they don’t re-sign Anderson. Remember that the Wolves also have the contract extensions of Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels kicking in.

Minott will have more opportunities to earn minutes if the Wolves move on from Anderson. While their skill sets differ, Minott’s gradual improvements could make him an intriguing option for Finch and his staff entering year three. Leonard Miller is seen as more of a like-for-like replacement for Anderson but is still raw in some aspects of his game, increasing the chance of Minnesota bringing in a replacement. Suppose Anderson departs, and the Wolves sign a replacement this offseason. In that case, there is still no guarantee that the player would be locked into a rotational spot, considering they’d be on a one-year minimum contract.

Last offseason, the Wolves signed former Philadelphia 76ers guard Shake Milton , an attractive backup point guard option. However, Milton didn’t fit well in Minnesota’s system and eventually dropped out of the rotation. Minott has been in the Timberwolves organization for two years, giving him an advantage over players vying for minutes. He’s around the team often and plays a significant role in the same system down in Iowa.

Ultimately, does Finch trust Minott to contribute to a team with championship aspirations? Miller faces a similar conundrum. Outside of a few exceptions, Finch has yet to stick his young talent in the rotation since the Wolves have been a consistent playoff team.

It’ll be interesting to see if Finch takes a page out of Michael Malone’s book for next season. The Denver Nuggets head coach played 2022 draft picks Christian Braun and Peyton Watson in meaningful minutes this season. They had evident limitations and contributed to the narrative of this Nuggets team’s poor depth. Still, Malone played them through good and bad moments, which should set them up for a promising future in Denver.

Minott could handle a similar opportunity. He will likely go through his growing pains. However, it can set him up nicely for a chance to solidify himself in Minnesota’s plans alongside Naz Reid , McDaniels, and Edwards. It’s an option worth considering for the Wolves coaching staff.

The Taxpayer's Mid-Level Exception Is Minnesota's Most Important Tool This Offseason

In some ways, it’s hard to imagine it’s been nearly two weeks since the Minnesota Timberwolves last played basketball. The Wolves fell to the Mavericks in five […]

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I’m unmediated, untreated, and undiagnosed, and trying to focus the past few months has been absolute hell. Without insurance and my parent’s support, getting a diagnosis isn’t an option for me right now, and I need some short term solutions. Procrastinating on work till I get a last minute boost of motivation isn’t working anymore. I’ve tried using a pomadoro timer, but that only works for me sometimes. Please help me :’)