Getting Rid of Negative Habits for Better Learning

Getting Rid of Negative Habits for Better Learning Aryan, who was thirteen years old, had a look of anger on his face as he stared at his desk. While his history book was open and his homework was unopened, he had not read a word. His phone buzzed every few minutes, tempting him to check messages. When he tried to concentrate, he kept thinking about the most recent video game or the amusing meme his friend had sent earlier. He murmured, "I don't get it." "I sit down to study, but I just can't focus," says the student. As she entered, his mother, who had been observing him from the doorway, gently stroked his shoulder. “Aryan, have you ever thought about the habits that might be stopping you from studying well?”

Aryan exhaled. "Mom, I don't have bad habits. I just can’t focus.”

His mother smiled. “Sometimes, we don’t realize that small habits create big problems. Let’s find out what’s stopping you.”

Aryan shared his curiosity. His mother gave him a notebook and told him to write down what he did when he sat down to study for the next two days. Let's investigate the root of the issue. The Discovering of Bad Habits Aryan carefully observed himself over the next two days and recorded everything: Checking his phone every five minutes

Considering video games rather than studying . Procrastinating—telling himself he’d start in “five more minutes”

Feeling overwhelmed when he saw how much he had to study

Snacking on junk food and energy drinks while studying

When his mother read the list, she smiled. “Now that we know what’s distracting you, let’s work on fixing these habits.”

1. The No-Phone Rule for Reducing Distractions Aryan's phone was the first issue. His focus shifted each time it buzzed, and he wasted minutes simply scrolling through messages. His mother advised, "While studying, keep your phone in a different room." If you need it for research, use a study app that blocks distractions.”

Aryan was hesitant but agreed to try. He sat down with his books that evening and put his phone in the living room. The first few minutes were tough—his hands itched to check his phone. He did, however, realize that he was actually reading uninterrupted after some time. He said, "This feels... different." His mother gave a nod. “Your brain needs time to focus. Without distractions, it becomes easier.”

2. The 5-Minute Rule for Overcoming Procrastination The next problem was procrastination. Aryan used to tell himself, "I'll start in five minutes," but those five minutes turned into an hour spent putting things off. The 5-Minute Rule was introduced to him by his mother: "Say to yourself that you will only study for five minutes. You will probably continue for longer once you begin." The following day, Aryan tried it. He set a timer for five minutes and told himself, “Just read one page.” But as soon as he started, he got into the flow and kept going.

An hour later, he realized he had finished two chapters!

"I fooled my brain into beginning!" he laughed.

His mother smiled. “Starting is always the hardest part. Once you begin, it becomes easier.”

3. Managing Stress – Deep Breathing and Study Breaks

Another challenge Aryan faced was feeling overwhelmed when he had too much to study. Instead of starting, he would panic and avoid the work.

He learned a simple breathing technique from his mother: Inhale deeply for four seconds

Hold for four seconds

Slowly exhale for four seconds. He gave it a try before studying, and to his surprise, it made his mind feel lighter and more at ease. He also started using the Pomodoro Technique—studying for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break.

During breaks, he:

Took a short walk

Consumed water . Stretched his body

With these simple changes, studying felt less stressful and more manageable.

4. Avoiding Junk Food – Eating for Brain Power

Aryan also realized that his habit of eating chips and drinking soda while studying made him feel sluggish.

His mother encouraged him to try healthy snacks for the brain:

Nuts and seeds for energy

Fruits for natural sweetness

Lots of water to stay hydrated

Aryan felt more engaged and focused while studying within a week. The Changing Situation Aryan's habits had completely changed a few weeks later. He started on time, no longer needed his phone while studying, and felt more confident in his learning. One evening, after finishing his homework early, he turned to his mother and said, “I never thought small habits could make such a big difference.”

His mother smiled. “Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. You created a learning-friendly environment, better managed your time, and removed distractions. Sharing the Lessons

Aryan saw his friend Rahul struggling the same way he had in the past at school. Rahul was constantly checking his phone, complaining about procrastination, and feeling overwhelmed.

Aryan sat next to him and shared what he had learned. “Try keeping your phone away and using the 5-Minute Rule. Trust me, it helps.”

A week later, Rahul came running to Aryan. “Dude, it worked! I successfully completed my assignments on time! Aryan grinned, realizing that by improving his own habits, he was now helping others too.

Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact

The story of Aryan teaches us that changing bad habits can make learning better. By making small, positive changes, anyone can:

Stay focused and productive

Reduce stress and frustration

Learn more quickly and effectively Try removing just one bad habit today—and see how much better learning becomes!