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

Staying focused for hours can be challenging, especially when you’re working or studying alone. But, there’s a method I use to stay focused for hours on end. It’s not only improved my productivity but also helps me stay on track when distractions creep in.

Work or Study With Me Videos

Studying or working for hours alone within the four walls of your room can get incredibly isolating at times. While some people thrive in silence and find a quiet atmosphere helps enhance their focus, I’ve always been the opposite. This is why many people tend to head to coffee shops or libraries to get work done.

These places not only offer an ideal environment for concentrating but also create a sense of camaraderie, reminding you that you’re not the only one putting in the effort. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to libraries or cafés they can head to whenever they need a productive setting to focus. This is where “Work/Study With Me” videos come in.

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

They Pressure Me Into Completing My Tasks (In a Good Way)

If you’ve ever studied in a library, you’ve probably felt a twinge of guilt for taking a quick break to scroll through Instagram while everyone around you is deeply focused. This reaction is linked to a neuroscience concept called mirror neurons, which are cells in your brain that respond to the actions of others, making you subconsciously mirror their behavior.

So, when you see someone studying intensely, your mirror neurons are triggered, and you’ll eventually feel the urge to focus as well.

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

So, whenever I’m watching one of these streams, and the inevitable urge to glance at a meme my friend sent me creeps up, all I need to do is glance at my laptop’s screen and see the streamer giving it their all to regain my focus.

They Include Pomodoro Timers and Calming Background Sounds

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

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

So, you can essentially study when they’re studying, and when they take a break, it’ll remind you to do the same. When they’re back at work, it helps you get back into the groove as well.

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

Since YouTube is filled with tons of these streams, it isn’t difficult at all to find a video with a timer that fits your preferred structure.

Along with timers, these streams also feature all sorts of background music. Some have calming Lo-Fi beats, while others play soothing sounds like rain or waves. Many streams don’t have any music at all and are ASMR-focused. These music-free videos are often recorded in cafés or library atmospheres, so if you crave studying in that type of setting but can’t, these videos can be incredibly helpful!

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