- Tell Me -What to Do!
- Many teenagers don't hate studies - they hate distraction. One mobile phone quietly steals hours, focus, confidence, and energy without making any noise. If your books are open but your brain is trapped inside YouTube reels and endless scrolling, welcome to the club.
M y name is Gaurab. Earlier, I used to score very well in studies without even realizing that I was naturally good at academics. Because studies felt easy, I became careless.
During the Corona period, I developed a very dangerous addiction to mobile phones. I usually pick up the phone thinking I will use it for studies, but almost every time I end up watching YouTube instead.
I have tried many methods to improve myself, like giving my brain small tasks to begin studying. But after completing those tasks, I again lose control and return to mobile use, even though I know it is wrong.
By the time I finally sit seriously to study, most of the day is already wasted. I feel mentally tired and unable to focus, which again pushes me toward using the mobile phone.
There are also many distractions in my study environment. Sometimes I feel my brain is not as sharp as it used to be. Please guide me on how I can manage myself, prepare seriously for board exams, and start using mobile phones in a productive way instead of wasting time on them.
Thank you.
- Gaurab
Dear Gaurab,
Congratulations.
You have already crossed the hardest step: you admitted the problem honestly.
Do you know how many people are addicted to mobile phones but still say,
"No no, I can stop anytime"?
Meanwhile they are watching "Top 11 dangerous crocodiles" at 2:14 AM for absolutely no reason.
So first, stop thinking you are uniquely weak. Your generation is fighting a battle previous generations never faced. Your phone is not just a device anymore. It is a pocket-sized amusement park designed by extremely smart people whose full-time job is:
"Keep this boy scrolling forever."
And unfortunately… they are very good at their job.
Your Brain Is Not "Destroyed"
You said:
"I think my brain is not as sharp as before."
Relax. Your brain has not become dumb. It has become overstimulated.
YouTube, reels, shorts, notifications - they train the brain to expect constant excitement every few seconds.
Then suddenly textbooks arrive like:
"Hello beta, let us calmly study trigonometry for one hour."
Your brain replies:
"Absolutely not."
That is not low intelligence. That is dopamine overload.
Stop Depending on Willpower Alone
Most students fail because they try to "fight temptation" every minute.
Bad strategy.
Imagine placing a plate of hot samosas in front of yourself and shouting:
"I WILL NOT EAT!"
Soon your soul itself becomes a samosa.
Instead, remove temptation from the battlefield.
The Great Phone Distance Strategy
Here is your first mission:
While studying, keep the phone physically away. Not beside the book. Not upside down. Not "silent mode near pillow." FAR AWAY.
Another room if possible.
Because your enemy is not only the phone. Your enemy is the availability of the phone.
The human brain loves shortcuts. If distraction is one hand away, concentration dies immediately.
Don't Study Like a Martyr
Many students suddenly decide:
"From today I will study 12 hours daily!"
Three hours later they are watching cooking videos despite not knowing how to boil water.
Start smaller.
Study for:
25 minutes
5 minute break
Repeat
That's it.
Consistency beats dramatic motivation.
Your Environment Matters
You mentioned distractions around you. Correct observation.
Environment silently controls behavior.
Messy room = messy brain.
Noisy environment = distracted focus.
Try creating a "study zone." Even a tiny corner works.
Keep:
books,
water bottle,
rough notebook,
minimal distractions.
Your brain slowly learns:
"This place means work."
You Don't Hate Studies
Important truth: you probably do not hate studying.
You hate the guilt cycle.
Mobile ? guilt ? stress ? low energy ? more mobile.
That cycle exhausts the brain emotionally.
The solution is not self-hatred. The solution is structure.
Replace, Don't Just Remove
If you only remove mobile entertainment, your brain becomes restless.
So replace some dopamine sources with healthier ones:
walking,
exercise,
music,
talking to friends,
quick games,
journaling,
even chai breaks.
The brain needs refreshment, not punishment.
One More Important Thing
Please stop saying:
"My old version was better."
Every student changes after Corona years. Attention spans globally became weaker. You are not alone.
The good news? Focus can absolutely return. The brain is trainable.
But you must stop expecting instant transformation after one motivational video.
Ironically… motivational videos are also YouTube.
Final Fix-It Formula
Gaurab, here's your battle plan:
Keep phone physically away while studying.
Use short study sessions first.
Create a fixed study corner.
Sleep properly.
Exercise daily.
Stop binge-scrolling before sleep.
Don't chase perfection. Chase consistency.
Forgive yourself quickly after bad days.
Remember: discipline is not about becoming robotic. It is about protecting your future from your temporary impulses.
And trust me - your sharpness is still there. It's just buried under notifications. ??
