How to Avoid Daydreaming/Zoning Out in the Library: A Student’s Guide to Staying Focused
Imagine this scenario: You are sitting in the school library, your Chemistry textbook is open, and you look serious. Anyone passing by would think, “Wow, this guy is really preparing for JAMB.”
But in your head? You are miles away. You’re thinking about the Chelsea match last weekend, that new skirt you saw on Jumia, or just wondering what you’re going to eat for dinner.
Ten minutes later, you “wake up” and realize you haven’t read a single sentence. Sound familiar?
We have all been there. It is frustrating, especially when exams like WAEC or your university semester exams are just around the corner. But here is the good news: losing focus isn’t a disease. It’s a habit you can fix.
If you are tired of wasting valuable study time, here is my honest guide on how to avoid daydreaming/zoning out in the library and actually get your work done.
Why Do We Zone Out in the First Place?
Before we fix it, let’s understand it. You aren’t just lazy. Usually, your brain is checking out for one of three reasons:
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The Subject is Boring: Let’s be real. Reading about “Agricultural Economics” isn’t as exciting as scrolling through TikTok.
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You Are Overwhelmed: When you have 15 topics to cover for Post-UTME, your brain panics and decides to shut down instead.
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Physical Needs: You might be hungry, thirsty, or just tired from a long lecture.
Acknowledging the cause is the first step. Once you know why you are drifting, you can use the right strategy to stop it.
1. Stop “Just Reading” (The Passive Trap)
Here is the biggest mistake students make. You sit down, open the book, and just let your eyes scan the pages.
That is a recipe for disaster. Passive reading is boring, and your brain will look for entertainment elsewhere. To stay locked in, you need to make studying active.
Don’t just read; do something.
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Summarize as you go: After every paragraph, look up and say, “Okay, this means…”
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Write it down: Keep a rough note beside you. Scribble diagrams, flowcharts, or key points.
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Question the text: Ask yourself, “Why did this happen?” or “How does this connect to the last chapter?”
When your hand is moving and your brain is questioning, you don’t have space to daydream. We discussed more about this technique in our guide on 10 effective study habits every student should develop, and it’s a game-changer for retention.
2. Use the “25-Minute Rule” (Pomodoro Technique)
You might think you need to sit for four hours straight to be a “serious student.” That’s a quick way to burn out.
Most human brains can only focus intensely for about 20 to 30 minutes. After that, returns diminish.
Try this instead: Set a timer for 25 minutes. Tell yourself, “I will focus on this Math problem for just 25 minutes. No phone, no daydreaming. Just this.”
When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Walk around the library shelves, stretch your legs, or drink water. Then, go back for another 25 minutes.
This method works because 25 minutes feels easy. Your brain doesn’t panic. It knows a break is coming soon, so it stays on task. You can find free Pomodoro timers online or just use the clock app on your phone.
3. Choose Your “Library Neighbors” Wisely
Who are you sitting with?
If you go to the library with your gist partner, you are setting yourself up for failure. Even if you don’t talk, their presence can be a distraction. You might find yourself wondering what they are writing or waiting for them to take a break so you can chat.
I know it’s nice to walk to the library with friends, but once you get there, split up.
Sit at a table where you don’t know anyone. When you are surrounded by strangers who are aggressively flipping pages and writing furiously, the peer pressure helps you focus. You won’t want to be the only one staring at the ceiling.
4. Ditch the Phone (Seriously)
This one hurts, but it’s necessary. You cannot learn how to avoid daydreaming/zoning out in the library if your phone is vibrating every two minutes with WhatsApp notifications.
“But I use my phone for research!”
Do you? Or do you check one definition and then end up watching three Instagram Reels?
If you absolutely need your phone for past questions or PDFs, turn off your data. Put the phone on “Do Not Disturb.” Better yet, if you are using physical textbooks, leave the phone deep inside your bag.
5. Change Your Subject
Sometimes, you just hit a wall. You have been trying to understand that Physics theory for an hour, and it’s not entering.
Don’t force it. The more you force it, the more your mind will wander to escape the frustration.
Switch it up. Close the Physics textbook and pick up something completely different, like English or Government. The change in topic can wake up your brain. It’s a strategy I often recommend when students ask how to prepare for an exam in a short time. Momentum is better than perfection.
6. Check Your Energy Levels
Are you trying to study on an empty stomach? Or did you just eat a massive plate of pounded yam and egusi?
Both are bad for focus. Hunger makes you distracted (you’ll just be daydreaming about food), and heavy food makes you sleepy (the famous “itis”).
Try to find a middle ground. Eat a light meal before heading to the library. Bring a bottle of water with you. Dehydration creates “brain fog,” making it much easier to zone out.
If you are feeling genuinely exhausted, don’t fight it. A 20-minute power nap (if your library allows it!) or a quick walk outside to get fresh air is better than sitting there with your eyes open but your brain asleep.
What to Do When You Catch Yourself Drifting
Okay, you have tried all the tips, but you just realized you spent the last five minutes thinking about your graduation outfit.
Don’t beat yourself up. It happens to the best of us.
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Stop immediately: Don’t try to just “push through.”
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Reset: Close your eyes for ten seconds. Take a deep breath.
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Backtrack: Go back two pages. Start reading from where you last remember clearly.
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to avoid daydreaming/zoning out in the library isn’t about having a “super brain.” It’s about being honest with yourself.
It’s about recognizing that staring at a book for three hours isn’t studying if your mind is in the hostel. It’s better to do one hour of focused, active work than five hours of “zoning out.”
So, next time you head to the library, leave the distractions at the door. Be active, take breaks, and remember why you are there. Those good grades aren’t going to earn themselves.
Which of these distractions affects you the most? Is it your phone or just a wandering mind? Let me know in the comments below!
