You are more likely to be bored if you’re just passively waiting for class to be over than if you’re actively doing something. [4] X Research source Sitting there and watching the clock is only going to make time move slower, so you might as well do something productive if you’re going to do something to pass the time. While the research is mixed, there’s some evidence that the act of writing can cure boredom—even when you’re just writing random nonsense over and over. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If any kind of writing will help you pass time, you might as well spend your time writing notes.
Asking and answering questions will also help you retain the information you’re learning. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If your goal is to do well in school, asking questions is a good place to start. Nobody said your questions have to be good. You can always ask, “When was this book written?” or, “How many cells are in the human body?” So long as your questions are related to the materials in class, your teacher won’t have a problem answering them.
There’s evidence that drawing will actually help you process what you’re learning about, so this isn’t a particularly bad way to focus in class. Some people have an easier time comprehending information visually, so you may want to continue doing this when you aren’t bored if you find it easier to learn this way. [11] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Keep your notes for the current class out and try to split your time between focusing on what you’re learning in class and what your homework is about. Try to only do this if you have some downtime during a group activity or if you already have a strong understanding of the topic you’re currently covering in class. If you’re really struggling in history, the first lesson on a new unit about World War 1 is not the best time to break out that Spanish homework.
There is plenty of evidence that creating a to-do list will help you achieve your goals. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source It’s not as productive as paying attention in class, but at least you’re doing something worth your time!
Try to look up and make eye contact with the teacher every minute or so. This way, it’ll just look like you’re taking notes instead of making some art.
If you can, read something substantial. Opt for a good novel, memoir, or piece of nonfiction instead of reading a beauty magazine or comic book. [21] X Research source
You could also make a list of every word you know in a foreign language, every country you can think of on a continent, or good names for a pet dog. [24] X Research source
This isn’t a particularly useful way to spend your time, but there’s some evidence that daydreaming can stimulate your creativity, so at least you have that going for you![27] X Research source
Just try to avoid relying on this option too often. Your teacher may get annoyed if you ask to use the bathroom every day in their class, and they may even revoke your hallway privileges if you go overboard.
If you get to choose your seat, sit in a part of the room where the clock is behind you. This way you won’t accidentally look at the clock if your eyes start to wander.
