Does it feel like time is moving faster every year? With 2026 almost here, learning how to stay focused and productive really matters. Whether you’re studying or working, distractions are everywhere. To move forward and achieve your goals, good focus is key. In this article, I’ll share 7 simple habits you can use in 2026 to work and study more efficiently. Let’s waste no time and get started!
Habit 1: Learn How to Use AI the Right Way
It’s almost 2026, and we’ve all seen how fast AI has changed our daily lives. In a short time, artificial intelligence has taken over many simple tasks and helped people work and study more efficiently. According to Menlo Ventures’ “2025: The State of Consumer AI” report, around 1.7 to 1.8 billion people worldwide are using AI, and about 500 to 600 million people use it every day. In the U.S., 61% of people have used AI in the past six months.
Some people worry that using AI too much may reduce independent thinking. But this is not an all-or-nothing choice. When used wisely, AI can save a lot of time and improve productivity. For example, you can use AI to quickly summarize lecture slides, or scan a table and find key data trends in seconds.
AI is not meant to replace thinking. Instead, it helps remove small and repetitive tasks. When AI handles these simple jobs, you have more time to think deeply, review key points, and reflect on what really matters in your work or studies. Learning how to use AI effectively helps you stay competitive. Those who know how to use the right tools well will always work more efficiently.
Habit 2: Set Up Do Not Disturb and Cut Distractions
In modern work and study, it’s almost impossible to avoid using a phone, a computer, or a tablet. And that’s not a problem. These devices can greatly improve productivity. But before you start using them, make sure nothing pulls you out of focus.
A Snapchat message. A new Instagram post. Or Netflix suggesting a new show. Almost everyone has experienced this: a quick notification turns into minutes of scrolling, and before you know it, hours meant for work or study are gone.
The easiest solution is to turn on Do Not Disturb mode before you begin. This simple step keeps unimportant notifications away and helps you stay focused. If you don’t fully trust your self-control, there are many focus apps available in app stores. These apps can block notifications and even prevent you from opening distracting apps for a set period of time.
It may feel uncomfortable at first, but creating a distraction-free environment makes it much easier to enter a focused and productive flow state. Once you experience it, you’ll see how powerful this habit can be.
Habit 3: Manage Your Time and Limit Screen Use
Many of the habits we talk about today involve screens. Phones, tablets, and computers are part of daily work and study. Still, for both focus and health, it’s important not to stay in front of a screen for too long.
One simple way to do this is to set screen-free time. For example, avoid devices one or two hours before bed, or keep the first hour of your work or study time free from unnecessary screen use. These small changes can help your mind feel calmer and more focused.
During the day, pay attention to how long you stay on a screen without a break. Try to limit continuous screen time to about 20 or 30 minutes. Then pause, look away, and rest your eyes for a short moment. This helps protect your eyes and reduces screen-related stress, distraction, and anxiety.
A healthy body and a clear mind are the foundation of long-term productivity. When you take care of both, it becomes much easier to stay focused and keep improving over time.
Habit 4: Avoid Multitasking as Much as Possible
You’ve probably seen this in classrooms or offices today. One screen is split into many parts, and dozens of windows are open at the same time. It may look productive, but for most focused tasks, this actually makes things worse.
Multitasking can feel like you are doing more in less time. In reality, switching between different tasks often leads to shallow work and low-quality results. Your attention gets divided, and it becomes harder to make real progress on anything.
Only a small number of jobs truly require multitasking, such as roles that need to monitor live data or fast-changing information. For most people, the better choice is simple: focus on one task, finish it properly, and then move on to the next. Single-tasking helps you work more clearly, more deeply, and with better results.
Habit 5: Keep Your Desk Clean and Organize Your Devices
Your study and work environment has a big impact on your focus. Imagine trying to study at a messy desk versus a tidy, organized one. It’s easy to see that clutter makes it much harder to concentrate.
Today, we use more electronic devices than ever—phones, tablets, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and more. Keeping all of them on one desk while making sure they are charged can be challenging.
This is why SwanScout created the SwanScout 901M, a five-in-one desktop charging solution. It works perfectly with Apple products and can charge your iPhone, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch, and more at the same time with up to 60W total power. No more tangled cables or scattered devices on your desk.
For example, study blogger Eddy shared her experience using the SwanScout 901M. A clean desk helps him focus better, and having all devices fully charged allows her to work efficiently without worrying about running out of power.
(Image source: Screenshot from @eddy.studydiary’s Instagram reel)
If you use multiple devices for study or work, why not give this product a try? New customers can even enjoy a 10% discount when they subscribe now!
Habit 6: Get Key Information from Valuable Sources
In today’s world, information is more important than ever. Whether it’s the latest updates in your field of study, industry news at work, or inspiring insights from thought leaders, you should follow and subscribe to reliable sources that bring real value.
But remember: quality over quantity. Subscribing to dozens or hundreds of blogs or newsletters can quickly become overwhelming. After a few days, many of them may sit unread in your inbox, and you may stop checking them altogether.
Focus on a few trustworthy sources that you can actually read and learn from. Regularly consume information that matters to you, and avoid overloading yourself. When chosen carefully, these insights can become your personal growth fuel and may help you succeed in unexpected ways.
Habit 7: Manage Your Time and Reward Yourself
In both study and work, tasks have different levels of importance and urgency. Before you start a focused session, take a few minutes to plan your tasks. Handle the most important and urgent tasks first, and save less critical or time-consuming ones for later.
Don’t forget to give yourself positive feedback. When you stay focused and finish an important task, take a short break, enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee, or have a small snack. These small rewards help you build good habits and stay motivated.
Over time, you will notice that the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from deep focus grows. This feeling becomes the best motivation to keep going and maintain high productivity.
These seven tips are based on personal experience and research, and I believe they can help you study and work more effectively in 2026. Stay focused and improve your productivity—this is the best way to make your time more valuable.
Keep up with the fast pace of the world and continue working toward your goals in the new year. And when it comes to keeping your devices organized and charged, leave it to the SwanScout 901M—it helps protect your focus so you can stay productive without distractions.
