Buzz
You always strive to achieve high grades in school. Your parents put pressure on you, and you promise yourself to study harder, but you keep getting distracted. No worries! By finding ways to focus your mind, setting a schedule, and choosing a good study spot, you can eliminate distractions you struggle with and minimize factors you can't completely control.
Steps
Focus Your Mind
Stay focused using the “here, right now” method. Whenever you notice your mind wandering, pause and tell yourself “here, right now.” You might need to do this repeatedly, but it will remind you to concentrate on the task at hand.
- If you stick to this method, you’ll find yourself getting distracted less and less over time.
Eliminate specific distractions as soon as you notice them. For instance, if you’re trying to study in the library but keep getting distracted by someone’s messages, make an effort to ignore them next time. Repeat this process whenever distractions arise, and eventually, you won’t even notice them anymore.
Give yourself a designated time to worry. Life can get overwhelming, so it’s no surprise if you find yourself distracted by other concerns. Instead of ignoring these needs, allow yourself a moment to address them. Spend 5 minutes thinking about what’s on your mind, then remind yourself it’s time to focus on the main task at hand: studying.
Prioritize studying by setting a main goal. When exams are approaching, it’s easy to feel like you need to learn everything. Break your tasks into smaller parts and focus on one primary goal to make it more manageable and reduce distractions.
- For example, if you have a biology test covering three chapters, don’t cram everything in one session. Focus first on the areas you find challenging, such as the "Krebs cycle."
Disconnect from the internet. Messages, social media, calls, and other digital distractions are some of the biggest barriers to staying focused while studying. Fortunately, the solution is simple and entirely within your control. Disconnect!
- Turn off notifications on your devices. Better yet, turn them off completely.
- Avoid checking your phone or messages. Turn it off if possible, or at least set it to silent mode.
- If you can’t avoid these distractions, look for apps that can block social media, certain websites, or other distractions while you study.
Pay attention to your energy levels. People often procrastinate and delay the hardest tasks. However, your energy is highest when you start studying, so it’s best to tackle the most challenging tasks first and save the easier ones for later. This will help you maintain focus when it matters most.
Take occasional breaks. This might seem counterintuitive, but taking short pauses can actually be more beneficial than working non-stop. Every hour or so, stand up and take a 5-minute break. This helps refresh your mind and maintain focus when you return to your tasks.
- Light physical activity, like a short walk, can be incredibly beneficial during these breaks.
Avoid multitasking. Some people believe that handling multiple tasks at once means getting more done faster. However, trying to do too many things simultaneously, like studying while watching TV or shopping online, can lead to a loss of focus. Instead, concentrate on one task at a time.
Use a study schedule
Create a study timetable. If you have a lot to study or multiple subjects to cover, it can feel overwhelming. In such cases, create a schedule that allocates specific times for each subject. This makes studying feel more manageable and helps you focus on one task at a time.
- For example, you might decide to study biology for an hour on Monday evening, followed by an hour of English. Then, on Tuesday afternoons, dedicate two hours to math.
- Stick to your schedule but remain flexible if needed. For instance, if you have a biology test on Tuesday, you could study biology for two hours on Monday evening and shift English to the next day.
- If you’re studying around others, post your study schedule so they know when not to disturb you.
Switch subjects every 2 hours. A little variety can keep your mind sharp and focused. If you study one subject for too long, your energy and attention span will decline. Rotate subjects to combat this. For example, after two hours of math, take a short break and switch to English.
Use distractions as rewards. Surprisingly, distractions can be turned into positive motivators to help you complete your studies. For example, if you need to study geometry for an hour but keep getting distracted by funny cat videos, tell yourself that if you stay focused for that hour, you’ll reward yourself by watching as many cat videos as you want afterward.
Create a study environment
Find a place that inspires you to study. If the quiet, serious atmosphere of the library helps you focus on trigonometry, go there. If a cozy armchair and a cup of coffee at a nearby café are what you need to get through your English reading, find such a spot. The key is to choose a location that encourages productivity.
- Most people prefer a place that’s neither too hot nor too cold.
- The study environment shouldn’t be too noisy. Some prefer complete silence, while others enjoy a bit of background noise.
- If you’re easily distracted, choose a seat facing a wall instead of a window, hallway, or other busy areas.
Let others know if you’re studying at home. Put a note on your door to inform everyone that you’re studying. This way, no one will disturb you.
- You can also message your friends to let them know you’re studying and ask them not to distract you.
Only use music if you’re sure it helps you focus. Research on the effects of music on concentration during studying has mixed results. If listening to music energizes and helps you focus, go ahead and use it. However, keep a few things in mind:
- Keep the volume low.
- Choose instrumental music to minimize distractions.
- Consider using white noise instead of music.
