Buzz
Unless you have a strong desire to absorb new information or develop skills, maintaining focus can be difficult. Television, phones, social media, friends, and family are distractions that pull you away from your academic goals. Create an environment conducive to focus. Set a schedule to maximize study time, and try experimenting with different learning methods while incorporating breaks to avoid burnout. Here are some science-backed tips to enhance your concentration while studying.
Steps
Create the Ideal Study Environment
Minimize Distractions. Choose the right study spot. To stay focused, reduce distractions by putting away mobile devices, turning off the TV, closing websites, and avoiding loud conversations.
- Study at a desk and chair. Avoid lying on the bed or sitting in positions that make you sleepy. Pick a space dedicated solely to studying. Your body will soon adapt to this space and studying there will help you focus more effectively.
- Study in a well-lit room. This will protect your eyes from strain when reading, writing, or staring at a screen. Proper lighting also keeps you from feeling drowsy.
- Make sure your chair is comfortable. Avoid back and neck pain, as discomfort is one of the biggest distractions.
Play instrumental music. Some people find it hard to focus in complete silence. They need some background noise to stay motivated. Consider playing a few calming classical tunes. For many, music helps them concentrate, but for others, it might do the opposite. Try different approaches to see what works best for you. Sometimes background sound can get you so excited that you forget about studying.
- Remember, music used for studying is very different from the kind you blast in the car. You want the room filled with sound, but not to the point where it becomes distracting or stressful. Experiment with different genres of music to find what helps you concentrate.
Prepare before studying. Make sure you have all your study materials ready: pencils, pens, markers, paper, notebooks, a computer, or anything else you need to get your work done. Prepare your space as well. A neat study corner will reduce distractions. Your goal is to finish everything else outside of your study area so you can sit down and focus. Otherwise, your study time will be interrupted, and you'll keep leaving your desk. Stopping and starting tasks wastes more time than working continuously without interruption.
Find a place to "disconnect". A common complaint teachers have about students is their lack of focus on the subject. We are constantly on social media and using personal devices like smartphones, which makes focusing on studying more difficult than ever.
- Identify the distractions when studying on your computer. There are many websites and apps like SelfRestraint, SelfControl, and Think that can block distracting sites and apps.
- Find a place without internet or where phones can’t function. You might also consider places that prohibit phone use, like libraries.
Bryce Warwick, JD
Tutor, Warwick Strategies
Tutor, Warwick Strategies
Your study seat is the most crucial factor for boosting focus. The study environment should be quiet and free from distractions. Once you've chosen the right spot, you should only focus on studying during your study time.
Create a schedule aimed at success.
Learn to say no. Sometimes, people struggle to focus on studying because they get caught up in other responsibilities. If that's you, don't hesitate to decline. Explain that you need to study and that you don't have the time or energy to take on additional tasks.
Create a timetable. Set study goals for 30-60 minutes, then take a 5-10 minute break in between. It's easier to push yourself to study continuously for a set amount of time if you know a break follows. Your brain needs time to recharge and process information.
- Plan your time to study different subjects. Focusing on only one subject for long periods can become boring. Know yourself—are you easily bored? If so, plan your timetable wisely.
- When are you most productive? Studying when your energy is highest will help information stick better. For subjects that require less energy, schedule them during times when you're a little tired.
- Some people are early risers. They wake up before most others, using the peaceful morning hours to study. Others prefer late-night sessions. They work best when everyone else is in bed, and the house is quiet. If you’re someone who can't wake up early or stay up late, find a time of day when you feel your focus is at its peak.
Create a to-do list. Write down your goals for the day—what you need or want to accomplish.
- Ensure these goals are achievable. For example, if you need to write a 10-page essay in a week, break it down into writing 2 pages per day for 5 days. This way, the task won't seem as daunting or discouraging. This method works for all homework tasks, whether it's reading a book, preparing for a test, or completing a science project. Break the work into manageable chunks.
Study effectively
Vary your study methods. Don’t limit yourself to just one study technique, like reading textbooks. Try making flashcards, or creating your own quizzes. You can also watch videos related to the lessons if available. Additionally, try rewriting the lesson in your own words. Mixing things up will make studying more engaging and ensure you're using your study time effectively.
- Your brain needs to receive information in various ways. By using multiple methods, you'll enhance your brain's ability to store and recall information more efficiently.
Study actively. To make your learning more effective and easier to focus on, adopt active reading methods. Read aloud what you're learning. Take notes while reading the material out loud. This active approach will engage your brain differently and help you stay focused on the task.
- Study in groups. One of the best ways to learn is to teach someone else. Ask your partner, roommate, friend, or family member to be your student and see if you can explain the difficult concepts to them.
Take notes in your own way. School isn't just about memorizing information like a machine. You need to understand the core of what you're learning. Strive to take notes in a way that makes sense to you.
Use the "5 more" rule. Sometimes, you need to play a mental game with yourself. The idea is to tell yourself to study for 5 more minutes or do 5 more questions before taking a full break. Once you've completed those 5 tasks, encourage yourself to do another 5. You can break tasks into smaller parts with shorter focus intervals, allowing your mind to stay engaged for longer periods.
Do the boring tasks first. It may sound counterintuitive, but if you tackle the hardest tasks first, everything else afterward will feel much easier. Don’t let difficult tasks become time-wasters. Quickly assess if you need any support to complete the task effectively.
Rest
Rest. Your brain is like a sponge; if it absorbs too much information, it will overflow. Manage your time wisely to allow your mind to relax and recharge.
Reward yourself. Sometimes, we need a boost to improve ourselves. If good grades aren't enough motivation, create your own reward to stay focused on studying. It could be a snack and some TV time, a shopping spree, a massage, or a quick nap. What are you willing to work hard for in your studies?
Snack wisely. Nutrition is key to staying alert and motivated. Prepare some simple snacks like peanuts, blueberries, or dark chocolate. Don't forget to stay hydrated, but avoid excessive coffee, tea, or energy drinks (they’ll keep you up all night). If overused, these drinks lose their effect. Focus on superfoods like blueberries, spinach, pumpkin, broccoli, and dark chocolate, which enhance brain function. Skip fast food and sugary snacks that lack nutritional value. A balanced meal will provide more energy and improve your concentration.
Exercise to relieve tension. Exercise has numerous benefits for both the body and brain. It helps improve memory, mood, alertness, and emotions. Stretch the muscles that tense up after prolonged study. Try bending, lifting light weights, or taking a walk.
Take a nap. Sleep helps the brain store information from the learning process. If you don't get enough sleep, your study session will be in vain. Getting enough rest helps regulate hormones, making you feel more comfortable and at ease.
