Do you know what would be the toughest question for the student? It's when someone asks how many hours do you study!
Well, maintaining the momentum to study for long hours of time can be tough. Whether you're a secondary school student revising for those all-important GCSE exams, or an undergraduate student trying to motivate yourself to complete your dissertation, figuring out how to stay focused and avoid distractions while studying are challenges that we all face.
The start of the academic year always seems to fly so quickly. But don't panic, there are many tips to avoid the stress and nerves that deadlines create. So, what are the appropriate strategy to be followed to tackle out this major problem?
1. Make a plan
Firstly, you should get a head start and map out your work schedule now. Whether reading, researching, writing, or revising, be sure to give yourself a target to achieve at the end of the week, so you know you're on track to have everything ready in time for the deadlines. Investing in a wall calendar or diary is a good idea as you can mark down important dates.
It will help you to clearly see how much time you have left and when you are going to work on what.
2. Create a suitable study space
Designing a suitable study environment is a successful study session. As humans, we are creatures of habit and to get into routine and you need a dedicated study space where your brain and body needs to study.
If you're studying in your home, it's important to try and locate your study space in an area which you don't associate with relaxing.
And in the case of university students, it's quite difficult to dedicate an entire room, or desk to your studies. So in this case, try to find a small, open section of space where you can sit each day and clear once you have finished studying.
3. Set clear, precise goals
Precise and clear goals, doesn't just mean writing down" I want to do well in my exams", but being precise with the detail.
One of the key motivations behind being able to stay focused while studying is to understand exactly why you want to study in this first place. Try to maintain your study environment in such a way like by sticking your role model of your life or the thing or picture above your study table from which you get motivated.
Anything you can do to make your goals as vivid and as 'real' as possible will make them more impactful.
4. Create a study schedule
Setting a study timetable is a great way to track your towards your goals, establish a routine as well provide you with a sense of accomplishment at the end of your day of your studies.
So even if your usual routine has gone out the window, you know you can still add some rigidity to your day with an effective study schedule.
And it should include all your goals and deadlines, also some 'free time', and color code subjects and topics, it means that your timetable is a great way to ensure you're spending enough time on each subject or topic.
5. Along with a study 'ritual'
After creating your study schedule, it's very important to create a study 'ritual' that helps get your mind into the flow and focus of studying.
You can do some pre-study 'rituals' such as setting up your desk, walk around the block, creating a daily to-do list, or doing a 10-minute yoga session or meditation.
It will your brain to train you to recognize and transition into a focused state more effortlessly. The more you practice this ritual before sitting down to study, the more association your brain will have with needing to focus and motivate you.
As a result, you'll stay more focused during your set study times, ultimately resulting in a more effective and efficient learning session.
6. Block out all possible distractions
Now, this is a very obvious point to make, but certainly it's very important when it comes to finding ways to avoid distractions while studying.
Did you know about the minimum refocus time, it takes 20-25 minutes to get focus again after being interrupted?
The best way to ignore all this, as like most of us do use site blockers, turning off your notifications, or even better putting all your electronic devices completely out of your sight will help keep you avoid of all distractions and help you stay focused on your studies.
7. Try out the pomodoro technique
Its premise is very simple: select a task to work on, set a timer, work until it rings, and then take a short break. Usually, it's recommended that you study for 25 minutes and have 5 minutes off, and then repeat until the task is completed. But it really comes down to what works best for you.
These kinds of short breaks increases our ability to concentrate, allowing your brain to help to quickly revive and prepare for the next 'stint' of focus time.
This technique allows you to stay motivated while studying, the pomodoro technique also gives you better awareness of the time it takes you to complete different tasks.
8. Learn to say no
If you're kind of extrovert or even introvert person and loves to enjoy your time with your friends or family like, if you dine out daily, it's better to limit this which is both time and cost-effective. If you are movies or Netflix lover, then, try to cut down to once a fortnight. Try to say no, to the outing with friends.
In simple words: Learn to say no when you really should.
9. Reward yourself
Rewarding yourself for studying is key to staying motivated. These can be small rewards such as a square of chocolate for each paragraph you write or watching your favorite episode when you have mastered revising a certain topic.
9. Exercise regularly
Both mental and physical fitness, is crucial for a healthy and relaxed mind.
Did you know the effects it can have on your brain, its ability to stay focused and retain new information?
Research suggests that in the short-term, increasing blood flow to the brain with exercise can help improve your focus for up to two or even three hours! While making time to exercise regularly has been shown to improve our overall mood and sleep, while reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety-all, of which can affect our cognitive function and ability to concentrate.
10. Good amount of sleep
Many students, in stress and to complete their targets forget or in simple words they usually google and search YouTube, how to sleep less or how to reduce the sleeping hours.
I'll personally suggest the students cum readers, never compromise with your sleep because it's quite important to get our mind relaxed.
Sleep plays a vital role in order to have a healthy body, and also it supports our function of brain and helps us in maintaining physical health. Sleep deprivation not only causes various health problems, but also distracts you from concentrating on your studies.
11. Drink plenty of water
Studies show that drinking water prior to an exam may increase your academic performance. Your brain is roughly 75% water and when it's functioning on a 'full tank', you will be able to think more clearly, increase your ability to focus, and experience greater clarity and creativity.
At last, 'Nothing is impossible', do not get panic, try to avoid stress, all will be fine at the end and have consistency.
And always remember,' If you give up, it means you never wanted it'.
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