Studying is tough. Whether you’re a veteran student getting a Ph.D. or someone starting high school, figuring out how to stay focused while studying is a challenge that we all face. Whether your biggest challenge is social media, procrastination, time management, or a combination of all three, we’ve got various tools and techniques that can help minimize the stress of studying and keep you focused on what matters.
And if you’re like most of us – this school year presents challenges we’ve never faced before. Learning remotely and losing the motivation and pressure that comes with in-person learning and contact has left many of us fighting off the internet like never before. If you have a long night of studying ahead of you, make a plan for the day. Aim to work for 30-60 minute periods with 5-10 minute breaks in between. Your brain needs the break to recharge. It's not laziness – it's letting your brain synthesize the information.
Try to switch subjects every hour or so, too, to prevent yourself from getting bored and saturating your mind. Too much of one subject, and your brain will start going on autopilot. A new subject will wake up your mind and your motivation. First things first, start with the basics and set your study goals. Ask yourself why you are here, at university, possibly traveling across the world for this opportunity. Having fun is certainly one answer, but not the primary one. Knowing your objectives completes half the job. The life of a student is great. You have the freedom to learn, grow, find yourself, and hang out with your friends. Now, if only you could skip over the actual studying part, you might be on to something! Schoolwork is real work, and sooner or later, you are going to have to buckle down and get your grey matter in gear and do some serious studying. CT
When you need to buckle down, the ability to concentrate is an important one. If you are used to the noise of the Internet and gadgets, where you get things popping up at you right away with little to no waiting, having to sit down and focus on studying can seem like a real chore. Not to worry, help is at hand. Since you know you have to study or run the risk of flunking out of school. Take everything off your desk except for the coursework or study materials you are dealing with right now. Place other books or papers on the floor or in another location for the time being. It would help if you gave this subject your full attention. If you are worried about not doing well in your studies, you will find it difficult to stay focused on anything you are trying to read or write. The harder you try, the more you will feel bogged down in the exercise.
Try taking a few deep breaths to clear your mind and help you feel ready to settle down to work. A good technique to try is inhaling for three seconds, holding your breath for three seconds, and exhaling for three seconds. This will give you time to slow down any racing thoughts and a too-rapid heartbeat. Once you feel more centered, it will be easier to take in the ideas you are trying to learn.
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