How to concentrate on studies: 10 proven tips for students
Does your mind wander in the middle of your study sessions? Or does your concentration flit between the pages of the book and your phone? In today's world of connectedness, it is agreeably hard to stay focussed. Did you know that concentration can be an acquired skill and like any other skills, it can be improved upon with the right habits.
So here are a few tips on how to zone out from everything else and concentrate on studies.
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1. Set clear study goals before you start
If this is not about just completing the home assignment, decide for yourself what you want to achieve today. Do you want to finish one chapter? Or practice at least 50 math problems? It always helps to have something specific to focus on.
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2. Ensure that your study-space is distraction-free
Do not sit to study where the TV is in full view and the rest of the household is lounging there. Where you study is a big part of how well you can concentrate. Choose a space in the house where you will not be distracted. Make it YOURS! And that means NO PHONES.
This one shift alone can dramatically increase your focus on studying.
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3. Use the time-tested Pomodoro technique
You have probably been told that short bursts of focus are better than hours of dawdling, right? Apply that same technique for your study time, too to increase concentration in studies.
- Study for 25 minutes
- Take a 5-minute break
- Repeat this 4 times.. Do you realise you've covered 2 hrs already? Now treat yourself to a slightly longer break of around 15 minutes.
This helps the brain to remain sharp and avoid fatigue. It is also a good way to train your brain on how to study with full concentration.
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4. Stay hydrated. Snack smart. Avoid brain fog.
Poor hydration and diet is a big contributor to brain fog and exhaustion. If you haven't been told that already, now you know! Drink plenty of water. Snack 'smart' and not heavy (that will only make you want to curl into bed). It is proven that where a tired and hungry body leads to a wandering mind, your well-fuelled brain knows how to focus on studies.
Read More: 10 Benefits of Meditation for Students
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5. A study plan is a great start to your study plans
Just like school hours are mapped by the timetable, creating a daily or weekly study schedule helps make the most of your study time at home. It helps build the discipline of consistency.
It gets easier to stay focused while studying if your study time has structure. With time, this habit that you get into from a young age helps reduce procrastination. It is after all about discipline, isn't it?
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6. One task at a time
It is all about prioritizing! While multi-tasking may be great when rushing in the morning to get ready for school, it definitely is not your ally when it comes to focussed studying.
So let's break it down here - decide on one subject to focus on at a time and get to the goal you set for it. This will help you study with full concentration and improve retention.
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7. Apply active study techniques
Do you find yourself zoning out in the middle of your study session and when you look down at your book again, you are still on the same page as you were 15 minutes ago? Or did you read through the entire page and realise that none of it really registered?
Try these instead:
- Make short notes - the repetition helps with retention of whatever you've studied
- If notes feel too long- make short message flash cards
- Sometimes just repeating aloud to yourself what you've just read helps the brain to remember
These are tested study methods to improve concentration and focus while you are studying. All because your brain is actively engaged in the process.
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8. Study - on. Social Media - off.
If social media is your go-to companion during the day, all day, it does not bode well for focused study. If you genuinely want to concentrate, stay away from your phone in general and social media specifically. The mindless scrolling can be your 'reward' during the breaks. If you struggle with self-control, take charge of your life. Use site blockers or study with someone who will remind you to remain accountable.
Digital distraction is the biggest drawback when you are trying to focus on studies without getting distracted. Be mindful of this and take proactive steps to counter it. Read More: How to Teach Kids to Be Smart About Social Media?
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9. Sleep enough
If you haven't studied ahead, staying up late to 'cram' is definitely not going to help. Remember that your lack of sleep will only make things worse. Imagine blanking out in the middle of an exam paper? Nightmare, right? To avoid this, schedule in at least 7-8 hs of good sleep.
You need to be well-rested to increase focus on study sessions. That's non-negotiable.
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10. Progress is your study target
If you've heard that studying is a long haul, well, you heard right. Don't forget that the years you spend studying are what will shape who you become later in life. You cannot be perfect every time, and that is perfectly fine. Instead, celebrate the progress you make at every step.
Figure out your own reward scheme for celebrate these small victories-
- Finished a chapter - maybe have a piece of chocolate
- Studied with full concentration for an hour - play with your pet for 15 minutes or check your phone
- No distractions today - oh great! You deserve an extra half-hour of sleep if you want.
These are just pointers on how to self-motivate yourself and work on how to concentrate on your studies in the long run. Remember that this discipline that you build at a young age will go a long way in your work life later too. It is all about discipline after all!
Read More: 7 Essential Study Habits for Success
Final thoughts
It does not have to be only about exam preparations, it could well be to build better study habits; concentrating on studying for optimal results is all about intention and consistency. The above simple strategies are both easily do-able as well as help train your brain to focus on studies - better, for longer and with quality results.
It is all about knowing how to study smarter with full concentration and not necessarily study harder. Try it.
