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When you're studying at home, it can be difficult to concentrate, especially with all the distractions available, like open tabs on the internet and the TV. Here are seven suggestions to keep you focused and productive!
Focus is driven by specific goals. Set concrete goals, like raising your grade point average or completing all assignments by the end of the semester, rather than just general ideals.
1. Make a plan.
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Maintain your enthusiasm and attention, whether you're working on a school assignment or studying for an exam. These suggestions from experts can help you do just that.
Set both short- and long-term study goals. This will give you a goal to aim for and maintain your motivation to complete tasks.
Every time you sit down to study, try to establish a habit or ritual. This can include anything from stretching to lighting a candle; what matters is that it makes it easier for your brain to switch into concentration mode.
2. Create a calm environment.
Creating a calm atmosphere is crucial for studying. This may mean eliminating outside distractions, burning a candle or incense, staying away from sugary and caffeinated meals and drinks, and playing calming music or white noise. Also, take advantage of the "mise en place" cooking concept, which aims to have everything you need in one place.
Create a workspace in your home and set up a desk-based workspace there. Remove anything that might distract your attention and leave only your computer, books, and materials in that space. To avoid the temptation to check notifications, ideally place your phone at least five meters away from you.
3. Take intervals.
Taking breaks while studying is crucial to prevent burnout and increase efficiency. However, what you do with your break is crucial. You can be alert and focused when you return to studying after taking a walk, baking, listening to music, stretching, or taking a power nap.
Using the Pomodoro technique, some people prefer to study for 25 minutes interspersed with 5-minute breaks. Posting your study schedule on the wall will help you remember when to take a break and will also make it easier to see.
4. Avoid overlap.
Many students spend hours reading books or watching lectures online, which can put them to sleep. To restore attention when you start to feel tired, turn your head away from the screen and focus on a picture or blank wall.
To stay focused and give your brain a break from the routine of your home, try studying in a different location, such as a library or coffee shop. Small adjustments to your schedule, like going to bed earlier or studying early before family members wake up, can also have a big impact.
5. Ban distracting apps and websites.
Use an app or browser extension like LeechBlock NG or WaitBlock if you're easily distracted by social media, news websites, or even funny cat videos. They include a useful statistics tool and can block websites for predetermined periods of time.
If your social media distractions are more social in nature (like loud siblings or siblings who are constantly looking for a date), you might want to talk to them about the value of studying. You could perhaps ask them to go away so you can study in peace in another room.
6. A restful night.
It is possible to increase productivity and concentration while studying by getting a good night's sleep. Even on weekends, make an effort to wake up and go to bed at roughly the same time each day. This will help your body establish a regular sleep routine.
Drinking plenty of water is another excellent strategy for staying awake while studying. Staying hydrated is important for improving memory and maintaining mental clarity.
It is important to take a short break and move around if you feel sleepy during a study session. Stretching or dancing to music can be basic ways to do this. Learning by writing is also beneficial compared to just reading or listening.
7. Focus on one task at a time.
While studying, it may seem paradoxical, but focusing on one topic at a time can help you concentrate better. In fact, multitasking can affect your mental focus and make it harder to complete your assignments on time. Taking
short breaks while studying can also help improve your concentration. This is especially important if you tend to get distracted. You can give your brain a break and return to your activity with fresh energy by diverting your attention to anything else.
Another strategy to improve attention is establishing a dedicated study area. This could be a designated study space in your home or on your desk.
