Having trouble focusing on studying? Always getting distracted? Do you find yourself reading the same paragraph over and over? Then this article is for you. By the end of it, you’ll know how to take your learning to the next level.
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Trouble Concentrating? You’re Not Alone
Even when you’re motivated and enrolled in a course you’ve been looking forward to, it can be hard to stay focused during lectures. Your mind starts to wander, or your hand reaches for your phone, often without you even realizing it. Then you end up having to rewatch the material (if it’s recorded). And if it’s not?
On top of that, large volumes of new information are hard to absorb the first time around, so you find yourself rereading a lot just to remember something. That’s just how our brain works: it struggles to focus on one thing for a long time.
Why This Happens
To truly understand something, effort is required. And the brain doesn’t like effort, as it prefers ease. When you’re mindlessly scrolling through social media, your brain processes a massive amount of information but retains very little of it. And when you’re bored, you switch content.
This forms a habit: we start taking in information on a surface level only, without going into depth. And we become conditioned to zone out whenever things get dull.
So what can you do?
Luckily, the brain can be trained. Habits can be changed. There are effective strategies that can significantly improve your focus and help you optimize your study sessions.
Strategies to Improve Focus and Attention While Studying
Set Clear Priorities
Tell yourself: studying is the most important thing in your life right now. Make learning a priority. Your brain responds to what it considers truly important. Is studying key to improving your future quality of life? Bingo. Remind yourself of this every day, and staying focused will get much easier.
Practice Makes Perfect
You can train your focus. Think about how absorbed you get when watching your favorite show, analyzing an upcoming match for your successful bet at 20Bet, or beating a level in a video game. In this situation, your concentration hits 100%. You don’t want to miss anything. Try to carry that same level of attention into your study routine.
Quiet the Inner Monologue
Ever catch yourself reading only to realize you were thinking about errands, and you’ve absorbed none of the content? Use a classic mental trick: “I’ll think about that in an hour. Right now, I’m going back to the book.” Repeat this to yourself every time your thoughts start to drift toward daily worries.
Ask Questions as You Learn
Whether you’re listening to a lecture or reading a book, ask yourself questions about the material. Searching for answers forces your brain to focus fully on the task at hand and filter out unrelated thoughts.
Use Tools & Apps for Studying
You can download apps that help you with concentration and studying overall. Here are just a few ones to try:
- A multilingual app that converts speech to text in over 70 languages including English, Spanish, and Chinese. It includes a built-in text editor for corrections, punctuation, and formatting. You can share the transcribed text via file, email, or social media.
- A note-taking app perfect for structuring study notes with headings and subheadings, and linking related topics. It also lets you collect material from various sources, including articles and books, great for writing research papers or theses.
- A digital planner designed specifically for students. You can log classes, homework, projects, and exams. You can also include room numbers, exam dates, and instructor names. The app will remind you of upcoming tasks and automatically mute your phone during classes.
- Clockwork Tomato. A Pomodoro timer app that boosts productivity by breaking study time into 25-minute work intervals followed by 5-minute breaks.
Take Short Movement Breaks
Even a small stretch, a short walk, or some breathing exercises can improve blood flow, boost oxygen levels, reduce tension, and increase your overall efficiency.
Minimize Distractions
Use website blockers or apps that limit your access to social media during study time. Turn off your phone or switch it to silent mode and place it out of reach to avoid temptation.
Create a Productive Study Environment
Your workspace should be clean, comfortable, and organized. Keep only the materials you need for studying within arm’s reach. Remove anything unrelated or distracting.
Focus on One Task at a Time
Don’t try to multitask. It reduces your efficiency and splits your attention. Set one clear goal and fully dive into completing it.
Stick to a Schedule
Set specific time blocks dedicated to studying: they must be free from distractions. Stick to your schedule. Consistency and routine are key in developing the habit of focused work.
