how to concentrate on studying

How to Concentrate on Studying

Are you struggling to focus on your school work?

You’re not alone.

It can be super tough to concentrate on material that is difficult or confusing. What’s more, we are surrounded on the daily by technological devices demanding our attention.

Studies prove that even the smallest distractions and interruptions can lead to lower grades and academic performance.

Luckily, there are tips and tricks you can rely on to help you focus while studying, so you can get that top grade you deserve.

Read on to learn more about how to concentrate on studying in manageable and effective ways.

1. Build a Study Routine

When it comes to focusing on schoolwork, one of the best things you can do is establish a routine that you can stick to. It may be hard to do this if you have a more erratic schedule or are in college.

However, even if you build one consistent hour into your day devoted to studying, you’ll be cultivating a study habit.

Set aside time in the morning or on Sunday evenings specifically for studying. Write this in your agenda and make sure you work around this time (and not the other way around).

2. Choose a Quiet Place

This may seem obvious, but figuring out how to concentrate on studying means choosing the best place to do it.

A quiet environment promotes efficient school work and reading more than a loud or distracting one. Instead of doing your work at the kitchen table or in a common area, study in a private room at the library. Work at your desk in your room–with the door closed.

Some people thrive on white noise. If silence distracts you, then seek out an environment that gives the perfect amount of background noise to keep you focused. This may mean a cafe or common room.

3. Turn Off Those Devices

Learning how to concentrate on studying means first recognizing what is distracting you from studying. More often than not, cell phones, tablets, and social media are responsible for distraction.

There’s nothing wrong with technology or that text chain you’re following. But spontaneous beeps and pings, as well as Twitter updates from your fave celebrity, can get in the way of efficient and careful work.

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Turn your cell phone on airplane mode during study hours. If this compromises things with your friends, family, or significant other, let them know that you’re unavailable during set study time.

4. Make it Positive

Not being able to focus on studying is frustrating. It can quickly lead to a negative association with your schoolwork. The more negatively you view studying, the less likely you are to focus on it.

Change the dynamic by flipping your perspective. Find a way to build a positive association with your studies.

This may mean using your favorite pencils during study time. Or listening to your favorite playlist (provided it doesn’t distract you). Eat your favorite snack only during study time.

5. One Thing at a Time

It can be really hard to concentrate when you’re trying to tackle all of your studying at once. Even just thinking about everything you have to do can be overwhelming and limit your focus.

Take your assignments one at a time. While you’re working on one, put the others in a different place–across the room, in the living room, in your car. Keep them out of sight and out of mind so that you can take it one at a time.

6. Take Breaks and Reward Yourself

Discovering how to concentrate on studying is similar to figuring out how to care for yourself. We are often our harshest critics and taskmasters. So why not be caring and supportive of yourself?

Take breaks between assignments and take them often. On your breaks, stretch, listen to music or eat a snack. Reward yourself when you finish an assignment or make it through ten minutes of focused work.

Rewards can be in the form of a tasty snack, five minutes of browsing social media, or even a nap.

7. Write Down Goals and Objectives

Goals don’t have to be longterm visions. You can set mini daily goals all the time to foster a sense of accomplishment and concentration.

Before you open your books or computer, write down a few goals or objectives for your study session. Avoid time-bound goals such as “I will finish this essay in one hour.” These can build unneeded pressure.

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Write down small and manageable goals that can easily give you a sense of accomplishment. For example: “Today I will write down my thesis statement for my essay, and then I’ll have a bite of chocolate.”

8. Stay Organized

It can be so tough to concentrate on studying when you’re disorganized. Disorganization can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, which can pull your attention away from your work.

Maintain an agenda at all times so you can keep track of assignments and due dates. Write down your goals for daily study sessions and keep materials for classes in individual folders or binders.

Use highlighters and colored pens when taking notes to make it fun and separate key information. Have a stapler, paper clips, and extra paper on hand.

9. Feed Your Brain and Rest Your Body

Food really is brain power, and so is sleep. It can be difficult to focus when you’re hungry or tired. Make sure that you are properly fueled before every study session.

This means eating a snack before studying or while studying. Choose snacks high in protein and fiber and low in sugar, such as nuts or granola bars. Avoid studying right after a large meal.

Get adequate sleep. If you’re too tired to focus, take a power nap before you study.

How to Concentrate on Studying

Building the right study habits means building a pathway to future success. Not only will study habits help you in your academic career, but these will also be useful in the workplace.

Learning how to concentrate on studying is one of the best study habits you can cultivate. Hone your focus by establishing a study routine and sticking to it. Choose a quiet location for your studying and take frequent breaks. Write down daily goals and objectives and reward yourself when you meet these.

The best thing you can do is build a positive relationship between you and your studies.

At Paldrop.com, you can find all sorts of self-improvement tips and tricks that make life easier and brighter. Check out our other posts on building positive habits.

Or share your experience with concentration in the comments below!