Every student experiences getting distracted when preparing for a big exam. In this article, we share tips on how to improve your focus and concentration while studying.
We’ve all found ourselves preparing for a big exam with a mind that wanders around somewhere. No matter how we try, we just can’t seem to remember and absorb anything that we’re reading.
From social media to the noise around us, there are so many distractions that make it impossible to concentrate while studying. Our stress levels, unhealthy eating habits, poor sleep, dehydration, and fatigue can affect our ability to concentrate as well.
We acknowledge your struggle! So for today, we’ll share some tips that you can do to improve your concentration and memory while studying, and increase your chances of acing your future exams.
We’ve all found ourselves preparing for a big exam with a mind that wanders around somewhere. No matter how we try, we just can’t seem to remember and absorb anything that we’re reading.
From social media to the noise around us, there are so many distractions that make it impossible to concentrate while studying. Our stress levels, unhealthy eating habits, poor sleep, dehydration, and fatigue can affect our ability to concentrate as well.
We acknowledge your struggle! So for today, we’ll share some tips that you can do to improve your concentration and memory while studying, and increase your chances of acing your future exams.
When you know you have to work on something, you sometimes end up dreading it before starting, which only wastes your time and drains your energy. By the time you're ready to do it, you no longer have the energy and mental capacity.
Allowing yourself some time might help you relax and prepare for whatever it is you need to do, whether it’s studying for an upcoming exam or finishing a set of assignments.
It could take anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. Some people even require an hour of idle time as a way of mental preparation.
Either way, giving yourself time to prepare helps in setting your mind for the tasks that you’re going to do.
Although it’s been proven that studying in the evening helps consolidate learning and improve recall, it doesn’t work for everyone.
It helps to know how your body operates if you want to stay focused when you have long hours of studying ahead of you. Some people find it easier to study in the morning while others find that studying at night helps them concentrate better.
Generally, our brain is said to be at its sharpest in the morning for short-term and declarative memory and more effective later in the day for carrying out semantic processes.
Here’s what an ideal study schedule looks like if we follow the science above:
Our ability to concentrate can be impacted by several things, including seating, lighting, noise, and of course, the location.
It’s a good habit to always study at a proper study desk because it’s crucial to have a conducive environment for learning that includes a comfortable physical space where you can sit comfortably.
More than the physical space, students become more attentive in an organised, quiet setting. Proper lighting can help with your focus levels as well, so position yourself near or across the window for adequate natural light.
Although it’s tempting to study in bed, you won’t be able to study effectively in a spot that you associate with relaxing or sleeping. You might end up taking unnecessary long breaks instead of going through your notes.
Taking purposeful brief breaks can help you concentrate and focus better. Conversely, a lack of appropriate breaks in between studying will likely lower your productivity and energy levels.
Try to make deliberate breaks anywhere between 5 to 60 minutes from studying to recharge your mind and body.
Don’t know what to do during study breaks? Use the time to take a nap, jump into a warm shower, cook a healthy meal, or stretch your body to relieve some muscle pains.
Every student struggles with all sorts of distractions when studying. With these study tips, we hope that you’re able to find a way to fight those distractions and improve your concentration skills
If you need a little more help with the upcoming exams, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
At Aspire Hub, we have small class sizes of 6 to 8 students, facilitated by professional and highly experienced tutors who can help with your academic journey.
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