How Do You Stay Focused When Studying?

How do you stay focused on a task or activity? What do you do when you need to concentrate or get things done? (Say, writing a blog post).

I came across this question while I was browsing through The Daily Post at WordPress many moons ago. I'm probably not the best person to answer that question, but it did make me think.

I'm pretty much all over the place with the things I know and the things I do on a daily basis that I have to prioritise and focus on one thing at a time to make sure I don't falter. I guess I've been successfully focusing on the right time at the right time when needed, but I didn't really realise why and how until I saw this question. And then there was a list.

Do keep in mind that this list of how I stay focus is mostly taken in the context of studying (unless otherwise stated). Doing assignments and studying for exams are always the hardest chores for me. My brain seems to love work more. Haha.

Nonetheless, I hope these tips will help you to create an environment that helps you to focus better.

TIPS & TRICKS TO STAYING FOCUSED

#1 - Place

Where do you work best?

Such a challenge it is, deciding where to study or do work around the house. I've never stayed in the same house all my life, and having to move around so much made me realise that every house I've stayed in has a different focus center for me. Some houses were just so bad, I had to study outside.

So how did I choose the best place to study? As much as I'd like to say gut feel, it's also about the space. Personally, I need as much space as I can get when I study, which is why I chose the dining table at the current house I live in. All my books, stationery (and food, since food helps me study) goes there. I just use an extra pillow from the sofa for back rest as our dining table is the wooden kind.

When it comes to work, my desk has to be clean and organised. Again, it's all about arm movement space. I don't like things coming in my way. Some people, however, work better with piles of things around them. Find out what works for you!

#2 - Timing

Morning-person or night-owl?

This should be easy. I, for one, am a morning study person. I cannot, for the life of me, study after the sun has set, but a lot of my friends work the opposite way. They prefer staying up in the night til the wee hours in the morning to study. Which one are you?

My routine when it comes to exams or client submissions? Do it as soon as possible. Get up early (this can be as early as 5am for an exam), shower, make a cup of Milo and get to it!

#3 - Distractions

Get rid of them!

Did I hear a groan? Yup, the ever-so-famous distractions. The TV, the internet, a client that keeps e-mailing you (somehow this just escalates when you have to do something else), and others.

I have a bad habit of not being able to get to studying if I've not completed work. Tells you about my priorities in life, doesn't it? If I'm on break for a week or so, I try to finish up all client requests, clean my room (so I won't suddenly tell myself, my room's so messy and walk up from studying to sweep it) and the likes.

I'm safe when it comes to being distracted by the TV, although I fall for it too, but I try my best to allocate the time and the place for everything. I usually allow myself to be distracted for a full length of two hours (usually during lunch break) where I eat, watch TV or surf the net, before I get back to studying.

#4 - Divide

Break it up!

Like I said earlier, allocate the time and place for everything. If you have a website to build, break it up by say, research, sketch and design. Allow yourself a half an hour break in between to succumb to your temptations of watching TV.

Having learnt psychology, my lecturers always tell us to take a break in between studying or work. This allows time for the brain to digest what you're actually doing. During your break, you may even find yourself questioning what you did wrong with your web layout sketches earlier and to your surprise you might just end up with a better idea after your brain has absorbed what you just did.

How cool is that?

#5 - Habitualise

Make it a routine.

We are all creatures of habit, so instead of shunning away from it, why not put that to good use?

My habit for studying includes waking up early, taking a bath, making a cup of Milo or tea, reading up with 5-minute breaks every hour until lunch where I take a two hour break and then I'm back studying at the dining table until a family member returns home from work.

My work habit depends on what work I'm doing. It usually involves a lot distractions (ehem, social media) but once I start I try to make sure everything is switched off.

My key motivation? Giving myself a reward once I'm done (e.g. going out with friends/family, watching a movie, or good food)!

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READER CHALLENGE:

In 50 words or less, describe the best method of action that helps you focus when it comes to work or school. How do you focus on something you do? Does eating or listening to music help you concentrate better?

Do share your thoughts or tag me if you write this story.