It is completely normal to struggle with focus sometimes. It happens to all students, whether you are in STEM or Humanities. However, when it becomes a constant problem, it can endanger academic performance and one’s overall well-being. If you find yourself struggling with the focus, this guide is exactly what you need.
Why Students Lose Focus
The first step is to identify the problem. Why are you losing focus? What are the main distractions? What is the reason for your procrastination? Try to be objective when answering these questions. A lot of times, students struggle with concentration because of several reasons:
- Uncomfortable learning environment;
- Lack of internal motivation;
- Lack of confidence in one’s skills;
- Stress, anxiety, or academic burnout;
- Poor time management;
- Available distractions;
- Perfectionism;
- Outside and inside pressure to succeed.
When you know the risk factors, it is easier to beat them. For instance, if you tend to struggle with written assignments, it can be due to a lack of confidence or experience. Or one might not manage their time properly and miss the deadline. In such a case, one can always opt for a write my paper for me service to deal with the problem instantly.
Academic writing can be specifically difficult for tech students as it requires a specific set of skills. Collaborating with a professional academic writing platform offers the needed help. Here one can find advice and guidance, as well as writing, editing, and proofreading assistance. Experienced writers can polish the paper and give one more confidence in their skills as well.
As soon as you figure out what contributes to your lack of focus, you can implement the following techniques into your routine.
Tips to Stay Concentrated on Studies
1 Create Comfortable Environment
It all starts with your environment. The study space needs to be comfortable and work-enduring. People thrive on habits, and our brains work great on routines. That’s why creating a place, and a routine helps you stay focused.
When you have a dedicated space for learning, your brain goes faster in the working process and keeps the concentration going. This can help you write the paper, do research, or read faster. A suitable environment should be:
- Comfortable in terms of sitting and working;
- Equipped with all the things you need, from a laptop to notebooks;
- Separated from spaces for relaxation (do not try to study on your bed);
- Quiet and calm.
One can use noise-canceling headphones as well. Opt for clean surfaces, enough power outlets, and good lighting.
2 Set Clear Goals
The lack of inner motivation can be overcome with smart goal setting. Smart goals are
- Specific;
- Measurable;
- Achievable;
- Relevant;
- Time-based.
For example, “write 2 pages of an essay in 3 hours” is a smart goal. There is a clear objective and deadline. Also, it is easy to measure results and see their relevance of it. On the contrary, the goal of “writing an essay” lacks specifications, a deadline, and measurability.
Create such a system for small and big goals. Big ones help students feel more motivated. For instance, your objective for the semester, study year, and college. Remember why you are doing it and what you are working towards.
3 Create a Study Schedule
Whether you are struggling with the writing process, equations, or reading through hundreds of pages, the schedule will help. Schedule eliminates these pauses when you sit down and do not know where to start. Or stare at the blank page.
The schedule is the basis of routine and effective time management. Use a digital calendar to list all the tasks you have. Set deadlines and reminders a week or two before the submission time to start early. Also, create to-do lists for a day.
Separate big projects into small tasks and do them one by one. You can go as far as color-code priorities or subjects. The important rule is not to forget about free time when planning your day.
4 Space Out Sessions
Students often tend to go for long exhausting study sessions before exams or tests. Pulling an all-nighter is not effective. Moreover, it can be harmful to your brain and information retention.
Spaced-out learning is much better for information retention. You are more likely to remember facts for a longer time in such a manner. And it also gives time to recharge and rest.
For example, you can study for 45 minutes and then have a 15-minute break. Or you can have two sessions a day, each about 2 hours. Find the scheme that works best for you.
5 Use Efficiency Tools
As a tech student, you know that technology can make one’s life better in a multitude of ways. And education is no exception. Make advantage of all the amazing tools that can help you focus, such as:
- Tick Tick for task management;
- Schooltraq for academic planning;
- Trello for project management;
- Pause to avoid distractions;
- Streaks for forming good habits, etc.
There are plenty of apps and programs that eliminate distractions and boost performance.
6 Prioritize Skills, Not Grades
It doesn’t mean you should not care about grades at all. It means keeping the big picture in sight. Education is about learning new skills and becoming a specialist in your field. Grades do not define this fully.
Concentrating on the end goal and developing skills can also ease the stress and internal pressure of perfectionism. It is not productive be think in terms of perfectionism. It is better to see your improvement and progress.
7 Reward Yourself
This is an easy yet very effective technique. Create a system of rewards for achieving goals and completing tasks. For example, as soon as you are done with the work for the day, you can do something that brings you joy. It can be a walk outside, time with friends, playing video games, or having a favorite snack.
Positive reinforcement is important to keep going and have a better experience in college.
In Summary
Although it is okay to lose focus sometimes, it is essential not to let this become a habit. Evaluate the factors that contribute to your procrastination and apply the techniques to overcome them.
