As exam season arrives, students lose themselves in a mountain of language learning materials, math practice papers and science textbooks. While we know there’s tons of work to be completed, being productive is easier said than done. Many of us feel overwhelmed and stressed, and therefore seek out distractions to cope. If this sounds like you, fret not! Here are some tips to help you remain focused during every study session.
Stay organised
Having good organisation skills is key to academic success. Commit to planning a study schedule and study goals for each day. This would provide you with clarity on what needs to get done, reducing the possibility of you getting distracted by less important matters.
You can use a physical planner or notebook to help you stay organised, or you can consider online tools for their various features. Take time to explore what works best for you and your preferences.
Remove physical and online distractions
Tidy up your study space, removing unnecessary clutter that may serve to distract you. Ensure that you have your exam preparation resources before you as well as any writing tools you require. A clean and tidy study space is beneficial for your ability to learn, as it gets you into the right headspace for studying. You can also personalise the space, for instance, through having an aroma diffuser or playing background music. This contributes to a more pleasant and enjoyable study experience for you.
While the use of electronic devices may be unavoidable as you study, you may get distracted by social media or messaging apps. To minimise online distractions, consider using app-blocking features on your device, such as setting app timers or enabling focus mode. Alternatively, explore the range of online tools that can help you improve focus.
Take regular breaks
Contrary to popular belief, studying non-stop throughout the day will not make you do better. Not without taking breaks! Research has shown that taking short, planned breaks while studying can enhance learning by improving our brain’s ability to retain information. After a quick recharge, we are also better able to concentrate when we get back to studying.
If you’re looking for a more structured way of incorporating regular breaks, you can try the Pomodoro technique. This is a popular time-management method that breaks up study time into manageable 25-minute chunks of deep focus, with a 5-minute break in between. This prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by how much studying you need to do, and the regular breaks allow you to refresh your mind in between sessions and regain focus when you have to.
Practice self-care
It’s easy for our mental health to take a nosedive due to looming deadlines and endless tasks to complete. Looking after our mental health is crucial to avoid burnout and ensure that we can perform to the best of our abilities.
Some important self-care habits include:
- Get adequate amounts of sleep nightly. Generally, it is recommended to have 7-10 hours of sleep, depending on your age.
- Exercise regularly. The mental health benefits of exercise are numerous. Physical activity releases hormones that improve mood and reduce stress, which can improve study productivity.
- Eat healthy. While it may be tempting to snack on sweets or choose instant noodles and fast food as convenient meal options, an unhealthy diet negatively affects how your brain functions to regulate mood and energy levels.
Seek social support
You don’t have to go through everything alone. Study companions can also be a great way to stay focused, gain motivation and have fun while studying. Find a study buddy, or organise group study sessions with your classmates! You can help each other explain concepts, correct each other’s misunderstandings, or quiz each other on content. Group studying opens up a myriad of possible strategies to strengthen academic knowledge that wouldn’t be possible alone. It also helps to instill accountability, encouraging you to remain focused and productive throughout the session.
A word of caution: the people you choose to study with matter! Study with those who are driven and active learners themselves, whom you want to learn from. Be wary of freeloaders who don’t do their parts and are only looking to rely on others’ efforts. Lastly, keep your group size small and manageable – too many cooks spoil the broth.
Final thoughts
We hope that by incorporating these tips, you can remain focused while studying, no matter where you are in your academic journey. Remember that it’s the process that counts the most in bringing you to your intended destination. Happy studying!