College
How To Concentrate On Studying During Exams
Exams can turn into a nightmare for those students who overlook studies and avoid textbooks throughout the year. But don’t freak out, as you’re not alone. Many of us struggle trying to stay focused when studying. It’s not the distraction itself, but the struggle with us to keep our mind on the task. It can be extremely stressful and difficult to concentrate during exams. You may experience reading the same line repeatedly, but the brain just doesn’t process it.
Or, there could be many different scenarios where a text message notification from the phone is able to steal your attention faster than the speed of light. A night before the exam, YouTube and Netflix are all over your mind. In fact, the empty walls appear to be more enticing to you than the derivation and formulas. If that’s the case, then you belong to the majority of the students who find it difficult to focus and may find these concentration tips useful.
Here are 5 ways to study and increase concentration that will help you to direct your focus to the right page.
1. Organize your study space for instant results
It could be the e-mails, phone notifications, earphones, video games, empty wallet, hairbrush, pizza boxes, etc. You need to remove anything unwanted and distracting from your table. You need to organize your study area and keep it tidy if you want to focus on your studies. It may seem unimportant, but it is quite meaningful and can have an instant effect on your focus.
Make sure there is sufficient light and ventilation in your room. Reduce any noise sources and look for some instrumental music to play. Keep the books and stationary in order so you can quickly access them. Remember, the key to the focus study is to keep order and organize.
2. Plan your timetable
Concentration does not happen by accident. In fact, only you have the ability to drive your concentration. Focus on one thing at a time, forget multitasking. Create a plan and work on the process. Start from the study space; choose a place that will promote focus and allow you to carry your plan forward. Check this site for assignments that need to be completed during exams.
Plan a timetable that includes details such as 45 minutes of study and 15 minutes of break. Decide in advance what you are going to do during the breaks. Do not allow yourself to wander away during the breaks. Include a bigger break every few sessions of 45 minutes so you can relax and gather your energy. Knowing which subjects and lessons you are going to cover in the 45 minute span will allow you to efficiently use the time.
3. Avoid snacks, eat foods that aid concentration
You should not force feed yourself with sugar-rich foods and caffeine during the exams, as you will crash in the long run. Refrain yourself from heavy food items to allow your body to supply enough energy to the brain instead of your stomach. Eat fruits like blueberries, dry fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Coffee might give you a temporary shock, but if you want to last, you are better off with green tea. It will help in maintaining the low-levels of stress, something that could really help you during exams.
4. Procrastinate or delay your worries
Other than many physical distractions that keep hovering around you while studying, there is the problem of the unwanted and unlimited number of thoughts in mind. Nothing distracts you more than the thoughts of the real world and daily life. You may feel you have no control over them, and it’s true, you can’t prevent them from happening. But here’s what you can do.
Delay them. Let the thoughts come to you and accept them as a distraction. Once you have accepted them, send them to quarantine to deal with them later. Postpone your worries to a later time and then drive your focus back to the books. Set a fixed time every day to deal with worries. This is one of the most effective of all concentration tips.
5. Meditate
Sitting up for long periods of time will prevent enough oxygen supply to your brain, depriving you of concentration. Meditation is a proven technique that will bring a balance in your blood pressure and hormone levels. This will allow you to relax and increase concentration over longer periods of time.
Meditation will free your mind from unnecessary thoughts and anxiety. It will train you to stay focused on tasks that are important now.
Hopefully these tips will help you study more effectively for your exams so you can ace them. Good luck!
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