Stop distractions and unnecessary thinking while studying!

 

Short answer: starting today, get super proactive about making a change. Don’t just say that you should. Don’t make empty promises. Don’t put it off for next week. Instead, do ONE thing today that can make a difference in the way you study. Then keep practicing that same thing over and over until it feels more natural to you and becomes an integral part of your day.

Here are 5 tips you can choose from. Pick something that you can start. Not tomorrow. TODAY. Then see what a difference that one thing can make.

Tip 1. Train your brain with a little visualization.

This is a technique called building a mental model; you imagine in detail what you expect to see, learn, read, or do. As you use your imagination, be sure to cover all the specific steps you will cover. For example, if you are researching something new, visualize covering a certain amount of material (chapters, paragraphs, sections), taking notes on important concepts, writing down questions you will follow up on later. What’s the benefit? By telling yourself a story, you train your brain to anticipate next steps and map out the entire learning process in a way that’s easier to understand.

Tip 2. Turn off what distracts you.

It’s really hard to focus on what we are currently doing because our attention moves to little things we notice around us. Distractions can easily make you slip from your work. When you turn off what distracts you, you have a better chance to actually do what’s important. Start with these few strategies. First, set your phone to Airplane mode when you need to focus. Next, let those around you know you won't be available in the next few hours. Check your email and social media apps only 2–3 times a day (maybe around lunchtime and later in the day). Avoid browsing the Internet or reading the daily news; close all tabs in your browser to avoid temptations to take just one look.

Tip 3. Block away noise.

 If you live in a noisy environment, it really pays off to invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. You don’t have to listen to your neighbors argue, or the guy down the street use the lawnmower for hours. That’s not even mentioning a family member who likes to watch TV with the volume on full blast! Instead, you can listen to music that can help you relax and improve your focus (it can be classical music, a relaxing playlist of chillout tunes, or even sounds of nature). And what if you don’t want to listen to music at all? You can get a pair of soft silicone ear plugs like these and work in silence.

Tip 4. Divide your time into manageable increments.

There is absolutely no need to punish yourself by spending hours in endless studying without taking a single break. In fact, if you do, you will likely lose focus as well as motivation to continue. Learn how to manage your time better by using a timer. When you're ready to work, set your timer to 30 or 60 minutes. What’s the benefit? Your brain can focus in a more targeted and effective way, so it’ll be easier to work through a session once you know it’s only a limited period of time. And if you want to set up even shorter working sessions, try the Pomodoro technique: it consists of 25 minute blocks, with a 5-minute break.

Tip 5. Clear your mind and calm your thoughts.

The whole act of studying is serious business. It’s like a full-time job! You prepare for exams for weeks, the assignments are long and difficult, and you get distracted with just about anything: noise from the street, a friend calling you to go out to a party, not to mention those TV shows you’d rather watch and that other people seem to have time for. There’s one way to stay focused and declutter your mind from all the busy thoughts that constantly keep piling up: a simple meditation practice of 10 minutes. It can help you feel less overwhelmed and stressed, and can help you concentrate better on your work. Start with the Headspace app and practice for 10 minutes consistently for 10 days. It’s such a short time that anyone can find in their busy day!

Now that you learned about these ideas and how to implement them, which one will you try out today?

credit:Nela Canovic