How to Concentrate on Studies: 7 Simple Habits
“The power of concentration is the only key to the treasure-house of knowledge.” – Swami Vivekananda
Does your mind run away when you sit down to study? You look at your book, but you think about games, friends, or your phone. After a few minutes of sitting at your study desk, you feel tired and bored. Then you see that you have read the same line three times. Feels relatable?
This happens to many students. You are not alone! And there are many reasons why it is hard to focus. For example, your phone beeps again and again. There is noise at home. Sometimes you are sleepy or hungry. Sometimes worries flood your mind. All these things pull your mind away from your books.
But here is the good news. You do not need to be a genius to focus. In this blog, we will share seven simple habits to concentrate on your studies. They are easy to follow, and you can start them today.
Pick a Fixed Time to Study
Do you study at a different time every day? For example, you are studying at 5 pm today, tomorrow at 8 pm, and maybe not at all the day after? If so, you need to fix this and pick a fixed time to study every day. It can be after school, after dinner, or early in the morning. Also, choose a quiet place to study too, like a desk or a table. Soon, your brain will learn that this is study time. You will sit down and feel ready to work.
Keep Your Phone Away
Your phone is a source of joy for you. But it is also the biggest thief of your focus. One beep, and you stop reading. One quick look turns into 30 minutes of reels. So, keep your phone far away when you study. You can put it in another room or ask your mom or dad to keep it. If you must keep it near, turn it on silent and switch off all notifications. Use your phone only during your break time. You will be surprised how much of the syllabus you can finish without it.
Make a Small Daily Plan
Sometimes we sit down to study without any plan. After sitting at the study desk, you waste a lot of time thinking, “What should I read first?” You can save a lot of time if you know what to read before you start studying. So, before you enter the study room, write down what you will study today. And make sure you keep the list short. Just three or four things are enough. For example:
- Maths: 5 sums
- English: Read one lesson
- Science: learn one diagram
Study in Short Sessions
Can you study for two hours without stopping? You might think that it is easy, but it is very hard. After studying for a while, your mind gets tired and stops listening. Instead of studying for two hours straight, study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Walk around, drink water, or look out of the window. After four rounds, take a longer break of 15 to 20 minutes. With short sessions, you can keep your mind fresh and learn more in less time.
Also Read: Healthy Habits for Better Focus and Learning for Students
Start with the Hard Subject
Which subject do you like the least? Is it maths, science, or something else? Many students keep it to the end. But by then, they are tired and do not want to study it all. You have to do the opposite. Start with the hard subject when your mind is fresh and full of energy. Then do the easy subjects later. Once the hard work is done, you will feel light and happy. And the rest of your study time will feel easy.
Take Care of Your Body
Your brain needs a healthy body to work well. If you are sleepy, hungry, or thirsty, you cannot focus, even if you try very hard. Remember these simple things if you want to improve your academic performance:
- Sleep for 7 to 8 hours every night.
- Drink enough water during the day.
- Eat healthy food like fruits, nuts, and home-made meals.
- Move your body (you can stretch or walk for a while).
Clear Your Mind Before You Start
Sometimes your body is at your desk, but your mind is somewhere else. Maybe you are worried about a test, a fight with a friend, or something else. These thoughts make it hard to focus. To improve your concentration, do these three things:
- Write: Take a paper and write your worries on it.
- Breathe: Take 5 slow and deep breaths.
- Tidy up: Clean your desk. Keep only the things you need.
On the Final Note
Focus is like a muscle. The more you practise, the stronger it gets. At first, your mind may run away again and again. That is okay. Every time it runs away, just bring it back gently. Each time you do this, your focus becomes a little stronger. You do not need to be perfect. Some days, you will study well. Some days, you will feel slow, tired, or lazy. That is normal. Do not be sad or angry with yourself. Be kind, take a short rest, and try again tomorrow.
Also, you do not need to do all 7 habits at once; you can pick one habit and do that every day for a week. Then, choose another one to practise. After a few weeks, you will see yourself becoming more focused and better at studying. For more such blogs and information related to studies, stay tuned to Vivek International Public School, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.
