How to improve concentration: effective tips for productive studying
Concentration is the worst nightmare of every student. Who doesn’t struggle with it?
In this blog, I will be tipping off effective tips and habits for productive studying.
Keep up the good rest:
Studying for hours straight is hard, and even though you will concentrate during the first few hours, you will end up burned out. Resting is essential and effective. It will be your best friend during exam season.
Now, how much should you rest? It depends on each person. Nevertheless, I recommend 60/10 sessions: 60 minutes of learning, and 10 minutes rest. However, you should try different time ratios and find the one that suits you best.
Put a soundtrack to your studying:
When we get bored, we lose concentration. The best way to prevent getting bored is by listening to music. I know, how can you study listening to music? Well, that’s what desperation does to you.
Choose different kinds of music according to the subject you have to study. For exercises and practical activities, you can listen to your favorite songs or motivational playlists. On the other hand, when you are memorizing, go for instrumental music: classic, jazz, or film soundtracks.
Find a study group:
I have found that study groups are my best companions. During my most demotivated times, study groups cheer me up and keep me going. The key is to find people that will keep you motivated.
Your study group could be your friends or classmates… or you could find a group online (Discord and Facebook have many). In my case, I have realized that I enjoy watching “study with me” videos. I can study and rest with people simultaneously, and even though I don’t talk to them, it makes me feel less alone in my studies.
There are plenty of “study with me” videos and channels on YouTube. I find Pascal’s channel the most enjoyable.
Eat and drink with mind:
What do all students do when they get bored? Go for a snack, a very dangerous snack, because a 5-minute trip to the freezer can turn out into a 1-hour rest.
Keep food and drinks around you to minimize those snack rests. This way, you will respect your Pomodoro rests while treating yourself.
Moreover, try to eat nourishing food while studying. Go for water or juices instead of coffee and energy drinks. They can be great to keep you focused, but too many of them can have a countereffect. At the same time, choose fruits, nuts, dark chocolate, and sandwiches for your snacks instead of chips and cookies. They will fill you up and make you feel much better in the long term.
Workout to work out:
Working out is essential for concentration. It allows you to disconnect from studying while tiring your body. Sleeping well is a must for memorizing, but if you spend the whole day sitting down, your mind might get tired, but your body doesn’t.
Try to take at least 30 minutes every day. You could go for a walk, a run, cycle, or do a quick workout at home. This way, you will fall asleep faster and have a better sleep.