How to Overcome Distracted Studying: Tips and Strategies
Many students find themselves drifting away from their studies due to numerous distractions, making it difficult to effectively focus and achieve their academic goals. Here are some detailed and practical tips to help you overcome these challenges and maintain your concentration during study sessions.
Eliminating Distractions
Get Rid of Distractions: The first step in focusing on your studies is to eliminate the things that cause you to be distracted. The most common distraction for students is often their mobile phone. To stay focused, store your phone in another room or hand it over to a trusted person for the duration of your study time. This simple action can greatly enhance your ability to concentrate on your work.
Start with What You Love
Begin with Your Favourite Subject: Starting with a subject you are particularly interested in can make your study session more enjoyable and engaging. This can help to build momentum and maintain your focus. Once you have started with your favorite topic, gradually transition to other subjects. Taking regular breaks can also help: after 30 minutes of focused study, take a 10-minute break to rest and recharge.
Create the Right Study Environment
Pick the Right Study Space: A clean and peaceful study environment is essential for staying focused. Make sure your study space is free from noise and other distractions. A comfortable and well-lit area can significantly improve your ability to concentrate. Additionally, having a designated study space can help to foster a sense of discipline and routine.
Develop a Consistent Study Routine
Maintain Consistency: Consistency is key to staying focused on your studies. Make a commitment to study regularly, even if it means breaking it down into smaller, manageable sessions. Consistency can help you maintain your interest and avoid feeling overwhelmed by large chunks of study time. Remember, it's okay to be human and you might get distracted from time to time. The key is to ensure that these distractions don't impede your progress towards achieving your goals.
Use Meditation and Exercise
Meditation and Walks: Incorporating meditation and short walks into your daily routine can help clear your mind and improve your focus. Carve out at least half an hour in your day for a walk or a meditation session. These activities can help you stay centered and prepared for your study sessions.
Stay Accountable with a Study Tracker
Track Your Progress: As a student preparing for CA (Certified Accountant) exams at home, maintaining a study tracker can be incredibly beneficial. A study tracker allows you to record the amount of time you spend studying each day and track your progress. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve and stay on top of your preparation. Here is a sample page from my own study tracker:
Sample Study Tracker:
Date Duration of Study (Hours) Mon, 1st May 2 Tue, 2nd May 5 Wed, 3rd May 4 Thu, 4th May 3 Fri, 5th May 6 Sat, 6th May 7 Sun, 7th May 2This kind of tracking can show you how much time you've spent studying on good days versus days when you may have been a bit distracted. It can also be a great motivator to keep pushing forward, as you can easily see how much progress you're making.
Use Time Limits to Your Advantage
Set Clear Deadlines: When you face a task with a time limit, you tend to work more efficiently due to a sense of urgency. By setting clear deadlines for your study sessions, you can naturally sharpen your focus. For example, imagine I drop a water bottle and ask you to pick it up. You would pick it up at your own relaxed pace, but if I give you a specific instruction to do it quickly, you would work more efficiently.
Similarly, by setting a time limit for your study sessions, you can create a sense of urgency that helps you to work more efficiently. Try to work for a set period with a deadline, then take a short break. This can help you stay focused and make the most of your study time.
By following these strategies, you can overcome distractions and stay focused on your studies. With dedication and a bit of organization, you can achieve your academic goals and perform your best on your exams.