Have you ever been so overwhelmed with schoolwork that you just can’t seem to focus? Do you read content over and over because the words aren’t registering in your brain, and you keep getting distracted by the people around you? It may seem impossible to focus in these situations, but here are some tips to help you keep your cool when you study.
How to focus when you’re tired
When you’re tired, all your body wants to do is fall asleep. To combat this, I recommend having a little bit of sustenance with you to provide energy and help keep you awake. Many people like drinking coffee to give them an extra boost, but if coffee isn’t your thing, snacks like fruit or trail mix are perfect. Naomi Ross, a freshman at the Museum School, says, “I take out all my work and write down exactly what I have to do. Then I pick out the thing that’s the hardest, I do that first.” Naomi’s technique is helpful because it allows you to put the most focus on the task that requires the most energy. Another thing you can do is to try to get up and take a walk. This can mean walking around the block, or even just walking around inside your home. For some people, their best bet could be to finish their work in the morning, when refreshed, rather than rushing through something because you’re overtired. Just remember that sleep is important in securing your success for the next day.
How to focus when you’re preoccupied
If you’re having a hard time keeping your mind on your work, —maybe you’re thinking about something coming up in your life that excites you—, it often feels as though you have a slim chance of getting any work done. Your brain is excited and your thoughts are going all over the place, and your homework is the last thing on your mind. Try creating a calming space, whatever that means for you. It may mean putting on some music in the background (I like listening to classical music or LoFi), clearing your general surroundings to limit distractions, or lighting a candle with a calming scent. The goal is to clear your head enough to be able to complete and comprehend the task at hand. Another way is to get whatever you’re thinking about onto paper. Maybe it’s a written to-do list or an idea for a project you want to start. Get a journal or a sheet of looseleaf and write down everything that’s on your mind. Once you’re done, your thoughts will be cleared, and you can truly devote all your attention to your work. Laila Menai-Duarte, who is also a freshman at Museum School, has a few more tips. “I take a break. I go do something else, and I put all my work that I have to do in front of me” she says, along with the fact that she doesn’t listen to music while she works.
How to focus when you’re distracted by your environment
If there are people around you making noise, or doing something distracting that catches your eye, it’s easy to lose your train of thought. A foolproof way to eliminate those distractions is to move yourself to someplace isolated and quiet, like the library, or the other side of the room (depending on your situation).
However, sometimes that’s not an option. In that case, you need to create your own little corner of the universe in the midst of all those people. Try turning your chair towards a wall so you’re not looking at what’s happening. “I would either ask the teacher [if I could] move to a separate table so I could focus better, or use earplugs or airpods so I could listen to music or cancel the noise,” says Naomi, when asked what strategies she uses in the classroom. If you are in an environment where you can’t focus, sometimes the best course of action is to wait until later, rather than doing your work poorly due to distractions.
I have one last tip for you – the Pomodoro method. The Pomodoro method is a way of dividing time into work, short breaks, and long breaks. You set a timer for 25 minutes and get to work on your task. Then, take a five-minute break and repeat that cycle. Once you’ve done the cycle four times, take a 15-30 minute break. Repeat that as many times as you need in order to get your work done! This method is useful because it allows you to get tasks done without draining yourself through nonstop work.
What you need to remember is that everyone has a different strategy to gain and maintain focus. Different environments suit different people. With the help of these tips, try out different strategies and figure out what works best for you!
