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We have all certainly been there. You find yourself in front of your computer desk, prepared for a productive day of studying and then less than 20 minutes in and you’ve suddenly found yourself distracted and, on your cellphone- unable to maintain your focus.
This truly happens to the best of us, regardless of whether you’re a well-disciplined graduate student or in your freshman year of college. It can be a real struggle to maintain your focus when studying. As frustrating and stress-inducing as it may be, there are a few strategies and study habits that you might consider incorporating into your study prep that will help you to effectively study and retain information.
Here are 8 strategies and habits that you may find helpful:
- Get enough sleep
There are endless sources out there which recommend that adults between the ages 18-60, receive 7 or more hours of sleep each night. As difficult as this goal may be, it is essential for memory retention. Poor quality of sleep can be detrimental to your brain function- something fundamental in getting you through your study session.
Create a sleep schedule that allows for at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep and strictly follow it.
An hour before your bedtime, begin to wind down and place your cellphone away. How often have you checked your social media on your phone, or read one last article before bed- then suddenly realize that you’ve gone well over your bedtime, by about an hour? Tuck that phone away. Drink some chamomile tea, dim those lights and prepare to count sheep.
If you’re finding it difficult to get to sleep and remain asleep through the night, be sure to contact your healthcare provider. They may be able to assist you in discovering underlying causes to why you aren’t getting the sleep you need.
2. Review your notes daily and stay organized
Have you ever been diligent in your notetaking during lectures and felt great about how attentive you’d been in class- then immediately stuff the notes into the back of your notebook, forgetting all about them until exam day? Leaving you in panic, trying to decipher which notes were pertinent to what you will be tested on?
Avoid the last-minute cramming. It is unhelpful and creates more stress as you enter your classroom to begin your exam. The best time to review your notes is directly after your classes.
You should review your notes at least 3 times before your test day. Your first pass, while you are actively learning and taking detailed notes. The second pass while you complete your daily review. Then your final review, no less than a week before your exam.
This may be a difficult discipline to perfect, but it will certainly assist in your preparedness for your exams- while ditching the all-nighter cram sessions.
3. Choose your study surroundings wisely
The hustle and bustle of a crowded cafe may be comforting for some but may be an absolute nightmare to those who are easily distracted. Know what is essential for your complete focus.
If you don’t have a quiet office/desk, in the comforts of your own home/dorm- then consider heading to your library and reserve a private room or studying in their less trafficked areas. Another suggestion might be to purchase noise cancelling headphones to block out all of the noisy distractions.
Where you decide to study will heavily impact just how well you study. Choose wisely.
4. Stop checking your social media accounts
At least, for a dedicated amount of time while you are studying. You may be tempted to quickly check to see if you have any notifications on any of the social media forums. It is important to refrain from doing so. If you can keep your phone away from your person, then do so. If not, either turn it off or log out.
5. Take routine breaks
The human brain is a funny thing, it more easily recalls the content you’ve studied in the beginning and at the end of your studying. You are less likely to recall the study material you learned in the middle of your 4-hour study session.
The best method to combat this is to break up the long study sessions into shorter spans of time- taking routine breaks. Give the pomodoro study technique a try. It involves dedicating 45 minutes to attentive studying, followed by a 15-minute break. This method allows for better retention of your study material and allows you to cover a greater amount of content.
YouTube is a great resource for the pomodoro technique. You can find channels dedicated to pomodoro timers. A timer will alert you to your break times and alert you to when to return to your studying.
6. Study with a classmate
The best way to validate that you’ve learned a topic, is to in turn teach it to someone. Carefully choose a classmate that is aligned with your study habits and take turns teaching one another about a topic you are studying. This technique will highlight any study content that you don’t quite have down and gives you the chance to keep reviewing until you feel confident.
7. Find your learning style
Have you ever been impressed by a fellow student who simply reads their textbook and is instantly an expert on any topic? Well, don’t be too harsh on yourself because this ability isn’t very common.
According to Neil Flemming’s VARK learning theory, there are 4 styles of learning. These are visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinesthetic. Take a moment to assess your learning style and note which method better suits you. It may be that you learn best with one learning style, or a combination of two. Understanding how you learn best will set you up to be able to make the adjustments necessary to more effectively study.
8. Schedule your study sessions wisely
Are you a morning person, and have the mental sharpness to dedicate a few hours to studying before the day truly gets started? Perhaps once the house has quieted down and everyone is asleep, you find the most motivation to study and are least distracted.
Scheduling a time to study is only effective when you make it fit to your lifestyle. Be sure you choose a time when you are least distracted, and well-rested.