Ways to Stay Focused When Studying

It is an unstoppable cycle of studying for tests, sitting for tests, anxiously waiting for test results, receiving test results, and studying for the next wave of tests that are yet to come. Fret not; even in dire times when it feels like overcoming a wave roaring at you, there are reliable strategies that will help you stay afloat in this ocean of tears. Be sure to practice these ways to stay focused during examination season so as to not lose your focus or sanity.     

1. Motivation is an illusion.

If you are patiently waiting for motivation to surge, you are missing the point—it should not be the goal to begin with. This stems from the fact that motivation is fleeting, starting on a high wave of excitement and quickly dwindling as studying progresses. Waiting for motivation influenced by external factors or temporary emotions equates to missed opportunities and procrastination, and subsequently feelings of inadequacy and regret. 

Divert your willpower to discipline. This internal and consistent habit is something you cultivate over time, enforcing you to take action even when you do not feel like it. Take athletes as an example; they have honed their discipline to train vigorously daily regardless of their mood, making them national champions. If you strive to rise above, you should persevere your way up. Study at the same time each day to build a habit. Pair studying with a ritual—tidying your desk, eliminating distractions, lighting a scented candle—to signal your brain it is time to focus. 

     2. Watch an inspiring video

This can be one of the rituals, but do not get distracted further. Watching a video on productivity or personal success before studying acts as a mental warm-up that transitions your mind from distraction to focus. Inspirational study content often leaves you rejuvenated, giving you a productivity boost and fostering a sense of anticipation for diving into your studies. A suitable video can fill you with enthusiasm and energy, breaking the monotonous routine of sitting still, buried in books. It can also help you visualise success as you get inspired by a certain content creator to recognise that your short-term struggles are stepping stones toward a bigger picture. Some content creators who post study videos include Yoora Jung, Kay Chung, and Sab Yang. 

Over time, this ritual can become a source of resilience, especially on low-motivation days. Keep them short for 10 to 15 minutes to avoid procrastination.  

     3. Cue the music

Playing music or background noise can significantly enhance the studying experience, creating an ideally conducive environment that romanticises studying. The right type of sound elevates a calming atmosphere that supports the mental clarity needed to absorb knowledge. Here are a few examples of sound to utilise to your best advantage:    

Ambient music is the unsung hero. Its design to blend into the background heightens a soothing space that sets you into the zone of concentration. With its minimalistic and repetitive genre, it promotes relaxation that supports your focus, eliminating surges of overwhelming stress.

Classical music is a solid tree standing through the tides of time. The timelessness of this genre proves its relevance in our everyday lives, especially in terms of studying. Instrumental pieces have been shown to aid cognitive function and memory retention. Whether you are listening to Mozart, Bach, or Beethoven, the rhythmic nature of classical music can help you stay on track.

Jazz is the perfect blend between tranquil background ambience and engaging tunes. The improvisational genre of jazz keeps the music fresh with flowing melodies that fuel creativity. If you thrive on a dash of vitality to keep yourself engaged, jazz is the suitable sound for you.

On the other hand, the best sound for studying is not music at all. Welcome brown noise—a sound frequency that is incredibly effective for blocking out distractions and stimulating focus. This sound is often compared to the sound of distant thunder or a rumbling waterfall, conveying a gentle feel to the ears. Many find this sound more relaxing and ideal for longer study sessions.  

     4. Time yourself while studying

Setting a target for the number of hours you want to study each day is a progressive tactic to achieving discipline. In order to accomplish the task, use a timer or app such as “Forest” to track your focus, ensuring you stay on top of your work without the temptation to stray. This approach acts as a healthy form of pressure, as if the time ticking is eyeing your concentration streak. In the end, achieving your target fulfils trust in yourself to continue the routine of studying with undemanded attention. You will be surprised to see how many hours of studying you can achieve in a day without pondering on distractions.    

      5. Using two senses

A study hack that enriches focus, comprehension, and retention is by engaging more than one sensory pathway. This leads to your brain processing information more thoroughly, creating stronger connections, and making material easier to ruminate. 

For instance, visual and auditory senses can be paired to maximise learning. Visual learning is executed by using diagrams, drawing mind maps, or watching educational videos. Meanwhile, auditory learning can be activated by listening to lectures, podcasts, or music that aids concentration. This combination produces the ability to see and hear the information while simultaneously strengthening your ability to recall it later.

Additionally, kinaesthetic and visual senses are conducted by using flashcards, writing notes, or physically engaging with materials like using models or movement while reading or watching study resources. This touch of physical activity can reinforce retention because it revives muscle memory.     

Using two senses to study can enhance focus, comprehension, and retention by engaging more than one sensory pathway. When you engage multiple senses, your brain processes the information more deeply, creating stronger connections and making the material easier to remember.

By seamlessly integrating these habits into your daily study routine, you will seize the effectiveness and enjoyment of your learning journey. Remember to stay patient and consistent with yourself, especially in moments where things are not ideal. Studying is an integral part of personal growth, and while it may feel exhausting, there’s no escaping it. We’re all in this together.

 

Words to Learn:

Dwindling – Becoming smaller, weaker, or less in number over time.

Subsequently – Following in time or order; as a result of something that happened earlier.

Inadequacy – The state of being insufficient or lacking in quality or quantity.

Vigorously – Done with strength, energy, or force.

Monotonous – Lacking variety, repetitive, and dull.

Ambient – Relating to the surroundings, often used to describe atmosphere or background sounds.

Improvisational – Created or performed spontaneously, without preparation.

Vitality – The state of being strong, active, and full of energy.

Streak – A continuous series or period of something, often used to describe an ongoing pattern of behaviour or success.

Ruminate – To think deeply about something, to reflect or ponder.

Integral – Essential or necessary to make something complete or whole.

At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practise the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.