4 answers
ka'la
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
3
Questions
Asked
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How can i be more focus in school?
i'm 16 i love sports and lashes. # #school #graduate-school
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1359
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Ka'lah, have you ever wished you could ignore all of the distractions around you and just focus…but find that, no matter how hard you try to stay on task, you keep getting sidetracked? Here are some of my favorites…
NOURISH YOUR BODY & REFRESH YOUR BRAIN
Each night, before you go to sleep, write a list of things that need to happen the next day. Cross them off as you complete them during the day. If anything on the list does not get completed, it should become an immediate priority for the next day. Sometimes it can be helpful to include smaller tasks that you know you’ll accomplish on this list. It is satisfying to see your accomplishments get crossed off and your list of remaining tasks dwindle. Including things like making your bed or filling up the gas tank on the way to school ensures that you’ll get a few things crossed off right away and might help to incentivize your further productivity.
INCREASE YOUR MOTIVATION
As you chip away at longer assignments or tasks, be sure to set small rewards for yourself at certain points in your progress. For example, if you are writing a lengthy English paper, tell yourself that after you finish three pages, you can watch one episode of your favorite show or take a break to make a cup of tea. It’s important that as you do this, you set finite rewards. If you tell yourself you can play video games, make a time limit in advance. Do the same if you’re going to take a break to call a friend or have a snack. Without firm time limits set in your mind in advance, it’s tempting to get carried away with “just five more minutes” again and again. Avoid falling victim to this time suck by setting firm limits in advance and sticking with them.
ELIMINATE EXTERNAL DISTRACTIONS
There is nothing wrong with social media, and many teens use it as a way of staying connected with their friends and socializing during times when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Social media can be a great tool for connecting with friends. But social media can also be a gigantic time suck. It’s so easy to get carried away while scrolling through a newsfeed or browsing pictures. Even if you only intend to quickly check your messages, it’s really not uncommon to find yourself still completely immersed in it half an hour later. Do yourself a favor and delete these apps from your phone. You can still check social media on a computer or tablet, but you’ll be able to better limit the urge to do so mindlessly, and you’ll be more likely to use spare minutes actually getting work done.
SCHEDULE A SPECIFIC TIME OF DAY HIGH PRIORITY TASKS
There are always some commitments you’ll need to take care of on your own that are very important but not very exciting. If you know that you need to tackle a big task, and you’re not looking forward to it, schedule time specifically devoted to it into your day. Similarly, if you have a prolonged assignment and you tend to procrastinate, break it down into smaller pieces and schedule time for each piece. Write your schedule in your planner to make sure that it doesn’t conflict with anything else. Finally, be sure to schedule time for yourself and your friends too. If you have an especially busy week, try to schedule a lunch date or evening movie with some friends. You will be more productive if you feel refreshed and fulfilled.
Identify the next physical steps you need to take in order to make progress with this work Ka'lah, and focus on WHAT you need to do to move things forward.
Hope this was Helpful Ka'lah
Try working at a time of day when you naturally have more energy. For instance, if you normally do homework later in the evening, try starting it earlier in the afternoon and see how that affects your ability to stay focused and avoid distractions.
Try exercising before you study. Just 15-20 minutes of aerobic exercise can provide an immediate boost in executive function, which helps students avoid distractions and maintain focus on their work.
Drink more water! Studies have shown that even being slightly dehydrated can have a significant impact on attention and focus.
If you’re having trouble focusing while you sit, try standing or walking while you work. Some students find that they can think and focus more effectively while they’re physically active.
Take short breaks after completing each assignment, or after 30-60 minutes of focused work. Getting up to walk around, refill your water bottle, use the bathroom, pet your dog, etc. can help reset your focus & attention.
NOURISH YOUR BODY & REFRESH YOUR BRAIN
Each night, before you go to sleep, write a list of things that need to happen the next day. Cross them off as you complete them during the day. If anything on the list does not get completed, it should become an immediate priority for the next day. Sometimes it can be helpful to include smaller tasks that you know you’ll accomplish on this list. It is satisfying to see your accomplishments get crossed off and your list of remaining tasks dwindle. Including things like making your bed or filling up the gas tank on the way to school ensures that you’ll get a few things crossed off right away and might help to incentivize your further productivity.
INCREASE YOUR MOTIVATION
As you chip away at longer assignments or tasks, be sure to set small rewards for yourself at certain points in your progress. For example, if you are writing a lengthy English paper, tell yourself that after you finish three pages, you can watch one episode of your favorite show or take a break to make a cup of tea. It’s important that as you do this, you set finite rewards. If you tell yourself you can play video games, make a time limit in advance. Do the same if you’re going to take a break to call a friend or have a snack. Without firm time limits set in your mind in advance, it’s tempting to get carried away with “just five more minutes” again and again. Avoid falling victim to this time suck by setting firm limits in advance and sticking with them.
ELIMINATE EXTERNAL DISTRACTIONS
There is nothing wrong with social media, and many teens use it as a way of staying connected with their friends and socializing during times when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Social media can be a great tool for connecting with friends. But social media can also be a gigantic time suck. It’s so easy to get carried away while scrolling through a newsfeed or browsing pictures. Even if you only intend to quickly check your messages, it’s really not uncommon to find yourself still completely immersed in it half an hour later. Do yourself a favor and delete these apps from your phone. You can still check social media on a computer or tablet, but you’ll be able to better limit the urge to do so mindlessly, and you’ll be more likely to use spare minutes actually getting work done.
SCHEDULE A SPECIFIC TIME OF DAY HIGH PRIORITY TASKS
There are always some commitments you’ll need to take care of on your own that are very important but not very exciting. If you know that you need to tackle a big task, and you’re not looking forward to it, schedule time specifically devoted to it into your day. Similarly, if you have a prolonged assignment and you tend to procrastinate, break it down into smaller pieces and schedule time for each piece. Write your schedule in your planner to make sure that it doesn’t conflict with anything else. Finally, be sure to schedule time for yourself and your friends too. If you have an especially busy week, try to schedule a lunch date or evening movie with some friends. You will be more productive if you feel refreshed and fulfilled.
Identify the next physical steps you need to take in order to make progress with this work Ka'lah, and focus on WHAT you need to do to move things forward.
Hope this was Helpful Ka'lah
Doc recommends the following next steps:
alan Schneiberg
Retired teacher and counseling psychologist
24
Answers
Sugar Hill, Georgia
Updated
alan’s Answer
In my life I spent much of my life unfocused. I also ended up having a successful life. My persistence was the difference. No matter whether I failed to do I kept at it. In some ways being unfocused enabled me to explore the world in ways that I would not have if I were single minded. I was curious and open to alternatives in my life. In college I was a government major but then became interested in history. When I became unfocused on history I took classes teacher certification. I then became focused on psychology. All in all my being unfocused enabled me to lead a full and satisfying life. Keep at it.
Hi Alan, thank you for sharing your story and for framing being unfocused in such a positive light! However, I believe the student was asking about how they can stay focused on their studies and motivate themselves in terms of school. Any insights on that would be helpful!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
PAUL MORRIS
Sales
7
Answers
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Updated
PAUL’s Answer
Hi
All good suggestions so far.
A couple of additional thoughts; ensure you get proper rest and sleep as this will help with your focus and concentration
Plus, try to incorporate some balance with your day especially including some exercising.
I hope this helps
All good suggestions so far.
A couple of additional thoughts; ensure you get proper rest and sleep as this will help with your focus and concentration
Plus, try to incorporate some balance with your day especially including some exercising.
I hope this helps
Jackie Brewster
Assurance Associate
6
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
I agree with John's answer above!
A couple strategies I use to increase my focus:
- Make a to-do list! That way all of your tasks are written out and not floating around in your brain. It allows your focus then to be fully on the task at hand.
- Schedule time/breaks. Often if I am really busy, I write out a full-day schedule for myself and stick to it as best I can. (Breakfast 8-8:30, Task A 8:30-9:30, Break 9:30-9:40, Task B 9:40-10:40, Walk 10:40-11:20, etc) That way, I see what I want to accomplish for the day and when I will be able to get it done.
- Drink water as you do your work!!
- Eat well - nourishing our bodies with healthy foods and water.
- Exercise - I always feel better physically and mentally when I exercise regularly. Even going for a 30 minute walk outside will improve focus as studies have shown.
Not everyone is the same, so find what works for you. You got this!
A couple strategies I use to increase my focus:
- Make a to-do list! That way all of your tasks are written out and not floating around in your brain. It allows your focus then to be fully on the task at hand.
- Schedule time/breaks. Often if I am really busy, I write out a full-day schedule for myself and stick to it as best I can. (Breakfast 8-8:30, Task A 8:30-9:30, Break 9:30-9:40, Task B 9:40-10:40, Walk 10:40-11:20, etc) That way, I see what I want to accomplish for the day and when I will be able to get it done.
- Drink water as you do your work!!
- Eat well - nourishing our bodies with healthy foods and water.
- Exercise - I always feel better physically and mentally when I exercise regularly. Even going for a 30 minute walk outside will improve focus as studies have shown.
Not everyone is the same, so find what works for you. You got this!