8 answers
Arianna
Student
Springfield, Illinois
2
Questions
Asked
318 views
How do I get my focus back on track?
I want to continue my career and education in nursing and want to be able to focus thoroughly while doing it. Trying to focus on school has become hard for me due to personal issues that I'm trying to overcome. Any tips will be taken into consideration.
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8 answers
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
235
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hey Arianna! When personal issues make it hard to focus on your career and education, prioritize self-care, seek support, break tasks into smaller steps, create a focused study environment, set goals and deadlines, practice time management, and stay motivated. Remember, finding a balance between passion and making money is possible with hard work. You've got this!
Thanks for the advice.
Arianna
Debbie Fasenmyer
Artist
7
Answers
Cape Coral, Florida
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hi I have some holistic suggestions for staying focused. Consider starting your day out with some sort of energy shifting practice such as Qigong. Guided meditation and visualization is also a great way to clear stagnant energy, blocked emotions and limiting beliefs.
Throughout the day try to get out in nature. It’s very grounding and refreshing. Another way to shift your energetic state is through movement. Go for a walk, stretch or even dance.
Take a break from screens and study as often as you can. Listen to relaxing music frequencies. Consider having a Himalayan salt lamp in your study place especially next to your computer. The salt lamp helps combat EMF and helps to eliminate brain fatigue.
Make sure you are staying hydrated and eating life giving foods. Make sure you are getting enough rest. Self care is essential.
Journal out your feelings when you feel stressed. Make a study plan but stay flexible. Take the pressure off of yourself. Get out of push energy. Be kind to yourself.
You can do this. Distraction is the enemy. Set yourself up for success by creating a space that is comfortable and conducive for study. Consider using essential oils that are natural and pure to elevate your mood if necessary.
Know your body. Listen to it when you’re tired. Try to avoid multi tasking and care for your mental health and wellbeing. In order for you to reach your goals and live out your dreams you must prioritize yourself first.
Throughout the day try to get out in nature. It’s very grounding and refreshing. Another way to shift your energetic state is through movement. Go for a walk, stretch or even dance.
Take a break from screens and study as often as you can. Listen to relaxing music frequencies. Consider having a Himalayan salt lamp in your study place especially next to your computer. The salt lamp helps combat EMF and helps to eliminate brain fatigue.
Make sure you are staying hydrated and eating life giving foods. Make sure you are getting enough rest. Self care is essential.
Journal out your feelings when you feel stressed. Make a study plan but stay flexible. Take the pressure off of yourself. Get out of push energy. Be kind to yourself.
You can do this. Distraction is the enemy. Set yourself up for success by creating a space that is comfortable and conducive for study. Consider using essential oils that are natural and pure to elevate your mood if necessary.
Know your body. Listen to it when you’re tired. Try to avoid multi tasking and care for your mental health and wellbeing. In order for you to reach your goals and live out your dreams you must prioritize yourself first.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Arianna
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
570
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Arianna, always remember, even though it might seem tough to regain focus amidst personal challenges, especially while pursuing a demanding career and education in nursing, it's not impossible. With the right strategies and a commitment to taking care of yourself, you can refocus and chase your dreams with renewed energy.
Firstly, it's important to face and deal with the personal issues that are causing your focus to waver. Trying to ignore or suppress these challenges can make things worse. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional counselor who can help you navigate through these tough times. Talking about your struggles can often lighten their burden and give you a clear path to handle them effectively.
Secondly, Arianna, establishing a routine can greatly improve your ability to focus. Set aside specific times for studying, attending classes, and taking care of yourself. Consistency is the key; try to stick to your schedule even when distractions or obstacles come your way. With a predictable routine, your mind will learn to switch to a focused state more easily.
Also, including mindfulness practices in your daily routine can strengthen your ability to concentrate, even when faced with stress. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and increase your awareness. Try to incorporate these practices during short breaks throughout your day to refresh your mind and improve your overall well-being.
In addition, creating a conducive physical environment can greatly enhance your focus. Reduce distractions by setting up a dedicated study space that is clean and promotes productivity. Try different levels of noise, lighting, and comfortable furniture to create an environment that supports your mental efforts.
Lastly, Arianna, never forget the importance of being kind and patient with yourself during this process. Understand that regaining focus is a journey, and stumbling blocks are a part of it. Celebrate every bit of progress you make, and be gentle with yourself during tough times. By fostering a positive and resilient attitude, you can gracefully overcome any hurdles and continue to follow your passion for nursing with unwavering determination.
Firstly, it's important to face and deal with the personal issues that are causing your focus to waver. Trying to ignore or suppress these challenges can make things worse. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional counselor who can help you navigate through these tough times. Talking about your struggles can often lighten their burden and give you a clear path to handle them effectively.
Secondly, Arianna, establishing a routine can greatly improve your ability to focus. Set aside specific times for studying, attending classes, and taking care of yourself. Consistency is the key; try to stick to your schedule even when distractions or obstacles come your way. With a predictable routine, your mind will learn to switch to a focused state more easily.
Also, including mindfulness practices in your daily routine can strengthen your ability to concentrate, even when faced with stress. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and increase your awareness. Try to incorporate these practices during short breaks throughout your day to refresh your mind and improve your overall well-being.
In addition, creating a conducive physical environment can greatly enhance your focus. Reduce distractions by setting up a dedicated study space that is clean and promotes productivity. Try different levels of noise, lighting, and comfortable furniture to create an environment that supports your mental efforts.
Lastly, Arianna, never forget the importance of being kind and patient with yourself during this process. Understand that regaining focus is a journey, and stumbling blocks are a part of it. Celebrate every bit of progress you make, and be gentle with yourself during tough times. By fostering a positive and resilient attitude, you can gracefully overcome any hurdles and continue to follow your passion for nursing with unwavering determination.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Arianna
Mie Cook
Retired senior executive
3
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Mie’s Answer
Arianna,
Your determination to get yourself back on track is admirable in the midst of personal issues. This is a great starting point, and reaching out for ideas and advice from others like Patrick and Rafael will no doubt help you set yourself back on track.
In addition to their ideas, I’d like to share one of my secret tricks. Whenever things become too tough for me to handle, I like to read autobiography or biography of people i admire. Learning about their troubles and hardships and more importantly, how they have overcome them, always lifts up my spirits. Also, when I see their struggle, I am encouraged that no one is spared from personal issues in life, and I can learn to handle and overcome them.
You’ll find that you share the most important trait with the greats— your will and determination to focus on your goals no matter what life throws at you. You’re in good company. Keep up the good work!
Mie
Your determination to get yourself back on track is admirable in the midst of personal issues. This is a great starting point, and reaching out for ideas and advice from others like Patrick and Rafael will no doubt help you set yourself back on track.
In addition to their ideas, I’d like to share one of my secret tricks. Whenever things become too tough for me to handle, I like to read autobiography or biography of people i admire. Learning about their troubles and hardships and more importantly, how they have overcome them, always lifts up my spirits. Also, when I see their struggle, I am encouraged that no one is spared from personal issues in life, and I can learn to handle and overcome them.
You’ll find that you share the most important trait with the greats— your will and determination to focus on your goals no matter what life throws at you. You’re in good company. Keep up the good work!
Mie
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Arianna
ALFONSO LANDA
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
3
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
ALFONSO’s Answer
Hello Arianna!... I like your question and I also chose it because I identified with the situation you describe. It is difficult to be focused on achieving professional objectives and goals, even more so when we are going through difficult situations that consume our time, energy and attention. However, being persistent and resilient in what you want and desire is one of the ways to achieve it. As humans we look for the best for our future, to avoid going through the difficult situations that we are now experiencing. If we are with the mentality that we are on the right path to achieve what we long for, it is very likely that you will achieve it, and in an extraordinary way, in the way that true professionals are forged. There will be times when we think that it is not worth it, that perhaps the problems seem unsolved... But continue with your dream, it is worth taking breaks if you really need it, but do not stop completely. Follow that goal, with that dream that you are passionate about, with that which will change your life. Also surround yourself with people who inspire you and give you good advice. If you have the opportunity to read motivating life stories, it can also help you. I tell you from experience, it is difficult to achieve a career and be a good professional when you are immersed in unfavorable situations... but it is not impossible... I started working from the age of 10 to be able to achieve my dream of continuing studying, now that at home I lived in a dysfunctional family where alcohol and violence were very common. But I did not give up and I studied the career that I am passionate about and in a company that values me!! keep going!!. Don't stop... fight passionately for what you want.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Arianna
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3956
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Arianna,
Strategies to Bolster Concentration in Nursing School Amid Personal Challenges
Balancing the rigors of a nursing education with a demanding career, all while managing personal issues, can strain your ability to concentrate. Here are some effective techniques to help you regain your focus and thrive in your academic pursuits:
1. Develop a Routine: A well-structured daily routine can enhance your organization and focus. Allocate specific times for studying, taking breaks, eating meals, and sleeping to ensure uninterrupted study periods.
2. Organize Tasks: Utilize a to-do list or planner to rank your tasks based on urgency and importance. Dividing your workload into smaller, manageable tasks can simplify focusing on one task at a time.
3. Foster a Distraction-Free Space: Seek a quiet and cozy study area where distractions are minimal. Silence your phone notifications, refrain from multitasking, and consider using noise-canceling headphones if necessary.
4. Embrace Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, into your daily routine to augment focus and alleviate stress. Mindfulness can aid in maintaining alertness during study sessions.
5. Access Support: If personal issues are hampering your concentration, don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, professors, or mental health professionals. Discussing your struggles can offer emotional relief and practical solutions.
6. Schedule Breaks: Regular breaks during study sessions are crucial to avoid burnout and sustain productivity. Brief breaks can rejuvenate your mind and enhance focus upon resuming your studies.
7. Prioritize Health: Don't forget to prioritize self-care by consuming healthy meals, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and ensuring adequate sleep. Physical health significantly influences cognitive function and concentration.
By adopting these strategies and prioritizing self-care, you can bolster your focus and concentration, even when dealing with personal hurdles during your nursing career and education.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Mayo Clinic: A prestigious medical research institution, the Mayo Clinic, offers evidence-based information on numerous health topics, including stress management techniques that can assist in bolstering focus and concentration.
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides valuable insights into mental health strategies, including mindfulness practices that can improve attention span and cognitive performance.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): As a leading mental health research organization, NIMH provides resources on managing stress and seeking professional support for individuals struggling with focus due to personal issues.
These sources were referenced to ensure the information provided to address the question about regaining focus while managing personal challenges during nursing school is accurate and dependable.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Strategies to Bolster Concentration in Nursing School Amid Personal Challenges
Balancing the rigors of a nursing education with a demanding career, all while managing personal issues, can strain your ability to concentrate. Here are some effective techniques to help you regain your focus and thrive in your academic pursuits:
1. Develop a Routine: A well-structured daily routine can enhance your organization and focus. Allocate specific times for studying, taking breaks, eating meals, and sleeping to ensure uninterrupted study periods.
2. Organize Tasks: Utilize a to-do list or planner to rank your tasks based on urgency and importance. Dividing your workload into smaller, manageable tasks can simplify focusing on one task at a time.
3. Foster a Distraction-Free Space: Seek a quiet and cozy study area where distractions are minimal. Silence your phone notifications, refrain from multitasking, and consider using noise-canceling headphones if necessary.
4. Embrace Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, into your daily routine to augment focus and alleviate stress. Mindfulness can aid in maintaining alertness during study sessions.
5. Access Support: If personal issues are hampering your concentration, don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, professors, or mental health professionals. Discussing your struggles can offer emotional relief and practical solutions.
6. Schedule Breaks: Regular breaks during study sessions are crucial to avoid burnout and sustain productivity. Brief breaks can rejuvenate your mind and enhance focus upon resuming your studies.
7. Prioritize Health: Don't forget to prioritize self-care by consuming healthy meals, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and ensuring adequate sleep. Physical health significantly influences cognitive function and concentration.
By adopting these strategies and prioritizing self-care, you can bolster your focus and concentration, even when dealing with personal hurdles during your nursing career and education.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Mayo Clinic: A prestigious medical research institution, the Mayo Clinic, offers evidence-based information on numerous health topics, including stress management techniques that can assist in bolstering focus and concentration.
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides valuable insights into mental health strategies, including mindfulness practices that can improve attention span and cognitive performance.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): As a leading mental health research organization, NIMH provides resources on managing stress and seeking professional support for individuals struggling with focus due to personal issues.
These sources were referenced to ensure the information provided to address the question about regaining focus while managing personal challenges during nursing school is accurate and dependable.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Donice Cully
Manager, Talent Acquisition and Operations
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Donice’s Answer
It's totally normal for life to throw us off track when we're striving for personal goals. Distractions happen, priorities shift, but don't forget: your career journey is ultimately about you and your future. Setting healthy boundaries is key to ensuring you have the time and energy for personal growth. Remember, you're your own top priority—after all, you can't pour from an empty cup. So, how do you refocus? Start by prioritizing yourself and making decisions that prioritize your well-being and development. 🌱
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Arianna
Paul R. Banks
B2B Sales and Partnerships Manager
14
Answers
Palm Springs, California
Updated
Paul R.’s Answer
Ariana,
It sounds like you're facing a challenging time, but it's great that you're motivated to continue pursuing your career and education in nursing despite the obstacles. Pursuing a nursing degree is challenging and can sometimes make almost overwhelming demands of your time, but there are very few more gratifying careers to pursue. Helping others in the intimate ways nursing affords is a rare career opportunity and well worth the effort. Uplifting others and helping them live life to the fullest is a career well worth pursuing, even when it becomes challenging to get there. You will be glad you did many years from now when you look back on your career. Don't give up!
Here are some tips to help you regain focus:
1. **Establish a Routine:** Setting a consistent schedule can help create structure and make it easier to focus. Allocate specific times for studying, attending classes, and taking breaks.
2. **Break Tasks into Smaller Steps:** Large tasks can seem overwhelming, making it difficult to concentrate. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps, and focus on completing one step at a time. It is better to have multiple smaller study periods rather than lumping all the studying into marathons. I know this isn't always possible, but try putting studying into periods of "off-time" during the day as well as having dedicated study time that is consistent and manageable.
3. **Create a Distraction-Free Environment:** Minimize distractions in your study space by turning off notifications on your phone, finding a quiet place to work, and using tools like website blockers if necessary. Some people like a white noise machine to block out noise and other distractions. One easy way to create white noise is to go to this YouTube video and play it on your phone in the background.
https://youtu.be/IfxJnH1Qj_c?si=_LClb0yngN9HoUXL
4. **Practice Mindfulness:** Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, to help calm your mind and improve focus. Even just a few minutes of mindfulness practice each day can make a difference. There are many websites and apps to help you with this. One of the best is the app called CALM. The free version is pretty good, and they have a YouTube channel with free meditations as well: https://www.youtube.com/@calm
Here's an example of one of their "Daily Calm" posts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU
5. **Set Goals:** Establish clear, achievable goals for your education and career. Having something to work towards can provide motivation and help you stay focused on your objectives. Discuss you goals with the people in your life. Sharing your goals with others helps you achieve them. Seek advice on your goals from instructors and people who are current or former nurses and other in the health care field.
6. **Take Care of Yourself:** Make sure you're taking care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and find healthy ways to manage stress. I realize some of these activities like exercise take extra time, but if you build exercising into your routine, you will actually find the focus and better health you receive from the investment saves you time and makes you more efficient in the long run. Having an Apple Watch or other wearable can help you maintain your health and activity. I use mine all the time for this!
7. **Seek Support:** Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, or mentors for support. Talking about your challenges with someone you trust can help alleviate stress and provide perspective. Also, it is very likely that your school has multiple resources you can use from counsellors to tutors and advisors. Make use of them. They are there for you and have helped many students in your position dealing with similar challenges.
8. **Consider Professional Help:** If personal issues are significantly impacting your ability to focus, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. They can provide strategies for coping with challenges and help you develop resilience. The school counsellor can provide referrals to health care professionals. Don't be afraid to ask them for this level of help, and understand that speaking with a therapist is a safe space. Open up, be honest, and don't be embarrassed to share anything. They are there for you!
Remember to be patient with yourself as you work through these challenges. It's okay to have setbacks, but what's important is that you keep moving forward. You've already shown resilience by wanting to continue your education and career despite difficulties, and that's something to be proud of. You chose to pursue nursing because you obviously care deeply about the well-being of others. That caring starts with caring for yourself. You are going to make it, and you are going to have the most rewarding career you can imagine. I know you can do it!
It sounds like you're facing a challenging time, but it's great that you're motivated to continue pursuing your career and education in nursing despite the obstacles. Pursuing a nursing degree is challenging and can sometimes make almost overwhelming demands of your time, but there are very few more gratifying careers to pursue. Helping others in the intimate ways nursing affords is a rare career opportunity and well worth the effort. Uplifting others and helping them live life to the fullest is a career well worth pursuing, even when it becomes challenging to get there. You will be glad you did many years from now when you look back on your career. Don't give up!
Here are some tips to help you regain focus:
1. **Establish a Routine:** Setting a consistent schedule can help create structure and make it easier to focus. Allocate specific times for studying, attending classes, and taking breaks.
2. **Break Tasks into Smaller Steps:** Large tasks can seem overwhelming, making it difficult to concentrate. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps, and focus on completing one step at a time. It is better to have multiple smaller study periods rather than lumping all the studying into marathons. I know this isn't always possible, but try putting studying into periods of "off-time" during the day as well as having dedicated study time that is consistent and manageable.
3. **Create a Distraction-Free Environment:** Minimize distractions in your study space by turning off notifications on your phone, finding a quiet place to work, and using tools like website blockers if necessary. Some people like a white noise machine to block out noise and other distractions. One easy way to create white noise is to go to this YouTube video and play it on your phone in the background.
https://youtu.be/IfxJnH1Qj_c?si=_LClb0yngN9HoUXL
4. **Practice Mindfulness:** Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, to help calm your mind and improve focus. Even just a few minutes of mindfulness practice each day can make a difference. There are many websites and apps to help you with this. One of the best is the app called CALM. The free version is pretty good, and they have a YouTube channel with free meditations as well: https://www.youtube.com/@calm
Here's an example of one of their "Daily Calm" posts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU
5. **Set Goals:** Establish clear, achievable goals for your education and career. Having something to work towards can provide motivation and help you stay focused on your objectives. Discuss you goals with the people in your life. Sharing your goals with others helps you achieve them. Seek advice on your goals from instructors and people who are current or former nurses and other in the health care field.
6. **Take Care of Yourself:** Make sure you're taking care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and find healthy ways to manage stress. I realize some of these activities like exercise take extra time, but if you build exercising into your routine, you will actually find the focus and better health you receive from the investment saves you time and makes you more efficient in the long run. Having an Apple Watch or other wearable can help you maintain your health and activity. I use mine all the time for this!
7. **Seek Support:** Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, or mentors for support. Talking about your challenges with someone you trust can help alleviate stress and provide perspective. Also, it is very likely that your school has multiple resources you can use from counsellors to tutors and advisors. Make use of them. They are there for you and have helped many students in your position dealing with similar challenges.
8. **Consider Professional Help:** If personal issues are significantly impacting your ability to focus, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. They can provide strategies for coping with challenges and help you develop resilience. The school counsellor can provide referrals to health care professionals. Don't be afraid to ask them for this level of help, and understand that speaking with a therapist is a safe space. Open up, be honest, and don't be embarrassed to share anything. They are there for you!
Remember to be patient with yourself as you work through these challenges. It's okay to have setbacks, but what's important is that you keep moving forward. You've already shown resilience by wanting to continue your education and career despite difficulties, and that's something to be proud of. You chose to pursue nursing because you obviously care deeply about the well-being of others. That caring starts with caring for yourself. You are going to make it, and you are going to have the most rewarding career you can imagine. I know you can do it!
Thank you for the advice.
Arianna