Study Tips: Best Ways to Stay Focused While Studying

Reading through material of bigger font size, eg. size 14, can help prevent missing out on important information. It makes learning and retaining information much easier.

Dates, places, names, etc. when highlighted or underlined make it easier to recall. Use a pencil or highlighter to highlight words you need to remember.

While reading, learning and memorizing, try and visualize the information in your head. Making visual connections helps the brain understand and remember the data better.

Often the monotony of digesting large paragraphs of words can become a stumbling block. The mind stops processing the large amount of data thrown at it. Instead, break down the information with the help of diagrams, flow charts or even drawings.

Anything that makes learning fun and interesting is worth a shot. Doodling is a fun way to remember otherwise boring events and details.

Often visually stimulating methods like looking at visual aids or videos helps retain information more effectively. Watch relevant videos explaining the concept. It’s also a fun way to learn.

Simply reading is of no use. Our mind engages in the simple act of reading mechanically. Learning is paramount, so make sure you go back and try to recall what you’ve just read.

To cement the information in your memory bank repeat or explain the information to a family member or classmate. This process of active recall will help you before a test.

Mock tests will tell you how well prepared you are and what you need to spend more time studying. They act as a litmus test, identifying what you’ve mastered and what you haven’t.

The most effective way to test your preparation is by taking a quiz on the subject. What’s even more effective is creating your own quiz, as it stimulates your brain to think from the questioner’s point of view, allowing you to master the subject.

Leaving a major chunk of studying for the last minute definitely has a negative impact. When we get overwhelmed our mind begins to be less receptive. Stress begins to take over and the brain cannot focus on studying.

While multitasking sounds cool, the best way to study and retain maximum information is by allowing yourself to concentrate on your studies. Avoid socializing, social media, etc. so as to eliminate maximum distractions.

While multitasking isn’t effective, studying a little of different subjects on a particular day is recommended. Studying one subject for long hours can slow the brain’s reception. Mix it up. Studying a variety is better.

Some people can concentrate better in the early hours of the morning, while others focus better past bedtime. Figure out what suits you and work accordingly.

There are those times when no matter how much you try to concentrate you can’t seem to focus. In such cases, relax, close your book and go do something simple that relaxes you and then come back.

“Every morning you have two choices. Sleep with your dreams, or wake up and chase them.” - Unknown