Concentration is the ability to direct your thinking, whether you’re studying biology or trying to sink the perfect pool shot.
The art of concentration involves focusing on the task at hand and eliminating distractions.
But let’s be honest—concentration can be tough, especially with modern-day distractions like your phone buzzing with notifications, your pet demanding attention, or your mind wandering off to daydreams.
This guide will explore 10 practical strategies to help you concentrate better while studying, even when life tries to pull your attention in a hundred different directions.
Understanding Concentration: The Challenge of Modern Distractions
We all have the ability to concentrate—sometimes.
Think of those moments when you were completely “in the zone,” whether it was during a sport, playing music, watching a movie, or getting lost in a great book.
That’s total concentration.
But other times, it’s like trying to focus in the middle of a circus.
Your mind jumps from one thing to another, your worries take over, and distractions like pets, roommates, or a blaring TV pull you away before you know it.
Let’s face it—concentrating in today’s world is like trying to meditate in a mosh pit. But don’t worry; here are some practical tips to help you get back on track.
1. Create a dedicated study space
The first step to better concentration is setting up a dedicated space for studying.
This space should be free from distractions, comfortable, and designed to keep you focused.
How to set up your study space:
- Choose a quiet spot: Find a place where you’re least likely to be interrupted by others. This could be a corner of your room, a study nook, or even the library.
- Avoid distractions: Turn off your phone, or use apps like Focus@Will or Cold Turkey to block notifications. Hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign to keep roommates or family members from barging in.
- Set up your environment: Ensure good lighting and a comfortable chair. If you prefer background music, choose something instrumental to avoid lyrics that could distract you. Another way is using noise-canceling headphones to block out distracting sounds, or play white noise or nature sounds if complete silence isn’t your thing.
Why it’s important:
A dedicated study space helps signal your brain that it’s time to focus. By minimizing distractions in this area, you create an environment that’s conducive to deep concentration.
2. Combat mind wandering with the “Be Here Now” technique
Even with a perfect study space, your mind can still wander—maybe you start thinking about what’s for dinner, the latest episode of your favorite show, or whether your dog would look cute in a little hat.
The “Be Here Now” technique can help you refocus.
How to use “Be Here Now”:
- Catch yourself wandering: As soon as you notice your thoughts drifting, gently remind yourself, “Be here now.”
- Refocus: Bring your attention back to the task at hand—whether it’s reading, writing, or solving problems.
- Repeat: If your mind wanders again (and it will), repeat the phrase and refocus. Over time, you’ll find that your periods of concentration get longer.
Why it’s important:
This simple technique helps you build the habit of refocusing, which is essential for maintaining concentration over longer periods.
Recommended Tools:
Consider using mindfulness apps like Headspace or Calm to practice staying present and improving your overall ability to concentrate.
3. Maximize your energy levels
When are you at your sharpest?
Is it in the morning after that first cup of coffee? Or maybe you’re a night owl who hits your stride after dark.
Understanding your energy levels can help you plan your study sessions for when you’re most alert.
How to match your tasks to your energy levels:
- Identify peak times: Pay attention to when you feel most energized during the day. Use this time for your hardest or most important tasks.
- Save easier tasks for low-energy periods: During times when you’re feeling sluggish, tackle less demanding work that doesn’t require as much focus.
Why it’s important:
Studying hard subjects when you’re tired is a recipe for frustration. By aligning your study tasks with your energy levels, you make concentration easier and studying more effective.
Recommended Tool:
Use fitness trackers like Fitbit to monitor your energy patterns throughout the day. This data can help you schedule your study sessions more effectively.
4. Set clear study goals
It’s hard to concentrate when you don’t know what you’re supposed to be concentrating on. That’s why setting clear, achievable goals for each study session is crucial.
How to set study goals:
- Start with a plan: Before you begin, take a few minutes to outline what you want to achieve. This could be reading a certain number of pages, completing a set of problems, or writing a draft of an essay.
- Break it down: Divide your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes them less intimidating and easier to focus on.
- Stay flexible: If you find that you’re losing concentration, don’t be afraid to adjust your goals.
Why it’s important:
Having clear goals helps you stay focused and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task.
Examples of Setting Clear Study Goals
| Goal Type | Vague Goal | Clear Study Goal | Task Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Assignment | “Read some chapters of the textbook.” | “Read Chapter 3 of the Biology textbook by 4:00 PM today.” | – Read Section 1: Cell Structure – Read Section 2: Mitosis – Take notes on key concepts |
| Essay Writing | “Work on my essay.” | “Write the introduction and outline for my English essay by tonight.” | – Draft the introduction paragraph – Create an outline with 3 main points – List sources to reference |
| Problem Solving | “Do some math problems.” | “Complete 10 algebra problems from Chapter 5 by 5:30 PM.” | – Solve 5 problems (1-5) – Take a short break – Solve 5 more problems (6-10) |
| Exam Preparation | “Study for the history exam.” | “Review key events of WWII and complete practice quiz by 6:00 PM.” | – Review lecture notes on WWII – Create flashcards for key events – Take and review practice quiz |
| Research Project | “Work on my research project.” | “Find and summarize 3 scholarly articles on climate change today.” | – Search for relevant articles using Google Scholar – Read and highlight important sections – Summarize findings in a document |
Benefits of Setting Clear Study Goals
- Clear goals provide direction, helping you stay on track and avoid wasting time.
- Breaking down tasks makes it easier to measure progress and stay motivated.
- By knowing exactly what needs to be done, you can work more efficiently and complete tasks on time.
5. Tame your distractions
Distractions are everywhere, and some of them are just too cute or fun to ignore—like your pet begging for attention, your phone lighting up with messages, or your mind drifting to thoughts of cookies.
But to concentrate effectively, you need to minimize these interruptions.
How to tame distractions:
- Limit tech temptations: Turn off non-essential notifications on your phone and computer. Apps like Forest can help by encouraging you to stay off your phone (every time you stay focused, a tree grows!).
- Set boundaries: Let people around you know that you’re in study mode. This might mean closing your door or scheduling study times when others aren’t around.
- Give your pet some love beforehand: Play with your dog or cat before you start studying so they’re more likely to nap while you work.
Why it’s important:
Minimizing distractions allows you to maintain your focus and get more done in less time.
Recommended Tool:
Use browser extensions like StayFocusd to limit your time on distracting websites. You can also create a “distraction-free” mode on your devices to help you stay on task.
6. Use incentives and rewards
Sometimes, you need a little extra motivation to stay focused—especially when the material is dry or challenging. Creating small incentives can help you push through.
How to use incentives:
- Set up a reward system: Promise yourself a small treat after completing a study session—like a snack, a short walk, or a quick check of social media.
- Plan bigger rewards for bigger tasks: For larger projects like term papers or exams, plan more substantial rewards, like a night out with friends or a new book.
Why it’s important:
Rewards can provide the extra push you need to get through tough or boring study sessions.
Stephen King, one of the most prolific and successful authors in modern history, is a master of discipline. He writes 2,000 words every day, without fail.
To maintain this rigorous writing routine, King uses a system of rewards. Once he hits his daily word count, he allows himself to relax by watching baseball or taking a walk.
These small incentives keep him motivated to meet his writing goals every day, enabling him to produce an impressive body of work over the years.
7. Break up your study sessions
Studying for hours on end can lead to burnout and wandering attention. Instead, break your study sessions into smaller, more manageable chunks with short breaks in between.
How to structure your study sessions:
- Use the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).
- Change it up: Vary your activities every hour or so. For example, switch from reading to doing practice problems or reviewing notes.
Why it’s important:
Taking regular breaks keeps your mind fresh and helps you maintain focus over longer periods.
Recommended Tools:
Use apps like Focus Booster or Tomato Timer to implement the Pomodoro Technique and manage your study sessions more effectively.
8. Practice mindfulness with visualization
Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you concentrate by putting you in the right mindset before you start studying.
How to use visualization:
- Recall focused moments: Before you start studying, think back to a time when you were completely absorbed in an activity. Try to recapture that feeling of focus.
- Visualize success: Picture yourself completing your study session with ease and confidence. This mental preparation can boost your concentration.
Why it’s important:
Visualization helps you set the tone for a productive study session, making it easier to concentrate from the start.
Recommended book about practicing mindfulness: “The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh
This classic book by the Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers practical guidance on mindfulness meditation. It includes simple exercises that help readers develop mindfulness in everyday life, including visualization techniques to bring calm and focus.
The book emphasizes the importance of being present and offers visualization practices that can be incorporated into daily routines, making it a great starting point for anyone new to mindfulness.
9. Change topics regularly
Studying the same subject for too long can lead to fatigue and boredom, making it harder to concentrate. Switching topics every so often can help keep your mind engaged.
How to change topics effectively:
- Rotate subjects: Every hour or two, switch to a different subject or type of task. For example, alternate between math problems and history reading.
- Mix up your methods: Alternate between different study methods, like reading, writing summaries, or quizzing yourself.
Why it’s important:
Changing topics prevents your mind from getting tired of one subject, helping you stay focused and engaged.
Example:
| Time Block | Subject/Topic | Study Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 📐 Mathematics | Practice Algebra Problems | Focus on solving equations |
| 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | 📚 History | Read Chapter on WWII | Take detailed notes |
| 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 🧬 Biology | Review Cell Structure | Use flashcards for key terms |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 📖 Literature | Analyze Shakespeare’s Hamlet | Write a brief summary |
| 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | 🧪 Chemistry | Conduct Organic Chemistry Lab | Document experiment results |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | ⚛️ Physics | Solve Mechanics Problems | Focus on motion and forces |
Benefits of Using a Rotating Study Schedule
- Prevents Fatigue: Switching subjects keeps the mind engaged and reduces the likelihood of burnout.
- Enhances Retention: Varying study activities (e.g., reading, writing, practicing problems) helps reinforce learning through different methods.
- Maintains Interest: Alternating topics can make study sessions more enjoyable and less monotonous.
10. Set up a “worry time”
Sometimes, intrusive thoughts and worries can disrupt your concentration. Setting aside a specific time each day to think about these concerns can help keep them from interfering with your studies.
How to set up worry time:
- Schedule a time: Choose a specific time each day (e.g., 4:30 to 5:00 p.m.) to focus on your worries and concerns.
- Let it go: When a distracting thought pops up while studying, remind yourself that you have a designated time to think about it later. Then, refocus on your work.
Why it’s important:
By compartmentalizing your worries, you can keep them from hijacking your concentration during study sessions.
Recommended Tool:
Use journaling apps like Day One to jot down your worries during worry time. This practice can help you process your thoughts and keep them from interfering with your focus.
Final Thoughts
Concentration is a skill that takes time and practice to develop, especially in a world full of distractions.
By creating a dedicated study space, setting clear goals, managing your energy levels, and using techniques like visualization and the “Be Here Now” strategy, you can improve your focus and productivity.
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself when your mind wanders—everyone struggles with concentration at times. With these strategies and a bit of patience, you can train your mind to concentrate better and get the most out of your study sessions.