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Did you know that the average human attention span is only up to approximately a minute? Imagine that you're blinking 14-17 times a minute. Now, how many tasks can we complete within this timeframe? Not many (likely none), especially while studying.

Naturally, this is just an average - some people do have longer attention spans, but scientists agree that they are definitely shrinking. Luckily, there are numerous methods we can use to improve our focus and concentration skills, and some of them are quite easy to implement. So, how can you lengthen your attention span, and how to stay focused while studying?

This article offers some practical, effective tips that can help you concentrate better during your study sessions and pave the way to your academic success.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a quiet, organized study space to enhance focus and productivity. Make sure your chair is comfortable, and your desk is not cluttered.

• Set clear goals, use various time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, find your preferred learning method, take regular breaks, and avoid any disruptions like phone notifications.

• Eat healthily, avoid junk food between studying sessions, hydrate properly, and sleep well. It's recommended to avoid studying at night, as this can make you feel more tired and less focused. Practice mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and anxiety associated with the upcoming exams.

• Train your brain with neurofeedback devices like Mendi for long-term improvements in focus and stress management skills.

1. Choose a Quiet Location

Finding the perfect study space is the cornerstone of effective studying! A quiet location, free from the usual hustle and bustle, can really help you get to the bottom of your study topic.

Don't choose a spot you associate with relaxation, like your bed. It will help you avoid becoming unproductive. Instead, opt for a well-lit (good lighting is extremely important!), comfortable area free from distractions. This could be a dedicated study space or a quiet corner in your bedroom.

2. Comfortable Seating and Desk

A comfortable seating arrangement helps maintain focus during long study sessions. For instance, ergonomic chairs are designed to promote better posture and reduce discomfort, so you can study for extended periods without physical strain. A desk that allows for a 90-degree angle at the elbows can further enhance comfort, making it easier to remain focused on your work.

If investing in an ergonomic chair/desk is not an option, take more breaks and move your body. For example, you can use the Pomodoro Technique - spend 25 minutes studying, and then take a 5-minute break. During those 5 minutes of free time, stretch your back and neck and walk around the room. This will prevent neck stiffness and back pain.

3. Organize Your Study Materials and Set Clear Goals

A cluttered study space can quickly become a source of stress and distraction, especially for those who like to keep things clean. This can help clear your mind and allow you to focus on the task at hand.

Plus, you can organize your study materials by breaking them into manageable tasks. For instance, if you need to study for an exam and there's a lot of information to go through, break it all into smaller sections and set some goals like "going through chapters 1,2,3 today and going through chapters 4,5,6 tomorrow." By setting clear goals for the next few days, you're also setting clear expectations, which can help you avoid that feeling of being overwhelmed with the amount of information you need to go through.

You can also use tools like wall calendars or diaries to keep track of important academic deadlines and goals. Having a list of your goals visible near your workspace can serve as a constant reminder of what you need to achieve, helping you stay on track and motivated. And you can even make this process fun! Use stickers, highlighters, and anything else that makes you feel proud of your progress!

4. Use Time Management Techniques

Learning to manage your time effectively is one of the most important skills you'll ever acquire. It will help you in almost everything you'll ever do - from studying and working to maintaining healthy relationships.

As mentioned above, one popular technique is the Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This structure helps keep your mind fresh, prevents burnout, and allows you to stay focused for longer periods.

Another thing you can do (which will also help you with the technique mentioned above) is to write a list with all your tasks for the day and then break them down so that each takes approximately 25 minutes, correlating this with the Pomodoro Technique.

Last but not least - avoid multitasking. People often think multitasking makes things easier and helps them finish tasks more quickly. It does enable them to finish a particular task more rapidly because they tend to work faster to compensate for the time lost switching between tasks. However, this strategy is not considered beneficial long-term because it usually leads to more stress, time pressure, and workload.

5. Block Distracting Websites and Apps

In today’s digital age, screens can be a major source of distractions. Apps, games, and notifications often trigger a fear of missing out (FoMO), making it difficult to stay focused. Even if we only look at those notifications for a few seconds, it takes us 20 more minutes to reach the same level of concentration as before.

As such, to combat this, consider using apps like Freedom, Self Control, or Stay Focused, which can block distracting websites during study hours. You can also turn off notifications on your phone while studying or put it on silent mode.

6. Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones can significantly improve focus by drowning out distracting background sounds. Investing in a pair of these headphones can create a more conducive study environment, allowing for better concentration and productivity. Alternatively, you can use earplugs.

If this doesn't help, try listening to music instead, preferably something instrumental to avoid getting distracted by lyrics. Some people find it easier to focus when they also receive auditory stimulation.

7. Exercise Regularly

You don't have to exercise while studying, except maybe stretching your body. This tip is for long-term goals. Incorporating regular physical exercise into your routine is extremely important for both your physical and brain health, especially since it can really boost your concentration skills and other cognitive abilities. For instance, you can make simple changes by taking the stairs or riding a bike.

Plus, you can also spend 10 minutes moving your body right before starting your studying session - just make sure you're not doing anything too intense like weight training, which can actually negatively impact your focus.

8. Eat Healthy Food

A balanced diet is of utmost importance for both mental and physical health. Naturally, this method works better when applied long-term, but it can also help you in the moment.

For example, it's recommended to avoid junk food while studying because it can cause an unhealthy spike in blood sugar, which can actually leave you feeling more tired. Instead, you can enjoy some healthy snacks during breaks. Fruits, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, and even coffee - all these can give you a boost of energy and if consumed regularly, can potentially help maintain concentration for longer.

9. Stay Hydrated

Drinking more water is one of the most important changes you can make to improve your cognitive function! Drinking enough water can improve memory and focus, which are vital for effective studying.

Moreover, having a bottle of water at hand while studying can be really helpful for people with ADHD - it's similar to chewing gum, which helps people with ADHD focus on the current task, except that drinking water is much healthier!

10. Assess the Way You're Studying

If you notice you can't focus while studying, maybe the culprit is not your lack of focus - maybe you're just not studying as your brain wants you to. For example, some people are visually-dominant learners or read/write learners, so they need specific study methods such as drawing pictures, diagrams, or charts or writing everything down. On the other hand, auditory-dominant learners need to listen to the information they're presented, in which case they may also prefer reading out loud.

Last but not least, incorporate in your studying routine active learning strategies like self-quizzing or explaining concepts in your own words. And don't forget to use the myriad of studying/time management/planning apps! You can also use the SWAT method to assess your strengths and weaknesses.

11. Review and Revise Regularly

Consistent review sessions are crucial for reinforcing knowledge and aiding long-term memory retention. Methods like spaced repetition ensure better understanding and retention in the long run and help you maintain your focus.

At the beginning, space the reviewing intervals closely together - every two hours, for example. As you get more familiar with the information, space them at longer intervals - five hours, 1-2 days.

12. Get Enough Sleep and Avoid Studying at Night!

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for staying focused and consolidating memory. It may be tempting to spend the whole night studying, but the lack of sleep will have consequences - you'll feel more tired the next day, and your focus will likely decrease. Therefore, getting enough sleep is of the essence!

11. Join Study Groups or Find a Study Buddy

It's important to choose a suitable studying environment. For example, some prefer studying alone, while others prefer having a study buddy or joining a study group at a library. Being among other students who are also preparing for their exams can help them stay motivated. Plus, having a study buddy can also bring new perspectives and ideas, which can facilitate the learning process.

14. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness can be a useful strategy for improving focus, particularly if you feel stressed about the upcoming exam season. Mindfulness practices can reduce stress and anxiety levels, helping you concentrate on what can really make a difference - studying efficiently to pass those exams!

If you don't have time for long meditation sessions, there's no need to worry - you can pair mindfulness techniques with the most mundane tasks. For example, while taking a break, engage fully with your activity. If you're stretching, focus on the present moment, observe the things around you, listen to your body, and if the mind starts wandering, gently bring it back to the present moment.

15. Reward Yourself

Rewarding yourself during study sessions can really make a difference! It can help you stay motivated, fuel your inspiration, and improve your focus! You can do this by tracking your progress in an app and then rewarding yourself with, let's say, a longer break when you finish a more difficult task. Either way, choose a reward that you'll enjoy and make you feel proud about your progress!

And because rewarding yourself really works, you can also train your brain through neurofeedback, whose mechanism of action is basically the same. And this takes us to the last point on your list, which is...

16. Train Your Brain with Mendi

Did you know you can train your brain just like you train your body? This is done through neurofeedback - a non-invasive brain training technique that relies on operant conditioning, a type of learning that employs the use of positive reinforcement to encourage the repetition of desired states - in this case, being more focused. This is much like puppy training when we reward them for good behavior.

As such, you can try neurofeedback from the comfort of your home using the Mendi device - all you have to do is place the Mendi headband across your forehead and play a game on our app for 5-15 minutes/three times a week. Naturally, you won't notice results overnight. You'll have to complete at least ten sessions to feel its benefits, which include better sleep, increased focus, improved stress management, and enhanced emotion regulation skills.

If you want to learn more about how Mendi works, check out our comprehensive guide that explains fNIRS technology in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my focus while studying?

To improve your focus while studying, concentrate on one thing at a time, turn off your phone notifications, minimize distractions, set clear study goals, plan your time more efficiently, and reward yourself with something you enjoy every time you complete a milestone. It's equally important to sleep well, eat healthily, exercise regularly, as well as train your brain using various brain games or neurofeedback devices.

How can I create a productive study environment?

A productive study environment starts with finding a quiet, well-lit space and keeping your materials organized. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones to avoid distractions.

How can I stay motivated while studying?

To stay motivated while studying, set specific goals and reward yourself for achieving them. You can also break tasks into smaller, more easily achievable ones. Consider finding a study buddy or joining a study group to make your learning experience more enjoyable and engaging!

What is the best time for studying?

Scientists suggest that the best time for studying is between 10 am and 2 pm or from 4 pm and 10 pm. However, everyone is different, which is why this schedule may not work for you. Try studying at different times of the day and choose the timeframe during which you feel more productive.