Concentration while studying

There is nothing more frustrating than when you sit down at your table to study with the most sincere of intentions and instead of being able to finish the task at hand, you find your thoughts wandering. However, there are certain techniques one can use to enhance concentration. It depends on a number of factors. In order to develop our concentration span to be more productive at our tasks, it is necessary to examine various facts of our physical and internal environment.

To begin with, we should attempt to create the physical environment that is conducive to focussed thoughts. We need to first acknowledge that we indeed have a problem at hand, only then we would be able to act upon it. Whether it is the TV, phone, or even noisy environment, identifying the factors that make it difficult to develop concentration is the first task. I personally disagree with the notion that one can properly concentrate or study in an environment with distractions. Many people claim that they can concentrate even with distractions like loud TV, blaring music, phones beside them switched on with notifications pinging, etc. But the truth is that their attention and retention powers do not work at optimum levels when they are distracted while attempting to focus. If possible, it is better to find a place where minimum level of noise can be heard, so that the mind can focus on one task only.

While there is no cure for a mind that wants to wander, one should try and provide as little stimulus as possible. That is why one should try not to place the study table or desk in front of a window. Looking out of a window when trying to study will invariably send one’s mind on a tangent.  After quite some time of experimenting, I found that the best place for me to study is desk seated in an area surrounded by blank walls. Whether I look left, right or straight ahead, I wouldn’t be able to see anything that would distract me (such a place was present in one of my friends’ room in my hostel in college, and that was where I tried to study whenever it was unoccupied). One will see that a study place free of distractions of any kind works wonders for one’s concentration level.

The second important thing is to establish goals for oneself instead of setting a general target and then trying to accomplish what you can in a haphazard fashion. It is very important to decide what one has to finish in a given span of time. The human mind recognises fixed goals and targets, and appreciates schedules more than random thoughts. Once the thoughts and goals are in line, a better, focussed system will follow.

While it is true that every person may have their own unique way for remaining focussed for a long period of time, it is recommended for people with lower concentration span to divide their schedule in study and recreation hours. One can choose a mix of subjects they enjoy and dislike, and save the former for the last so that he/she will have something to look forward to. One should also try to genuinely take interest in a disliked subject after clearing all prejudices about the subject and emptying the mind.

Try not sit for more than 40-50 minutes at a stretch. Take a short break of 5 minutes and then sit down again. Short breaks build one’s concentration and refresh the mind. There are some exceptional situations where it might be better not to take a break, for example a situation when one is in a highly concentrated state of mind and taking even a small break would shatter all of that concentration, and it would have to be built up again to achieve earlier level of productivity. But for most situations, it is better to take breaks. However, be careful not to overdo the relaxation. It may have undesirable effects.

More than anything else, do not get disheartened. Everyone is unique and one should try to find an environment that suits them the best. Concentration is merely a matter of disciplining the mind. It comes with practice and patience, and does not take long to become a habit for life.