How Can I Increase Concentration When Studying?

Asked by Khanya on our Parent Support Series.

Thanks Khanya. To make sure we answer this question comprehensively, we've broken it down into two contexts: concentrating when studying; and in exams. Check out some tips for both below.

Increase Concentration When Studying

1. Move Before You Study: Starting can be the hardest part. Combat boredom and procrastination by moving your body before sitting down to work. Try dancing to your favourite song for 60 seconds, doing some sit-ups, push-ups, or a quick workout. This quick burst of activity gets your blood flowing and puts you in an energized state, helping to increase concentration when studying.

   
   

2. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to accomplish during your study session. Examples:

• Make notes on Chapter 6.

• Complete Practice Questions 1, 2, and 3.

Having a clear outcome prevents aimless studying and keeps you focused on one task at a time - make sure not to switch between them.

3. Remove All Distractions: Create a distraction-free environment. Keep your desk completely clear — even small items can tempt you to lose focus if you're looking for a distraction.

   
   

4. Take Regular Breaks: Study in blocks of no more than 60 minutes. Once you complete a block, take a short break to recharge.

   
   

5. Try Breathing Exercises or Meditation: In your breaks, practice breathing exercises or guided meditation to reset your mind. You can use apps like Headspace or Calm for breathing exercises used by elite athletes to remain calm and focused.

   
   

   For more stress-relief tips, check out our Crash Course on Stress Management.

Increase Concentration During Exams

In the exam room, maintaining focus is crucial. Here’s how to stay sharp:

1. Practice, Practice, Practice: We can’t stress this enough: practice exams are essential. Concentration is like a muscle — the more you work on it, the stronger it becomes. Regular practice will train your mind to stay focused for extended periods, making 2-3 hour exams manageable.

   
   

2. Use Breathing Exercises: Every 30-60 minutes, pause for 1-2 minutes to do simple breathing exercises. While it may feel like lost time, the calm and clarity it brings will improve your overall performance.

To help you, or your child, develop their confidence before exams, take a look at our Exam Preparation Crash Course.