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Whats the hard part of focusing in classes in college ?
On high school level classes I sometimes have a hard time focusing so I would want to know more on how to focus
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Dr’s Answer
Heu Monica,
Well, Diana nailed it—your brain is basically a high-speed supercomputer, but sometimes it acts like a browser with 37 tabs open, most of them buffering cat videos. The trick is learning how to keep it locked in on the right tab (or should I just say. your professor’s lecture) instead of refreshing your daydreams about lunch.
Her "hold onto your seat" tip is genius—it’s like telling your brain, Hey, we’re here, let’s focus!
But let’s kick it up a notch with some extra tricks.
First up: The Pomodoro Technique. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This works because your brain loves deadlines—just like how you suddenly become an efficiency expert when an assignment is due in an hour.
Doodle in your notes. Seriously. Studies show sketching ideas helps you retain information. And if anyone judges your terrible stick figures, just say it’s "neuroscience."
Sit at the front. I know, it sounds terrifying, but you’ll be too afraid to doze off when the professor is three feet away. Plus, fewer distractions—no watching someone online shop for sneakers in front of you.
Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb. TikTok will survive without you for an hour. If you’re feeling bold, put it on Airplane Mode and pretend you’re at an exclusive focus retreat (also known as college).
Make it a game. Challenge yourself to catch key phrases like “this will be on the exam” or “pay attention to this.” Think of them as Easter eggs in the world’s least exciting video game.
Hydrate and eat brain food. Coffee is great, but actual food helps too—protein and healthy fats keep your energy steady so you don’t crash halfway through class.
And if all else fails, bribe yourself. “If I take solid notes for this lecture, I get a fancy coffee later.” Self-motivation at its finest.
Focusing isn’t magic—it’s a skill. The more you practice, the easier it gets. Soon, you’ll be so locked in during class that people will start asking you for focus tips.
All the best Monica, hope this helps. Remember to take action, just gainig the thought and reason and thinking to do it is different and only was you can achieve is by doing it. So just start! 🤗
Well, Diana nailed it—your brain is basically a high-speed supercomputer, but sometimes it acts like a browser with 37 tabs open, most of them buffering cat videos. The trick is learning how to keep it locked in on the right tab (or should I just say. your professor’s lecture) instead of refreshing your daydreams about lunch.
Her "hold onto your seat" tip is genius—it’s like telling your brain, Hey, we’re here, let’s focus!
But let’s kick it up a notch with some extra tricks.
First up: The Pomodoro Technique. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This works because your brain loves deadlines—just like how you suddenly become an efficiency expert when an assignment is due in an hour.
Doodle in your notes. Seriously. Studies show sketching ideas helps you retain information. And if anyone judges your terrible stick figures, just say it’s "neuroscience."
Sit at the front. I know, it sounds terrifying, but you’ll be too afraid to doze off when the professor is three feet away. Plus, fewer distractions—no watching someone online shop for sneakers in front of you.
Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb. TikTok will survive without you for an hour. If you’re feeling bold, put it on Airplane Mode and pretend you’re at an exclusive focus retreat (also known as college).
Make it a game. Challenge yourself to catch key phrases like “this will be on the exam” or “pay attention to this.” Think of them as Easter eggs in the world’s least exciting video game.
Hydrate and eat brain food. Coffee is great, but actual food helps too—protein and healthy fats keep your energy steady so you don’t crash halfway through class.
And if all else fails, bribe yourself. “If I take solid notes for this lecture, I get a fancy coffee later.” Self-motivation at its finest.
Focusing isn’t magic—it’s a skill. The more you practice, the easier it gets. Soon, you’ll be so locked in during class that people will start asking you for focus tips.
All the best Monica, hope this helps. Remember to take action, just gainig the thought and reason and thinking to do it is different and only was you can achieve is by doing it. So just start! 🤗
Updated
Diana V.’s Answer
You know what is fantastic about your brain- it can do 1 million things at a time. It’s faster then any computer. You have to train it to focus on one thing , like a teacher’s lecture for example.
My first professor told us to literally “hold on to your seats”. Reach down and hold on to the seat - it reminds the brain where you are -in the classroom.
He said practice listening skills by listening to audio books / music listening to the lyrics. Read ahead anything you might be reviewing in class that way some information will be familiar and your brain will find it easier to store. Get rest and eat well. The body must have sufficient energy to sit- really!
Attention/ listening/ taking notes are all skills you have to practice. It’s seems like we should just have it naturally, but no- like many things practice prefects your skills.
My first professor told us to literally “hold on to your seats”. Reach down and hold on to the seat - it reminds the brain where you are -in the classroom.
He said practice listening skills by listening to audio books / music listening to the lyrics. Read ahead anything you might be reviewing in class that way some information will be familiar and your brain will find it easier to store. Get rest and eat well. The body must have sufficient energy to sit- really!
Attention/ listening/ taking notes are all skills you have to practice. It’s seems like we should just have it naturally, but no- like many things practice prefects your skills.