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How do I improve my focus?

I am a high school jr who is taking some difficult college courses from a local university. The workload requires almost all of my free time. Finals are coming up in two weeks, and if I don't do almost perfectly on the exams I will not be making an A in two of my classes. I have struggled all semester to get my work done. I study all day and still don't get everything accomplished.

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Chirayu’s Answer

Improving your focus can be challenging, but it is essential for succeeding in your academic pursuits. Here are some tips that can help you improve your focus - Schedule your study time and break your work into manageable chunks. Prioritize your most important tasks and make a to-do list to help you stay on track. Identify the things that distract you and remove them from your study area. This could be turning off your phone, disabling notifications on your computer, or studying in a quiet place. It's essential to take breaks to give your brain a rest and recharge. Take short breaks every hour or so to stretch, take a walk, or do something you enjoy. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, can help you improve your focus and reduce stress. Keep your study materials organized and tidy to reduce clutter and help you stay focused. A lack of sleep can significantly impact your focus and productivity. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help you stay alert and focused. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and staying hydrated can help you stay focused and alert.
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Judith-Ann’s Answer

Ellie, I admire your determination. I must say that you have taken on a high expectation for yourself. Your schedule sounds grueling. I would ask you to consider giving yourself a break 15 minutes every hour. Studies have shown that giving oneself a 15 minute break every hour will actually help your brain learn more efficiently. You might already be on burnout, but if you feel you must cross the finish line on this time frame, then divide your study load into sections, allow more time for the harder parts, and do the best you can. That's all you can ask of yourself.
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Karen’s Answer

You are awesome and already have learned and accomplished what many never achieve. Sometimes it's better to do less. While grades are important, years down the road you will probably forget whether you got an A or B or it won't be significant.

Take a break and think about your life priorities -- family, friends, faith, etc. Make time for what's really important to you. Enjoy each day and be proud of who you are.

Blessings!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Greetings Ellie from San Francisco!

I'm James, an experienced Australian Dietitian-Nutritionist, ready to assist you! With a 35-year career spanning three state health departments, I've educated both patients and health professionals. I firmly believe that exceptional nutrition is the key, not reliance on pills or caffeine. I've been developing nutrition education software for the past 30 years, and my programming journey began 51 years ago with Fortran. I'm fluent in ten computer languages.

Rather than depending on stimulants and alcohol, prioritize regular breaks and small, frequent meals - aim for around 10 daily. Choose foods rich in low glycemic index complex carbohydrates, avoiding white bread, flour, or sugar. If necessary, opt for canned baked beans or sardines. You'll soon notice a significant improvement in your focus, concentration, and information absorption.

This approach will boost your efficiency in data and concept absorption. Aim to drink 33 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight throughout the day, adding a splash of fresh lemon juice for flavor. The best protein sources are fish and plant-based options. Fresh nuts and seeds make excellent snacks - I'm a fan of peanut paste. Hummus and tahini are also great choices.

Choose less sweet fruits like strawberries over bananas. Sprouts are a nourishing option. Opt for carbohydrate-rich foods like lentils, peas, and starchy beans instead of mashed potatoes, white rice, or white pasta. Your nervous function and cognitive performance rely on B complex vitamins, found in foods like autolyzed yeast.

Magnesium plays a crucial role in nerve function, with rice bran being the richest source. Try adding bran to your smoothies - you can find this tip in my software.

Best regards,
Jim.
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Elise’s Answer

Hi, Ellie. One way that has helped me with focus is what is called a 'timeboxing' activity. This means you assign how long you will focus on one task and hold to that time limit. Here is a list of steps to help guide you, just know - success is putting your best foot forward and trying (which you're doing, Congratulations!), not the final grade received.

Elise recommends the following next steps:

Make a list of all the things you need to do for a week, including studying for your courses
Assign a time to each item (this reduces stress as you'll know when you're slotted to study for which course)
Schedule time for 15-minute breaks to step away from computer/books (grab a snack, step outside, give your thoughts a moment to wander)
List the time limits in small chucks, perhaps 30 or 45 minutes (this allows you to stay laser focused for short periods, you can schedule multiple blocks of time for the same subject, it might help to not have it as a straight 2-hour chunk))
Keep to the time assigned, don't go over or dismiss the importance of sticking to the schedule (if you're not done, mark a placeholder, and move on to the next activity, you can schedule time to go backwards)
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jasmine’s Answer

It sounds like you are under a lot of pressure and have a lot on your plate right now. Improving your focus can help you make the most of the time you have available to study and increase your chances of doing well on your exams. Remember that improving focus takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and keep trying different strategies until you find what works best for you. Good luck on your exams


Here are some tips that may help:

jasmine recommends the following next steps:

Create a study schedule: Plan out your study sessions in advance and set specific goals for each session. This can help you stay on track and make the most of your study time.
Minimize distractions: Find a quiet, distraction-free environment to study in. Put away your phone and other electronic devices that may be tempting to use while studying.
ake breaks: It's important to take breaks every so often to give your mind a rest. Take a short walk, do some stretching or relaxation exercises, or just take a few minutes to clear your mind.
Prioritize tasks: Focus on completing the most important tasks first. Identify the tasks that are most urgent or have the greatest impact on your grades, and tackle those first.
Stay positive: Try to stay positive and motivated, even when the workload feels overwhelming. Celebrate small victories and remind yourself of your goals and why you are working so hard.
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JOHN’s Answer

Hello:

Deep breathing exercises, meditation, exercise, and utilizing peppermint are possibilities to guidance's betterment.

"...the health benefits of peppermint does not “make you smarter.” However, its scent – primarily the menthol component – stimulates the hippocampus area of the brain which controls mental clarity and memory. The odor triggers you to wake up and pay attention.

The University of Cincinnati found that using peppermint in a room of test-takers boosted alertness and concentration.".

Also: "Positive self-talk is the process of talking to oneself in an encouraging and uplifting way in order to stay positive and motivated. It can be used to build confidence, to help manage anxiety, stay focused, and achieve goals.".

Grateful for your path.

God Bless,

John German
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Shalyse’s Answer

Hi, I am an Industrial and Organization Psychology practitioner and consult on productivity. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure you know what motivates you and tie your goals into that as well as make sure you are taking adequate time to rest.

If you can't figure out why you want to accomplish your goals and why that matters to you, you will constantly struggle to be motivated.
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