What can you do to stay focused on your studies?

Really good question dear..

To focus it is very important to schedule yourself or we can say self discipline.

Give 1 or 2 or more hrs how much u want to dedicate daily and comply that at any condition until you will not satisfy.

Remember, nobody can help you into this you have to add discipline into you.

In one short line, focus comes from dedication.

First, GO TO CLASS. Always go to class. It is amazing how important simply attending is, for so many reasons. Read the material. Even if you're distracted and/or don't think you're retaining it, read it. Then finally, establish blocks that you will study. Even when distracted, stick to the schedule. It will finally click.

Hello Meghan,

very good question. It is indeed a difficult proposition to control one's mind. Like If I tell you to close your eyes and do only one thing: please don't think about monkey for a minute or so......

Did you do that? If answer is "Yes" then you know how difficult is to control the mind! Well, there are answers to tame this wild horse. Follow the process:

1. Please sit in in a dim lit room or open space but preferably silent place, switch on a soft music, say flute or something very soothing...... sit comfortably as much as you can, spine erect and take 20 deep/long, slow and gentle breaths...very very gradual......say max 3-4 breaths in a minute....observe the movement of the breath....it will be initially very speedy, noisy, wavy....and slowly it will be a gentle breeze....like smelling a rose .... . let your mind go wherever it wants...don't resist (remember your monkey exercise, it's futile!)....you will find that you have reached finally a state where mind is not wavering...it becomes still..! I am attaching an URL, do look at it once and you will get it...
2. You may not get all this in a day ....but if you sit for couple of days in morning and evening (when both the day/night meet each other)....you will find 20 minutes of this exercise...(let's now call it : meditation) is good enough to bring your focus back to whatever you are doing like a torch.
3. Will you do it? if Yes, all the very best!

Well, this is always hard! When studying, try some background music. If on the computer, close all windows that you don't need. Give yourself a break about every 25 minutes. Stretch, get a drink, etc. Possibly go someplace specific to study, such as the library or the park.

Also, find a way to stimulate your interest in the subject. Write a song about what you need to learn, create mnemonic devices, flashcards, etc.....draw pictures! Ask yourself, if you were the teacher, how would you present this material?

Above all else, keep your eye on the prize! Your goal is to complete the class, and, to get your degree. Don't let anything detract you from that!!