You’re struggling to stay focused while studying. How can you increase your productivity?

SMART goal-setting is essential for productive study. It not only offers a clear path, but it also supports motivation and attention. I have found that learning becomes more achievable when bigger activities are divided into smaller, easier-to-achieve goals.

Struggling to focus on studies is challenging. In such a situation, we should identify distractors. If possible, we should quantify distractors such as time spent on social media, games, idling, watching movies, etc. We should start with the main distractors first. With the sight of the mobile phone, we get the feeling of, Why not go through social media or a game for a while during a break? No ! We should keep it switched off or away from reaching it, and it should be given as a reward for the successful completion of the SMART goal for the day. When implemented continuously, this enables you to be both focused and not bored. Most importantly, the struggle to manage time will be eased with such a rewarding scheme.

To focus better on studying, I've made a study spot and set small goals. Using the Pomodoro technique helps me concentrate, and I keep distractions away, like putting my phone on silent. I tackle the tough stuff first, stay organized, and take short breaks to stay fresh. Hydration, good sleep, and active studying keep me going. Plus, I've set up a reward system to stay motivated.

To stay focused while studying, create a dedicated study space, set clear goals, use the Pomodoro Technique, prioritize tasks, eliminate distractions, practice active learning, use focus-enhancing apps, stay organized, take regular breaks, stay hydrated and well-nourished, incorporate physical activity, use visualization techniques, get adequate sleep, mix up study techniques, seek social support, practice mindfulness and meditation, and reward yourself for completing tasks. Remember that everyone's optimal study routine is unique, so experiment with these strategies to find the best combination for you.

SMART goals is one method that can be used but it's a simple yet achievable way of setting goals in business or life. Writing and breaking your goals down will help you see the progress which will keep you motivated

Throughout my school, university, and postgraduate studies, I avoided distractors using a different method. I started it when I was at school doing my ordinary-level examination. I studied while keeping the radio switched on. Yet I read books, wrote answers, solved math problems, etc while the background "noise" is there. While engaged in studies, if a nice song or important program started, I focused fully on the song or the program and even I tried to write down the lyrics of the song. Once that was over I started my studies. And most surprisingly, that enabled me to tolerate any form of noise around me while studying. Now students request isolated quiet rooms for their studies!

When studying, I believe it's important to put mobile devices in a spot where it's not visible, such as your backpack. Moreover, before college when I was living at home with my parents, when studying, I put my phone and iPad in a different room. Also, put it on Do Not Disturb or turn off message notifications. It's also important to find an appropriate location for studying. Choose a quiet place, such as a study carrel in a library. From my experience, another distraction is getting caught in conversations in between (e.g. when a colleague or friend walks by and wants to chat). In this case, set your boundaries that this time is your study time and let them know that you would be down to chat later, perhaps during lunch break.

Eliminating distractions isn't always easy However if you've planned for what you want to achieve in the day it can help you focused to stay on track.

Pomodoro technique is a great way to get started and once your in the zone the pomodoro technique has served its purpose however if needed throughout there is nothing wrong with that as well

I use Pomodoro with my membership, and people get the tasks they have been procrastinating over done. For those with neurodivergence, you may need to shorten the length of your Pomodoro sessions till you find your sweet spot. The sweet spot is where the task isn't painful and you get to the end of the 25 mins (or alternative time) still focused, and ideally will give you the momentum to keep you going.

Play around with the Pomodoro method to find what works best for you. Some people find shorter or longer runs to be more effective. It will not be a one size fits all approach, for example I sometimes depending on the subject might work for a hour then 15 mins off. For others I might do 15 and then a song break.

A lot of this is on the tutors as well. They should be taking into account different learning styles. One course I almost pulled out as the first module was heavy read/write, which is not my preferred style. However recognising your VARK preferences (visual, auditory, read/write and kinesthetic (doing)), and modern tools mean you can adapt. For instance, you could have a text read out loud to you if you prefer to listen. Or transcribe an audio or a video to text if you prefer read/write. PS think I've solved my own problem here with some study that has too many documents to read! I'll turn them into audio and listen to it in the car or hanging out the laundry!

I believe that the higher you are into your education (e.g. undergrad or grad), the more effective it becomes to study with others or form a study group. The material covered in courses is more challenging, and the homeworks/projects are a lot more difficult. Moreover, classes are faster-paced, and the expectations for self-teaching become a lot higher. When you study in a group, you not only are able to teach others what you think but are also able to learn from others. For example, I previously solved this problem using an X approach, but my friend Tim solved it using a Y approach, and the Y approach was a lot faster.

Taking care of yourself will help with concentration, energy and more therefore in order to get to where your going looking after yourself needs to come first

Yes, when studying, breaks are important! I usually take breaks after 45 to 60 minute intervals. Whether it's getting up to chat with a colleague or friend or going out for a walk, 10-15 minute breaks in between enable you to recharge and be more creative with your brain upon returning to studying.

Understand your energy levels if your a night owl you shouldn't be having meetings early morning for example, therefore Understanding when your most in your genuine zone can play a massive factor to productivity

During my PhD it helped me to change studying environments on a regular basis. This could be moving to a different room within the university, or at home, or studying outdoors in the sunshine in summer. It could also be changing the decoration in a given room, adding plants or pictures. Over time I realised that changing locations/environments stimulated my creativity, broke the routine associated with a particular space, and provided me with a fresh perspective and renewed interest in my work.