F is for Focus

Do you find it difficult to focus in this fast-paced world with competing priorities, deadlines, phones, social media, etc.? Do you ever wish you could ignore the distractions? It is imperative that you focus on being successful at school, at home, and in life. Easier said than done. 

Also, many students today have ADHD and find it extra tough to stay focused, but some strategies can help. If this is you, your teacher or doctor may have specific strategies to help. In some cases, some students have found online high school programs can eliminate distractions and boost academic achievement.

The truth is, our attention spans are becoming shorter and shorter, but it is possible to work on improving your focus. While we all have been told that multitasking is excellent, the reality is that you can only do one thing at a time well. There are reasons we all have trouble focusing. It could be physical (low energy, dehydration), phone, computer, siblings, parents), internal thoughts, a difficult task, low motivation or low sense of urgency (Wray, 2018, p. 2.).

First, make a list of things that distract you and keep them to a minimum or eliminate them. Have a planner or electronic calendar. Block out time on your calendar for projects. Schedule the deadline date on the calendar and work backward to make sure you fulfill your part of the project on time. Do not schedule every minute of the day. Take short breaks every so often to re-energize.

Know when your energy level is at its highest for you. Is it morning, afternoon or evening? Schedule homework when your energy level is high. Make sure you have water close by to stay hydrated and try exercising 15 minutes before you study to give your system a boost. You might need to stand or walk to stay focused instead of sitting. Take short breaks. Studying for long periods of time is not productive.

Do not log into your social media accounts while at school or when doing homework. They distract and eat up valuable time. Turn off your phone when doing homework. Find a quiet place to study if possible. If silence is distracting, play music that helps you focus. Don't check email regularly. Get in the habit now of checking only three times a day. Answer the emails, delete, or file for follow up. Deal with emails one at a time. Where do you find yourself wasting time throughout the day? Can you make better use of your lunch period or free period to do homework, so you do not have so much to do when you get home?

If you can't focus because of racing thoughts in your mind, write them down before getting started. Keeping a notepad close by will help. It will help train your brain those thoughts have been captured on paper, and you will get back to them. If you have a big project due for school, chunk it into manageable 15-minute segments. Just get started. The more you procrastinate, the more stress you have. Reward yourself when you finish your work. It might be a TV show, a movie, a video game, etc. The reward should be motivating to you.

Wasting time creates more stress and anxiety because you know you are running out of time. If procrastinating or wasting time has become a habit, analyze the reason. Do you enjoy the adrenaline rush? Some people seem to live their lives this way without stopping to see if they can change the way they manage their lives.

So, when you begin the day, have a plan. Take stock of what you want to accomplish. List out what are time wasters. Reflect on whether you need to focus more on your school, work or personal life. Breathe and get started.

RESOURCES:

Wray, M. (2014). Creating Positive Futures: 6 simple strategies for improving student focus. Retrieved from https://creatingpositivefutures.com/6-simple-strategies-for-improving-students-focus/

You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support. -- Sabrina Bryan, Singer, actress, author, dancer, fashion designer, and choreographers