5 Ways to Stay Focused

Jan 19, 2020 | Australian College

Everyone knows that it takes at least a little bit of effort to stay focused so we’ve come up with a few tips to help keep you focused.

1. Take Frequent Breaks

This is a good tactic to help train your brain to stay focused for longer. Start with 15 minutes of focusing on the work you are trying to do and take 5-10 minute breaks. You can use a timer for this. Once you’ve realised that you can focus for 15 minutes, increase that focus time and just keep testing yourself. You’d be surprised as to how long you are able to focus. Once you’ve got this down, you won’t need a timer anymore and your focusing skills will be super!

2. Exercise

Did you know that exercise helps keep your focus? A study has shown that “performing aerobic exercise 4 hours after learning improved associate memory but exercise performed immediately after l earning had no effect on memory retention. Exercise could have potential as a memory intervention”1Even so, exercise is an integral part of staying healthy and fit.

3. Organise

Organising is such an important part of staying focused. Organisation could include writing a list of what you are going to do or timing what you are going to do in a day. This can include organising your brain. Leave everything that you’re thinking or worrying about at the time and open your brain to everything that you want to focus on. Prioritise your tasks.

4. Get Rid of Distractions

Yes, this includes your phone, internet, tv and anything that distracts you from what you are or wanting to focus on. It also helps if you are in a comfortable working area.

5. Food!

Make sure you have enough water and food nearby in case you get a little hungry. Most of the time, having snacks within an arm’s reach can help you stay focused. Food can lift your mood while studying which creates a positive impact with memory retention. You will also enjoy it a lot more!

1. Physical Exercise Performed Four Hours after Learning Improves Memory Retention and Increases Hippocampal Pattern Similarity during Retrieval
van Dongen, Eelco V. et al.
Current Biology , Volume 26 , Issue 13 , 1722 – 1727

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