Can't focus. What should I do?

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Dear WP,

I'm at university (first year of uni). Trying to study for two exams right now (exam dates: December 10 and December 17). Having major problems. First of all, I can't manage my studies without help with taking notes and a mentor. Second of all, I can't focus. I'm sitting in the library at uni trying to study Chemistry right now. The library is the only place where I've managed to study so far. I always sit at a certain table, with my earphones in my ears listening to one song on repeat over and over again while studying. Unfortunately my earphones are broken and I can't really use earplugs since I can hear myself breathe when using them (one of the worst sounds I know). The noises in here make me anxious and annoyed (people walking etc). I feel like yelling or crying or smashing something. I don't know why. The thing is I HAVE to study. I just can't (which makes me even more anxious).

What should I do? Any advice?

Thanks.

EDIT: Also, even when my earphones do work I can only focus for a little while. I need to focus much longer to manage my studies. How does one learn to focus for longer periods of time?

After almost a decade of uni, here's what I've found works for me:

1. Pick an amount of time that you'd like to study in a day.
A good way to get to this number is to pick the amount of time you normally can study and double it. So for me, 40 mins (at a stretch) became 80 mins. This might seem like a small amount, but a small goal is far far far better than getting no study done at all. If you can only manage 10 minutes a day, that's fine. It's better than nothing.

2. Separate this time into 5 or 10 or 20 minute chunks (whatever suits) and timetable them in to look something like this:
. . 9:00am Organic chemistry (20m)
. . 9:20am Break (10m)
. . 9:30am Past paper questions (20m)
. . 9:50am Break (10m)
. . 10:00am Psychology (20m)
. . 10:20am Break (10m)
. . 10:30am French verbs (20m)

3. Use a timer.
This way you don't need to watch the clock. And when you've finished a section, tick it off. It's a visual confirmation of progress, even when you tick off the 'break' section.

Of course you can tailor your timetable to what suits you, but importantly make each study section short (even the most NT person has an attention span averaging 20 mins). Also, make the breaks short too (10mins for me is perfect), or you'll get so caught up in what you're doing on your break that your brain will fly away and it'll be hard to re-establish the motivation.

The whole point is to get some study done, then as time goes on slowly increase the time you spend studying all together. I'm into my third degree and can still only manage 20 mins at a time, but I've managed to increase my total time. It's just like training to run long distance.

Basically, small goals = reachable goals = feeling good about yourself = better grades.

My 2c. G'luck!

You also have to take breaks and have space to relax. There is no point in putting in the hours of study when you are not getting any benefit. Take some time to do other things - play a musical instrument, paint, read a novel, whatever gives you pleasure or satisfaction. The time you spend doing those things is time that leaves your mind rested and able to think.

And do you have to study in a high-pressure university setting? Would you be more comfortable and more effective studying in the park, or at home?

Study is hard, boring and seemingly unproductive. Like the previous poster wrote, schedule this kind of activity - it will be more effective if you can have defined, timed goals during the day rather than endless and ill-defined "revise".

That's what I'm a bit afraid of. I have a tendency to not continue studying if I take breaks. How do you deal with that?



Like I said, the library at uni is the only place I've managed to actually study. I can't study at home. Too many distractions. The park is too cold this time of year. Also, I get very distracted by things moving (people, cars, bikes etc) so I don't think that'd work.

Thanks Nikkt

It is impossible for me to focus for long periods of time as well. I find that I have to remove all distractions. I can't be near a computer or my phone for sure, but anything can be distracting under the right circumstances.

I have to take only the bare necessities. It is most helpful to take my textbook(s), a highlighter, a notebook and a pen/pencil to the most isolated place I can find. If I try to do too much at once, I will always lose my focus. So I have to read a short section, then highlight the important parts. Then I write my own notes in my notebook. I repeat this section by section for as long as I can stay concentrated. Ideally I need to be able to memorize everything by the time I've written it down. Rereading my notes is hard for me to do because I anticipate what will come next and assume I already know it (which isn't always true). If I still need to learn the subject, I typically have to start all over at the beginning. None of this is ideal, but it's what I have to do to learn something complex.

One tip that I've discovered over time is that it is helpful to clear your mind before you start. If you are hungry, eat something. If you need to do laundry, do it before you start. I can never study on laundry day. It's hard enough for me to stay focused without these unnecessary distractions.

I do wonder, does meditation help? I've heard that it can do wonders for clearing your mind, but I've never sat down to try it. I would think it would be nearly impossible for me to clear my mind in order to meditate.

I might have an odd way of studying, so this might not be overly helpful.

First, I applaude that you are studying so early! Or that seems really early to me anyway. I usually start the day or two beforehand. I know different things work for different people, but I honestly don't know how someone who has trouble focusing can manage to focus on their material WHILE listening to music. I definitely cannot multi-task like that, and it would seem difficult to concentrate on Chemistry while mentally bopping along to whatever it is you're playing. I need to find a completely quiet room. Now that I have an apartment, I study at home. When I was in my undergrad, though, I studied at school. Our library was always noisy, so I would find an empty classroom and study there.

When I study, I go through my notes and re-write all the important points over again. This is a lot of re-writing which might seem tedious, but it refreshes my memory from things that I've studied months ago. It also helps me to retain it more because it takes more concentration to write out the notes than it does just to look at them. Once I write out the important points (or at least the points that I don't automatically know anyway), I then look over them again and again until I memorize them. Once I am confident I know most of the information, I glance at certain sections (such as "list 3 whatever") and then try to mentally list them without looking at the answers. This all helps me to retain the information.

When I did my half-year in Chemistry (I am definitely NOT a Chemistry student, btw...that was my worst subject), I did what I said above, but I also did practice questions.

Anyway, good luck on your exams!

Well, the thing is I don't really like listening to music when studying. If I could choose I'd choose complete silence. But, it's not silent in the library. That means I need to put something in my ears to keep the noise out. So, I tried earplugs which freaked me out because I could hear myself breathe (weirdly enough wearing earplugs is ok when going to bed). I then tried earphones. It's quite alright if I listen to one song over and over and over again (which is the way I usually listen to music). It's not great though.

I wish I could study at home but I really can't. Honestly this whole situation freaks me out. I'm so worried I'm going to fail my exams!

I have a hard time focusing too. I feel so agitated and full of anxiety I want to scream...

It's really hard for me to study when you are unable to stop your mind.

You should be able to sign out a pair of headphones from the library desk.

Are you registered with disabilities? Can you go ask for a quiet room?

Can you explain your situation and book a library group room for yourself?

I get up and pace at regular intervals - a little physical activity can help.

I also switch from the 24 hour study room to the library to where ever. I rarely spend a day in one location.

Not sure what you mean by "registered with disabilities"?

There are group rooms to book but they're usually all taken. Also, even if I've got earphones and a quiet place to sit I fail to study for long. I don't understand why but it's like my mind "runs away" from studies and things like that. And I'm not lazy. I promise.

If you don't know what it means, then you are probably not registered. If you take documentation of your diagnosis to the accommodation/disability office, they help with academic issues related to disability. They may be able to offer you a quiet place to study.

What about my idea of finding an empty classroom. I doubt there will ever be a time when ALL classrooms are in use, and they are quieter than the library.

Unfortunately I don't have a diagnosis.

Perhaps. I haven't really thought about it. I just sort of assumed you're not allowed sitting in there. It'd be awkward if I was sitting in there and someone came and told me off.

I hear you. I wouldn't think for one minute that you are lazy.

Just a thought: You know what, even without a diagnosis, I would approach the accommodation /disability office. I would explain your difficulties and ask if they have suggestions - with this approach, the may have something to offer. Also, at my school, they do provide initial ADD screening which may at least get you in to some accommodations if you are interested. Even if it isn't the "right" diagnosis for the time, at least you can get extensions, exam accommodations, etc. This probably is a little late to help this term, but keep it in mind for next if you are interested - you can at least get the process going.

The empty classroom is a great idea - just go in - the worst that will happen is a class will show up and you move.

You might also visit the health center and talk to a nurse. Universities have a lot of students with the same difficulties and he or she may be able to advocate on your behalf.

Someone suggested this, I believe, but I break things into small tasks - use a timer.

I know it is an awful feeling. I'm pushing myself today and wonder if it's worth the long haul - but it is. Day at a time. Just keep picking at it the best you can. 10 minutes here and there is better than nothing - it does add up. Would it help to sit down and do it another time of day? My nephew usually starts quite late and even studies over night. Have you tried going with what your body's natural rhythms tell you?