How to Stay Focused While Studying: 10 Proven Strategies

It’s no secret that staying focused while revising is not an easy task. The brain is naturally wired to seek stimulation, especially when you’re tackling something that feels boring or challenging. 

Throw in the constant pull of your phone, social media and low motivation, and it’s no wonder concentration is tough to maintain for longer periods.

The good news? There are science-backed techniques to build better revision habits that help you stay focused for longer. This guide will give you 10 proven strategies to boost your focus while studying.

Key Takeaways 

• Set clear goals and try the Pomodoro technique: Set study targets and break your sessions into timed intervals (like 25 minutes studying, followed by a 5-minute break) to maintain focus and motivation.

• Create a distraction-free study space: Remove interruptions and keep your space tidy. Try using noise-cancelling headphones or calming background sounds to help you tune out distracting sounds.

• Match tasks to your energy levels and vary study methods: Do your hardest work when you feel most alert and use interleaving, which is when you switch between subjects or study techniques to keep revision engaging and interesting.

• Fuel your mind: Stay hydrated, eat brain-healthy snacks, take movement breaks, and be patient with yourself when your focus slips. Healthy habits and practice will make studying easier over time.

Set Clear, Specific Goals

Goal-setting is one of the most effective ways to improve your focus. When you have a goal to work towards, your motivation will naturally be higher and you will be more committed to your work.

Make sure to be specific about your study goals. Instead of saying: ‘My goal is to study biology’, be specific about which topic you will focus on and which revision resources or techniques you’ll use. 

Good examples of goal-setting include: ‘My goal is to review revision notes on photosynthesis’ or ‘My goal is to review flashcards on the mitosis process’. 

Keep a checklist of your goals for each study period and check them off as you complete them. This will help you track your progress and keep you motivated.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

If you find staying focused for longer periods of time challenging, the Pomodoro Technique could be a game changer for you. 

This technique has you study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After you’ve completed four Pomodoro cycles, you can reward yourself with a longer 15- to 30-minute break. 

It works by giving your brain time to recharge between study sessions and creates a clear structure to help you organise your learning.

Design a Distraction-Free Study Space

The environment you study in has a massive impact on your focus. A cluttered desk, notifications popping up every few minutes and noise can easily pull you out of deep concentration. 

To fix this, tidy up your space, remove distractions (especially your phone!), and use noise-cancelling headphones or background sounds, like white noise or rain recordings, to help you concentrate. The goal is to make your space a distraction-free haven for focus.

Try the “5-Minute Rule” to Beat Procrastination

Procrastination is a tough beast to tackle, but here’s a trick that works: commit to just 5 minutes. Tell yourself you’ll start by only studying for 5 minutes. Once you build some momentum, you’re likely to stick with it for longer. 

Keep a Distraction Log

It’s not unusual for random thoughts or new ideas to pop into your head while studying. For example, you might have the urge to check your Instagram feed, text your friend or tidy your room. Although these thoughts may feel urgent, acting on them will break your study flow. 

Instead of giving in to them, write each thought down on a notepad to get them temporarily off your mind and remind you to do them in your next study break. This way, you can deal with them without disrupting your study. 

Match Study Tasks to Energy Levels

Your brain is sharper at different times of the day, and matching study tasks to your energy levels can make a big difference to your progress.  

If you're feeling more alert in the morning, tackle the more challenging subjects that require deeper focus during this time. For tasks that need less energy, save them for later in the day when you feel more tired. 

Figuring out when you are most focused may not be obvious, so be sure to look out for patterns in how you feel throughout the day and any changes in your energy levels.

Mix Up Study Methods to Avoid Boredom

The key to keeping your mind engaged is variation. If you’ve just been reading your notes, try switching to an active revision technique, like blurting, flashcards, or dual coding (combining words and visuals), to help you stay focused for longer. 

You can also alternate between subjects to help you stay engaged. For example, you could focus on Maths in your first 25-minute study period and follow it by revising Geography in your second period. This technique is called interleaving and has been proven effective in extending focus time. 

Take Movement Breaks

Sitting still for long periods can lead to low energy. When you start feeling sluggish, try doing some movement. You could do some stretches while sitting at your desk (opens in a new tab) or get up to walk around or do some short, light exercise. Physical movement will boost oxygen to your brain, helping you stay alert for longer. 

Fuel Your Brain

Feeling thirsty or hungry whilst studying is going to make it harder for you to stay focused. It is essential to make sure you are well-hydrated and fed to keep your brain powering at maximum capacity.  

Keeping a bottle of water or a hot drink on your desk will help you remember to drink regularly throughout your study sessions. Eating small snacks during your study breaks, particularly protein-high brain-foods like nuts, fruits, and whole grains, will also help you stay focused for longer. It is best to avoid heavy meals and high-sugar food and drink, as these can cause energy crashes that bring down your concentration levels. 

Think of your brain like a racing car; without the right fuel, it’s not going to be able to run for as fast or as long. 

Be Kind to Yourself — It’s Okay to Struggle

Staying focused isn’t always easy, and it’s completely normal to get distracted sometimes. Everyone finds it hard to concentrate now and then, so don’t worry if it happens to you. 

The best way to refocus is to remove distractions, remind yourself of your goals, and start again. At first, you might need to reset several times a day. That’s okay. With regular practice, it will become easier to stay focused for longer. Keep using these strategies, and your focus will improve over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I study without a break?

Pomodoro Technique recommends studying for between 25–50 minutes at a time, followed by a short break (5–10 minutes). After 4 cycles, you can take a longer break (15–30 minutes). This technique is proven to keep your brain fresh and reduce fatigue.  

But if 25–30 minutes feels too long to stay focused right now, you can try starting with 10–15 minutes instead and gradually build up to longer sessions.

What if I still get distracted by my phone?

If you find it hard to resist the pull of your phone, try leaving it in another room, use apps like Freedom (opens in a new tab) or Cold Turkey (opens in a new tab) to block distracting content during your study time or give it to someone you trust to keep it away from you while you study.

Can music help me focus?

Music can be helpful for some people, especially instrumental or ambient sounds which don’t have distracting lyrics. If you do find music helpful, try experimenting with different kinds of background noise to see what helps you concentrate best.

Is multitasking during revision a bad idea?

Yes. Multitasking has been shown to actually reduce productivity and accuracy when studying. Sticking to one task at a time is the best approach for boosting concentration and improving knowledge retention.

Final Thoughts

Improving your focus takes time, practice, and patience. By setting clear aims, removing distractions, and working with your energy patterns, you’ll find it easier to concentrate for longer periods of time. Stay consistent, and remember every productive study session brings you closer to your goals.

References

8 Stretches for your Study Break - MIT Recreation (opens in a new tab) 
Freedom (opens in a new tab)
Cold Turkey (opens in a new tab)