Anyone Have Any Tips On Focusing??

__patiently_waiting · Jul 26, 2013

Funny you posted this because I was just thinking the same thing about me. I have to take the HESI in less than 24 hours. I was supposed to start studying at 10 pm .. its almost 3 am and I've barely done any studying. I can't focus for anything. But maybe it's because I have test anxiety. It's so annoying when you really want to focus and cant. Ugh. I need tips myself..

J3w3lz88 · Jul 26, 2013

Funny you posted this because I was just thinking the same thing about me. I have to take the HESI in less than 24 hours. I was supposed to start studying at 10 pm .. its almost 3 am and I've barely done any studying. I can't focus for anything. But maybe it's because I have test anxiety. It's so annoying when you really want to focus and cant. Ugh. I need tips myself..

You know what works for me, I just haven't done it (don't know why!!!) drinking coffee, one extra large cup of coffee, and I can focus and do all my homework and studying done without slacking or getting distracted. I haven't drank coffee in like a month and a half, and before that I was doing my homework and studying without a problem!!! Guess I'ma start drinking coffee tomorrow cuz I have till Monday to do it and it's a lot.....

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2013

Good day:

What I try to do for myself that seems to be working is S.W.O.T. - strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats as part of "know thyself."

Since I know I will wait to the last minute by nature, I schedule the daylights out of everything.

When I received the syllabus, I used a calendar / planner to note what lecture days would cover what chapters, and when there would be exams. I back tracked from there to plan specific chapter reading times, specific times to study over time, and specific times to really press into the exams with the key note that pressing in for me is not cramming (i.e. the press time is over several days).

Then I try to stay on schedule as much as possible. If I have free time... and I don't need a break at the time, I then work to get done papers early. My thought process is if I can get the paper done early, then every single block of time I allotted to work on the paper, I can now convert to study time, free time, etc.

Now, for studying, to help stay focused, I try to spend 20 minutes reading, then walk away for 5 minutes where I do something physical (running in place, some exercises, etc.). Then I come back and do a 5 minute review of what I've read prior to putting in another 20 minute block. Then rinse and repeat.

Thank you.

Lossea, RN · Jul 26, 2013

J3w3lz88, I certainly know what you mean! :wacky: I highly second pmabraham post and applause such studying strategy and the level of organization. I find that there are two main issues with focusing - (1) keeping the big picture of what are the priorities and (2) following through on those priorities. There are ways of staying focused once you do get down to work, and planning the work ahead of time can sometimes solve half the problem. It may not work for everyone, but I personally find that outlining what I need done first and foremost helps to keep me on track, even when I remember what are the priorities. It sort of makes it very official, like a commitment! Could putting things in a to-do list help you stay on track for studying?

There are also several articles on my favorite websites that may help:

* Defeat Distraction: Refocusing with Purpose : zenhabits

* How To Overcome Distractions When It?s Time To Study | Personal Excellence

* Procrastinating on Studying? 5 Ready Tips To Overcome Procrastination [student Edition!] | Personal Excellence

mwilso2318 · Jul 26, 2013

Procrastinate soooo much it's crazy. I wait till the last second to do just about everything knowing good and well I will be stressed out. Then I say to myself I'm gonna do the next assignment, or study for the next test EARLY. But I never do, I swear it's crazy. But lets say I do begin early on (or even wait till the last min) I also have trouble focusing. But for things likepapers, to a certain e tend I feel like I work better under pressure. But I like the extra time to go over and edit. But for studying for like a physio exam I do have enough sense not to wait the day before to do that : )

alysonp · Jul 26, 2013

Good day:
What I try to do for myself that seems to be working is S.W.O.T. - strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats as part of "know thyself."
Since I know I will wait to the last minute by nature, I schedule the daylights out of everything.
When I received the syllabus, I used a calendar / planner to note what lecture days would cover what chapters, and when there would be exams. I back tracked from there to plan specific chapter reading times, specific times to study over time, and specific times to really press into the exams with the key note that pressing in for me is not cramming (i.e. the press time is over several days).
Then I try to stay on schedule as much as possible. If I have free time... and I don't need a break at the time, I then work to get done papers early. My thought process is if I can get the paper done early, then every single block of time I allotted to work on the paper, I can now convert to study time, free time, etc.
Now, for studying, to help stay focused, I try to spend 20 minutes reading, then walk away for 5 minutes where I do something physical (running in place, some exercises, etc.). Then I come back and do a 5 minute review of what I've read prior to putting in another 20 minute block. Then rinse and repeat.
Thank you.

These are great ideas that I will be incorporating into my study plan. I had ADD and having it all planned out with the breaks in between are perfect. Thanks!!

alysonp · Jul 26, 2013

These are great ideas that I will be incorporating into my study plan. I had ADD and having it all planned out with the breaks in between are perfect. Thanks!!

Have ADD wish it was had.

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2013

This is going to sound strange, but sometimes what I need, if I am having trouble focusing, is background noise. If I turn on Pandora radio or hit shuffle on my iPod and for some inexplicable reason I can focus more. Good luck!