Focus forms the basis for every successful study session. It keeps our attention directed towards critical concepts or learning activities, even when distractions abound. This also guides an overarching commitment to (and drive for) academic success, keeping students on track even when coursework seems challenging or other pursuits feel more compelling.
Most students intuitively grasp that focus is important. That being said, many strive for greater focus without actually recognizing what it looks like or why it matters. Simply put, this term describes a central priority or point of interest on which an individual or group concentrates while filtering out distractions and maintaining a purposeful and highly driven approach to activities or pursuits that matter.
This effort can feel overwhelming, in part because it takes focus to build focus. Thankfully, you don’t need to go it alone. Below, we have highlighted several suggestions for improving focus. Our goal is not only to help you improve your academic performance but also to prepare you for the challenges of the professional world, where strong focus is expected.
Why Focus Matters for Productivity and Learning
Focus is a key driver of academic performance. This is what allows us to hone in on a particular task or topic, achieving deeper insights along with a sense of flow. When we feel focused, we can fully engage with important concepts, moving beyond the surface level to develop deeper connections. This also sparks improved retention, allowing new concepts to make the switch from our short-term memory to sustained long-term understanding.
From a productivity perspective, focus matters because it encourages us to learn smarter instead of simply studying harder. With a focused approach, we can get more done in less time, thereby conserving mental resources and freeing up time for additional focused study sessions later on.
What Causes a Lack of Focus?
Many factors can cause even the most well-intentioned students to lose focus. Some of these concerns may be beyond the student’s control. For instance, certain physical and mental health conditions can compromise cognitive function. Other issues may be easier to address. These tend to fall into a few main categories, as outlined below:
- Digital distractions. Smartphones may keep us connected, but they also keep us feeling perpetually distracted. Social media feeds are purposefully designed to capture our attention, with notifications tearing us away from our professional or academic obligations while curated feeds keep us scrolling for hours. Findings suggest that when people block mobile internet access on their smartphones, they see dramatic improvements in focus.
- Poor time management. Today’s busy students need to carefully coordinate a variety of tasks and obligations to ensure that they can allocate targeted time slots to focused study sessions. Many, however, struggle to dedicate sufficient time to critical study sessions. This can increase the potential for procrastination, leading to a last-minute flurry of studying that feels reactive. Poor time management can also spark a sense of fragmentation that stands in the way of achieving a flow state.
- Cramming. Issues with time management or procrastination may lead to last-minute cramming, in which students attempt to cover several weeks’ worth of material in a few short days. This sparks considerable stress, as students inevitably discover that they can only tackle so much class material in their limited remaining hours, but this stress can make it difficult to focus on critical concepts.
- Poor sleep habits. Sleep is a crucial (yet frequently neglected) component of focus. While we are asleep, the brain has a chance to consolidate memories, thereby clearing away mental clutter. Research continually demonstrates that those with sleep disorders or other issues that stand in the way of sufficient rest struggle with attention tasks and general cognitive impairments.
How to Improve Focus in Everyday Life
Despite the many challenges outlined above, focus does not need to feel out of reach. Implementing lifestyle changes can provide a strong start, offering a foundation of focus so that adjustments to study strategies are even more impactful.
- Use time management strategies to protect your focus. Start by choosing a planner or scheduling app to organize your day. Break larger tasks, like study sessions or assignments, into smaller, manageable blocks of time and set specific start and end times for each. Prioritize the most important or urgent tasks first, so your peak focus is used where it matters most.
- Prioritize your physical health to support mental focus. Start by identifying any health challenges that may be affecting your concentration—such as poor sleep, lack of exercise, or a low-nutrient diet. Choose one area to improve first, then create a simple, sustainable habit around it—like setting a consistent bedtime, taking a 20-minute daily walk, or prepping balanced meals. Small improvements in physical health can lead to noticeable gains in focus and mental clarity.
- Set specific, achievable goals. A common goal-setting framework involves the popular SMART acronym, which suggests that all goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. If goals meet these benchmarks, they are more likely to spark motivation, which can help improve short- and long-term focus.
How to Focus on Studying
A healthy and purposeful lifestyle can take you far. At times, you may need an extra boost to get you through a difficult study session. Use these tools and techniques to bring a focused approach to academic challenges:
- Designate a study environment. The correct location can help establish a focused mindset, setting the stage for a productive study session. This begins with selecting a spot exclusively dedicated to studying: a particular room, desk, or workplace where you can leave social media and other distractions behind. This space should be well-lit and clutter-free, ideally featuring an ergonomic chair and any supplies or resources to enhance your study sessions.
- Break study material into manageable sections. Don’t attempt to accomplish too much at once. Focus is a limited mental resource that is best cultivated through short yet impactful periods of study. This might involve scheduling half-hour study sessions along with brief breaks, but it also helps to identify specific topics or concepts and establish short-term goals to help maintain motivation and momentum.
- Use active recall and spaced repetition. Re-reading old notes will only take you so far. Effective studying involves a more targeted approach, using specific techniques to get you fully engaged with critical concepts. Active recall is an excellent option for pairing review with critical thinking practice. This involves purpose-driven prompts or questions that force your brain to retrieve previously stored memories or information actively. Spaced repetition determines the timing of these recall efforts, increasing the spacing of these review sessions gradually to promote long-term retention.
Tools and Techniques That Can Help
The effort to improve focus can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially in our distraction-prone society. Thankfully, many tools are now available, including both classic strategies and digital options that can boost focus or at least minimize distractions.
- Focus apps. What happens when you need technology but also need to avoid tech-based distractions? This is where focus apps or programs can make all the difference. Designed to limit your access to mobile distractions, solutions like Freedom or SelfControl can temporarily remove the impulse to waste time scrolling.
- Background music. The right background music can spark mental engagement, and, despite common misconceptions, this does not necessarily have to involve classical music. Research suggests that certain types of music can limit mind wandering while boosting cognitive performance. When in doubt, opt for acoustic music with a steady rhythm.
- To-do list. Don’t underestimate the power of the humble to-do list. This tried-and-tested strategy is useful for improving time management and can help you prioritize essential tasks. If you struggle to keep up with traditional, physical to-do lists, try digital alternatives, such as Todoist or Microsoft To Do.
- Mindfulness practices. At times, you may struggle to focus even as you implement recommended strategies. That said, if persistent mental rumination stands in the way, Pomodoro timers and active recall exercises will only go so far. In these situations, it’s best to take a break and address the stressful or anxious thoughts occupying your attention. Mindfulness or meditation can help. Begin by taking five minutes to focus on your breathing. Do not attempt to banish intrusive thoughts, and instead, let them arise naturally (and take a moment to acknowledge them) before allowing them to float away. If rumination is a consistent challenge, consider implementing mindfulness into your routine, perhaps by taking a few minutes to meditate before each study session.
Conclusion: How to Improve Focus
Now that you know how to concentrate better, it’s time to focus on improving your focus so you can enjoy a more rewarding college experience. Remember, you don’t need to tackle this challenge all on your own. The right resources can make your quest for greater focus feel a lot more manageable.
Unity Environmental University can help by providing robust academic and career support, including solutions to help you navigate distance learning. Our supportive online learning programs will help you feel fully engaged in your fascinating coursework and eager to take a deep dive into impactful concepts and learning opportunities. Chat with Una to learn more about distance education opportunities and how these can help you make a positive difference.
