Every student faces a similar problem once in a lifetime, which is “whenever I open a book, I am not able to concentrate,” and wanted to increase concentration during study. It is a Natural issue, because our brain is sensitive towards distraction and multitasking. But the good thing is concentration is a skill that can be improved by training and the right habits.
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In this article you will get complete step-by-step guide that involves latest science-backed methods and practical hacks, which is helpful for every student whether you are school or college student or preparing for competitive exam, these tips will make your studies efficient and productive.
How do I increase concentration during study?
How do I increase concentration during study?
1. Prioritise your sleep
Sleep is the biggest factor of concentration. If you sleep late at night and wake up early, or if you do not sleep enough as per your normal sleeping hours, then your brain becomes tired the next day and weakens your focus.
What does science say?
- Sleep helps to consolidate the memory; it means whatever you have learned will get stored in your long-term memory.
- Sleep deprivation can decrease your attention span and decision-making.
Tips for better sleep
- Try to sleep 7 to 9 hours every day.
- Follow the same bedtime and wake-up routine.
- Do not use a phone and laptop for at least one hour before you sleep.
- If you are having your exam and you do not get enough sleep, then follow the 20 minute power nap strategy.
2. Pomodoro technique or short breaks
Studying continuously for long hours is not effective. Research suggests that taking short breaks during studies is best and helpful.
Pomodoro method
- 25 min study + 5 min break = 1 cycle.
- After 4 cycles, take a 20–30 min long break.
Why does it work?
Short intervals/breaks keep brain fatigue at bay and make you motivated.
Pro Tip: During breaks do not use phone or laptop; instead, drink water, sketch, or do little walk
3. Remove Distractions
In today’s time the biggest enemy of focus is smartphones or notifications. studies say that only having a phone in your room makes your attention span very low.
Practical hacks
- Keep your phone in another room.
- Use airplane mode or focus app like (forest, cold Turkey).
- Close unnecessary tabs on your laptop.
- Set up a clutter-free desk.
4. Nutrition: give your brain right fuel
Only motivation is in a study; eating right and nutritious food is very important.
Best food for concentration
- Do not skip Breakfast – oats, curd, eggs, and fruits.
- Omega-3 fatty acids—fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
- Hydration—dehydration can decrease your energy and focus.
- Avoid junk food—sugary snacks provide a short boost but are not good for brain health.
- Caffeine—Having one cup of tea or coffee can increase your focus, but avoid it at night.
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5. Exercise can improve focus
Physical activity is not only responsible for health, but it is also important for mental clarity.
Benefits
- Aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, cycling) improves alertness.
- Regular workouts can improve executive function and memory.
Routine
- Do a brisk walk for 20-30 minutes every day.
- Do 5 minutes of stretching in study session breaks.
- Avoid heavy workouts during exams, but maintain your light movement.
6. Make your Study environment perfect
If the place you’re studying is distracting, then how will you improve your focus?
Checklist for perfect study space
- Choose a quiet and well-lit room.
- Natural light would be best.
- Use a comfortable chair with back support.
- Keep only current study material books on your desk.
- Using instrumental music or white Noise music in the background can be helpful.
7. Use Active learning techniques
Focus cannot be improved by only rote learning. When you engage in your studies actively, then the concentration naturally improves.
Techniques
- Active Recall: Close your notes and ask yourself questions.
- Spaced Repetition: Revise your topics with gaps.
- Interleaving: do mixed subject study in one session.
- Feynman Technique: Teach someone the same concept in simple language
8. Mindfulness and breathing exercises
Stress and overthinking can break your concentration. Mindfulness and breathing exercises make your mind calm and help to maintain focus for a longer time.
Try this:
- 4-4-8 Breathing (4 sec inhale, 4 sec hold, 8 sec exhale).
- 5 min guided meditation before study.
- Before studying, do 2–3 minutes of deep breathing, which helps to settle your mind.
9. Time management and realistic goals
When the goals are vague, focus is lost.
Instead of: “I will study maths tomorrow”
Try: “tomorrow I will solve 4 problem sets of Calculus in 3 hours.”
Daily Plan Example:
- Morning: Review notes.
- Midday: New topics with Pomodoro.
- Evening: Practice problems.
- Night: Light revision and wind down.
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10. When you need professional help
If you are making consistent efforts but are unable to improve concentration, it is possible you are having some psychological factor like ADHD anxiety or depression; in that case, you need to consult a doctor or counselor.
Quick Checklist Before Study
- Phone silent and out of sight.
- 1 glass of water.
- Write Study goal (specific target).
- Timer set (25–50 min).
- Clean desk + proper light.
- 2–3 deep breaths.
Sample 1-Day Study Schedule
- 7:00 AM: Wake up + light exercise + breakfast.
- 8:00–9:30 AM: First study session (Pomodoro).
- 10:00–11:30 AM: New topic learning.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch + 20 min walk.
- 2:00–4:00 PM: Practice + revision.
- 6:00 PM: Short workout.
- 8:00–9:00 PM: Revision.
- 10:30 PM: Bedtime routine.
FAQs
Q1: does coffee improve focus?
Yes, but only in moderate quantity. Excessive coffee can cause anxiety and disturb your sleep routine.
Q2: How many hours of study is effective in a day?
3-6 hours of high-quality focused study with breaks is enough; quality matters more than quantity.
Q3: Which time is best for studying, morning or night?
This is based on individual choice, but in the morning we have fresh minds, and night studies are also productive for some night owls. Whether you study at night or in the morning, your sleep cycle should be stable.
Q4: Studying with music or without music?
Avoid lyrical music, instrumental or white noise music can improve your focus.
Q5: Are taking supplements important?
Balanced diet can maintain concentration, if you are having any deficiency, then you can take supplements on doctors’ advice.
Conclusion
You cannot gain concentration in one day; it is a practice if you prioritize your sleep, eat healthy food, follow the Pomodoro technique, add breaks during studies, control distractions, and use active learning techniques, you will definitely improve your focus.