Study Smarter, Not Harder: Focus Tips for the Distracted Mind

If you think you need focus tips have borderline ADHD, whether that be having a few of the symptoms or simply having trouble focusing in general, here are some of the study tips I have learned that work best for me when I have trouble focusing. 

Creating Questions

At first, this concept seemed like another tedious task for something already wearisome when you need to learn something boring. This might sound like extra work, but curiosity is a natural learning mechanism. As kids, we constantly asked why. And how? Yet, as adults, we often suppress that instinct. Try approaching learning more interactively. Before reading a chapter, skim the headings and ask yourself, “What do I think this section will explain?” As you read, pause occasionally to ask, “How does this connect to what I already know?” Take the pressure out of trying to ask a “smart” question, and remember that asking a simple question will almost always lead you in the direction of learning any material. This tricks your brain into seeking answers rather than just skimming words.

Study in Layers

This one adds to why asking questions while you’re learning is so important. Many people assume learning should be linear, start at the beginning, and push through to the end. But our brains don’t always work that way. If you’re struggling with a concept, going back and forth is key to filling in the gaps and forming connections that complete your understanding of a topic. For example, read a section once, then immediately revisit key points. If something doesn’t make sense, don’t force yourself to keep moving; pause, re-examine, and fill in the gaps. And be sure to connect new information to something you’ve learned before.

Practice Active Reading

If you’re like me and your main concern in academics is focusing, then it’s no surprise that time management may also be a problem you face. When you’re stuck in a rut of not being able to start a boring and long reading, a good active recall tip would be to take notes (be sure to summarize key points in your own words) and highlight (only the most critical information, not everything!). Long, dense readings are a focus-killer. If your eyes start to glaze over paragraphs, active reading can help. The key? Engage with the text instead of just scanning it.

Active Note-taking

I prefer in-person classes for the relationships you can build with professors and the overall interactive classroom environment over online classes. But the one good thing about learning through a screen is the online video lectures. Sitting through something boring takes mental effort, but when I put it on at 2x speed, I just sit back and my adrenaline takes notes for me. I don’t believe in multi-tasking, but taking notes when the professor is going slightly too fast is a good alternative for those who struggle sitting through lectures. Instead of writing down every word, focus on capturing core ideas. That way, every piece of info feels important and sticks in your head. 

Not all of us have the resources to get tested for ADHD, and it’s not curable either. Having to rely on stimulants or other prescribed drugs every day to perform normally isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. Having trouble focusing has made me develop some self-detrimental thinking patterns that have made me believe I am a low-functioning and lazy person. If you’ve ever felt like your

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