Counseling Education

How to Avoid Distractions While Studying

No matter the education level, it is very important to know how to avoid distractions while studying.  While general study guides can help different types of students, everyone has to find just the right methods that fit his or her personal habits and preferences.  It is also important to consider the subject or course when determining what types of study methods will work.  Still, there are a few things to consider that everyone can follow.

Study Environment

Of course, the actual study environment can be very important in helping with eliminating distractions.  Many people may think this is a simple decision, but many factors can affect what makes a study environment a good one.  For instance, a library technically is a quiet area, but it can also be full of activity even when there is not a special event on the premises.

With this in mind, parents of younger children can create study rooms that contain only a desk, needed books and other materials necessary to the study session.  College students may find special designated areas around campus that provide distraction-free environments.  These rooms may allow multiple students in one place, but they can provide some measure of privacy with cubicle-like desks that prevent occupants from looking around at others or getting distracted by what is going on around them.

Keep Time

Many students may find it hard to sit for long stretches of time in order to study, so it is best to break up a long session into shorter ones.  Setting a timer to go off at certain intervals may help prevent the anxiety that occurs from having to sit through an hours-long session.  Students may also feel less pressure to get everything needed within one long session and may not be as compelled to keep watching the clock.  Speaking of time, it is also important to study during a time of day when fully alert.

Study with a Group

Group study can be a double-edge sword, but those who know how to negotiate it may find it less distracting than trying to work alone.  For instance, those who study in a group may be more compelled to stay the course of their studies since there are others who also have the same goals in mind.  In a way, a competitive spirit may also help for those who need a reason to concentrate.

However, group study can also work against students if they do not study with the right people.  A group of friends who enjoy the latest gossip or spend more time planning the night out may not make the best study group, so forming a group of people from class who do not regularly hang out together may work best in this circumstance.

Eat a Healthy Snack

There are many studies to show that some foods can help improve concentration, so keeping them on hand as a snack may not only help increase concentration but also enhance retention and energy.  It is tempting to go with caffeine and/or sugar, but an energy increase with caffeine and sugar is short lived and may cause a crash later.

Fish for dinner can be a great way to enhance brain function.  Nuts and dark chocolate also contain substances that help increase concentration.  Whole grains such as popcorn can also be a good and tasty snack.  Berries like blueberries also help with concentration and have high nutritional value.  Those who are low on snacks or are in environments that do not allow foods may look into vitamin supplements containing ginseng, gingko and other vitamins and minerals to boost concentration.

Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to education. In this article, he offer study tips to students and aims to encourage further study with an online masters in history.

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