Five Tips to Help You Stay Focused

Staying on top of your school work is difficult, especially with so many distractions going on in our daily life’s. Here’s some advice.

Cameran Martinez, Staff Writer

High school can be a very busy and challenging time for students. With so many assignments, extracurricular activities, and social events, it can be difficult to stay focused and productive. However, learning how to focus can help students achieve their goals and succeed in high school. Here are some tips on how to focus for high schoolers.

Eliminate distractions
Distractions can prevent students from focusing on their work. It is important to eliminate or minimize distractions in order to stay focused. This can be done by turning off the phone or setting it to “do not disturb” or “silent” and finding a quiet place to study. It may also be helpful to inform family members or friends that you need to focus and ask them to refrain from interrupting you during your study time.

Break down tasks
Large tasks can be overwhelming and cause students to lose focus. Breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable parts can make them less intimidating and easier to focus on. This can be done by creating a to-do list or schedule and setting goals for each study session. By focusing on one task at a time, students can make progress and stay motivated.

Find a study routine.
Establishing a study routine can help students stay focused and productive. This can involve setting aside a specific time each day to study, finding a consistent study space, and using a specific study method that works for them. For example, some students may find it helpful to study in short bursts of 25 minutes, known as the Pomodoro technique, while others may prefer to study for longer periods of time. Junior, Hannah Romero, often searches up Pomodoro timer to help her study.

“I found myself having trouble studying, and I really wanted to fix it, so I did some research and stumbled upon the Pomodoro technique.” “I thought I was never going to be able to focus because I feel like I’m always getting distracted, but this actually helps a ton and I definitely recommend it.”

Take breaks
While it may seem counterproductive, taking breaks can actually improve focus and productivity. Studies have shown that taking short breaks every 45-60 minutes can improve focus and prevent burnout. During these breaks, students can stretch or engage in a relaxing activity such as listening to music, reading a book, or watching a quick video.

Prioritize self-care
Self-care is an important part of staying focused and productive. It is important to prioritize sleep, exercise, and healthy eating habits in order to maintain focus and energy throughout the day. Additionally, taking time to engage in hobbies or activities that bring joy can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. For example, sports!

In conclusion, learning how to focus is an important skill for high schoolers. By eliminating distractions, breaking down tasks, establishing a study routine, taking breaks, and prioritizing self-care, students can improve their focus and achieve their goals. With practice and determination, anyone can learn how to stay focused and productive in high school and beyond.