Learn how to keep your mind on track with these simple practices
When working on homework or studying for a test, do you ever have a hard time concentrating on tasks? Do you ever feel fidgety or restless? Is your mind filled with dozens of thoughts 鈥� every thought except what you should be focused on?Everybody gets distracted sometimes, including people who struggle with ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Nearly 5% of adults (ages 18-44) experience symptoms of ADHD
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and the amount of individuals experiencing these symptoms continues to rise.
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ADHD, By the Numbers. See also, .
While this can make continuing in school a seemingly daunting task, becoming a successful student, or even a university graduate, is still an achievable goal!
So whether you鈥檝e been diagnosed with ADHD or just struggle focusing in general, don鈥檛 lose hope. There are simple tricks that can help keep your mind focused and help you move toward reaching your educational goals!
1. Find a distraction-free environment
Finding a place that鈥檚 free of
distractions
is a good place to start. Instead of trying to get homework done and watch television at the same time, remove everything that may be a distraction from accomplishing a task. Doing this can help you stay focused and finish your work in a timely manner.
Robert Segal, M.A., and Melinda Smith, M.A., of
said, 鈥淔ace your desk towards a wall and keep your workplace free of clutter. To discourage interruptions, you could even hang a 鈥楧o Not Disturb鈥� sign. If possible, let voicemail pick up your phone calls and return them later. If noise distracts you, consider noise-canceling headphones or a sound machine.鈥�
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Find a quiet, distraction-free place to finish your work.
2. Listen to music
to some background music can help keep your subconscious occupied as you complete your assignments.
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Look for some instrumental music to play; however, music with lyrics, especially familiar songs, might cause your mind to wander.Dana Rayburn, senior certified ADHD coach and author, said, 鈥淢usic gives the ADHD brain something to focus on which lights up the synapses and engages the brain. The right tune with the right beat dissolves those familiar 鈥業 don鈥檛 feel like doing it鈥� and 鈥業 can鈥檛 focus鈥� feelings and urges you into action.鈥�
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鈥淢usic gives the ADHD brain something to focus on which lights up the synapses and engages the brain.鈥�
3. Move around to occupy the mind
Instead of trying to sit down and force yourself to focus, try walking around while you study. By moving and studying simultaneously, the mind will be focused on the content you are reviewing. In a place where walking around isn鈥檛 an option, consider carrying a
, stress ball, string, or even a bracelet.
, clinical psychologist and director of the
, said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 true that many people are successful only when they do one thing at a time, but for adults and children with ADHD the opposite is usually true鈥�. Doodling while listening to a lecture or when on a long phone call enables you to better absorb what鈥檚 being said. Walking while talking helps your mind tune in to a conversation without missing a beat.鈥�
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Sarah Wright and Roland Rotz, PH.D. 鈥�.鈥�
Try walking around while studying at the same time.
4. Turn to Heavenly Father for guidance
Along with appropriate medication and therapy, turning to Heavenly Father in prayer and asking for help is one of the best ways to get focused. As you turn to God in your struggles and do your part, He can and will help you achieve your goals.
, 鈥淭rials must be borne and grief endured along the way. As you remember that 鈥榳ith God nothing shall be impossible,鈥�
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know that He is your Father鈥�. It matters not that giants of tribulation torment you. Your prayerful access to help is just as real as when David battled his Goliath.鈥�
Turning to Heavenly Father in prayer and asking for help is one of the best ways to get focused.
Your goals are attainable
If you get distracted easily, don鈥檛 get discouraged. It is a normal occurrence for students around the world. As you take the time to create effective study habits and lean on the Lord, He can help you keep a focused mind and reach your goals.
To learn more about BYU-Pathway Worldwide, visit
byupathway.org
.
