When it comes to focusing on school, it can be hard to do. Distracted students may suffer by missing important information in their classes. This is very common, but it becomes more evident when projects or assignments are due.
Going to bed late, not eating breakfast, or just not having motivation can easily put a damper on things throughout the week if negative habits aren’t adjusted.
“I think that priorities just shift and it’s difficult to maintain focus all the time through seven or eight classes, in addition to outside responsibilities like sports, clubs, or jobs,” Ms. McNaughton said.
These behaviors are all too common amongst students and can get worse if kept up, but is there really a good way to cure a bad case of distraction?
Finding an efficient way to stay focused isn’t easy, but there are ways that can help and be implemented throughout the year.
“If you have any social media on your iPad, I would recommend taking it off. If you decide not to, then at least turn on the do not disturb feature for the whole school day,” McNaughton said. “Taking notes helps instead because you’re actively doing something instead of just sitting there.”
“A good tip for students is to make a quick to-do list,” said Mr. Dinolfo. “If there’s a lot going on and you list it out, you don’t have to have it all jumbled up in your head anymore.”
Both emphasized the importance of “focusing on what you’re supposed to be focusing on now,” rather than just thinking about things coming later in the future. Being organized and keeping yourself in a space that allows you to be mindful of what you’re presently doing is a way to really stay productive and focused.
McNaughton added, “I think something that is really helpful for me is just thinking of five things I’m grateful for. I wouldn’t call it a gratitude practice, but it’s genuinely really helpful for me when I’m overloaded and stressed.”
Dinolfo said, “Sometimes either at night or in the morning, I’ll do a quick five or ten minute meditation and I feel like that helps me to clear my head and just come into the day fresh.”
Another tip they suggested was using prayer time to focus on positive things going on, or taking a deep breath and appreciating the time you have to yourself when the building is silent.
Possibilities to prepare yourself before school include: exercising, taking good care of yourself, eating well, going to sleep earlier, and motivating yourself in small ways.
With helpful advice like this, creating a strategy and taking into consideration the benefits of being attentive in school will help greatly, and can extend even outside of the classroom.
