Get Whipped into Shape

Homework. Assignments. Responsibilities. Social life. Family time. Countless of things to do yet so little time to spare. Most students tend to struggle to get back on the right track whenever a new academic year kicks off and suffer from a chronic disease, which is commonly known as the Procrastination Syndrome. By definition, procrastination refers to the action of delaying or postponing something; therefore, solidifying the idiom: procrastination is the thief of time. After a few weeks or months of blissful and stress-free holidays, students more than often find themselves putting off important assignments to either indulge in some alone time or spend quality time with their beloved ones. 

“I can do it later. I still have more time.”

The above sentence can be considered the universal motto of the International Procrastination Organisation. By delaying coursework and other tasks, the time available to complete these duties will gradually shorten as the days pass by. Before students can even realise it, they are left with only a day to finish a two thousand words-long essay as the result of constant procrastination. Being a victim of the procrastination plague as well, I am not guilt-free when I say that I too have had my fair share of sleepless nights; in an attempt to avoid receiving an earful from my school teachers the next day. Burning the midnight oil is a common practice amongst procrastinators alike and this particular action will dramatically affect an individual’s cognitive, physical and emotional state; due to the lack of proper sleep. As you are reading this, you have to admit that you too have at least procrastinated once in your life. After all, we are mere human and ultimately, we do get tired and lazy to finish our work at times; unable to focus on the task at hand. 

However, now, at the beginning of the school year, students must once again sharpen their minds and make full use of their time in their educational institutions. In order to aid students to snap out of their idle summer holiday mentality, here are a few ways to sharpen your focusing abilities. 

Multi-task Less

Multi-tasking refers to the act of the handling of more than one task at the same time by a single person. It is a common misconception that multi-tasking promotes productivity but this is far from true. Most people tend to have the mindset that multi-tasking catalyses and speeds up the work process but it actually disrupts concentration. Finish tasks one by one before moving on to complete an other assignments.

Plan Your Time Efficiently 

When faced with a plethora of responsibilities, it is crucial to list down all the tasks that need to be carried out according to their priority or urgency. Make it a habit to complete the ones with the most importance first; allowing you to be more organised and efficient. Allocate appropriate time frames for each task. Don’t allow yourself too much lax but on the other hand, it is important to bear in mind that being too strict on yourself may deteriorate your progress

Avoid Being in A Room with Gizmos

In this golden era of technology, mobile phones and laptops reign supreme; effortlessly consuming our identities. They are highly addicting devices and can be considered as one of the few main sources of distraction. In accordance to this, it is important to either put your devices aside or put them on silent mode in order to fight off all the temptation. 

Exercise Frequently

Not only does exercising promote physical health but it simultaneously sharpens mental strength as well. Through exercising, an individual is able to increase their memory capacity and concentration. This fact has been scientifically proven by several professionals; therefore, a balanced regiment of both physical activities and studying can indefinitely shape an all-rounder. 

Take Short Breaks

It is crucial to reward yourself after completing an assignment. These short breaks allow your body to freshen itself. Unwinding enables you to revitalise your mind, body and soul; therefore, you are able to regain focus once again. All work and no rest is definitely a big no-no. 

These five tips are only a few of the many countless tips that you may use to hone your concentration levels. Feel free to go online, surf on other websites and search for even more suitable ways in order to aid you on your mission to be more focused!