When You Just Can't Concentrate

As I recall, getting through high school was no easy feat. Like many of you, I struggled to find time in the day for classes, homework, extra-curricular activities, a social life, and sleep. I battled fatigue, constant distractions, and the ever-present urge to procrastinate. On some days, I was victorious. I would turn off the TV, silence my phone, and sit in my orderly workspace, energized and motivated to tackle my work. But even then, I found that setting the stage for productivity wasn’t always enough. Despite my determination to complete the task at hand, my mind would sometimes wander.

What will I have for dinner? I can’t believe he said that! That was a good movie. My mom will be so upset when she finds out. Maybe I shouldn’t go this weekend…

There was always something to think about, and the fact of the matter is there always will be. Staying focused on work can be challenging at any age—in high school and beyond, which is why it is good to start SAT tutoring early. So, over the years, I’ve picked up a few strategies to help me stay on track. And if you’ve ever had a hard time concentrating, you’ll find them useful too.

Task lists: Write down everything you need to accomplish, and break large projects down into smaller, more manageable tasks. If you happen to lose focus, your task list—a sort of visual plan—will remind you of exactly what you should be working on. And the best part of making lists is the satisfaction you get every time you cross off an item.

Time boxing: This can be a very effective time-management tool. Instead of working on a task through completion, commit to working on it for a set amount of time. The idea behind time boxing a particular task is that you are excluding other tasks and unrelated thoughts from your radar during that window of time.

Breaks: Taking scheduled breaks is an important part of maintaining your concentration. A 15-minute break after an hour of studying, for example, can help keep your mind fresh and focused. Try to get a change of scenery during your break. Go outside, do stretches, walk the dog, etc. Exercise is a great way to clear your head of clutter and can even help you absorb what you’ve just studied.

Music: Sometimes noise is the best way to drown out other noise or unwanted thoughts. Be careful when listening to music while you work, though, as some types can be distracting. I recommend listening to something instrumental or even the sounds of nature, which should help relax you and aid concentration.