CONCENTRATION - Not Just a Mind Game 

• Create a study environment.

• Find a place to study and keep it for study only.

• Make sure the environment has all the study tools you will need.

• Minimize the noise level and the visual distractions.

• Avoid relaxing while working.

• Try some of these techniques to improve your concentration while studying.

• Keep a paper handy to jot down thoughts that cross your mind while studying, get them out of your mind and on to paper.

• Set study goals before you begin each period of study (i.e., number of pages, number of problems, etc.)

• Give yourself rewards after specified goals are reached.

• Break up the content of study by mixing up subjects and building in some variety.

• Make the most of break periods - do something very different.

• Don't try to mix work and play.

• Start with short study periods and slowly build to longer periods.

• Plan the length of your study period by the amount of material you have decided to cover not by the clock. (A clock can be a serious distraction.)

  REMEMBER. . . 

You will be able to concentrate best if you:

• Study during the day and early evening.
• Study when there are the fewest competing activities in progress.
• Take short breaks and STOP studying when fatigue or lack of attention occurs.