As the summer season is in full swing and everyone dreams of vacations, you too, start to drift away. Finding the motivation and managing to stay on track with your studies, especially after a year as full as the one you just had, is not an easy task. What if it were possible to find a balance between learning and enjoyment? Here are some tips to explore that will help you maintain your focus.
1. PROMOTE BREAKFAST
We can't stress this enough, but neglecting your diet during a stressful period doesn't help you stay focused. Studies clearly show that having a full, balanced, and nutrient-rich breakfast will improve your academic performance and thus reduce your memory and concentration disorders.
Contrary to what many think, to start the day well and recharge your batteries, our body doesn't need carbohydrates but amino acids (tyrosine, tryptophan), therefore proteins, which are essential to produce neurotransmitters.
Dopamine: regulator of cognition, memory, motivation, mood, attention, and learning.
Norepinephrine: which modulates attention, vigilance, and concentration.
Moreover, don't forget to drink enough water (at least two litres per day) because not hydrating enough can also impair concentration.
2. PLANNING, A KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS
To help you reach your revision goals, there's nothing better than planning. Indeed, when we clearly know what awaits us and what our days will consist of, it's much easier to stay focused. First, make a task list to help you plan your day or your week, it will be much simpler to move forward without feeling like you're spinning your wheels and wasting your time. Cross out each task as it's completed, it will help you stay motivated and you'll see, your mental load will suddenly become lighter. Another tip: are you more fit in the morning than in the afternoon? Reserve the morning for subjects that require more concentration!
3. DO NOT DISTURB
You probably already know this, but being constantly connected to your phone and computer promotes stress and anxiety. On average, we receive a notification every 6 minutes, which overworks our brain and becomes harmful to our health. During revision periods, it's pointless to add stress, so why not turn off your social media notifications and put your phone in "do not disturb" mode? This will help you stay focused during your revision time. And promise, you won't miss anything serious.
4. SLEEP LIKE A BABY
It's no secret to anyone, but quality sleep improves mood, concentration, and learning ability. Giving yourself a good night's sleep is not a luxury if you want to operate optimally not only at the end of the session but before an important exam. It will benefit you more than completing a last-minute study through stressful all-nighters. Worst practice also risks previously consolidated concepts because on exam day, you may temporarily lose your ability to recall what you've learned in addition to suffering from disproportionate fatigue!
5. MOVE!
Being active daily has many health benefits. Concentration increases and stress decreases, plus it strengthens the feeling of competence and self-control. Don't stay seated at your desk all day, on the contrary. Try to plan active breaks during study sessions, you'll see your memory capacity increase before your eyes. Do you have an exam scheduled for today? Reserve at least half an hour for a fun physical activity to relax and promote good oxygen circulation. Guaranteed result!
6. A TECHNIQUE
Do you know the Pomodoro technique? This technique comes from Francesco Cirillo who, when he was a student, used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer for his revisions. To follow it, you simply need a timer. The goal is to stay focused on a single task for a 25-minute session. Then, take a 5-minute break. After 4 sessions of 25 minutes, you can take a 20 to 30-minute break. Honestly, you have nothing to lose by trying it.
7. ENERGEX FOCUS, YOUR BEST ALLY!
Once the above advice is applied to your lifestyle, if your concentration remains fragile and you're looking for additional support? Your new Energex Focus formula from Adrien Gagnon will help you find the balance between energy, calm, and focus. The energizing effects of caffeine and the soothing effects of theanine will work in synergy to promote cognitive functions including your concentration. NutraJIT®, an innovative natural ingredient made in Quebec, will extend the effect up to 8 hours. This formula is recommended for professionals and for people like students who must face a situation requiring sustained intellectual performance such as an exam, a particularly busy day, or during an important presentation. The perfect complement for optimal concentration.
Now, you have all the necessary tools to get through this study period under the best possible conditions. It's up to you to apply them. Good luck and have a great summer to all!
To your health!
The Adrien Gagnon team