OT-Can't Concentrate

I have a test that I'm trying to study for and I CAN'T concentrate on any of the material. I'll read a paragraph then have to re-read it again because I have no idea what I just read. Have any of you ever had this problem? How did you get over it? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

Tue. Oct 10, 12:28am

Go for a quick run. Your mind is pre-occupied with something else. If you cant run, go for a walk around the block and just think about whatever is blocking you from studying.

It usually helps with me...Also, while you are reading, highlight the important words...then reread the important words to get a brief summary of what you read.

Let me know if you need other tips!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006, 12:41 AM

Try reading out loud - wierd but used to help me when I found myself reading the same thing over and over and it just wouldn't sink in. Sometimes I have to re-copy my notes or make a 2-page 'cheat sheet' ("if I could use this during the test what would I want on it?") to focus my concentration on the really important points.

Sadly exercise never used to help me if anything it made it worse, but each person has different strategies that work for them and it's certainly good to try different things. A good one for me was to move to a noisy place like a busy coffee shop or a student lounge with a lively discussion going on, because in the process of blocking out the background noise my concentration sharpens greatly. However I know many people who would find it horribly distracting and need it very quiet. I also find group reviews are great - next time see if you can get together several people from the class and review together and quiz each other.

Good luck!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006, 1:43 AM

this used to happen to me...i would take notes while reading and review what i'd written often. it really helped absorb the material, even if it did not necessarily interest me.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006, 9:23 AM

Do you think you are panicking? Had to much coffee? Sometimes quick exercise helps me with this, sort of breaks the cycyle, helps me calm down. Let us know more.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006, 3:22 AM

This happens to me all the time!!

One thing I did in college when I really had to learn the materials was actually take notes while I read. It was really tedious, but I learned well that way. Another is to offer myself "rewards" when I got through so many chapters, having actually read all of it (and reread anything that I tuned out from). Once I got into the groove, it was easier to stay there.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006, 3:35 PM

OP Here-I'm not really sure what was wrong with me. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that I had an exam every day this week and didn't feel that I had time for all of them. Probably the stress combined with just being distracted and not feeling like studying in general. Thank you for all of your tips. On the test I took Tues (the one I was really freaking out about) I ended up getting 105/120. Not too shabby!! LOL Though honestly I have NO IDEA how I got such a good score!! :)

Thursday, October 12, 2006, 1:03 AM

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