Key to Concentration
 

For the last couple of years, I have been having concentration problems. I have a 3.0 GPA in college, but I am always trying to catch up and often only learn the minimal work required to pass. I think if I had to start schooling all over again, i wouldn't be able to pass 5th grade. Whatever proffesors say, goes in one ear, and out the other. There seems to be so much crap in my head, that i can't focus on what's infront of me. Even when I read books, I could go through dozens of pages, and look back and realize I know nothing about what I had just read.

Any focusing techniques that you know of or anything like that is welcomed. Maybe Ginseng or something?

Studies have shown that daily cardio increases cognitive function. Do you get enough sleep? Do you eat well? These are all factors that effect my ability to think clearly. You might want to try giseng and see if it works for you.

For studying, it is best to create an environment in which you feel comfortable. I always used to do my studying on my couch lying back in a certain position with the radio on. I had certain music that would just kind of trigger me into concentration.

You also have to be in the right physical frame of mind (as stated above, exercise, proper diet and good rest are all facets fo this).

Have you had yourself checked for ADD? There is the possibility that it is something in your brain.

yoga, cardio, etc works really well for me..

Umm..i've had to force myself to actually become interested in different subjects so i could read about them and retain any info. Kinda hard to do, but it worked for me.

Other than those things, it's really hard to concentrate on something you aren't interested in. Make sure you have enough sleep and food. Try not to let anythign else distract you, i always have trouble with the girls in the class..stupid breasts jiggling everywhere...mmm...see what i mean, easy to get distracted, just keep your eyes on the paper or proff...unless you have a cute proff....mm..nevermind.

Seriously, though, you could also set up a studying ritual. Some people use certain lighting, certain way of seating, certain music, etc. that sets you in the right frame of mind.

goodluck and most college students today could pass for Adult ADD, the testing method isn't the most reliable.

Concentrating is in the eye of the beholder. I couldn't concentrate on something that wasn't constantly changing for more than 5 minutes if my life depended on it. Also, it's about the way you approach you work. I would guess that the probability of the professor suggesting a method of doing the assignments that works for you is pretty low. That's why the first 30-40% of my study/work time is spent mentally giving myself an overview of what needs to be accomplished, figuring the way that I would get to that end (often different from everybody else), and convincing myself that I actually want to do the work. That last part takes an especially long time.

I think keeping in mind that everyone has a different approach is key. I learned some of these things that I do from a friend with a diagnosed learning disablility. I've been suspicious for years that I also have a slight tendency in the same direction, but it never stopped me in my tracks and sent me to the disability office for diagnosis. This kind of stuff is, after all, on a spectrum. If you are still having a hard time with this after a while, you could do some research on different kinds of learning disabilities and (this is the important part) how people learn to work around them. It would at least help to be aware of it.

Fun quotation from my environmental science professor:
"When this class has been over for six months, what are you going to remember? Your education is what's left over."

Best of luck.