EMS Class Success: 10 Ways to Improve Your Concentration When Studying

This monthly series for students and educators will examine proven learning techniques, sharing easy-to-use tips and tricks to achieve success both in the classroom and, more importantly, on the street.

Improving your concentration while studying will help your performance both at exam time and on the streets. Consider these 10 tips to increase your focus to get more out of study time, every time.

1. Find a place free from distractions and interruptions. Choose a quiet room at home or at work or, better yet, a study-friendly area like a library.

2. Don't remain on call for work, family or other obligations. Study time is important and the better you can focus, the sooner you can be available for whomever needs you. If you need to, ask a colleague or friend to handle questions and emergencies.

3. Set up an uncluttered workspace. Bring only the materials necessary for you to study, and nothing else. If your study space is online, close all windows and apps that are not what you are studying right now.

4. Set your preferred sound. Some people find that background music helps them focus on the task at hand, while others find white noise blocks out distraction. Others prefer complete silence. Headphones help with whatever you prefer. Music services can bring tunes to your study time, while other sites like www.Coffitivity.com can simulate the light background noise of a coffee shop to block out distractions.

5. It is said that the average person loses 2.1 hours of productivity a day to electronic devices. Even when your phone doesn’t ring, just the buzz of an incoming e-mail or text can distract you. Once your mind has wandered away from studying for just a moment, it takes time and effort to get it back on track and in the zone. Turn off your communication devices so that you aren’t taken out of the “study zone” by every buzz, beep and alert. If at all possible don’t just turn off your phone, leave it in your bag or in your car. Likewise, quit any apps and turn off any notifications from your computer or tablet that aren’t part of your study material.

6. Improve your study focus by employing relaxation techniques. Try listening to soothing music or even nature sounds as you set up your study area. Concentrate on deep, slow breathing and the relaxation of your muscles to clear your mind. Imagine the stress melting away and leaving the room. The more relaxed you feel, the better prepared you will be to use your study materials.

7. Make sure you’re properly fueled and hydrated. Have a light snack and maybe a bottle of water handy. Avoid too much coffee, energy drinks, or other food or beverages with a lot of sugar or caffeine. These will not only make you more easily distracted, but will increase your need for bathroom breaks, and when they run out your concentration will fail as you “crash.”

8. Take short (3–5 minute) breaks, but be sure to set a “return time” or that five-minute break can turn into a lost hour. To help you stick to your break and not get distracted and start doing something else, set the timer on your phone (or use a kitchen timer if your phone is safely out of reach). Use these short breaks to get up, stretch and move around. It will help you to keep from getting uncomfortable and will make you feel better overall. The “Pomodoro Technique” is an example of this strategy where 25-minute study times are followed by 5-minute breaks. After 4 or more sessions, take a longer 15–30 minute break to clear your head.

9. Use a question and answer format by yourself or in your study group. Rather than just trying to read large chunks of text or memorize lists, use predefined questions, or make up some of your own. This will engage more of your mind and keep you better focused on the material.

10. Find a study group or partner. This will not only help you stay focused on the task at hand, it will help you think about the material from different perspectives, improving your understanding and ability to use the material in a variety of real-world situations.

Studying isn’t always easy, but these top 10 tips you will set you up for success. Better focus means more effective study time and more effective use of your time overall. These techniques to set aside distractions can help students improve their scores, improve their performance, and have more time for the “real-world” when they’re finished.

Rommie L. Duckworth, LP, is a dedicated emergency responder and award-winning educator with more than 25 years working in career and volunteer fire departments, hospital healthcare systems, and public and private emergency medical services. Rom is currently a career fire captain and paramedic EMS coordinator. The Founder and Executive Director of the New England Center for Rescue and Emergency Medicine, Rom is an emergency services advocate, author, and frequent speaker at conferences around the world and can be reached via RescueDigest.com.