I am not able to focus on studies. What should I do?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a student and I like to watch cartoons a lot and read comics. I want to study but I am not able to focus and put my mind to study. Whenever I plan on studying, my thoughts are filled with events of comics. How can I put these thoughts out of my mind?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I completely understand that you feel concerned and would like to increase your concentration in your studies due to preoccupation with your thoughts. Low concentration in studies could be due to various reasons. For instance, negative experiences at schools or classes, concerns regarding school performance, and difficulty maintaining results, etc. I would like to know what kind of thoughts come to your mind when you struggle with the study. In order to deal with your state of mind, you can practice "thought stopping" i.e. loudly saying "stop" which will serve as a signal for your thoughts to stop. If you experience this again, repeat the process until you get back your concentration on your studies. Secondly, you can find other interests than cartoons and comics, so that your mind gets a variety of materials and does not get stuck or preoccupied with cartoons and comics. Moreover, you can practice relaxation exercises and deep breathing before going to study. This is proven to improve concentration and make your mind and body relaxed and peaceful. I hope this is helpful to you. Do follow up if you feel the need.

Thank you.