Concentration/Brain-Boosting Tricks

So, I'm in college, and right now, I'm working on a semi-major project for a class. Which is due in a couple days. I've been working on it since the day it was assigned. However, due to a combination of lack of sleep, setbacks(including most of my work getting deleted due to a bug that came with a software update) and the project itself being very difficult, I'm having a hard time both focusing on it, and solving it.

So, I was wondering if anyone had any tricks to help cognition and/or focus in general, as they would be of great help. Thanks in advance to anyone that may reply.

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Originally Posted by Pyromancer999

So, I'm in college, and right now, I'm working on a semi-major project for a class. Which is due in a couple days. I've been working on it since the day it was assigned. However, due to a combination of lack of sleep, setbacks(including most of my work getting deleted due to a bug that came with a software update) and the project itself being very difficult, I'm having a hard time both focusing on it, and solving it.

So, I was wondering if anyone had any tricks to help cognition and/or focus in general, as they would be of great help. Thanks in advance to anyone that may reply.

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Have you tried copious amounts of caffeine?

Close all unrelated windows on your computer. Put the cell phone aside.

Simply getting enough sleep again probably goes a long way. Make backups of your work so you don't have to worry about losing it again.

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Originally Posted by Asta Kask

Have you tried copious amounts of caffeine?

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I have done that once, and it ended up not being a good idea due to me literally crashing to the floor due to a slip-up when I crashed.

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Originally Posted by akma

Close all unrelated windows on your computer. Put the cell phone aside.

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I don't have any up except for this one, which I plan to check periodically in case anything good comes up.

@ Form: The sleep issue is half my not having time due to a large workload, and half my just not being able to sleep much. Still, valid points, and I think I'll be doing backups more often. Thanks.

Sorry to hear you lost all your work. That's a bummer.

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Originally Posted by Pyromancer999

I have done that once, and it ended up not being a good idea due to me literally crashing to the floor due to a slip-up when I crashed.

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Try black tea. It doesn't make you crash as hard as coffee, especially if you drink it slowly over time. That's how I got through the SATs today.

Also mints. Doesn't matter too much what kind, altoids, life-savers, etc... They used to give them to us before we took the NECAPS (a New England Standardized Test) because they apparently help you to think. I can attest that they did make me feel sharper and more awake.

Lastly, you can try massaging your temples lightly in a circular motion with two fingers from each hand. It can help to clear your head a little bit.

That five hour energy stuff? A shower? I've also heard that a cup of coffee before a half hour nap works pretty well.

Ginko. Really helps me out at least...

Though there was this one time where I was watching this one TV show where the main character, er, or was it his sidekick? Hmmm I remember those....they were like the first PDA's on the market way back when, weren't they? Never liked them, no, neither did my platoon sergeant. He always seemed to be around everytime my girlfriend came over to visit, and we always seemed to get in trouble for what seemed like harmless fun. Hah! and then there was that one time...

SQUIRREL!

This is a milage may (and will) vary thing.

Understand when i say this, I have diagnosed adhd (combined type) So my brain chemistry is kinda borked up to begin with. The following are things that I find helpful, And habits of others that I have observed to be somewhat effective. But that being said, Your results may be different.

*Gatorade and a 5 hour energy poured into it, Drink it slowly over a few hours. Do Not Slam It! (Please note, this one can have health concerns involved, Do not exceed recommended dosages)

*Remove distractions

*anxiety from cutting corners can be a distraction

*If you need background music, Use a play list that you are use to.

*Eat a salad with all your colours in it! (Good nutrition is far better then crap candy quick energy boosts)

*Eat proper meals.

*Mind your addictions, If you are use to certain amounts of candy, fast-food, smokes or what ever, Withdraw from them can do craptastic things to your focus.

*Get enough sleep! Sleep deprivation builds up quickly, If you cut back two hours a night over a week, It can make noticeable loss's in performance.

*Take meaningful breaks from time to time, The occasional walk around the building, Can do amazing things for mental refreshment. If you go to lunch for an hour and come back a refreshed person, Than it was a good use of time.

Set brakes and take them. Regular brakes. A minimum of 5 mins every hour, probably 5 every 30 mins. And set a clock. I find it much easyer to work when I can say "right, 30 mins of hard work then a brake" and keep working and focused knowing that it is just for a shortish burst then start another.

Also, set goals for every half hour. Start with a list of things to do then work through them. This will stop you bouncing all over and getting lots of little parts done that add up to nothing. You'll also be able to see the work going down rather than feeling your lost in the middle somewhere.

Also, disconect your internet conection so you have to think before jumping online for "just a moment".

Finaly, get of this forum and get working!

Keep separate work and play spaces. For me this involved two computers. When I had the Counter Strike icon staring at me from my desktop, it was all too easy to hop in for just one more round. When I got a laptop, I designated it the homework machine and my desktop the gaming machine. Just sitting at the right computer put my head in work mode instead of play mode. (It also helped that I had no games on the laptop).

Obviously that was an expensive solution. Maybe go to a computer lab to work? Or make another user account that has no access to games?

"It puts the paper to the pen or else it gets the hose again..."

Chewing gum. Preferably in some appropriately biting flavour (mint is good). Works super well for me. Good luck! :smallsmile:

Here's a technique that works for me:

First, collect all the material for your project in one place. This makes it easier to think about all of it and presets your mind for the task.

Next, write down a paragraph of what you want to do in your own words. It is important not to copy what you were told but to rewrite it. It may take you several attempts before you get something you're satisfied with.

Now make a list of the points you want to cover. At the same time, start dividing your reference material into groups for each point. Again, this may take several attempts. This is your outline.

At this time, you may discover that you are lacking some material for all your points. Time to go get it.

Pretend you are sitting down with a friend and you want to discuss the subject with him. Write down what you want to say with, of course, references to the material you gathered. You may discover that you have to rearrange your discussion at this time. No problem, just do it.

You now have a rough draft. Time to check grammar, spelling, and making sure your references are relevant.

Get someone with the knowledge of the subject to proofread it. Correct your mistakes. Repeat as often as you can find victims, er, knowledgeable friends.

Done. Finish. Hand it in.

Wow. Did not expect this many responses, but thanks to everyone who gave tips and stuff! The assignment is turned in now, and it's completed. Little nervous on how I'm going to do, but it's the same for most people in the class. Some of the stuff wasn't entirely applicable(seeing as it was a programming assignment), but most of the stuff I was able to try helped a lot. Thanks again to everyone.

nice post:smallsmile: