tips on focused reading without zoning out? highlighting feature on test?

[lantus99]

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i have 2 questions, one on how to focus better while reading and the other is about this highlighting feature on the test.

#1. sometimes i'm reading through some review material and end up re-reading the same paragraph or sentence and zoning out - minutes pass by and i am like what did i just go over! does this happen to you? what helps you?

i've tried active highlighting/underlining everything - it helps for a few pages but then it was wasting time since i was more focused on highlighting! and besides everything is important in the review books! so i stopped that idea.

ear plugs - those are good but that "stuffy plugged up" feeling comes in after a few hours- i get distracted by my neighbors talking outside and the footsteps from the people above.

i've tried classical music with headphones on but i end up focusing on the classical melody rather than reading 🙂

good lighting and a non-comfy chair helps...

usually i take a 15 min break after 45mins of reading and that helps.


#2. does anyone benefit from the highlighting feature? i tried it on UW today and felt like i lost seconds and ended getting distracted and not paying attention to the stem as well as i should have....

 

[soulisatomic]

i have 2 questions, one on how to focus better while reading and the other is about this highlighting feature on the test.

#1. sometimes i'm reading through some review material and end up re-reading the same paragraph or sentence and zoning out - minutes pass by and i am like what did i just go over! does this happen to you? what helps you?

i've tried active highlighting/underlining everything - it helps for a few pages but then it was wasting time since i was more focused on highlighting! and besides everything is important in the review books! so i stopped that idea.

ear plugs - those are good but that "stuffy plugged up" feeling comes in after a few hours- i get distracted by my neighbors talking outside and the footsteps from the people above.

i've tried classical music with headphones on but i end up focusing on the classical melody rather than reading 🙂

good lighting and a non-comfy chair helps...

usually i take a 15 min break after 45mins of reading and that helps.


#2. does anyone benefit from the highlighting feature? i tried it on UW today and felt like i lost seconds and ended getting distracted and not paying attention to the stem as well as i should have....

I am certain, any kind of music will be a distraction during studying, though it may pep you up during the breaks.
What type of earbuds are you using?

Thanks

 

[lantus99]

I'm using the Shure E2C headphones for my nano. I had them for a while and no major complaints. The bass can be better. I got them for my nano.

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-E2c-Sound-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B0000CE1UO

It's strange. For some people they can study with music. Maybe not good for heavy thought related processes like for this test.

I didn't want to take any other drugs or stimulants to keep the focus on. I can't imagine how some of you study for 10 or 14 hours!

So you all just read in pure silence? Earplugs?

 

[McGillGrad]

RITALIN...

Seriously, though, it is mental endurance and lots of rest that does the trick for the long term. Naps when you're tired.

 

[XxxStitchxxX]

A good workout helps me to focus better, or a nice afternoon nap (30-45 mins, nothing too long).

I think I`d die with earplugs, can`t wear those even when on a plane, don`t like the feeling.

If you catch yourself zoning out while reading maybe the best thing would be to get up up and away from the books for a couple of mins, have a glass of water or something and then hit`em (the books) from the blind side 🙂 You can do it.

 

[nectarine]

A quick 10 minute jog around the block usually gets my blood flowing and renews my focus.

 

[lantus99]

That's true about the exercise nectarine! I do a little exercise session in mid-afternoon. In fact eating a few nectarines during the day might help too 🙂

Haha stitch, I know what you mean about the earplugs!