Increasing Energy and

Focus
Outline
• Introduction
• How to Boost
Energy (before and during)
Focus (before and during)
• Conclusion
Introduction
• Many students find that when it comes to studying
time, they tend to lack energy and focus
• Reasons for it?
Brain needs energy to work. When doing tasks that
requires brain to work, energy is used up. To regain
energy, sleep occurs. Brain is re-energised from sleep.
Medical conditions (disrupts sleep)
Medications
Alcohol
• Regardless the reasons, why is studying important?
Introduction
• While grades do not guarantee 100% success in
life, it does:
Help you achieve goals
Help you learn life long skills
Develop character
Enable you to get a job
Support yourself
Empower yourself
Empowers others
How to Boost…
Before
Energy
Before
• Sleep: Make sure you have enough of it; min. 8 hrs.
If you must nap; keep it to 20 mins.
Keep to regular hours
Find when is your best study time (when you’re
most energetic)

• Breakfast: or any meal. No food, no energy. Make

sure you’re eating regular meals at regular hours.
Energy
Before (cont.)
• Exercise: at least 30 mins. Make sure it is something
moderate intense, which pumps the heart.
Benefit: pumps blood to all parts of your body,
including your brain. Helps reduce stress and
improves focus
Energy
Before (cont.)
• Environment: Too cold? Too warm? Lighting?
Focus
Before
• Set-up: tidy up your desk.
If you don’t have one, then make sure the place
is good (remember environment plays a huge
part!)
Ensure that you at least have a table and
chair. Posture can also affect your energy and
focus. Ideal: upright with back support
Focus
Before (cont.)
Do you have everything that you need within
reach?
Notes, Books and Laptop
Stationary and paper
Water
Snacks
Warm/comfortable clothing
Fan
Can you spread out your things?
Also refer:
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-way-to-arrange-your-study-tabl
e
Focus
Before (cont.)
Keep your phone out of sight/reach (if addicted)
Tell people in advance that you won’t be
answering unless urgent
• What are your plans/target for the session? Is it
achievable?
Time yourself! Start small.
Rewards?
Focus
Before (cont.)
• Write down any worries you have at that time
somewhere.
• Noise level: Too noisy? Too quiet? Will you need
ambient noise? For further discussion!
How to Boost…
During
Focus
During
• Work on one thing at a time.
• Start with the most difficult assignment/topic first
Focus
During (cont.)
• If you’re working on laptop and Internet
Get off distracting websites. FaceBook,
Instagram, etc. must go temporarily
Focus
During (cont.)
If not possible to control; get all needed
information first (print/download/buffer), then
switch off WiFi.
If this also not possible; then write down the
things you’ll need to find out using Internet,
search later
If need to look up word meanings: dictionary
Focus
During (cont.)
• Learn actively. Ask yourself questions, redo your notes,
etc.
• Any unrelated thoughts that comes during the session,
write them down somewhere first. Deal with it at
break.
E.g.:
There’s a new mamak…;
Giant has offers!; SenQ giving away free
phones!;
Will he/she call back…; Wonder if Yan is ok?
I forgot to buy_____!;
Energy
During
• Feeling stressed?
Energy
During (cont.)
• Feeling sleepy? Get up and move! Stretch!
Energy
During (cont.)
• Feeling hungry? Snack away.
Avoid fatty, salty and sweet snacks.
What foods are good? Let’s discuss!
• Keep yourself hydrated.
Energy
During (cont.)
• Break time! 20 mins? 30 mins?
After that, focus for another XX mins.
Dilemma! To or Not To?
• Have music
• Have phone on silent modes
• Have caffeinated/energy drinks
• Study with friends
Conclusion
• The tips given are just tips/suggestions. Not hard fast
rules. Only you know what works best for yourself.
However…
• Distractions are inevitable. How you handle it is more
important.
• Even if you fall, it’s ok. What is more important is that
you don’t stay down.
• Start small. Plan achievable goals. It’s easier to build up
from there.
• Remember: studying hurts but empowers.
• It all depends on whether you’re willing to put in the
effort, no matter the way that suits you best.
All the best in your
courses and Welcome
to a new phase in your
life!