How to Focus on UPSC Preparation?

The UPSC Civil Service Exam is a long path that requires entire concentration and a laser-like focus. The questions are analytical in nature and necessitate a full comprehension of the subject in all of its facets. Only by reading with a continuous concentration and being able to connect multiple topics to develop an integrated knowledge base can you achieve such focus. In this article, we’ll look at how you might increase your concentration while studying for the UPSC.

Whether you’re a veteran student working on a Ph.D. or a freshman in high school, staying focused while studying is a struggle we all encounter. We have a number of tools and approaches that can help you decrease the stress of studying and stay focused on what matters, whether your main difficulty is social media, procrastination, time management, or a mix of all three.

Ways to Focus on UPSC Preparation: –

1. Set study goals

First and foremost, begin with the fundamentals and establish your study objectives. Consider why you are here, at university, potentially having travelled halfway around the world (like I did) for this opportunity.
Having a good time is one option, but it isn’t the only one. Knowing what you want to achieve is half the battle.
2. Find a suitable environment.
It’s all about the location, location, location. Finding the perfect place for you to study is an important aspect of every effective study session. For some, the silence of a library is vital, but for others, the moderate bustle of a coffee shop might provide just enough background noise to keep them focused. Whatever your taste for background noise, it’s critical that your study space has a few essentials. –
Flat, clear surface with enough space to comfortably accommodate all of your materials and laptop outlets – if you need to study with your computer, having a close power source can avoid you from having to stand up and interrupt your flow.
Comfortable seating (or standing place) – When looking for a place to work, try to find one that has the required furnishings to encourage proper posture for lengthy periods of time.

3. Create a study ritual.
When it comes to keeping concentrated while studying, it’s critical to establish a pattern that will assist you in finding your flow and attention.
Having a pre-study ritual that includes things like cleaning your desk, closing your door, gathering all of the resources you’ll need, putting on headphones, and making a to-do list is a fantastic place to start.
Taking five minutes to set up your workstation will not only help you physically prepare for studying, but it will also help educate your brain to more easily transition into a focused state. Your mind is free to focus on what is most important when the environment around you is devoid of distractions.

4. Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is ideal for breaking down your study time into small parts. It’s easy: pick one activity to work on, set a timer, work until the timer goes off, and then take a break.
Only you know what time frame works best for you, but the Pomodoro Technique normally demands you to work uninterrupted for 25 minutes on a single activity. Take a three- to five-minute pause as the timer goes off.
After that, repeat the cycle three times more before taking a 25- to 30-minute break. This keeps you focused, motivated, and on target, preventing burnout.

5. Stay focused on your priorities
Here, self-help is crucial. No one can stop you from doing what you want, but if you don’t reach your goals, you’ll be the one who suffers the repercussions.
Remember that you are at university for a reason, and if you lose sight of that cause, nothing else will make sense.

6. Schedule downtime.
It’s critical to schedule leisure into your study sessions, no matter how much you have to study.
Self-control and mental energy are limited resources that will be depleted as the day progresses.
To avoid burnout and stay focused for longer, schedule brief breaks to check Facebook, look up a subject that was off-topic, or grab a cup of coffee.
Having a tiny reward to anticipate at the end of each session might also help you stay motivated.

7. Exercise.

· Regular exercise has been found to enhance not just your body but also your brain in studies. According to research, boosting blood flow to the brain can improve your focus for up to two to three hours in the short term.

· Exercise has also been demonstrated to boost mood, sleep, and reduce stress and anxiety, all of which can impair cognitive function.

8. Drink plenty of water and eat well

During exam periods, students are frequently so concentrated on their work that they neglect to pay attention to their personal well-being.
Staying hydrated and avoiding junk food are the easiest ways to help yourself function at your best.
During your studies, set a reminder on your phone to drink a large glass of water every couple of hours and munch on healthy fruit and almonds.
You’ll feel angry and lethargic if you don’t drink enough water or consume foods heavy in fat, which is the last thing you want while you’re trying to be productive!

· And before you know it, you’ve wasted an afternoon looking at cute animal photographs and humorous movies while doing nothing productive.

·But have no fear: software experts have devised a method of assisting students during moments when they need to concentrate.

10. Reward yourself

Staying motivated requires rewarding yourself for your studies.
Small rewards, such as a square of chocolate for each paragraph written or an episode of your favourite Netflix series when you’ve mastered editing a specific topic, can be used.
When you feel you’ve worked extremely hard, or when projects and tests have been completed, treat yourself to something more substantial, such as a night out with friends or the purchase of those boots you’ve had your eye on for months.
Remember that just because it’s exam time doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.