Ways to Stay Focused for the YKS (2022 Article)
Practical suggestions to boost focus during the YKS process: a study system, nutrition, breaks, goals and staying away from digital distractions.
This article was prepared for the 2022 YKS period; the exam dates (18-19 June 2022) have passed. However, the advice on focus and efficient studying holds for every period. Let us briefly answer the questions on our minds during the YKS process.
How Do I Focus for the YKS?
Habits That Strengthen Focus
Study system
Try techniques such as Pomodoro or Feynman; ask your guidance teacher for support.
Nutrition and water
What you consume affects your physical and mental state; drink plenty of water.
Study environment
Set up a tidy desk and a comfortable space free of distractions.
Regular breaks
The mind tires just like the body; do not neglect your breaks.
Goal-setting
Knowing what you want to reach boosts motivation and focus.
Turn off notifications
Put your phone on silent; use an old-fashioned desk clock for your alarm.
Our brain is not a machine built to work 24/7; making time for the things you love is part of your preparation too.
Studying a shared subject together with your friends, listening to the music you love and not setting life entirely aside all help protect your focus. Working with a happy and rested mind is far more productive than working with a tired brain.
In brief
- Focus is strengthened by a system, nutrition, breaks and a clear goal.
- Digital notifications constantly split the mind; turning them off boosts productivity.
- Not cutting off from life entirely keeps the preparation sustainable.
For the current exam calendar, take the official announcements of ÖSYM as your reference. You can find our suggestions on the exam process in our Exam Preparation Process article, and on efficient studying in our Effective Learning and Studying article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is listening to music while studying harmful?
On the contrary; classical music or your favourite songs can help you relax and focus. What matters is that they do not distract you.
Does the phone really disrupt focus?
Yes. Even a single notification sound causes a corner of your mind to stay on the phone; keeping it on silent while studying is best.
Gökkuşağı Koleji · Focus is a skill.