How to Focus

AMS Peer Support (Website, UBC) 

Make use of free, confidential, one-on-one peer support available for any challenges you may be facing. 

UBC Counselling Services (Website, UBC) 

On-campus counselling services can serve as a first point of contact for a variety of mental health concerns. 

Wellness Centre (Website, UBC) 

The Wellness Center is a peer-hosted space on campus, offering many different wellbeing programs for students. Drop by in-person or submit a question online! 

Natural Light and Productivity (Article, UBC Library) 

Learn about the link between natural light and its effects on productivity. 

Food for Thought (Article, UBC Library) 

Find out how the amount and type of dietary fat you’re consuming plays a role in focus. 

Mental Health Benefits of Nature Based Recreation (Article, UBC Library) 

Learn about the cognitive benefits of nature-based recreation and how it may lead to positive mental health outcomes. 

Music-Dependent Memory in Immediate and Delayed Word Recall (Article, UBC Library) 

Understand how the music you listen to while studying could affect your recall during an exam. 

Deep work: rules for focused success in a distracted world  by Cal Newport (Book, UBC Library) 

Explore the benefits of intense focus and concentration in an age of constant distractions, with strategies to cultivate profound productivity and achieve meaningful results. 

The shallows: what the Internet is doing to our brains by Nicholas Carr (Book, UBC Library) 

Investigate the impact of the internet on our cognitive abilities, and whether constant online engagement is reshaping our brains and changing the way we think. 

How to Get Your Brain to Focus (YouTube, TED Talk) 

See how your ability to focus can play a role in your ability to harness your attention and enhance creativity in this Ted Talk by Chris Bailey. Learn how to harness your focus and minimize distractions to live a more meaningful life. 

Cultivating the Ability to Focus (Blogpost, CLC) 

Learn tips like silencing notifications and scheduling blocks of time for different activities.  

Focusing Flexibly: Tips for Staying Zoned-In (Blogpost, CLC) 

Get a student perspective on how to stay in the zone, such as making your work fun and taking lots of breaks. 

Does listening to music make you a better learner? (Blogpost, CLC) 

See the effects of different music on your learning experience, and how things such as perception play a role. 

How to Prevent the Afternoon Slump (blogpost, CLC) 

See how you can prevent the feeling of burnout and lack of energy and stay focused throughout the day.  

What is a food coma and how to avoid it (blogpost, CLC) 

Learn how what you eat may make you feel tired and drained throughout the day. 

StayFocused (Website Blocker, Chrome) 

This is one of a few Chrome extensions that can help regulate how much time you’re spending online each day. 

Managing Your Time 

Looking to learn new ways to improve your time management skills? It’s easier than you’d think. 

Sleep and Academic Success  

Explore how sleep habits can affect your focus levels and academic success.