GCSE exams can be one of the most stressful moments in life and it is very easy to let worry and anxiety control you when you need to focus on revision. If you are struggling to focus in the lead-up to exams there are many ways to amp up your concentration while revising.
A new online tool from Currys aims to cure everyday issues through the power of coloured noise. White noise has been a front and centre favourite, but recently experts have been speaking out about the benefits of different colour frequency noises, such as pink, brown and green noise, in addition to white.
Currys spoke with Professor Bhattacharya, Professor of Psychology to discover the benefits of particular sounds for concentration – with this information Currys has created an interactive tool called “the sound of wellness” which allows users to test the different sounds recommended for the problem they are having, discovering which one is right for them.
Listen to white and brown noise to focus
Sounds that can help with concentration and productivity are brown noise and white noise.
Brown noise is comparable to the sound of strong waterfalls, heavy rain and crashing thunder.
Brown noise contains all frequencies, like white noise, but plays the low frequencies at a greater volume and the high frequencies on a lower but softer level. Brown noise can help you with concentration and blocks out other distractions allowing you to give your undivided attention to the task at hand perfect when revising in a library or classroom with high volumes of background noise.
White noise has a flat frequency spectrum, meaning that it spans multiple bands of sound. It is referred to as white noise because it resembles white light as every band of the spectrum shines equally brightly, the sound can be compared to that of a whirling fan and tv static. Playing white noise can help create a better and more consistent work environment, reduce fatigue, improve overall concentration, and help memory when used at night. Stress and anxiety can cause the mind to become forgetful, and the thinking process gets foggy which in turn makes productivity feel hopeless.
Professor Bhattacharya, Professor of Psychology at Goldsmith University of London, said: “Recent research shows that white noise in the background leads to enhanced cognitive performance in terms of maintaining attention, task performance, higher creativity, and lower stress levels in a workplace setting; importantly, this enhancement was found when noise was presented at 45 dB, but not at the 65 dB level.
“White noise might be more effective for tasks requiring sustained attention and memory processes and for individuals with low arousal levels.”
Figuring out how to stay focused while studying is a challenge that many students face. With there being so many potential distractions, it can be hard to get any work done.
10 Revision and preparation tips for GCSEs
Listening to brown or white noise is one way to improve focus, but it is also suggested you follow these steps to help minimise the stress of studying and keep you focused on what matters.
1. Clean your room
A clean room free of clutter will help you stay organised. It is easier to keep track of study notes and books for one thing, but a tidy clutter-free space will give you a clear focus and provides a better environment for learning.
2. Find natural light
Position yourself to experience as much natural light as possible and use lamps for task lighting. Exposure to natural light can have positive effects on your mental and physical health, and study spaces with natural light can help to improve productivity and reduce eye fatigue.
3. Fresh air
Opening the windows allows fresh air to circulate and reduces indoor pollution. Fresh air can help to increase the amount of oxygen in your brain, which increases serotonin levels. Serotonin is a natural chemical that the brain and intestines produce, which helps you to feel better overall. Getting fresh air is a simple way to improve your mood.
4. Step away from your study space
Taking a break vital to reduce burnout and stress. Breaks allow you to pause and reset so that you can carry on with a new burst of energy. Revising continuously without taking proper breaks can harm your productivity, mental and physical health.
5. Remove distractions
The more focused you are while studying the more you are likely to retain information. So, reducing distractions in your study environment can you help you remember more of what you have learned. It is important that you put your phone on silent so that you won’t hear or see any notifications. Stay away from all social media as this can be very distracting and will waste your valuable time.
6. Go to bed early
A good night’s sleep is essential for your brain to function, process, and recall information. Going to bed early means you will feel rested and ready to fit in more revision during the day.
7. Feed your brain
Eating crisps, pizzas, chips, and burgers may be tasty and time efficient but it won’t result in effective revision. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking lots of water will leave you feeling more energetic and focused.
8. Create a revision timetable
A revision timetable can add structure to your study and help identify which subjects you need to prioritise to get better marks. It is a great way to organise your study time and it will keep you motivated.
9. Practice papers
Go through as many past papers as you can. This will help you become familiar with the exam format, question style, and time pressure so that you will be better prepared for the real thing.
10. Ask for help
If you are feeling stuck and you don’t know the answers to a question, you must ask your teacher for help or attend homework clubs where teachers can support you and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Want to know how to improve concentration for studying? Try the tool here: https://www.currys.co.uk/techtalk/audio/sound-of-wellness.html
