Human mind is tricky and funny in its own way. The more you try to train it, the more resilient it becomes. It does not follow any definite thought process, random thoughts just enter and exit your mind at their own will. However, eventually something grabs your attention and your thoughts start lining up in order. This process is called concentration and unfortunately it does not occur voluntarily! While most of us can watch TV programs with rapt attention or read a novel with great focus, concentration seemly evades us when we open a textbook. Open a book and your mind is immediately filled with delightful thoughts about upcoming football game or the last conversation with your girlfriend or that most awaited vacation after exams. No matter how hard you try, you simply cannot make yourself sit for 15 minutes and absorb the content in the book. If the above description fits you, then you ought to check these tips to concentrate on studies better. How to Concentrate on Studies As mentioned above your mind has this uncanny knack of avoiding things that you force upon it. So if you simply tell your mind to concentrate, concentrate and concentrate, it will do everything except that. The secret of concentration lies in tricking your mind into believing that you actually love to do something which you really don't. Besides, you can also alter your environment a little so as to make studying a better experience. Plan Your Timetable Instead of picking up any textbook and reading it, it is always best to have a study plan ready. A good plan helps you to stay on track. However, be realistic with your timetable and do not expect too much out of yourself. If you have never studied late night in your life, then there is no point in allocating nighttime study hours. Similarly, plan your timetable in such a way that difficult subjects are dedicated more time. Introduce Variety If you study for 5 hours at a stretch, you are bound to get bored. Your attention span will start diminishing within hour or so. Hence, it is recommended that you keep on switching your subjects so that you do not get bored. However, make sure you dedicate at least 2 hours to each subject at a stretch. Combine your study sessions with well deserved breaks. After studying for an hour, grab a bite or take a walk in yard for 5 minutes. Take Interest This is the most important aspect of concentration. Unless you like what you are doing, it is not possible to focus on that task. Hence, you have to take interest in what you are studying. You can start with your favorite subject and move on to difficult ones, once you get the knack of studying. You can also take the difficult subject when your mind is most alert and refreshed. Spare the most interesting ones after meal time, when your mind is sheepish. Set Up a Study Area It is better to have a dedicated study room where you can concentrate properly without any distractions. If that is not possible, you can set up a study table in a secluded corner in your home. Make sure you study at this place and nowhere else. This helps your mind to automatically focus when you sit on your study table. Make sure the place is well-lit and ventilated. Get Rid of Distractions You will never be able to concentrate if you are surrounded with all types of distractions. Switch off your cell phone or simply put it away if you are likely to check messages every now and then. Turn off the television and let the music play only in background, if you must listen to it. Make sure you are isolated from activities of other members in house. Meditation techniques for concentration also help you stay focused. Get Enough Rest Your mind will be at its sharpest only if you let it rest for sufficient time. Sleep for at least 6 to 8 hours depending upon your individual requirements. Eat healthy meals and reward yourself some free time after studies. You may even ask a friend to study with you, so that you are more motivated to concentrate. However, make sure your study session does not turn into a gossip session.