I am not able to focus on my studies. - #11645
Hello Doctor, I am a CS Executive student, and lately I have been struggling a lot with my studies. Even though I want to focus and prepare for my exams, I find it very hard to concentrate, and my mind feels stuck or distracted most of the time. After watching lectures, I feel completely exhausted and unable to study further, which makes me feel guilty and anxious about my performance. I keep overthinking, and this has been affecting my daily routine and confidence. I would like to understand why I am facing these concentration issues and what steps I can take to manage my mental health better so that I can prepare for my exams with focus and peace of mind.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Your problem is not lack of ability, but mental fatigue + anxiety loop. By structuring study, taking care of lifestyle, and using simple focus techniques, your energy and concentration can return within weeks. Thank you.
Hi Amitha,
Mental exhaustion, inability to focus, guilt, anxiety, and overthinking are actually quite common among students under high pressure.
You can follow : POMODORO METHOD Recall what you learned Breathing exercises Sleep for 7 hours properly (Fixed sleep cycle) Include short walks/stretching between sessions to refresh. You can talk to a Counsellor/mental health professional also.
Take multivitamins and omega 3 tablets.
With the right approach, you can restore focus and confidence. Don’t feel burned out Take it easy,You’ve got this dear
Thank you
Difficulty concentrating, mental exhaustion, and overthinking during exam preparation can be related to study burnout, anxiety, or underlying mental health issues like stress-induced attention problems. This cycle of guilt and low confidence further reduces productivity and worsens focus. Please consult a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for evaluation and strategies such as stress management, therapy, or treatment options to help you regain concentration and emotional balance.
1. Difficulty in focusing often comes from mental fatigue, stress, or overthinking, not from lack of ability.
2. Long hours of continuous study drain energy – break your sessions into short focused slots (Pomodoro method: 25–30 mins + 5 mins break).
3. Keep your body active daily exercise, good sleep, and balanced diet improve concentration and reduce anxiety.
4. Try simple mind relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation before study sessions to calm your thoughts.
5. Reduce distractions: keep your phone aside, study in a fixed quiet place, and make a realistic timetable.
6. If anxiety and guilt continue to affect you, it’s best to speak with a counselor or mental health doctor for personalized strategies.
Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems you are overburdened with stress and mental issues It is not a big problem but has to be tackled with proper discipline and responsibility Iam suggesting some precautions for improvement Please follow them for atleast 2 months Do meditation for mental strength Do physical exercises atleast half an hour for physical freshness Take zincovit multivitamin therapy once a day for 1 month Engage in social activities for mind engagement Indulge in hobbies like reading novels or writing for creativity and building self confidence Remain away from negative people Kindly follow these instructions for 1 month Hopefully there should be improvement Remember there is no need of medication In case of no improvement consult psychiatrist in person for better results Regards
Hello Amitha,
I understand how stressful it feels when you want to study but your mind doesn’t cooperate. From what you describe — difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue after lectures, overthinking, guilt, and anxiety — this looks like a mix of exam-related stress, mild performance anxiety, and possible burnout.
Study Habits - Use the Pomodoro technique (25–30 min focused study, 5 min break).
Lifestyle - Maintain 7–8 hours sleep (sleep and wake up at fixed times). Do 30 minutes exercise / yoga / brisk walk daily → proven to improve concentration & reduce anxiety.
Mind Relaxation - Practice 10–15 min daily meditation / breathing exercises (e.g., box breathing, mindfulness apps).
Maintain good hydration and have a balanced protein rich diet, add fruits.
Medical Support - After practicing this, still you feel anxious or not able to focus, please reach out, we can start some anxiolytics to calm you down so that you could study.
Feel free to reach out
Regards,
Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med
Hello, As per your symptoms, it seems that you lack concentration and discipline. Firstly, ask yourself why you want to achiev that goal and then make a logical & practical plan for yourself. DO NOT SET UNREALISTIC GOALS.
I suggest you to follow these: 1. Do meditation 2, Go for a walk when you are confused 3. Socialise with your dear ones in your free time 4. Have a healthy diet 5. Adequate sleep
Hope it will help you out. Take care
Difficulty focusing on studies can be frustrating, especially when it leads to feelings of anxiety and guilt. This often happens due to a combination of factors such as stress, anxiety, lifestyle habits, and sometimes even sleep deprivation or dietary imbalances. Firstly, consider evaluating your daily routine. Are you getting adequate sleep, around 7-9 hours per night? Sleep is crucial for cognitive function and concentration. Also, check your diet – eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and maintaining hydration can significantly impact mental clarity. Regular physical activity, even a short walk or some stretching, can improve concentration as it increases blood flow to the brain. Stress management is also key, as chronic stress hampers focus. It might be helpful to incorporate relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises. Spending a few minutes daily on these can clear mental clutter and reduce overthinking. while taking breaks during study sessions can help prevent exhaustion. Try the pomodoro technique: study intensely for 25 minutes then take a 5-minute break. Anxiety itself could be causing the inability to focus. If these strategies don’t help, consider speaking with a mental health professional who can offer tailored advice or therapy. It’s essential to address these concentration issues not just for academic improvement, but for overall well-being too. If symptoms persist or worsen, it might be worthwhile to seek further evaluation to rule out conditions like ADHD or depression, which can also affect focus.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.