Notes on focus.
Short, practical articles on working in blocks, studying well and choosing what to listen to. Every claim links to its source.
Technique
How long can you focus? What research actually says
What attention span means, where the goldfish statistic came from, what sustained-attention research shows, and how long to focus at a time.
Technique
Body doubling: what it is and how to try it
What body doubling is, why many people find it helps them start, virtual options like Focusmate, and how to pair a session with a focus timer.
Technique
Pomodoro 25/5 vs 50/10: which interval fits your work?
Short sprints or long blocks? How to choose between 25/5 and 50/10 Pomodoro intervals by task type, energy and experience, with a free timer for both.
Studying
The active recall study method: a practical guide
Learn the active recall study method step by step: turn notes into questions, test yourself without looking, and schedule reviews that stick.
Studying
How to build a distraction-free study routine
Set up your desk, phone and schedule so distractions are handled before you sit down. A step-by-step routine you can start with your next study session.
Studying
Spaced repetition explained: intervals, flashcards and Anki
A practical guide to spaced repetition: when to review, how to build good cards, and a simple schedule you can follow for any subject.
Studying
Test-taking strategies: before, during and after the exam
Practical test-taking strategies: how to prepare in the final week, manage time during the exam, approach each question type and handle nerves.
Studying
The Cornell note-taking method, step by step
How to set up a Cornell notes page, what goes in the cue column, notes area and summary, and how to use your notes for review and self-testing.
Music
The best music for coding, by task
Which music works for programming? Compare lofi, ambient, synthwave and classical for deep work, debugging and routine tasks, with focus playlists.
Music
Brown noise vs white noise vs pink noise for focus
How brown, white and pink noise differ, what the 2024 meta-analysis found (and that brown noise is untested), and how to pick one for studying.
Music
Does lofi help you study? What we know
What research does and does not say about lofi and studying, which tasks it suits, when it gets in the way, and how to try it for yourself.
Music
Focus music for studying: how to choose it and use it
A practical guide to studying with music: which genres suit reading, writing and memorizing, how loud to play it, and why lyrics get in the way.
Music
Lofi vs ambient music for focus
When to put on lofi and when to switch to ambient: a comparison by task, energy level and environment, with playlists for both.
ADHD
ADHD study techniques: practical strategies that help
Study strategies many people with ADHD find useful: shorter timed sessions, body doubling, movement breaks and environment tweaks. Not medical advice.
ADHD
Brown noise and ADHD focus: what to know
Why brown noise is popular for ADHD focus, how it differs from white and pink noise, what evidence exists, and tips for volume and session length.