During the exam period and for midterm tests, it’s not only difficult to get yourself to study at all, but also to focus on the subject matter for a longer period of time once you start: i.e. to process, understand and learn it.

The pandemic has highlighted the fact that nowadays in the 2020s you don’t even have to leave your home, all the stimuli can find anyway: tick-tockers and youtubers are continuously uploading their contents, friends are constantly texting on Messenger, streaming providers are producing new shows.

First, create a place in your home where you can block out outside distractions and “hide from the world”. Of course, this is much harder if you’re a college dorm student, or maybe you have little siblings who are constantly screaming, or anyone in your home is watching TV at maximum volume.
There is still a solution, “escape” to an always quiet library or a restaurant, café or tea room where you can hide in a corner.

Set your phone to airplane mode, of course. If you expect an important message from someone, tell them briefly that you will be unavailable for a few hours or a day or two, because you are preparing for an exam.
Most people study from a laptop, not a book. It’s a good idea to also set your computer so that you don’t receive any notifications.
If the material is boring, you may find yourself wandering off. Therefore, don’t just read the material, but always make short notes of the material as you go through it, so running trough these notes in the hours before the exam will give you a much clearer picture.

It’s important not to be “over-excited”. However, during exam periods, try to start studying as early as possible so you are less likely to need coffee. You’ll remember what you’re studying better if you’re well rested and clear-headed!