Struggling to Focus While Studying for the NBCOT® Exam?

We’ve all been there. You’ve just set up your books and laptop, maybe with a cup of tea or a glass of cold water beside you. You feel ready to conquer the next couple of hours of focused work. The NBCOT® exam is yours! You’ve got this.

Then, without warning, a tornado of thoughts hits your brain.

You start thinking about dinner plans… or whether you even have plans… or a cat… or a name for a cat… or that person who hasn’t texted you back. Before you know it, an hour has passed, and you’ve spent it staring at the material while your mind has spiraled elsewhere.

You’re frustrated because you’ve made no progress. Now you’ll need to make up for lost time, again.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal, and there are ways to quiet your mind and regain focus.

Below are a few practical and proven techniques to help your mind slow down and stay focused as you prepare for the NBCOT® exam.

1. Try Meditation (Yes, Really)

App suggestion: Headspace, or any meditation app of your choice.

The hard part isn’t downloading the app—it’s actually using it. If you’ve made it this far in OT school, you’ve likely heard about the benefits of meditation: reduced stress, better focus, lower anxiety. But hearing about it isn’t the same as practicing it.

Even a 3-minute guided meditation, whether while lying in bed or waiting for your fifth snooze alarm, can make a difference. It doesn’t have to be long—just consistent.

2. Use YouTube Meditations Instead

If apps aren’t your thing, here are a few free, calming videos you can try:

• 🎧 5 MINUTE Calming Meditation (With Guiding Voice)
• ☀️ 15 Minutes to Start Your Day with Clarity / Morning Meditation / Mindful Movement
• 🌟 Miracle Morning Meditation | 5 Minutes to A More Productive, Joyful Day

3. Listen to Calming Background Sounds or Music

Whether it’s classical music, ambient noise, lo-fi beats, or nature sounds, pick audio that slows your mind and doesn’t distract you.

You know yourself better than anyone, trust your instincts and experiment with what keeps you calm yet alert.

4. Do a Quick Yoga Routine or Stretch

Stretching before a long study session, or even midway through, can ease physical tension and bring your focus back.

Here are two beginner-friendly yoga videos:

• 🪑 10 Minute Chair Yoga Practice
• 🧘‍♀️ Yoga For Focus & Productivity – 10-Minute Practice

5. Breathing Exercise for Focused Studying

Try this visualization while studying:

Slowing your breathing rhythm can ease anxiety and help center your thoughts. This makes it easier to stay present and choose the right answers, especially when you’re down to two choices on a question.

Here’s how:

• Inhale to the count of four (e.g., “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two…”)
• Exhale to the count of four
• Feel your rib cage and belly gently expand and soften
• Repeat four times
• Then let go of the counting and simply breathe at your natural pace

Try this mental affirmation:
“My breath is free. My mind is free. I can focus on this work.”

This simple technique can ground you before or during study sessions, and even on exam day.

Final Thoughts

Focus isn’t something that magically appears; it’s something you train. And training your brain to slow down and stay calm is just as important as reviewing charts or practicing quizzes.

Incorporate even one or two of the techniques above, and you’ll notice your mind shifting into a more focused, productive rhythm, one step closer to passing the NBCOT® exam with confidence.