Hello, questioner,
I can empathize with you when you face the dilemma of being distracted from your studies. Many students have probably faced similar problems. Especially since you achieved good results last semester, it seems that you are now facing a dilemma that is making you feel confused and at a loss.
Please accept my sincere hope that my feelings and analysis will prove helpful to you in finding a way to solve the problem.
1. I don't know what kind of learning situation and interpersonal situation you were in before going to college, but from your writing, it seems that after getting excellent grades at the end of the semester, you have a sense of distinction within yourself and a desire to evaluate others. This seems to be a kind of dualistic cognitive thinking. Your deskmate's agreement and your own self-talk made you feel uncomfortable and uneasy, which was perceived by your subconscious mind as bad and intruded on your concentration. So you had to resist and resist, and the way you did so was at the expense of your own concentration, allowing you to divert your attention from studying, thus becoming distracted and irritable.
2. In the past, you gained a lot from every class, but now, because of the predicament you are in, you are unable to focus on the course content, which makes you feel frustrated with yourself. But at the same time, seeing this significant difference between before and now and the seemingly downward trend, you are experiencing a sense of helplessness. The more you want to find a solution to this situation quickly, the more you seem to need to be harsh on yourself. This goes back and forth, creating a cycle that is difficult to break. I suspect that you are usually very dedicated to your studies and work very hard. You don't allow yourself to be slow, sloppy or lazy, and you don't allow yourself to be anything but excellent, which is why you feel such frustration and worry.
3. The upcoming sixth-level exam and the longing to go home, combined with the current unsatisfactory state, may contribute to feelings of anxiety. It's important to remember that everyone has their own self-protection mechanisms.
It can be challenging to face the pressure of an exam with peace of mind, especially in the uncertain situation of your future development during the pandemic. It's natural to seek ways to protect yourself from stress. Could your excessive attention to your deskmate be a familiar avoidance strategy you're using to relieve the pressure and worry caused by the exam? This is a phenomenon called "frustration gain" in psychology.
I hope you will find it helpful to consider some general and targeted suggestions, and I encourage you to take the time to reflect on them.
1. Consider recognizing and accepting your current imperfect reality.
It can be challenging to accept the current reality when it differs from our ideal state. However, engaging in deep self-awareness and reflection can help us bridge the gap between our current situation and our aspirations. To do so, we must have the courage to acknowledge and accept our current reality, including any negative emotions that arise. These emotions often stem from our expectations that we can be better.
2. It might be helpful to find a peer to confide in and ask for help.
By focusing more of your attention on your classmate, you have actually relieved some of the pressure caused by your academic performance. However, it is possible that the consequences of being distracted have also affected your current learning and interpersonal relationships.
It might be helpful to consider expressing your repressed thoughts to your classmate in a way that seeks his forgiveness and help. There is a common saying in psychology that suggests that "all people and things that can trigger our negative emotions are worthy objects of study."
I believe your classmate may prove to be a valuable person in your learning journey.
3. It might be helpful to consider seeking assistance from teachers and professionals.
In light of the unpredictable circumstances of the ongoing pandemic, it is likely that many of us will experience varying degrees of psychosocial stress. When we feel that our stress management is not as effective as it could be, it can be helpful to seek guidance from teachers, parents, and professional counselors. By opening ourselves to new ways of thinking and strategies for coping, we can learn to manage stress more effectively and grow in the process.
Furthermore, it is a positive sign for college students to engage in sufficient self-exploration and actively seek help from professionals.
4. You can also help yourself in addition to seeking help actively.
You might find it helpful to read psychology books on emotional management, interpersonal communication, self-exploration, and so on. You could also read more books on positive psychology (such as Flow), which can provide useful solutions to problems. Additionally, consistent mindfulness meditation practice can be an effective way to improve concentration.
I hope that my sharing will be of some help to you. I wish you an early return to a focused and confident state of learning. I believe in the world and I love you.
Comments
I totally get how frustrating that can be. It's tough when you're trying your best to focus but there's a constant distraction right beside you. Maybe talking to her or finding a quieter spot could help regain your concentration.
It sounds like you're under a lot of pressure with the CET6 coming up. Have you considered discussing the situation with your teacher? They might offer some solutions or even allow you to change seats.
The noise from your seatmate is really getting in the way of your learning. Perhaps you could try using earplugs or noisecanceling headphones to block out the sound and help you concentrate on your studies again.
Feeling this way is completely understandable given the circumstances. If changing seats isn't an option, maybe setting specific goals for each class can keep you more engaged despite the distractions around you.
Your frustration is valid, but it's important not to let it spiral into selfdoubt. Try to establish a solid study routine outside of class, which might compensate for the lost focus during lectures and boost your confidence for the CET6.