How to stay focussed

[BreakHerOffAKitKat]

Wasn't sure what topic to post in but I need help!

I work a full time job and am due to sit professional exams in my field in 2 weeks. Passing these exams will result in me being licensed to practice in my field, a chunky bonus, pay rise and promotion so the pressure is on.

I've been fitting classes and study around my job for the last few months and I'm now on 2 weeks study leave.

I am totally overwhelmed and very very easily distracted.

Does anyone have any tips on how to study smart and stay focussed? I've not sat any kind of exam for 17 years so I am well out of practice.

I know the topics I need to cover but I'm struggling to organise my time and not get distracted.

Any tips would be appreciated

I did exams a few years ago after a break of many years, so here are some random thoughts:
make a revision timetable, write down all your study slots and divide the topics between them, maybe have slot before each exam where you go over it again
making the timetable is part of the process of getting into it
make notes as you revise to summarise what you are reading, you can make flash cards straight away or do them from your notes because then you’ll be going over it twice (and more when you go thru the flash cards last minute ) this is really important, it’s almost a kind of magic how summarising helps you remember things, I guess because you are actively thinking about the content not just reading
flash cards with questions on one side and the answers on the other are often most useful
remember it’s never too late and some revision is always better than no revision
it will take time to get into it you will have good days and bad days, that’s ok, sometimes it will be interesting sometimes boring, that’s ok
sometimes it’s good to just get a cup of tea and do some first thing without having breakfast or getting dressed because then you are boosted by your sense of early morning achievement
make it visual , lists, acronyms, mind maps, diagrams of processes, going through notes again highlighting different things in different colours
set yourself a goal as to how far you are going to get before a break, or just say you are going to sit there and do something useful towards it for one hour, then you’re allowed a cup of tea/brief kitchen tidy etc
if you need a wake up, or are not understanding something do something physical for few minutes, exercise bike , run up and down stairs, star jumps
remind yourself why you are doing it and that it will be over soon
make sure you’re familiar with the format of exams and find as many past papers, relevant questions that you can to test yourself (ie active revision)
this one’s expensive (apologies if not possible) but I used to go to a hotel for a day or two, and reward myself with swims etc after I’d achieved a certain number of topics , getting out of your usual space/home in some way might help
Eg find a library and break up your day by spending some time there, or a lot if that works better
if the exams are face to face and some distance away, consider staying really nearby if possible so you can revise to the last minute and avoid too much last minute travel stress
Good luck!

Thank you so much @Squirrelsonthescaffolding - lots of really helpful ideas there, I've made a start with the flash cards, im definitely more of a visual learner so hoping they helps things sink in!

Pomodoro technique

When we know that we need to do it only for a fixed short time , say 30 minutes, we find it easier and tend to stay focused, even if the task on hand is hard/ boring etc

Try getting out of the house to reduce distraction. If you have a university nearby, go use their study spaces in the library. Or try your local library or understanding coffee shop. Sometimes, just having other people around helps keep you accountable.