How can I study without losing focus?

[llugguss]

Hello everyone!

Very glad and happy to be part of this community! I know that this question might look like a silly one to people who do not have ADD or maybe even a bit ridiculous here as well.

Yes, I am an adult.

No, still haven't figured out how to find my focus without going "off balance"

So here's what happens. I study online, right? And the first step is always the hardest, getting myself to start. It's so difficult to get to that point I don't know why, it's like my head runs three different conversational threads at the same time about different topics all the time.

After convincing myself (every time) I finally get my laptop and sit down in my study area. And then it depends on my mood - I'm either "half focused" this means that I study and get my lessons done extremely slowly with many breaks.

Or I "full energy focus insanity" and I don't stop for 3 days. Barely sleep. and then crash.

So...I generally prefer working slowly and with breaks because its less exhausting. But snail paced. I'm worried I'm going to fall behind.

Not just in my studies, but in my life too.

Can anyone relate? Any tips or advice or something?

Thank you

(ADD people sorry for the long post I don't want to read it too)

[Inarticulate]

Yep. I give myself 5 mins (I use a timer - watch, kitchen timer, Alexa device etc) to actually start - switch on for my material, logon etc. I then give myself 15 mins to find notes, read a paper and make notes etc and then I deliberately move onto something else. I keep each activity on a post-it and cycle through a number of activities - all study but not the same. I deliberately frustrate myself because I don’t want to stop and I find I’m typically more focused when I come back to the task because I’m not staying on it.

[MoonlightForest]

Omg...this is me: schoolwork 10 mins, do my nails 20 mins, schoolwork 10 mins, toenails 10 mins...schoolwork 15 mins...get up and stretch/jumping jacks. Soooo....my school days start at 8am and end around 10pm. I’ve just learned to accept that this is how I function best. 😂

[faiths35]

I am totally with you on this one! I have been an online student for 6 years (yes, 6 years. Before I got treatment for my ADD, I could only take 2-3 courses at a time).

I completely understand what you mean when you say you are either half-focused or all in. I personally typically have zero focus or complete focus, and there is literally no in between.

It can be such a struggle to get started even though in the back of your mind you absolutely know what you truly should be doing when you are procrastinating and doing miscellaneous tasks to avoid studying/working. I think that is what a lot of people dont understand. Many people would tell me to "just do it" or "just get it done and over with" but for us with ADD, that method doesnt work like most would think and it is incredibly frustrating.

I found keeping a daily to-do list near me at all times really helped. I have always utilized to-do lists but I would write the list then stash it away somewhere and wouldnt actually utilize it. My psychiatrist recommended keeping it out in the open on the table or right next to my laptop at all times and I found that keeping it near me throughout the day actually helps because it is rewarding to be able to cross off those tasks.

Now I know this isnt a magic cure, but It helps a little.

Like right now while typing this post, I am aware I am completely off task and have been for a while now 😅

Just know you are capable of this and you are not alone!