Focus strategies ?: So to make it... - CHADD's Adult ADH...

CHADD's Adult ADHD Support

25,023 members6,145 posts

Focus strategies ?

Moonjoke profile image
9 Replies

So to make it simple, I'm currently studying but the worst pain in the ass is having enough passion, interest in what I'm studying.

I'm already failing my first semester because I can't focus enough to not be distracted by other stuff and I need my computer to study (I'm studying computer engineering)

Any advice is welcomed. I thought about maybe do a second profile on my computer for when I'm studying, but I would still have internet

Written by
Moonjoke profile image
Moonjoke
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
Pcofwork profile image
Pcofwork

That would be a great strategy. Break study time down into blocks. Study for 30 minutes, and then take 15 to surf the net. I worked with a counselor when I was in university, and it was super helpful. Get help from Student Services. There are a lot of us in school, so you're not alone.

Moonjoke profile image
Moonjoke in reply toPcofwork

Thank you, I'll try this

Pcofwork profile image
Pcofwork in reply toMoonjoke

You're welcome! I've learned so much about myself and ADHD this past year. All these things I thought were character flaws are actually just ADHD. Good luck!

Moonjoke profile image
Moonjoke in reply toPcofwork

This too, I'll also try to apply for the next semester for a coaching in studying that the insurance for disability provide for people with ADHD (we love to live in a socialist country)

Birdwatcher19 profile image
Birdwatcher19

Pomodoro technique helps me to stay on task. Set a timer and work/study for 25 minutes, then set your timer for a 3-5 minute break (you can get up and move around, surf, etc.). Repeat 4 times, then take a 30-minute break before starting again.

Muddpuddle profile image
Muddpuddle in reply toBirdwatcher19

I agree with this. However, I needed my timer to be visual. There are many good visual timers available now - at a glance you can see how big a chunk of time is left to keep working. That helps me out a bit extra.

JW621 profile image
JW621

Take a break off social media. Put a timer on it.

Mar_mar profile image
Mar_mar

I get distracted by background noises such as the TV or conversations people around me are having. So when I want to get myself in the zone I put on my headphones and play some white noise playlist on youtube to washout all other distractions. I've recently been listening to this one if you're interested in checking it out

youtu.be/jvM9AfAzoSo

Neurolancer profile image
Neurolancer

I feel for you. I'm the mom of three ADD/ADHD students and I have ADD myself. Quite an accomplishent. And my son failed out of Aerospace Engineering by second semester. He's doing better now second semester sophmore year from maturing (ADD people can be three years behind social/emotionally and with other prefrontal cortex skills/abilities) and learning from experience what helps him focus.

1. I strongly concur that you should get the counselor and/or coach from disability services -- then you are accountable to someone else and they GET YOU.

1a. When you get the counselor you will have signed up for other "accommodations" like longer time on test (eg you may take longer on tests because of lack of focus")

2. If you take medication, take it shortly before you studying then get right to it. Do you take a short-acting boost during day or evening? Time it right before a study period and study while it's at its peak in your system. (If you don't have meds or a boost prescription, consider them strongly as important tools. Don't let ANYONE or ANYTHING get in the way.)

3. Figure out when you have the best energy for studying and what time of day that is. Work everything you can around studying then. It's okay if you work best when you have a dead-line -- adrenaline is legitimate. Related tip: Exercise is critically important -- as important as medication in helping with your ADD/ADHD symptoms. Try exercising before a big study session.

4. Leave your phone in another room or if you're away from home buried in your back-pack. If you are using it as a timer, get a small timer on Amazon that is quiet and use that instead. Plan things so you DON'T NEED IT.

5. Figure out what type of work is easiest to start with. Easy assignment? Short one? Or diving into the one that you hate and want to clear off of the table. Or maybe it's actually the first priority one. But once you take the first, easiest step, you are likely to keep going for the amount of time of your first study period.

6. Consider a study buddy/ies who is a focused student and compassionate with you. You are accountable to someone else in terms of showing up to study; somehow it works -- you start modeling what they do. And they are not a distraction to you.

7. Mindfully schedule time for your passions or whatever calms you. Doing these things will help you focus when you are looking forward to them, and will help you focus after doing them because they've decluttered and reset your brain.

Best of luck!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

young professional struggling to focus at work

I'm new here. I am currently a grad student studying Public Health, and was diagnosed with ADHD...

How does driving become manageable with ADHD?

One of my biggest tasks right now is wanting to be able to drive. It's so embarrassing not being...
Codebox42 profile image

Unhealthy ADHD Masking or Coping Strategies?

I'm awaiting a formal ADHD diagnosis and I recently read that masking is unhealthy. I completely...
daverussell profile image

FOCUS

What are some ways to help me focus better on the task I'm currently working on? Ideas would be...
AlyCat231988 profile image

Reading Comprehension Strategies

Has anyone experienced success in reading comprehension? This is an area I'd really like to find...
Reyne11 profile image

Moderation team

See all
JamiHIS profile image
JamiHISAdministrator
zlib profile image
zlibPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.