It is not easy for most people to study. It is even more of a challenging task to study when you have ADHD.
Those individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have higher than normal levels of hyperactivity and may also have below normal ability to focus on an individual task. This makes studying especially difficult for adults and children with ADHD.
These strategies could help to study when you have ADHD:
- Remove distractions. Most of us are easily distracted these days. Those with ADHD are even more susceptible to distractions. It’s worth the effort to create a place to study that is as devoid of distractions as possible. This is a very common occurrence when trying to set up plans on studying when you have ADHD.
- A completely bare room with a desk and maybe a clock is ideal. The goal is the minimize the amount of distractions to help improve efficiency.
- Focus on one task at a time. No one is particularly good at switching back and forth between tasks. This is even more challenging for someone with ADHD. Choose a task and commit to working on it until either the task or the allocated time is complete. Then, take a break and move forward.
- Take regular breaks. There are people with very short attention spans that have accomplished amazing things by alternating 10-minute work periods with 10-20-minute breaks.
- Remember that a break doesn’t necessarily mean sitting there staring into space. It can be a good time to do a chore around the house, do some pushups, or call a friend.
- Find the right ratio of working time to break time for you. You’ll never know what works for you without experimenting. There’s a right combination for everyone.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute. Plan ahead. Look ahead in your schedule and begin working on papers and studying for tests well in advance. Avoid the temptation to cram the night before. It’s a poor strategy for anyone but can be even worse for someone with ADHD.
- Exercise. Exercise can help to bleed off some of the excess energy that can make it hard to sit still and get to work. Exercise is a great remedy for a variety of ailments. Regular exercise can be a tremendous boost to your ability to focus and study.
- Try taking a nap. Naps are a wonderful tool for some but seem to help others very little. This will be a trial-and-error process for each individual to assess what is most effective for themselves. Try short naps, long naps, and everything in between. A little sleep can reset your brain in a way that simply relaxing cannot.
- Schedule study time. Have a schedule that you stick to. A routine can be highly beneficial and ensure that you don’t fall behind. Catching up is always challenging but is especially challenging for someone with an attention disorder.
- Talk to your school or seek out an expert. Your school might have accommodations for students with learning challenges. You might be entitled to free tutors, altered testing conditions such as a private room, or additional time for tests. This is true from elementary school to college. You’ll never know if you don’t ask. There’s nothing to lose. You may have to reach out to someone who is trained in working with individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, such as a counselor or social worker, and would be a plus if they have experience with individuals in the school setting.
If you or someone you care about has ADHD, you know how challenging it can be to sit down, focus, and even understand how to study when you have ADHD. However, the tips above can help anyone to be more effective at studying whether they have ADHD or not!
The key is to experiment and to keep an open mind. The right solution might surprise you.
Be sure to get in touch with an appropriate medical professional if a satisfactory result isn’t attained. The right medication, treatment, or expert advice can make a huge difference.
