There’s no question that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can make studying a daunting task. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with procrastination, making it challenging to get started on assignments until the last minute. Even when they finally sit down to work, their attention may drift away from the task at hand, causing them to lose focus and productivity.
Unfortunately, the difficulties that come with ADHD and studying can have long-term consequences on academic performance. A 2016 study showed that middle school students with ADHD turned in 12% fewer assignments each quarter than their peers, leading to lower overall grades. This, in turn, made it less likely for these students to complete future assignments, creating a vicious cycle that can significantly impact their academic success. However, with the right strategies, it’s possible to improve studying with ADHD. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten secrets to studying better with ADHD.
1. Create a Study Plan
The first step to studying effectively with ADHD is to create a study plan. This plan should include all of the tasks you need to complete and the deadlines for each task. By breaking your work down into smaller, more manageable tasks, you’ll be less overwhelmed and more likely to complete your work on time.
2. Use a Timer
The Pomodoro Technique is a helpful tool for managing time effectively when studying with ADHD. By setting a timer for a specific amount of time, individuals can focus on a task until the timer goes off. Studying with a timer can improve time management, productivity, focus, and reduce procrastination. By breaking down study sessions into manageable chunks, individuals with ADHD can complete work efficiently and stay on task. Ultimately, using a timer can help individuals with ADHD achieve greater success in academic tasks.
3. Eliminate Distractions
Distractions are a major problem for individuals with ADHD. To study effectively, you need to eliminate as many distractions as possible. Turn off your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and find a quiet place to study.
4. Take Breaks
Taking breaks is important when studying with ADHD. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and burned out when you’re trying to focus for long periods. Take short breaks every 30-45 minutes to rest your brain and recharge.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for individuals with ADHD. Lack of sleep can make it even harder to focus and manage your time effectively. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help you stay alert and focused during the day.
6. Use Visual Aids
Visual aids can be a powerful tool for individuals with ADHD. They can help you better understand and remember information. Use diagrams, charts, and graphs to help you visualize concepts and make connections between ideas.
7. Find a Study Buddy
Collaborating with a partner or a study group can be particularly advantageous for individuals with ADHD. By working with someone else, individuals with ADHD can receive support, encouragement, and accountability, which can help them remain focused and on track. Furthermore, having a study buddy can foster better time management, collaboration, and retention of information.
8. Take Notes
Note-taking is essential for individuals with ADHD to improve their studying habits. It can boost engagement, enhance memory, facilitate organization, and provide a useful reference. Taking notes helps individuals stay focused and absorb the material, while reviewing them regularly reinforces the information and commits it to memory. By categorizing information and creating an outline, individuals can better understand the relationships between concepts and remember them more easily. Overall, note-taking is an effective strategy that individuals with ADHD can use to achieve academic success.
9. Brain Training and Memory Techniques
Incorporating brain training exercises into your study routine can help individuals with ADHD to strengthen their cognitive functions. Exercises such as puzzles, memory games, and cognitive training apps can help improve focus, attention, working memory, processing speed, and executive function. Memory techniques can help individuals with ADHD remember information better. Use acronyms, rhymes, and other memory aids to help you recall important information.
10. Practice Self-Care
Practicing self-care is essential for individuals with ADHD. Taking care of your physical and emotional needs can help you stay focused and manage your time effectively. Make time for exercise, relaxation, and activities you enjoy.
ADHD study support with the Brain Workshop
Studying with ADHD can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to improve your performance. If you or a loved one needs help managing ADHD and its impact on academic performance, consider reaching out to The Brain Workshop. Our brain training programs and services are designed to help individuals with ADHD and other cognitive challenges improve their learning and cognitive function.
Contact us to schedule your consultation to unlock your child’s fullest potential today.
