Steps to a Better Study Pt.2

Have you ever had trouble reading the next chapter for class because of the moronic guy that blasts his music in the most unusual places--this case being the library (and despite the fact that he was using ear buds!) . I've noticed that at times when I most need a quite place to read or study without distractions, such a place seems impossible to find. I usually go to the library at school before and after classes to study and this generally provides an adequate atmosphere; however, I still find myself distracted by the comings and goings of the other students. You may have had similar experiences.

Early on in the semester I tried studying at the library, outside at the Arboretum, at Starbucks Coffeehouse, and in my bedroom. Unfortunately, all of these places had too many distractions for me. After some trial and error, I found that because my Attention Deficit Disorder and Asperger's make focusing and noise more difficult for me, the best place for me to study is in a room all by myself. In addition, I have learned that I need to limit distractions such as music and television when I am studying; and that I study best later in the day between 4-8 p.m. While these are my study preferences, they may not be the best for everyone.

Because people are different, they have different needs and require different stimuli. Therefore, as a student it is important to identify the type of study environment and style that best meets your needs. For some it may be complete solitude and for others it may be a coffeehouse atmosphere with music and people. If you don't know what the optimal study environment is for you, then test drive a few different environments to see where you are best able to focus on your studies. Once you identify your study style and find your ideal study environment, you will be better able to focus on and complete your school assignments. It worked for me!

Sick of Setbacks

Now that Influenza season has arrived along with the colorful Autumn leafs, the last thing people want is a nasty virus. Nevertheless, with the cold and flu season upon us, don't be surprised to find yourself bed ridden for a few days this semester. I know because I was put out of commission for about 4-5 days a couple of weeks ago with flu like symptoms within days of getting my flu shot. Take it from me, getting sick is a horrible experience. First, you're spend days feeling miserable and unable to do anything but hope that you get better soon. Then to make matters worse, once you do get better you find yourself buried in a mountain of make-up school work. My first instinct was to panic; however, I then realized that by using both time and stress management skills I could make what seemed like an impossible task more manageable.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, the first trick is to NOT over react once you realize that you have a ton of work in your "To Do" box. Stressing about it will only stall your efforts to get the work done. My suggestion is to write down all of your homework assignments. Next, prioritize each by writing numbers one, two, three, etc. beside each according to order of important. This could be based on the date when due or the amount of work required to complete the task (i.e. a research paper is more important than completing chapter questions). Then try to map out a schedule for getting the work done. For example, set goals such as on Saturday and Sunday I will work on my research paper, then on Monday complete math and history questions, etc. The hard part will be sticking to the schedule and focusing on one task at a time. I know from my own experience that I was better able to complete my make-up assignments by focusing on one at a time. Because I initially felt overwhelmed, I found myself taking a shotgun approach to my make-up work. I'd start work on one assignment, then shift to another, and then another, without ever completing any of them. This approach did not work because I was having to shift my mental gears too often. I finally realized that focusing on one task at a time until it was completed was a better use of my time. Also, being able to mark off an assignment from my "To Do" list made be feel like I was making progress.

Hopefully, you will be one of the lucky few who don't get sick this semester, but if it happens to you and you get behind on your school work, just take a deep breath and remember that stressing out will only slow you down. Instead, prioritize your assignments and make a plan for getting the work done one assignment at a time. Don't let getting sick set you back.

Stress No More

S-T-R-E-S-S can be a real nuisance. The past two weeks have been unbelievably stressful for me. I have been busy studying for mid-term exams and preparing research papers and essays for many of my classes. I can definitely say from experience that stress and studying do NOT go together. That feeling of being overwhelmed is not enjoyable. For me, stress has been like a roadblock. Because my concentration has been diverted to worrying how to get my papers done and find time to study, I've had trouble staying on track and focusing on each of my assignments. My shot gun approach to completing my papers and studying for exams was not a good use of my time. It also added to my stress levels. I think from now on I will try focusing on one project at a time. I also think that when I become overwhelmed again, I will try to take more time to relax my mind. Learning to meditate, or finding other ways to de-stress, such as listening to ambient music, exercising, doing some deep breathing might also help me relax so that I can better focus on by studies. Trust me, after the last couple of weeks, I'm ready to try anything! I hope that other college students reading this blog might find these tips useful.