Jul '24 (edited) • General discussion
How To Learn with ADHD in 2024
Hey NeuroTheive's,
I had a thought while trying to study for an exam the other day. Why is it so much easier for most of us with ADHD to focus on things we're passionate about, but struggle with seemingly simple tasks?
There's something about our ADHD brains that craves novelty and excitement, making traditional learning methods a real challenge. But what if we could hack our brains to make learning more engaging and effective?
Simple realisation. Big implications.
✍️ What we worked on this week
This week, I thought about how our ADHD brains often hold us back from learning effectively. A common misperception is that we struggle to learn because we're lazy or because the material is too difficult.
But a lot of the time, what holds us back isn't the difficulty of the task, but our brain's constant search for stimulation and our struggle with sustained attention.
But here's the thing: with the right strategies, we can work *with* our ADHD brains, not against them.
🧠 The ADHD-Friendly Learning Mindset
I've been thinking about a strategy called the "ADHD-FRIENDLY LEARNING MINDSET". It's an approach that I've been experimenting with to make learning more manageable and effective for my ADHD brain. Here's how it goes:
Understanding Your ADHD Brain
🧠 Step 1: Embrace your ADHD brain
Recognize that your brain craves novelty and can hyperfocus on interesting topics. Instead of fighting these tendencies, work with them by finding ways to make your study material engaging and novel.
Example: When I was studying biochemistry, I turned the Krebs cycle into a dramatic story with each molecule as a character. Suddenly, a dry topic became an epic tale my brain couldn't get enough of!
Time Management
⏰ Step 2: Break it down with the Pomodoro Technique
Use short, focused study sessions (like 25 minutes) followed by breaks. If that feels too long, start with shorter intervals. It's like interval training for your brain!
Example: I use the Forest app to set 25-minute timers. For each successful session, I grow a virtual tree. It's oddly satisfying and keeps me motivated!
Visual Learning
🎨 Step 3: Make it visual and interactive
Transform boring text into colorful mind maps or flowcharts. Use apps like MindNode or good old-fashioned colored pens. The more senses you engage, the better your ADHD brain will latch onto the information.
Example: When learning about historical events, I create timeline murals on my wall with post-it notes. It's like I'm curating my own museum exhibit!
Physical Activity
🏋️♂️ Step 4: Get moving
Try studying while walking on a treadmill or doing light exercises. Take regular movement breaks. It's amazing how much this can boost focus and reduce that ADHD restlessness.
Example: I often review flashcards while on an exercise bike. It's multitasking that actually works!
Auditory Focus
🎵 Step 5: Harness the power of music
Background music can be a fantastic focus tool for ADHD brains. Experiment with instrumental tracks like lo-fi beats or classical music to find your perfect study soundtrack.
Example: I have a specific playlist for each subject. The music acts like a cue for my brain to enter 'study mode' for that particular topic.
🏃 Overcoming Challenges:
Implementing these strategies isn't always smooth sailing. Here are some common challenges and how to tackle them:
Consistency: It's easy to fall back into old habits. Try setting reminders or use habit-tracking apps to stay on course.
Overwhelm: Sometimes, all these strategies can feel like too much. Start with one or two that resonate most with you and gradually incorporate others.
Perfectionism: Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Your mind maps don't need to be artwork, and your Pomodoro sessions don't need to be flawless.
Distractions: They're inevitable. Instead of fighting them, acknowledge them briefly and gently guide your focus back to the task at hand.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace your ADHD brain's need for novelty and engagement.
- Break study sessions into manageable chunks with the Pomodoro Technique.
- Make learning visual and interactive to keep your brain engaged.
- Incorporate physical activity to boost focus and reduce restlessness.
- Use background music strategically to enhance concentration.
- Be patient with yourself and remember that finding what works best for you is a process.
❓Question of the week
I'd love for you guys to give these ADHD-friendly learning strategies a go and report your findings. Which strategy worked best for you?
Did you discover any new tricks that helped your ADHD brain focus and retain information better? If you're up for sharing a story that might feature in a future post, please reply here.
📺 Bonus: Video on ADHD and Learning
I stumbled upon this old video of mine about ADHD and learning strategies. While it's from a while back, I think the tips are still pretty relevant. Check it out if you want a visual rundown of some ADHD-friendly study techniques:
That's it from me this week!
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How To Learn with ADHD in 2024
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