4 Ways to Make Studying Easier with ADHD

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is becoming a more commonly diagnosed neurodiverse disorder. Living with ADHD can be very daunting in itself. It impacts your ability to focus and maintain attention on a particular task compared to the average person.

Trying to focus on studying and schoolwork can be even more difficult, especially during test time. It can result in procrastination and other challenges leading to difficulty in achieving success. When you sit down to look at your materials, you may find it hard to maintain that focus and give up.

Over time, your overall academic performance may take a hit. It’s not because you aren’t smart or know the information, but rather because your brain is working against you. Studies have shown that 1) students with ADHD earn lower grades and 2) they turn in fewer assignments. 

Thankfully, researchers have also been looking into strategies that can overcome the challenges and help improve studying abilities. 

1. Use A Variety Of Reminders

ADHD can impact your prospective memory or your ability to remember to do certain things. You have every intention to do XYZ task, but then you get quickly side-tracked and forget that you even wanted to do it. When it comes to studying, you may have told yourself, “Oh, I’ll get to that after I put away my laundry,” and then by the time that was done, you long forgot. Having a reminder system of sorts in place can truly help you stay on task. Set yourself up for success.

Write yourself reminders, and don’t be afraid to do it often! Post-it notes can be a great tool. They literally stick everywhere and are easy to keep on you with your materials to pull out when needed. Plus, it gives you a visual that can be modified—shape, color, placement—so your brain doesn’t miss it. Another option is to use accountability partners who can keep you on track, especially ones who know your struggles. Try setting a phone reminder as another option.

2. Organization Is Your Friend

Having ADHD can make it seem like organization is a difficult process. Clutter and disarray in your environment can distract you and create stress. Using some organizational strategies can assist in pulling your scattered mind back in when necessary.

Buy yourself a planner and keep due dates and deadlines written down for reference. Try color-coding items or highlighting those that take priority. Keep your notes organized as well to provide more structure for your brain when studying. Each day when you take notes, start a new page. That intentional break between sections can help section off topics.

3. Create A Routine

This holds importance for day-to-day life but can be even more significant when you have a big test to study for. With ADHD, it can be difficult to decide what to tackle first, especially if the list is long. That can lead to paralysis of sorts.

Create a routine for all of your daily tasks, specifically addressing what you need to study and what time it should be done. Use your reminders or set a timer to keep you on task.

4. Spread It Out

Cramming at any point is not going to serve you well. Research has shown that studying will be more effective with breaks incorporated. It gives your brain a moment to process and retain information. 

If you start studying ahead of time, you will then be able to give yourself these breaks. Or you can take 10-15 minutes, especially before bed, to review the materials over multiple days. 

Your brain operates differently and requires this modification to understand and be able to use what you are learning. This can also help relieve test anxiety.

If your ADHD is impacting your academic performance, reach out for a consult today for ADHD Treatment.