I have a lot of demand anxiety about studying right now, so I’m going to avoid by making a post about what usually helps me to study. This may or may not work for you, or it may help you think on what would work for you to be a student – take or leave whatever does or doesn’t feel right.
- ‘Just prepping’
- This involves getting the layout of the desk right. Loading my OU page that I need. Writing out the title, date etc on the page. Sometimes telling myself ‘I’m just gonna prep’ gets me going (and today, it wasn’t enough.)
- Just do five minutes
- Set a timer for 5 minutes. I promise myself I can definitely stop after 5 minutes – but I try and get that amount done. I’ll have 5 minutes more work done than I would, I might find my flow.
- Avoid one study task with another
- Too anxious to make new notes? I review some old ones. Or type up handwritten notes into new. Or work on a different section of the course – the OU is very useful for this, because you can leave something you avoided unchecked, so I know to return when I feel able.
- Set a flexible study calendar
- I find it best to put loads of potential sessions into a schedule, and then use flexibility with them.
- Study at the Open University
- Lower social demands. Eased me into studying in the first module. Flexibility on when and where to study – no requirement to attend lectures in person. Not even a requirement to attend tutorials unless I think it’ll help. I also get to study the Open Degree, where I can freely choose my modules (Undergrad and Masters available.)
- Following my passions
- For me this ties into the Open Degree. I don’t have to force myself to study any modules that aren’t truly interesting to me. This could also look like studying your dream subject.
- Pomodoro
- This is a technique of studying for X amount of time, and then a break. Usually it’s 25 minutes, can be 50. Could be much less if that’s what I need.
- Twitch study with me streams
- I love these. You get a little community to chat with on breaks, gentle study music playing to keep you focused, and the sight of someone actively studying as you go. Very helpful with ADHD-blocks.
- I believe the OU will have some study with me sessions as well, and they have an Study With Me discord.
These little ideas help keep me on track most of the time. And writing this has me feeling more inspired to Study!
PDA fae 