I am trying to re-learn my general chemistry principles right now, but I'm having such a hard time studying. Every now and then I find myself switching the music im listening to, checking facebook or my emails, checking my phone or sipping some water, getting up to go to the bathroom, and etc. I am already on 36mg of Concerta, and even that is kinda subtle for me. I've gone as high as 72mg but that just comes with increased nausea and jitteriness. Do you guys have any non-medicinal remedies to help you study? Does tea work? Maybe I just need some coffee. I tend to self-medicate myself sometimes with a dose of caffeine (coke, caffeinated drinks). At least this time I have the self-motivation to study (this stuff is actually fun) as opposed to when I was in college. But the lack of focus is still there.
My motivations are working at the very last minute and Adderall or Concerta. To help me stay focused, I usually just go to the school's library. When I am stuck in the same environment that I am usually in, I can't help but stare at a wall or something. When I am in a new environment, I find the energy needed to get things done.
Changes in behaviors, attitudes and skills that you apply when studying can go a long way. Generally speaking, many people think they are good students, that they know how to study - but this isn't necessarily so. Substances such as coffee, energy drinks and chocolate are not a good way to help yourself study - they may help for a short time, but then it is even worse, not to mention the overall toll they take on the body. There are several things I would suggest, one or all of them: 1. See a student counselor at a college, or a private tutor. They will be able to assess your situation and give you appropriate advice. 2. Go to a good library or bookstore, check out the section on study skills and strategies. Get some books and other materials on how to study and work through that. 3. Check out things on the internet. There are many sites dealing with study skills and strategies, and universities and colleges usually have a page dedicated to that issue as well. E.g.: http://www.studygs.net/ http://www.palgrave.com/skills4study/index.asp http://calnewport.com/blog/category/tips-studying/ http://studytips.admsrv.ohio.edu/studytips/
Hi. I wouldn't drink caffeine for studying if I were you. Caffeine is more of a stay up all night writing a paper or an essay type drug. You should try drinking some Gatorade Focus, which has theanine in it to help you better concentrate. You could also try Aderall, but I wouldn't suggest it. I tried it once when I was in remedial chemistry and it actually made everything seem so much easier for some reason. But for the most part, if you act like this then you probably need to get alone in a nice quiet place to study, and if that doesn't work try something extreme like climbing something tall (stable surface*) and studying from there. Then you probably won't forget what you studied.
