by AJ
Dear AJ,
I'm struggling to properly balance all the work I have. The classes are getting overwhelming and I don't know what to do.
From,
Overwhelmed
Dear Overwhelmed,
I totally understand where you are coming from. Schoolwork can be hard, especially if you’re doing credit recovery, in AP and CP classes, or just have a lot going on in your personal life. I get it.
What I’ve found to be helpful for many people with a similar problem is to get some kind of planner or notebook to sort of space out all of the work you have. It’s likely that storing all the assignments you have in your head is just overwhelming you, and seeing it written out on paper may help you realize that it’s not all that complicated.
Tip #2 is to reward yourself. Set a 30 minute timer, get as much done as you can, and then take a 15 minute break. Scroll on your phone, eat a sweet treat, do something that makes you feel happy. Then set another 30 minute timer and repeat. I can almost guarantee that you’ll get to a point where you don’t even realize how much time has passed, and you’ve gotten so much work done! Then, really give yourself a pat on the back and take a nap.
Best of luck,
AJ
Dear AJ,
It's hard for me to focus on one thing at a time.
From,
Tired ADHDer
Dear Tired ADHDer,
I absolutely relate. Keeping focused on one thing for a long time is no easy task! Just while writing this response I had to remind myself not to check my phone or stress about work from other classes.
Luckily for you, Tired ADHDer, I have an answer. If you have trouble focusing on one thing at a time, don’t. I know that sounds stupid but switching topics when you lose focus on one is a great way to take advantage of your problem. For example, if you feel yourself growing tired of say, math, switch over to some English work.
According to The Attention Deficit Disorder Association, using the pomodoro method can help. The pomodoro method is a process in which you study for twenty five minutes then take a five minute break, maybe changing what you are studying to divide and conquer. After four of these cycles, you take a 15 minute break.
Changing what you are studying from cycle to cycle allows you to focus on multiple things at once.