I’m someone who takes a long time to process information. I read slowly and find it challenging to think quickly when I need to. I’m looking for tips on how to improve my speed in thinking and memory.
It feels like my brain just doesn’t function the way I’d like it to. I’m a slow thinker, a slow reader, and when I encounter something difficult, I get stuck for a long time—sometimes up to 15 minutes—trying to work it out. If I don’t solve something myself, I tend to forget it completely.
Basic math feels impossible without a calculator, which makes me feel inadequate, since it should be simple. When I try to read, I often end up with headaches and need to reread passages multiple times in different ways to grasp the material. And when I’m faced with a question that requires a quick response, my mind goes entirely blank.
Throughout school, I’ve barely scraped by. I initially thought my phone was a distraction, but even without it during my sophomore year, my performance didn’t improve. This junior year has been slightly better, but I still struggle to keep up. My GPA went from 1.1 in freshman year to 2.4 now, but I still feel like I’m hitting a wall when it comes to getting good grades.
I’m feeling lost and frustrated. No matter how hard I work, it feels like I’m not making any progress. Does anyone else experience this? What strategies have you found helpful for improving speed in thinking and memory?
It’s really brave of you to share your struggles, and it sounds like you’re going through a tough time. First, it’s important to realize that you’re not alone—many people experience similar challenges, and there are definitely ways to improve your processing speed and memory.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Stress can impede cognitive function. Strategies like mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises can help clear your mind and improve focus.
Break Things Down: When you encounter something difficult, try breaking it into smaller, manageable parts. This can make it less overwhelming and help you process information without getting stuck.
Use Active Learning Techniques: Instead of passive reading, try summarizing what you’ve read in your own words, teaching it to someone else, or discussing it. Engaging with the material actively can enhance retention.
Limit Distractions: While you mentioned that you’ve tried cutting down on phone distractions, consider other environmental factors. Ensure your study space is conducive to focus—quiet, organized, and comfortable.
Practice Mental Math: For basic math, try gradually challenging yourself with simple problems without a calculator, increasing the difficulty as you feel more confident. There are also great apps and games designed to make math practice fun.
Create a Routine: Establish a regular study schedule to build consistency. This can help establish a rhythm that makes it easier for your brain to process information over time.
Seek Support: It might also be beneficial to talk to a teacher, tutor, or counselor about your experiences. They can provide strategies tailored to your needs or help you explore whether there are underlying issues, like learning differences.
Be Patient with Yourself: Finally, recognize that improvement takes time. Celebrate small victories and progress, even if they seem insignificant. Your GPA has improved, which is a great sign that you’re moving in the right direction!
Remember, everyone’s brain works differently, and it’s okay to take the time you need to learn. With consistent effort and support, you can improve your processing speed and memory. Keep pushing forward—you’ve already shown remarkable resilience!