I tend to take a long time to process information; I read slowly and often struggle to think quickly under pressure. I’m looking for advice on how to improve my speed in thinking and memory retention.
I often feel like my brain doesn’t function as it should. My processing is slow, I read at a leisurely pace, and when I need to think on my feet, I find it almost impossible. If I don’t grasp something right away, I can get stuck for up to 15 minutes trying to sort it out. If I can’t work through it independently, I often forget what I learned.
Simple math is another challenge for me. I rely on a calculator for basic calculations, which makes me feel inadequate. When I attempt to read, I sometimes end up with headaches and have to read the same passage multiple times in different ways to fully understand it. When asked to come up with ideas spontaneously, my mind goes blank.
Academic performance has always been a struggle for me. For a long time, I thought my phone was the distraction, but even without it during my sophomore year, I still struggled. Although my grades improved a bit in junior year, I still feel overwhelmed and like I’m falling behind. My GPA went from a 1.1 freshman year to 2.4 now, but I feel like I am still unable to achieve the good grades I need.
I’m at a loss about what to do next. Despite my efforts, I feel stuck in place. Does anyone else experience similar challenges? What strategies have helped you think faster and remember more effectively?
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you’re facing some challenging experiences, but it’s great that you’re actively seeking ways to improve. Here are some strategies you might try to help with your processing speed and memory:
Practice Active Reading: Instead of just reading the text, try summarizing what you’ve read after each paragraph or section. You can also ask yourself questions about the material to engage more with it.
Break Down Tasks: When faced with a complex problem, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This can help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and make it easier to understand what you need to do.
Mind Mapping: Create visual representations of the information you’re trying to learn. Mind maps can help you see the connections between concepts and can improve recall.
Regular Practice: Just like any other skill, thinking and processing can improve with practice. Try out brain games, puzzles, or even math games that allow you to practice your speed and problem-solving skills in a fun way.
Use Mnemonics: To aid your memory, try using mnemonic devices to remember information. This can involve acronyms, rhymes, or visual imagery associated with what you’re learning.
Limit Distractions: While you mentioned your phone isn’t a distraction for you now, ensure your study environment is quiet and free from distractions. This can help you focus better.
Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, tutors, or peers. Sometimes a different explanation can really make a concept click. Additionally, support services at your school could offer resources tailored to your needs.
Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Mindfulness techniques can help improve focus and reduce anxiety, which might help with processing information quicker.
Be Patient with Yourself: Improvement takes time, and it’s important to recognize your efforts and progress. Celebrate the small victories along the way, even if they feel minor.
Remember, everyone has their own pace of learning and processing, and that’s completely okay. It’s great that you’re working to improve, and I believe you have the capability to grow in these areas! You’re not alone in feeling this way, and seeking solutions like this is already a big step in the right direction.