Title: Seeking Strategies to Break Free from Distraction in Class
Hi everyone, I’m Miguel, a 19-year-old cinema student from Portugal, and I’m reaching out for some guidance.
I’m navigating challenges related to ADHD and Autism, which have significantly impacted my ability to concentrate, especially during long classes. Ironically, I used to enjoy reading a lot as a child, but now I struggle to focus for more than five minutes before my attention drifts to my phone or computer.
Currently, I’m facing a 3-hour lecture where I find it difficult to absorb what the teacher is saying. I lack the skills to effectively take notes or identify key points during lectures. You might think I could just ask a classmate for their notes, but I haven’t formed close friendships here, and I’m hesitant to approach acquaintances for help.
I’ve noticed that many of my classmates are only engaged with me when they need something, leaving me feeling quite isolated. As a result, I’ve found myself on my phone constantly, even during class.
To cope, I’ve been recording my lectures to review later, but when I get home, I often lack the energy and motivation to organize my notes, leading to procrastination. I frequently find myself scrambling to complete assignments at the last minute just to pass, often feeling unfulfilled in the process. My distractions have even affected my ability to enjoy movies—something I love and want to immerse myself in to grow as a filmmaker.
This pattern of excessive phone use and isolation has severely diminished my attention span, which was much better before I got my first phone. As of last semester, I managed to get by, but now I’m realizing that I need support to turn things around, especially with the increased difficulty of classes this semester. Today’s in-class assessment was a wake-up call, as I realized I struggled to recall any information that had been covered.
So, I’m reaching out for advice: How can I regain my focus, concentrate in class, reduce my phone usage, overcome my lack of motivation, stop procrastinating, and learn how to take effective notes and summaries? Any strategies or resources would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
Hi Miguel,
First off, thank you for sharing your struggles so openly. It takes a lot of courage to reach out, and you’re definitely not alone in facing these challenges. Here are some strategies that might help you regain your focus, manage distractions, and improve your learning experience:
Break Classes into Chunks: If you find it hard to focus for three hours straight, consider breaking your class time into smaller chunks. Use a timer to create intervals of 5-10 minutes of focused attention, followed by a 2-3 minute break where you can check your phone or stretch. This can make the class feel less overwhelming.
Take Structured Notes: Since you mentioned difficulty in recognizing important information, try using a structured note-taking method like the Cornell Notes system. This can help you organize your thoughts and separate main ideas from details. You can also experiment with visual aids like mind maps to represent concepts.
Limit Phone Distractions: Consider using apps that limit your phone usage during class or study time. For example, apps like Forest or Stay Focused can help you resist the urge to check your phone. Keeping your phone away from your desk can also reduce temptation.
Identify Key Topics: At the end of each class, jot down what you think are the main points or questions discussed. This can help you focus during the lecture and provide a guide for when you review your notes later.
Connect with Classmates: While it’s tough to reach out to acquaintances, consider starting small conversations with classmates. You can ask about their thoughts on the class, create a study group for specific assignments, or even just share interests related to cinema. Building rapport can open doors to collaboration and help you feel less isolated.
Set Up a Routine: Establishing a study routine can significantly improve your motivation. Designate specific times for studying, breaks, and leisure activities. Giving yourself a structure can help your brain associate those times with productivity.
Reward Yourself: Create a reward system for completing tasks. For instance, after finishing a set amount of work, reward yourself with time on your phone or a movie break. This can motivate you to push through assignments and build a positive association with completing work.
Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional at your university. They can provide tailored strategies to manage ADHD and Autism, which could help enormously with focus and motivation.
Start Small with Watching Movies: Since you enjoy cinema, start with short films or specific scenes that interest you. This could reignite your passion for filmmaking without overwhelming you with a full-length feature film right away.
Consider Mindfulness Practices: Practices like meditation or mindfulness can help improve your focus over time. Even just a few minutes a day could help you become more aware of distractions and improve your attention span.
Remember, change takes time, so be patient with yourself as you implement these strategies. You’re not alone in this journey, and with persistence, you can develop the skills to navigate your studies effectively. Good luck, and don’t hesitate to reach back out for more support!
Best,
[Your Name]