[Secretum]

I am going to take the MCAT in September, and I need to study for 2 hrs everyday. I also would like to work on the book that I'm writing for 1 hr everyday. In my dreams, I also see myself completing 45 min worth of work on my research project for next semester, on the influence of stress on depression with rats.

I've been a bit depressed lately (not too severely, but enough to be annoying and painful), and I haven't been able to get enough stuff done. Most days, it's all that I can do to go to my summer school class and get 45 min of MCAT studying in. The rest of my time I spend online or sleeping.

Even when I'm well, I have a hard time getting things done. I have to be hypomanic to be productive, and it has to be the right kind of hypomania.

Does anyone have any advice on how to be productive across the mood spectrum? "Just pushing through" hasn't worked. I know that it is a lot that I am attempting to do, but this is the kind of busy life that I crave. I just never can maintain it.

Thanks!

[cocoabeans]

Attempting to induce hypomania and hoping for the best?

Really, that's how I finished my degree...it is also why I'm not continuing with school.

[BNLsMOM]

I wish I had the solution. If I ever find it I'll be sure to let you know. I have the same problems and it gets in the way of my functioning.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by BNLsMOM

I wish I had the solution. If I ever find it I'll be sure to let you know. I have the same problems and it gets in the way of my functioning.

I second BNLsMOM.

[BlackPup]

break things down into small manageable tasks and reward your self for what you have achieved. That's how i got through my PhD. Once you start a small task often you will go onto doing much more once you get into the swing of things, but if you don't then just do the required task and reward yourself and allow it to still be a positive experience.
Best wishes for the next few months.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Secretum

I am going to take the MCAT in September, and I need to study for 2 hrs everyday.

I must say I am surprised that 2 hrs would be enough. I pictured MCAT prep to take up all waking hours.

[faerie_moon_x]

Well, you've already set some time goals. So... maybe work to a timer?

But maybe instead of setting the timer to 2 hours for your MCAT studies, maybe set it to 30 minutes. Then push to work for that whole 30 minutes. Once the timer goes off, set it for like 15 minutes and take a break. After the break set it for another 30 minutes. So that would be 4 sessions of 30 minute study, and 3 sessions of 15 minute breaks, so 2 hrs 45 min. Maybe in 3 hours you can accomplish more than you would trying to push through 2 hours and doing absolutely nothing jumping from activity to activity.

Just an idea.

[Confusedinomicon]

Study in the same place and make it routine. It is easier for me to get in the mood to study that way. Dark has good hints too. Good luck.

[Eliza Jane]

For me, I need to get out of my home to get any schoolwork done. Home has too many distractions, particularly my bed. Spending hours in coffee shops has been helpful to me. Public or school libraries are good too.

Best,
EJ

[bluemountains]

You have defined me to a tee, Secretum; however, somehow I did manage to earn my bachelor's and master's degrees when younger. I used most of the suggestions that that have already posted. I found that getting away from home helped. Also, "rewarding" myself after an accomplishment helped. For example, 15 minutes of internet time after an hour of study, or coffee, if the internet is too addictive!
I would not be able to do the timer, though, because I would watch it constantly, as I do when I am exercising on a treadmill.
Good luck!
Bluemountains