[Ash89]

I was just wondering if there were any students out there, and what helps you stay focused and on track? Any study tips or helpful advice?

I'm currently studying at home for my personal trainer certification through NASM, and start at community college in January for my associates degree in Exercise Science. My home life is making it hard to do my home-study (and the deadline is fast approaching and I'm so nervous), but I really am looking forward to starting community college.

I was so flip floppy about my career path. I'm 24 now and it hit me last year that I wanted to be a personal trainer. I successfully lost about 40 lbs, and am in decent physical shape now. It made me feel good about myself, and I want to do the same for others, so why not?

Plus having to worry about exercise plans for a large handful of clients certainly seems less stressful to me than an office job. -Shiver-

Please share your stories with me. Thank you!

[earth_maiden]

Ash89,
If you are able to, study at the library or another quiet place that is not home, there are too many distractions at home and I think we view it as a place to relax. It always makes the difference between night and day for me.

[Alokin]

I like to study with classmates. If you can find good people to study with it is very helpful. Usually we work on our own, but it is like going to the gym. At the gym it is workout time. Getting together with my classmates is study time. It is also helpful to have someone to bounce questions off of.

[Ash89]

Thanks guys for the advice!

I agree, I really shouldn't study at home. I'm really thinking after the holidays (when their hours are normal again) I should waltz down to the local library and become a member and then study there during the day. (The library isn't more than a 5 minute drive away, there's no reason this wouldn't work.)

Now, if only I could force myself to stay on task, lol.

[Alokin]

Originally Posted by Ash89

Thanks guys for the advice!

I agree, I really shouldn't study at home. I'm really thinking after the holidays (when their hours are normal again) I should waltz down to the local library and become a member and then study there during the day. (The library isn't more than a 5 minute drive away, there's no reason this wouldn't work.)

Now, if only I could force myself to stay on task, lol.

Yes, the eternal struggle!

[krissydear]

I spent the summer before my entrance back into the University system reading Cal Newport's books on How to be a Straight A student. His books are really great at giving you practical advice and actual study habits, which he got from other straight A students (and not from doctors running clinical 'tests').

The books are great for helping you set up a system to succeed. As a student with bipolar, I need an incredible amount of structure and restrictions in order to keep my student-life stable, and Cal Newport's books have helped me build a structure and schedule for me to succeed at school.

I highly suggest even just skimming over the book and reading parts that you find relevant!

And you could probably find his books at the library, which is where I study :3

I also cannot study at all with any noise distractions, so I invested in a good pair of noise cancellation headsets. I don't study nearly as efficiently without them!

[steelfang]

I make sure to study a bit each day. I go after my lecture note on the same day I had class and fill in extra info I get from my textbooks and lab manuals. I study from all my homework assignments and form a study group a few days before the exam so we can all take turns teaching material to each other.

And this sounds bad, but I tend to drink energy drinks and take caffeine pills and ginseng to induce a hypomanic state of mind the night before and day of the exam. I find I am just so much more clear headed when I take an exam in this state, I used to ace exams like this by just cramming the night before the exam. Of course this is a controversial but personal choice.

[token451]

One thing that always helped me was making sure any other tasks that needed to be done were completed before I started studying, even cleaning and organizing. That way I wasn't distracted or worrying about something else I had to do.

[Ash89]

Steelfang - That's understandable. If you are stable, it helps you pass, and no harm is done it's your choice. I've been known to overdo the caffeine to go into hypomode. Can't do it all the time though or I crash and burn.

Token - That's a fantastic idea. I tend to find ways to distract myself, really should take care of that.

[medicalfox]

I dedicated a room for my homework, which is my office. I find studying and doing work in small portions everyday helps compared to spending a whole day on a lengthy assignment which can lead you to be more distracted. Also, give yourself breaks when studying so you do not overwhelm yourself

Oh and strattera helps a lot since I have adhd.

[steelfang]

Originally Posted by Ash89

Steelfang - That's understandable. If you are stable, it helps you pass, and no harm is done it's your choice. I've been known to overdo the caffeine to go into hypomode. Can't do it all the time though or I crash.

It's great knowing I am not the only one who does this. . It's the best part about being bipolar.

it's easy to say i'm a student, but i'm not.... i fel through a gap- i was, but i can't stay anywhere long enough to actually study

but what worked for me was doing everything in small stages- and also treating myself afterwards.. reason to be motivated, you se

also take regular breaks

[Phoenix217]

Honestly, I had to dorm to do well. I'm a good student but being able to focus is really, really hard for me so anything that helps, I do. Group studying can be helpful. Try to take care of yourself and never get behind. Anxiety can trigger mania and/or depression. Try to sleep and eat well. Be active. Avoid drugs, even caffeine. Keep all-nighters to a minimum because they can make you crash.