[Zircle]

Hi

I go to university, studying math and computer science. I have a lot of trouble sleeping and this and other factors makes it very hard for me to concentrate.

It is affecting my grades - not that I get bad grades and I haven't failed anything yet and I ususally get an average grade, but I am taking fewer subjects than I am suposed to. The problem is that I used to do really good, I used to always get the best grades and since I'm not very good at anything else a lot of my self esteem was hung up on this, and I used to love going to school.

Now I have to force myself to go there every day, I am tired of it, I feel like a failure because I know I can do so much better but I don't. I know I have the brains to do better, but I can't concentrate and I can't remember what I read. I don't know how to keep motivated, I have 3 years left and it seems like forever. I often just want to drop out, but that would just make me a bigger loser. How do you learn to accept that you can't do the things you used to?

I hope someone can relate

~Zircle

[Fresia]

Welcome to PC Zircle!

It is difficult to feel motivated when not feeling up to par. I know when I am not sleeping it really affects me. Exercise, as strange as it sounds, has helped me with sleep in the past and eating well. Also, have you had a chance to talk to someone, your doctor or even a counselor, about recommendations for sleep and even about what is going on by chance (?). Sometimes the stresses and other things can sneak up on us and comes out in other ways affecting studies and concentration. Take good care of you in the process.

I also had to drop my studies down to fewer credits/hours. I have had to learn to focus on smaller tasks at time and not to jump too far ahead of myself. If I start thinking about all the things I'm not doing or looking too far to the future, it paralyzes me. So I do one thing at a time, what do I have to do in this moment, and very small steps, so that I can feel some accomplishment in the process. I get a few pages done and a break, then a few more. Based on a study that was done, a school advisor recommended to me not to study more than 25 minutes max at a time or even smaller then break for 5-10 minutes and go back. I don't know if this might help you too right now but I know I started with a smaller time, don't go over it, break for 5, and come back, then work up to 25 minute increments until you get your concentration back, sleep better, and feel better.

While focusing in the moment, it is difficult to stress about the future and easier to concentrate. You can do it! Hang in there. Sending good wishes your way.

P.s. Love Cal & Hobbes too.

[Zircle]

Thank you. I will try this studying less at a time. I have spoken to my students counselor, which is how I got permission to take fewer courses. I have been going through an evaluation with a psychiatrist and a psychologist since September, and I will hopefully get some answers on 2. May. The waiting is rather stressfull, perhaps that's why studying has been even more difficult he past couple of weeks. Apparently it is hard for them to figure out what is wrong, because every time I get called in thinking they have finally reached a descission on what to do about me, they just send me for more tests.

I have tried every trick in the book to get some sleep - regular execise, no caffeine, steady bedtimes, "rituals" before going to sleep, healthy eating, no sugar, hypnotic tapes, soothing sounds, etc. just nothing helps.

It was not so bad not sleeping before because school was easy and i didn't have to study, but university is hard so I have to study now. I really appreciate the tip on studying a short time. I really need to find some way to get my reading done, so I don't suddenly fail all my courses.

[Perna]

It doesn't sound like you have very many real interests? If you are really interested in what you are studying that would be enough. I would do some "side" work trying to find hobbies and projects that interest you and might help relax you so you aren't so focused in this one area. I think you are trying too hard (to work on your studying, to sleep) and need some "distractions".

[Zircle]

I do have distractions. I have a job on the side, and I do karate and I play computer. It is not that I don't find the subjects interresting. Most of them I do find interresting, but we have exams every 6 weeks, so there's not much time for being fascinated, most of ones time is just study, study, study and I can only just keep up, which makes it a lot less fun.

[Perna]

My husband was part of a study group/roommates all taking part in the same program. Maybe a little companionship and working on things together with others would make the time studying less stressful? I still remember the one and only cram session I did in the dorm lounge in the middle of the night and there were others there, doing their own thing but being with others helped me enormously.

[Fresia]

If I get to the point to that the studying is overwhelming or it is not working, I try to change it by trying to look at it differently: talking about it with someone, studying with others, looking for other resources on the computer or at the library, changing how I study.. if reading, then writing somethings out or using the computer to do it, reading out loud, etc. Anything to change up the routine. Besides also using the outside interests as the breaks in between so I have time to digest the material; never underestimate breaks and distractions. Find a new distraction to change things up. Sometimes I actually get more done in the breaks mulling it over to help with my retention than during the reading and problem solving sessions themselves.

[EvilManiac]

I deal with a similar problem about being motivated. I have an internship doing computer science research and it drains me mentally. So after that I usually have classes and studying to do. I just keep telling myself I can do it and that in the long run school will help me to get a better job...

If your having problems sleeping this is usually related to worrying about something. Have you tried meditation for about 10-15 minutes a day for a week? Try it out meditating helps to clear my mind when I have so much going through my head.

As for studying try compartmentalization. Compartmentalize an area/location that you only use for studying and have a different one to take breaks and play around. I found I get less distracted when studying in the right location. well good luck!

[Zircle]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try it out