How do you stay focused when studying?

[zeppelinpage4]

Hey everyone! I guess this is my first thread in allopathic...wow, never thought I'd be posting here, but I am excited to finally be here. 🙂

As you can see, I'm just starting MS1 this fall and I had a question about how you guys focus for long periods of time when studying. It's an odd question, but I've always had difficulty for studying more than an hour straight. In college for every hour of studying, I needed at least a 30 minute break before I could go start studying again.

Of course, I know this won't fly in school. I've heard it's not uncommon for students to study for the majority of the day, maybe 5-6 hours outside of class?
What do you guys do to help you sit in the chair and stay put for all the hours you are studying? How long do you take study break for and in what intervals?

The only time I remember studying for a long period of time, with short breaks was for physics. Luckily, I could always do math/physics things with music in the background. So I'd go through my favorite albums and do problem sets. 3-4 hours could fly by no problem.
Unfortunately, I can only listen to music with math based things. For anything that requires reading or memorizing I need absolute silence. Which is why I am concerned. After an hour of silent studying I just begin to lose focus. I can't imagine sitting around in silence for several hours straight on top of several hours or a full day of classes.

I may try to see if I can adapt to studying med school material with music, as that seems to be the one thing that has worked in keeping me focused for a long period of time. However, I'd love to hear of any alternative methods you guys might use. Any advice on how you keep yourselves focused for that long without feeling burnt out or losing concentration would help a lot.

Much appreciated

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[Taels]

I can barely study for 20 minutes straight since I was on school, which was a great issue at the time. I'm impressed I made it to the med school. I'm trying to fix this as fast as I can.

 

[AlmostAnMD]

I have horrible, horrible ADHD. Attention-deficit type. Always have had it.

I study for about 10 minutes and take a 10 minute break. Towards the end of M1 that turned into a 15-20 minute break. I have no idea how I honored everything but anatomy (HP), but I did. The brief intervals of studying are pretty intense though.

I used to make flash cards and write out lecture objectives but I quickly discovered I never look at them again and just writing it down doesn't do anything for me. Works for some people, but not me. So I just read slides from our notes and memorize, memorize.....

 

[Anastomoses]

I used to be able to study for hours but I've got a similar issue now. 1 hour tops and I need to break it up with something. I

'd suggest food, or a drink, or a small walk outside or a quick SDN/facebook check...just break it up every 30 minutes. You'll be fine.

 

[Signorina]

I had the same problem when I started medical school.

What worked for me was the "Pomodoro Technique" (google it) and reminding myself that I don't have to do this, but that I WANT to do this. It's hard to sit down for long periods of times if you'd rather be somewhere else, and by reminding myself that this is my choice and my priority, something clicked.

At first it was still hard, but with practice it became easier and easier. We're creatures of habit.

 

[Ebola4Breakfast]

I've found fear of failing to be my greatest motivator for getting in quality study time. If that fails, try blocking up your study time (ex. 45 min on/15 min off). Just make sure that you get away from your desk and don't touch your study materials during your off time. I use a lab timer to stick within my set time limits.

 

[exquisitemelody]

I had the same problem when I started medical school.

What worked for me was the "Pomodoro Technique" (google it) and reminding myself that I don't have to do this, but that I WANT to do this. It's hard to sit down for long periods of times if you'd rather be somewhere else, and by reminding myself that this is my choice and my priority, something clicked.

At first it was still hard, but with practice it became easier and easier. We're creatures of habit.

Seconded. I also liked that somebody said that med school is like a full time job - you have to be on task for however long you need to be. That helped put my mind in the right place.

Learning to study for long periods of time is part of the learning curve for med school, but you get used to it, and you'll be surprised how long you can go. You can try 1 hr studying, 10 minute break, 1 hr studying, 10 minute break, etc. I mean, don't study 6 hours straight. Nobody can do that. Take small breaks if you need to. Use a timer if you need to get into the habit.

 

[MDPhDJourney]

Adderall.

 

[Chrissisissi]

There is a book called How to Study in Medical School. It said to study for an hour and take a 15 minute break on repeat until you are finished.

 

[Signorina]

Seconded. I also liked that somebody said that med school is like a full time job - you have to be on task for however long you need to be. That helped put my mind in the right place.

Learning to study for long periods of time is part of the learning curve for med school, but you get used to it, and you'll be surprised how long you can go. You can try 1 hr studying, 10 minute break, 1 hr studying, 10 minute break, etc. I mean, don't study 6 hours straight. Nobody can do that. Take small breaks if you need to. Use a timer if you need to get into the habit.

Yes, that's called the Pomodoro Technique. There's all kinds of free iPhone apps for that.

When the 25 minute timer goes on you focus on medical books, no email, no SDN, until the timer rings. At first I couldn't do that many Pomodoros, but I would make a goal to complete more Pomodoros day by day.

That's what it took for me to get started. Keep pushing through it and you'll get there. Now I can study for a full day without a problem and I only use the app if I have a hard time getting started.

 

[Wordead]

Like 80% of problems on SDN, this comes down to simple willpower. You just have to sack up and do it. I had similar problems when i first started med school, but as time went on I just told myself to stop being a ***** and the focus and endurance built up. By step 1 dedicated prep time rolled around, I could do 8-10 hours nonstop.

 

[Donald Juan]

You need to realize it's about discipline, not motivation.

It helps me to set objectives. I know what I have to get through for the day, and then I break it down to what I need to get through in an hour. I like to set a timer on my computer, like 45 minutes until I take a break. That way, when my mind starts to wander I see the time and snap back to studying to stay on task. I think, "damn it, I need to get through this lecture/make these anki cards/go through these anki cards and I've only got 28 minutes left" or whatever the hell else my goals are.

Also, caffeine helps a lot.

 

[punkedoutriffs]

Like 80% of problems on SDN, this comes down to simple willpower. You just have to sack up and do it. I had similar problems when i first started med school, but as time went on I just told myself to stop being a ***** and the focus and endurance built up. By step 1 dedicated prep time rolled around, I could do 8-10 hours nonstop.

Most of the time, willpower is not the problem. My mind wanders just so that I'm not even in a position to apply willpower. Only when I notice that I've been daydreaming can I then refocus, but then I slip again, and each time that happens, it interrupts my study-flow so I have to retrace myself. It's very annoying and time consuming.

 

[MrTambourineMan]

50 min on, 10 min off. Repeat. Works wonders.

 

[Wordead]

Most of the time, willpower is not the problem. My mind wanders just so that I'm not even in a position to apply willpower. Only when I notice that I've been daydreaming can I then refocus, but then I slip again, and each time that happens, it interrupts my study-flow so I have to retrace myself. It's very annoying and time consuming.

.....that is almost the definition of having ****ty willpower.

 

[Taels]

The difference between normal people and some people that can't study for 30 minutes straight goes beyond willpower and interest. I couldn't read 30 minutes of ANY book, even if I wanted it very much. This means I couldn't read my Harry Potter book I bought myself when I was younger, neither books hobby-related (eg. photography, cinema), no biology/chemistry/geography books, no medical books.

All my life I was completely dependent of very good teachers and collegues to teach me the content face to face, 10-minutes youtube videos on individual subjects, lots of collegues notes and summaries, etc.

This june I started using methylphenidate, and I used it all the way through the vacations while studying. Until then, I studied more than everything I studied in YEARS. It worked so well that I almost cried, because I could finally study all the things I wanted like a normal person, specially medicine, which I love. It was one of my best vacations. I really enjoyed myself for the fact I was managing to study and learn things efficiently. I felt useful. That sad feeling of being irresponsible, not anymore. Being treated like I'm lacking commitment and discipline, not anymore.

Yes, I need to take breaks from time to time. But guess what? If I need to take breaks from studying, it's because I'm actually studying, and that's great. I didn't need breaks in the past since I never could get past the first pages.

 

[punkedoutriffs]

.....that is almost the definition of having ****ty willpower.

No, ****ty willpower is when you consciously choose the less rigorous, less rewarding route.

 

[BA11]

Honestly, I just grin and bear it.

The best thing I've found to do it pace around the house when I'm studying. I HATE studying at school and I mostly study in my apartment. I find that walking around the house with my Ipad/notes and reading them as I go really helps. It prevents me from getting tired as quickly and keeps me focused better than just sitting still. I can usually go a good 90 minutes/2 hours between breaks doing this.

 

[KnuxNole]

You need to realize it's about discipline, not motivation.

It helps me to set objectives. I know what I have to get through for the day, and then I break it down to what I need to get through in an hour. I like to set a timer on my computer, like 45 minutes until I take a break. That way, when my mind starts to wander I see the time and snap back to studying to stay on task. I think, "damn it, I need to get through this lecture/make these anki cards/go through these anki cards and I've only got 28 minutes left" or whatever the hell else my goals are.

Also, caffeine helps a lot.

+1

Taking "mini" breaks can help a lot. Reading for 50-60 mins, and taking 10-15 mins to browse the internet or whatnot and continue for another hour. Or taking an hour break for dinner, and continuing onwards. What helps even more is being organized. Divide what you have to do in chunks(ie. study 2hr anatomy, 1 hr biochem, 1hr physiology, 1hr histology), make a schedule, and stick with it.

 

[DontBanMeBro]

Whenever i need to get stuff done I just start a lolworthy thread on SDN and start studying. by the time i'm done i have quite a few lol's to enjoy

 

[yehhhboiii]

.....that is almost the definition of having ****ty willpower.

 

[cbrons]

I had the same problem when I started medical school.

What worked for me was the "Pomodoro Technique" (google it) and reminding myself that I don't have to do this, but that I WANT to do this. It's hard to sit down for long periods of times if you'd rather be somewhere else, and by reminding myself that this is my choice and my priority, something clicked.

At first it was still hard, but with practice it became easier and easier. We're creatures of habit.

Lol I went to the website, downloaded the worksheets and got the cheap timer. Worth a shot.

 

[jerseytrash]

The difference between normal people and some people that can't study for 30 minutes straight goes beyond willpower and interest. I couldn't read 30 minutes of ANY book, even if I wanted it very much. This means I couldn't read my Harry Potter book I bought myself when I was younger, neither books hobby-related (eg. photography, cinema), no biology/chemistry/geography books, no medical books.

All my life I was completely dependent of very good teachers and collegues to teach me the content face to face, 10-minutes youtube videos on individual subjects, lots of collegues notes and summaries, etc.

This june I started using methylphenidate, and I used it all the way through the vacations while studying. Until then, I studied more than everything I studied in YEARS. It worked so well that I almost cried, because I could finally study all the things I wanted like a normal person, specially medicine, which I love. It was one of my best vacations. I really enjoyed myself for the fact I was managing to study and learn things efficiently. I felt useful. That sad feeling of being irresponsible, not anymore. Being treated like I'm lacking commitment and discipline, not anymore.

Yes, I need to take breaks from time to time. But guess what? If I need to take breaks from studying, it's because I'm actually studying, and that's great. I didn't need breaks in the past since I never could get past the first pages.

Are you actually prescribed for an ADHD diagnosis or did you just start using it? Because if it's the latter I can't even begin to list the issues that people have had with improper use of methylphenidate...

 

[Signorina]

Lol I went to the website, downloaded the worksheets and got the cheap timer. Worth a shot.

Heh. The free booklet on the site? Yea, there's a whole following and Pomodoro apps, but any timer would do, really.

It also helps in group setting to stop the talking. Whenever my roommates (grad students, non-med) and I study together we set the timer and everyone has to focus on their book. No talking. No emails. etc.

Whoever checked their phone or email while the 25 minute timer was running would get a group-imposed punishment 😛

Once the time was up everyone would ask each other questions, or go for a snack, or something, but we would make each other get back in the room for another Pomodoro, and we'd keep the Pomodoros rolling.

It helped me learn how to tune everything out and focus for long periods of time, and I rarely use the timer anymore.

 

[Taels]

Are you actually prescribed for an ADHD diagnosis or did you just start using it? Because if it's the latter I can't even begin to list the issues that people have had with improper use of methylphenidate...

Like what?

 

[thedoctor8706]

One of my problems is that I tried doing way to much in the preclinical years. I thought I wasn't learning properly unless I made flash cards or flow charts of everything!! Doing that in med school takes WAY too long and is terrible for keeping focus. But then I found out that if I walk around outside and either talk it outloud to myself or teach it to someone walking with me, I can simply take class notes unaltered and learn them without all the extra work. I'm all about the "study-walk" now, it's great for keeping focus and keeps me from bouncing all over the place. There's no one method that works for everybody, but try walking and talking your notes out instead staying firmly planted to one spot.

Also another random tip, if you find yourself sitting at a computer because you can't get up and walk (like writing a paper or some useless busy work), you can download a program to blacklist certain website that you find are breaking your focus ( like SDN ). If you use a mac with OS X, try http://selfcontrolapp.com/ it works great for taking away a distraction.

And lastly, like so many posters have already said, when it comes down to it, don't be afraid to take short breaks. And if you start getting hungry or something, don't fight it to finish a little more studying, stop and eat something so you don't have your stomach as a distraction! Good luck!!

 

[Fox800]

I study for 50 minutes and take a 10 minute break every hour. I use a free online stopwatch to keep track of time. When I really need to buckle down and study, I get a small individual study room in the library. The only thing on my desk are books and a laptop with a music player open. Phone goes on silent/do not disturb in my backpack out of sight. I check it on my breaks. I use StayFocused or another similar program to block sites like Facebook/SDN/whatever might be distracting.

 

[Double A]

if studying doesn't sound horrible do it even if you don't have to. then you can take some time off when it does.

 

[Kahreek]

Ritalin 😀

 

[Kahreek]

Now seriously, for me it is about setting goals. Like: i have to read these 50 pages and get a decent grasp of it.
It soon becomes like doing reps in the gym.

 

[EarthtoneJon]

I will echo what others have said: studying in short intervals is not a bad thing. I think I remember reading somewhere (I think I remember...ironic, right?) that learning and retention are maximized during the first 20 minutes of studying, then decline slowly after that. It would be counterproductive to study for only 20 minutes then break, but maybe by taking 10 minute breaks every hour, you can increase the amount of material that falls in that high-efficiency time slot. I do this a lot without thinking about it, since my natural attention span is about 30 minutes with boring material and 45 minutes with interesting stuff.