how do you study hours after hours

[Shejeboshease]

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my biggest problem is i take way too many facebook/youtube breaks while i'm studying...its getting worse since i started my m2 year. i've never had one solid hour of studying with no breaks at all. although my breaks are only 2-3 minutes long, they add up and they seem to affect my grade. how do you guys do it?

 

[AlexMorph]

i take breaks like you. different methods work for different people. you just gotta make sure your actual study time is extra-efficient.

 

[SDSU EB]

If I feel like I really need to study and I can't afford to take breaks then I turn my wireless off (since I do most of my work on my computer) and I turn my phone off, turn my music up really loud to keep me awake.

But for normal studying I go to the library after classes, sit at a desk and study until I feel that I have reached my goal for studying for the day (which I always set higher than what I need so it isn't a big deal if I don't reach it or not) which means I'm usually studying for 3 or 4 hours after class. Since I'm at school I can't watch tv, I can't pick up a novel and start reading, and people frown at you if you talk with friends because it's a library. Then, just as every broken study record says, I have whatever is left of the night to do what I want: party, watch tv, read, hang out, etc. and most of the time I have weekends to do the same since I studied all through the week.

but it's whatever works for you. I knew this one girl who could only write an essay if she was watching House. If she wasn't watching House, her writing sucked, it was the darndest thing and I have no idea how she got started on that.

 

[ZagDoc]

Remove yourself from the things which distract you.

I couldn't study at home my first 2 years of medical school because of all the distractions. I wouldn't mean to, but would find myself checking email, facebook, espn, etc nearly constantly.

I also couldn't study at the library because it was TOO still and quiet. Any time I caught movement out of the corner of my eye or heard a sound I'd look up instinctively.

So I'd study at coffee shops instead. Enough background activity that any little movement doesn't catch my eye. Pop in the noise canceling ear buds on the iPod and the noise wasn't an issue any more. Wireless was a pay service so I didn't have that distractor. Plus the baristas got to know me well enough over the years they'd throw in a free coffee every now and then.

It's all about finding the right environment for you. Some of my classmates absolutely had to study at the library, because they required that level for quiet to match their focus. Others had the personal willpower necessary to study at home despite distractions, and did so for convinience's sake. I liked coffee shops because it provided me with enough faux-social interaction to give me the illusion I wasn't socially isolating with all my time spent studying. There was enough background noise/movement to keep me from fixating on any one little thing, but not so much it was distracting. It got me out in the world a little bit more, a rarity for the preclinical years of med school. Ultimately, you're going to have to try out different locales/solutions and see what works for you. I had a classmate who was absolutely dead set on studying at home but was too distracted by the internet, so he's unplug his router for whatever allotted amount of time. Another who could study intently in 10-15 minute bursts throughout the day and would fit in his time on the bus, on the treadmill at the gym, etc.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

I am having similar issues. Gf thinks it might be ADHD. I am working with education specialists at my school to work on time management skills (and it sounds like some of the previous advice). I am also going to get assessed for ADHD.

Just have to keep experimenting.

 

[J ROD]

I study in front of the TV so I cant help!! 😀

 

[Nikki2002]

yeah it's getting bad for me too. i really have no advice. there's this new thing on pillsbury.com where you can make the doughboy do different dance moves http://www.pillsbury.com/AALL/default.aspx

 

[Random Anesthesiologist]

I find a place to sit with everything I need for my study session - either the kitchen table or the library.

Then I make a quick list of what I need to accomplish, and go.

I take a ten minute break about every hour to check email, go potty, whatever, and try to stick to it. I like to listen to Pandora while studying (unless I'm reviewing podcasts) with classical music - keeps me focused without investing in songs I "like".

Exam periods are a little less unstructured, but I try to stick with that plan as best I can.

 

[wAyRadikull]

I normally "cash-out" my internet time in the beginning of my study period. I'll youtube, google, check my email, SDN, what ever I need to do while organizing my notes and study material. Actually thats what I'm doing right now haha. After spending say 1/2 or 1 hour on the net, I get guilty and start studying. I'm normally good for 3 or so hours from that point on.

I normally study in the comfort of my home, I find that I end up socializing too much at the library as weird as that sounds haha.

 

[J ROD]

I normally study in the comfort of my home, I find that I end up socializing too much at the library as weird as that sounds haha.

I have been asked to leave the library before for being disruptive....😀

 

[WellWornLad]

my biggest problem is i take way too many facebook/youtube breaks while i'm studying...i've never had one solid hour of studying with no breaks at all...how do you guys do it?

That is ridiculous. Print out what you need, turn off your computer, and study til it's done. If you can't do that, I don't know what to say.

 

[Noirukiddingme]

I hear ya... I keep on getting distracted checking stupid websites, like sdn 🙄

 

[AVNRT]

my biggest problem is i take way too many facebook/youtube breaks while i'm studying...its getting worse since i started my m2 year. i've never had one solid hour of studying with no breaks at all. although my breaks are only 2-3 minutes long, they add up and they seem to affect my grade. how do you guys do it?

I honestly wouldn't worry and/or consider this a problem. I've always taken similar breaks and they seem to refresh me. I wouldn't be surprised to find that I were learning less if I were to cut them out. Just envision that micro and pharm you've just read "sinking in" while you're laughing at youtube videos, rather than bombarding your brain with more info and potentially forcing some back out...

 

[njbmd]

my biggest problem is i take way too many facebook/youtube breaks while i'm studying...its getting worse since i started my m2 year. i've never had one solid hour of studying with no breaks at all. although my breaks are only 2-3 minutes long, they add up and they seem to affect my grade. how do you guys do it?

I never study anything more than 50 minutes at a time. After that, my efficiency goes down. I study for 50 minutes (with a kitchen timer) and then take a 10-minute break (timed also). I keep repeating the cycle until I am done.

On those 10-minute breaks, I got away from my study area. I would get a drink of water (Diet Mountain Dew), get a breath of fresh air or walk a couple of flights of steps. When I came back to my studies, I would hone in and get things done.

I also used a check-off method so that my brain could see some progress. If I was able to complete my study goals and even get a bit ahead, I rewarded myself with something like a trip to the movies or shopping. In short, I kept myself on schedule, didn't over-schedule and I could see some progress every day.

I made a master schedule for each block of test material and kept with it. I used my syllabus as a guide and again, I chipped away at my tasks until I got them done. If I got behind, I would catch up on weekend but I always made sure that I was with the class or as far ahead as I could go. Weekends were also useful for getting ahead of the class.

When you sit down for hours and hours, your mind starts to wander and loses its efficiency. You don't need drugs to keep you efficient, you need to figure out your attention span and work within in.

 

[Imp]

You have to get away from the internet. Honestly. Even if it just means shutting off your wireless, although I always work best at a coffeeshop.

I'm a procrastinator, and it sounds like you are too. The best thing is to recognize this (haha, sounds like AA!) and then take steps to do something about it. For example, even without the internet, if I'm at home, I'll do dishes, clean the house, etc. My house was always cleanest during exam time. 😀

I also find that setting an alarm really helps. Start small, if you want. 15 or 20 minutes. When you get something in your brain that you want to do, write it on a sticky note nearby. You'll get a "to-do" list going that you can do on your next break. Then, also time your breaks (otherwise you'll do 15 minutes of studying followed by 3 hours of nothing).

I found this also worked when studying with a chatty friend (often *I* was the chatty one!). We'd say "Ok - no more talking until 8pm" and if someone tried to say something, the other person would shoot them down. Usually worked pretty well.

If I'm really struggling, I find I often just need a change of scene. At a coffeeshop? Go to the library. At home? Go to a coffeeshop. Etc. Find out WHERE you study best, and if the internet is your downfall, make yourself avoid it.

In the end, it WILL pay off to study well during the year. Trust me, I'm an M4 😉 (I need a t-shirt that says that...)

 

[nlax30]

I couldn't study at home my first 2 years of medical school because of all the distractions. I wouldn't mean to, but would find myself checking email, facebook, espn, etc nearly constantly.

I also couldn't study at the library because it was TOO still and quiet. Any time I caught movement out of the corner of my eye or heard a sound I'd look up instinctively.

So I'd study at coffee shops instead. Enough background activity that any little movement doesn't catch my eye. Pop in the noise canceling ear buds on the iPod and the noise wasn't an issue any more. Wireless was a pay service so I didn't have that distractor. Plus the baristas got to know me well enough over the years they'd throw in a free coffee every now and then.

Haha.... this was basically my EXACT experience during my first two years. Had a local starbucks down the street from the school that a few of us were at most afternoons, definitely enjoyed my fair share of free "samples". And good lord, during board review I think we kept them and a local Panera Bread in business.

 

[corbis11]

I don't know how you guys study at coffee shops...I get distracted every other minute by the hot chicks/milfs coming in

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

I don't know how you guys study at coffee shops...I get distracted every other minute by the hot chicks/milfs coming in

Ha. It's good practice. Appreciate beauty, but don't overstay your welcome.

Besides, more than likely you'll have to deal with a hot patient of your preferred gender and you'll have to keep it in your pants. Build up restraint.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

I do breaks in bw my study sessions...laundry, dinner, dishes, work out, etc.

 

[basupran]

Everyone has their own method, here's what worked for me:
No computer, cell phone, pda, tv or any source of entertainment near me.
Just me, the books and some paper.

 

[45408]

Man, for me, it was more like 10-30 minute breaks. I took lots of breaks, but that's what I had to do to stay sane. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Study for as long as you need to, and take as many breaks as you need to. If I wasn't taking breaks, my mind would wander away anyways.

 

[pizzadora]

Lol, studying effeciently at home never really worked for me... I had to ckeck my computer every once in a little, and in the end I would waste the whole day.
Especially exam periods were catastrophic.
Even if I unplugged any device in the house, I would just reconnect them in 1-2 hours... 🙁

Then I tried going to the library. It works PERFECTLY for me. I could study for at least 8 hours non stop!(just 1-2 pee breaks and 1 lunch break, a total of 30 minutes distraction) Then I had the rest of the day to do whatever I wanted! The most successful stress-free exam period in my life.
Maybe it was so easy because it was summer and almost none of my friends weas there, so I wouldn't really chat with anyone.

But yesterday we had a huge break between classes, and I managed to study for 5 hours non stop again. The trick is to pick up a table with one sit, so that you won't chat every 10 minutes with your friends. Get a warm cup of strong coffee and you're all set. 🙂

At least that works for me in every occation. I try to study sometimes at home, but I can't last for more than 2-3 hours. And i find that way too frequent study breaks destroy my focus. If it takes me 10 minutes to reach a focused state, it would be stupid to take a break every hour.

 

[boaz]

You have to get away from the internet. Honestly. Even if it just means shutting off your wireless, although I always work best at a coffeeshop...

👍 I think this is the mother of all distractors. Studying while connected to the internet is effectively like trying to study at a cocktail party. With gmail, IM, Facebook, SDN, etc., you're bound to get distracted often. Even between the distractions study quality is low, with all that in the back of the mind.

I had better get a handle on it now while I'm taking it easy in my senior year. Come August there will be strict regulations.

 

[vandy160890]

I rotate subjects, entirely different subjects together to keep it from boring.
I also use coffee.
And a bit of surfing usually doesn't hurt. Rather it helps.

 

[Knicks]

That is ridiculous. Print out what you need, turn off your computer, and study til it's done. If you can't do that, I don't know what to say.

👍


Thread ender right there.

 

[Punchap]

That is ridiculous. Print out what you need, turn off your computer, and study til it's done. If you can't do that, I don't know what to say.

That's not ridiculous... Different people = different learning styles

 

[Knicks]

^^ Nope.

It's not about "learning styles" since the OP can't even solidify a learning style due to the computer/internet, as is evident by:

......i've never had one solid hour of studying with no breaks at all.......

That is no "learning style", no matter what angle you look at it from. Not only that, ultimately it's a "self-inflicted" complaint.



WellWornLad's post still stands.

 

[KeyzerSoze]

^^ Nope.

It's not about "learning styles" since the OP can't even solidify a learning style due to the computer/internet, as is evident by:

That is no "learning style", no matter what angle you look at it from. Not only that, ultimately it's a "self-inflicted" complaint.



WellWornLad's post still stands.

I agree that it isn't about "learning styles", but if the OP can't study for an hour without getting distracted, maybe he should get evaluated for ADD (in my humble non-medical opinion) or other issues. This isn't necessarily a "self-inflicted" complaint.

 

[jonessoda1212]

If you have a Mac, take a look at the "self-control" app. You basically put in websites that the app will block for an amount of time that you choose, and nothing can override it once it's started. That's how I became productive.

 

[Knicks]

I agree that it isn't about "learning styles", but if the OP can't study for an hour without getting distracted, maybe he should get evaluated for ADD (in my humble non-medical opinion) or other issues. This isn't necessarily a "self-inflicted" complaint.

It may not necessarily be ADD, since, according to the OP, it's only the computer/internet that's distracting him/her,, and not something else. And since computer/internet surfing is something one can regulate, it is a "self-inflicted" complaint.

 

[psipsina]

^^ Nope.

It's not about "learning styles" since the OP can't even solidify a learning style due to the computer/internet, as is evident by:

That is no "learning style", no matter what angle you look at it from. Not only that, ultimately it's a "self-inflicted" complaint.



WellWornLad's post still stands.

I totally disagree. I take a ton of breaks. I try to go 45 minutes with 15 minute breaks (with an egg timer like NJMD talked about) but sometimes when I get really burnt out thats too long even. I keep open bejeweled and play a few one minute games and then get back to it which really helps me. I never go an hour straight and I definitely have a study style that works for me (proof in the puddin that I'm a 3rd year with grades to show for it). We're all built differently. I have ADD but I still study like this even when I'm medicated.

 

[carcasman]

I know what you're saying, it happened to me too.

In some way, checking facebook states, and updates took my time, and i couldn't get to study very well..

I think someone said it before, but what i started to do, was to put me a goal.
So, after i finished reading one chapter, or one subject, i'll take like an hour, or something like that to check facebook, youtube, see some tv show, and then i come back to studying.


This is all about habits. If you know that going to Facebook, or whatever, releases all the stress you have, when you study, and you feel overwhelmed, automatically you want to go to Internet to feel better.

It's a mind game, just think you'll feel relaxed after you finish your day studying, and don't enter into the internet, after you get your goal.
Make it a half of a chapter, then a whole chapter, and then u make it longer with the time, and i'm sure you'll be able to avoid the distractions.


👍 good luck

 

[Knicks]

I totally disagree.

No problem.

I take a ton of breaks. I try to go 45 minutes with 15 minute breaks (with an egg timer like NJMD talked about) but sometimes when I get really burnt out thats too long even. I keep open bejeweled and play a few one minute games and then get back to it which really helps me. I never go an hour straight and I definitely have a study style that works for me

Great for you,,, you have a study/learning style that works; the OP doesn't.

(proof in the puddin that I'm a 3rd year with grades to show for it).

lol @ not-so-secretly showing off. 😀

We're all built differently.

Right, your "ADD-type of study style" works for you, whereas for the OP it's a problem as is evident by:

........and they seem to affect my grade.....

I have ADD but I still study like this even when I'm medicated.

More power to you.