I hit a mental wall today during studying!

[sully677]

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Has anyone hit a wall during studying? The past week went really well, but today and some of yesterday I just couldn't focus or pay attention!

 

[SN2ed]

Probably burnout. Take a break now before it gets worse.

 

[Eye Cue]

Has anyone hit a wall during studying? The past week went really well, but today and some of yesterday I just couldn't focus or pay attention!

Yes, it was terrible... I was reading my book and didn't look where I was walking... after standing back up, I too couldn't focus or pay attention!

 

[Mister T]

Has anyone hit a wall during studying? The past week went really well, but today and some of yesterday I just couldn't focus or pay attention!

I play video games (TF2) to avoid burn out. I usually play for an hour or so before doing work.

Work hard play hard.

 

[BennieBlanco]

I play video games (TF2) to avoid burn out. I usually play for an hour or so before doing work.

Work hard play hard.

video games = playing hard?

 

[garyinthehouse]

I play video games (TF2) to avoid burn out. I usually play for an hour or so before doing work.

Work hard play hard.

👍 T's right. Sometimes you gotta take a break. My breaks are reading the NYTimes, books, etc...A lot of times I play vid games too. Gotta let your mind loose

 

[Sed8&Intub8]

Definitely burn out! You gotta set time aside for your self to relax. Your brain can only handle so much, so you gotta give it some time off.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

Yeah, I can't tell if it's burnout for myself, or if because the past two days have been due to the material because I'm already very familiar with it. I didnt take my usual day off on Sunday, so that might be playing a role as well.

 

[Mister T]

Yeah, I can't tell if it's burnout for myself, or if because the past two days have been due to the material because I'm already very familiar with it. I didnt take my usual day off on Sunday, so that might be playing a role as well.

it's simple to tell if you are "burnt out"

You open up the book and you can't absorb/concentrate whatsoever. You end up tapping your foot a lot, or finding distractions which are all clues that your brain needs to do something else (something fun hopefully) before it'll go back to work.

The problem with intellectual work is that you can't slog away for 15 hours without zoning out.

It's impossible to try to learn stuff that you're marginally interested in, your brain won't let you (unless you're on Adderall or Ritalin)

Physical (manual) labor is "easier" in the sense that you can keep on doing it because it doesn't tax the mind as much. You'll do worse, mind you, if you spend 12 hours hacking away at trees as the day goes on, but you can still make progress though at a slower rate.

In MCAT/studying dry/boring stuff, its often the case that you'll just end up staring at a page or two for 4-5 hours and realize that you didn't read all that much.

That is, if you don't make time for other things in life (going to the bars with friends, hobbies, family, etc. etc. etc.)

 

[lDanny]

man i thought i was the only one.. I tried to focus but I seem to be forgetting more than anything else.. and the test is in a week

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

bump

I need some suggestions. I've been going strong the past few months, MCAT is 10 days away, but during my FL yesterday and reviewing it today I can not focus.

Would it be wise to keep slugging away on FL's or take 2 days off completely and then hit the FL's really hard next week? I have saved AAMC 7-10 and my original plan was to take 7 tomorrow, then review it, then 8, etc...

 

[elprofe]

First post. I'm taking the MCAT in May and have been studying for 3 weeks nonstop and today i feel burn out. I'm on spring break this week and I'm just going to take today off and hope tomorrow I feel better.😎

 

[SN2ed]

msb1190 & elprofe:

You are both burned out. Take 3 days off.

 

[g8orlife]

msb1190 & elprofe:

You are both burned out. Take 3 days off.

Relax and Be part of MARCH MADNESS! Watch the NCAA Basketball Tournament!

😀

 

[IndianVercetti]

bump

I need some suggestions. I've been going strong the past few months, MCAT is 10 days away, but during my FL yesterday and reviewing it today I can not focus.

Would it be wise to keep slugging away on FL's or take 2 days off completely and then hit the FL's really hard next week? I have saved AAMC 7-10 and my original plan was to take 7 tomorrow, then review it, then 8, etc...

msb, rather than taking a full 3 days off when the exam is close like SN2ed suggested, I'd recommend trying to do some light content review then, rather than stress your brain trying to do practice problems.

That way, it's a bit easier on the brain, and you're still being productive. That's what I've been doing when I just can't seem to focus my mind on answering questions.

 

[elprofe]

msb1190 & elprofe:

You are both burned out. Take 3 days off.

Thinking about it... 😀

 

[SN2ed]

msb1190: Didn't see how close your test date is. In that case, take one full day off and a couple light review days.

elprofe:

If you know you're burned out, that's a very bad sign. The person that's burned out is typically the last one to realize it. Take a break now or dig yourself a deeper pit.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

msb1190: Didn't see how close your test date is. In that case, take one full day off and a couple light review days.

elprofe:

If you know you're burned out, that's a very bad sign. The person that's burned out is typically the last one to realize it. Take a break now or dig yourself a deeper pit.

yeah i'm taking today completely off and getting my sleep schedule back on track. thanks for the input.

 

[Vanguard23]

The brain's a computer. It can overheat like any machine. Let it have some cool down time. And *definitely* exercise. It's not only a great stress reliever, but important to mental and physical health as well as staying mentally alert when the time is needed.

 

[wolverine1]

I worked out today, as I do everyday, and severely strained my neck muscles. I can barely look down, much less move side to side.

So much for relaxing. FML.

 

[IndianVercetti]

I worked out today, as I do everyday, and severely strained my neck muscles. I can barely look down, much less move side to side.

So much for relaxing. FML.

No, this is excellent - 100% eye contact and focus on that MCAT monitor lol

 

[Redoxify]

msb, rather than taking a full 3 days off when the exam is close like SN2ed suggested, I'd recommend trying to do some light content review then, rather than stress your brain trying to do practice problems.

That way, it's a bit easier on the brain, and you're still being productive. That's what I've been doing when I just can't seem to focus my mind on answering questions.

yeah i agree. With the test a week away, I don't think taking 3 days would be a good idea. Going over content/notes/equations/weaknesses is probably a better idea. But do consider taking, sometime, an hour long section test (or a full length if you feel up to it) before your exam, to 'snap out' of the lethargy. Doing a test will get your mental gears oiled up and ready so you're not completely out of habit of doing practice problems. Good luck! 👍

 

[wolverine1]

No, this is excellent - 100% eye contact and focus on that MCAT monitor lol

Hah! IV, always the optimist.