queer-academic

[queer-academic]

Prepare for study session 📑

Many students start their studies session by simply opening their book and just starting to read. Or when working on a paper by just opening a document on their computer and then hoping for inspiration.

To be able to study effectively you need to organize your study place and study time 💡

❕ Make sure you’re sitting comfortably, all materials at hand, all distractions away

🏠 Too warm and too dark room is the factor of producing sleep hormones

☝🏼 Good light, temperature, chair and desk

📱 Distractions - you do not only lose the time of the destruction itself but also the time it takes to switch your attention back to your studies

☝🏼 Use focus mode, apps, timer or film timelapse videos to not be distracted by your devices

❗️ Decide how long you want to study and what you want to work on

⏰ If can’t focus for a long time, study in time blocks

☝🏼 The 60 minute block or the 30 minute block. The smaller block is especially suited for the more intensive study tasks. As an example, study for 55 minutes and take 5 min break - do something that doesn't require you to think very much (but not social media 😶)

❔ No idea how much you can get done in one study block? Just experiment to see what you can do.

[queer-academic]

ADHD Study Tips

Novel Spaces

One of the biggest things that aids me in studying is a change of scenery. Although, many people suggest having a dedicated workspace for homework and studying. That isn’t the case for me because of my ADHD I need new novel spaces. Therefore I’ve created a few spaces within my home. Solely, because a lot of spaces such as cafe’s have too many distractions such as: customers in and out, constant changing noises, and unfamiliarity.

As the mini adhd coach states the need for novel things is because it provides dopamine and fuels ADHD interest based brains. Oftentimes following the dopamine can be harmful however by creating novel spaces it makes following the dopamine useful and takes advantage of it. It’s a great motivator and it’s a lot of fun to change things up.

New situations are the most motivating for those with ADHD. Each place creates a new situation. And as soon as one becomes boring you can switch to another. I tend to move from my kitchen table to my bedroom set up.

"Notes & Coffee" by VienoR27 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

"Kitchen Table Set Up" by VienoR27 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

"Sofa Set Up" by VienoR27 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

"Bedroom Set Up" by VienoR27 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Body Doubling

Another major thing that helps me focus is body doubling. Body doubling is when you have another person around doing some sort of task to help your brain focus better. For me I like to invite my coworkers who are in college over to body double or ask my boyfriend to body double with me. Additionally, body doubling is why I prefer to work at the kitchen table because my boyfriend can be cooking or cleaning while also acting as a body double. 

Body doubling can also work in public spaces. When I went to college in person rather than online I achieved body doubling in the library. It’s also possible to virtually body double. I tend to do that with friends in discord. Study with me videos on YouTube have also helped with body doubling.

Reminders/Planners

Something else that helps but is often hit or miss with a lot of folks with ADHD is planners, reminders, calendars, etc. Some people forget about these lists of tasks as do I. However, I make it so obnoxious that I can’t and make sure it’s everywhere. I use a physical planner for almost everything from assignments, to-do’s, and due dates. I use my Google Calendar for major due dates as well as meetings and my work schedule. I then also use Momentum, a chrome extension for a to-do list. In addition to that I write out a schedule by the hour as well as a to-do list in order of priority.

Although mine is a bit excessive, I think having a physical as well as a digital is very helpful especially if the digital can send reminders.

Follow the Dopamine not the Priority

Despite the goal of getting things done in order of priority, sometimes it’s easier to start on the task that’ll get the dopamine flowing and get you into that flow state. More often than not doing that task and then the higher priority task is faster than sitting on the higher priority task for a lot longer because your brain simply doesn’t want to focus. Therefore, sometimes following the dopamine is the best option.

Create a Reward System

When studying for large bursts I tend to use my breaks as little reward periods. Usually because I’m studying with a coworker we devise the breaks in terms of assignment or when both of us are starting to zone out and get less productive. For us because our study sessions overlap meals we’ll do our rewards such as going and grabbing food or getting boba and things of that nature. Once it was a Target run to get supplies for a root beer float which was the following break.

Fidget

Find ways to fidget that allow you to remain focused simultaneously. I tend to like to bounce my feet or chew gum. However, depending on what you’re doing you can use putty, stress balls, fidget cubes, etc.

I think this helps with restlessness and remaining calm while doing homework. I’ve also found it helps me avoid getting too overwhelmed especially if I’m behind on tasks or have procrastinated.

Use Caffeine & Sugar but WISELY

I tend to use caffeine when studying. I’m currently not medicated due to other conditions. So I use caffeine to self-medicate in a way. For this to work though you have to find the sweet spot that doesn’t make you sleepy or overly anxious. So it tends to have to be sips that are tapering out the caffeine slowly.

[queer-academic]

mental health tips i wish i’d been given before starting university

trying is much more important than succeeding

10 minutes of studying > not studying at all

being a college student is more than academics. it’s also learning how to enjoy your own company, learning and occasionally screwing up meals, wandering outside campus like a tourist, questioning your ideals and presuppositions, discovering new talents and skills for the hell of it, and SO much more. if you feel burnt out in one dimension of college life, that’s a sign to spend some time relishing in another dimension.

if you need more time, take a deep breath and shoot that email to your professor/TA asking for an extension. at worst, they say no. and don’t stress over properly explaining yourself/your situation. hell, just email them: “Hi, Professor. I need your help. Sincerely, y/n.” all it takes is that one initial reach out and the rest will follow.

failure does not reflect character. read that again. remind yourself as often as you see fit because at one point or another, you will feel like you’ve failed. it’s growing pains. once you’ve accepted that, learn to view any setbacks as a hint that you need to try a new method/approach. didn’t do well on that math quiz? don’t beat yourself up over it–instead, regroup with yourself and see which metaphorical gear got stuck in your personal learning process machine. for instance, maybe you used flash cards and that wasn’t really your style. act like a detective, not a bully.

THERE IS NO NORMAL TIMELINE FOR YOUR COLLEGE CAREER(!!!!!!). a lot of people need more than 4 years, a lot of people need 4 years, and a lot of people need less than 4 years. and every single one of those timelines are valid. the worst thing you could do is squeeze the living hell out of yourself into some rigid schedule that is incompatible with who you are and how you learn. trust me when i say u will find yourself doing the best work when u do it at YOUR pace.

[queer-academic]

hi i hope this isnt weird but i just found ur blog while figuring out my Whole Shit and all the content on ur blog is just very inspiring to me and i wanted 2 let you know that ur doing great pal, i hope u have a very good day today :)

This is the kindest message ever! Thank you so much. I hope you're able to figure out your Whole Shit, and I hope the process is as painless as possible.

[queer-academic]

Accountability update: I ended up reading the majority of the WGSS reading before getting too overwhelmed to complete the rest of the work I needed to complete. I must do better today.

Aaand it is Monday, again.

Happy Monday fellow queerios, neurodiverse folks, and students (I figured if you follow me, you probably are at least one of three.). 

Today, I really need to focus on Energy Accounting so I can be productive AND comfortable. I might throw in another study session this evening, but this morning/afternoon study session looks like this so far. Let’s hope I can hold myself accountable!

5 min mindfulness activity

20 min WGSS reading

10 min break - Look at studyspo

20 min WGSS reading (If it’s not finished yet.)

10 min break - Stretch leggies, mindfulness

20 min SOC reading

10 min break - Mindless scrolling time

20 min SOC reading

This leaves me a couple hours before class which I will probably use for a nap.

Lets do this, friends!

[queer-academic]

Aaand it is Monday, again.

Happy Monday fellow queerios, neurodiverse folks, and students (I figured if you follow me, you probably are at least one of three.). 

Today, I really need to focus on Energy Accounting so I can be productive AND comfortable. I might throw in another study session this evening, but this morning/afternoon study session looks like this so far. Let’s hope I can hold myself accountable!

5 min mindfulness activity

20 min WGSS reading

10 min break - Look at studyspo

20 min WGSS reading (If it’s not finished yet.)

10 min break - Stretch leggies, mindfulness

20 min SOC reading

10 min break - Mindless scrolling time

20 min SOC reading

This leaves me a couple hours before class which I will probably use for a nap.

Lets do this, friends!

[queer-academic]

Today’s Agenda

Hi friends!

Guess who fell into a depressive episode, ended up hospitalized, and got wayyyyy behind on school work?

But!! I am back now, and working on getting shit done! So, for today, I will:

Finish the essay outline I’ve been working on.

Start writing the essay.

Write a discussion post for my WGSS class.

Write a discussion post for my SOC class.

I will also work harder at taking breaks and being mindful as I do this, because overworking myself leads to stinky poopoo brain. 

Let’s make it a good one, friends!

[queer-academic]

ADHD Studying Hack

If you’re assigned a film to watch, and you’re one of those folks (like me!) who struggle to stay focused on long videos, see if you can find a transcript of the video, and read it instead! 

Depending on how fast of a reader you are, it will also reduce the time it takes you to complete the assignment, which is always handy.

[queer-academic]

Spring Semester Updates!

What is up my dudes, dudettes, and other dude-ly folks?

It is now the end of week #2 of the spring semester, and I’m gonna share some updates on what this semester is looking like so far.

-I’m taking an Astronomy course because I’m required to have a natural science course on my transcript. So far, it is very interesting.

-I’m taking The United States in Global Context, which is a Sociology course focusing on exactly what it sounds like it focuses on. It’s a pretty okay course, thus far.

-I’m taking Feminism and Social Change, which is a WGSS course focusing on various political activist movements. I’m really enjoying this one, although there are no lectures, which is kinda weird.

-I’m taking Religion in American Society, which is a Religious Studies course, and focuses on how various religions have impacted the culture of the U.S. This is also an okay course, though seems a little slow-paced, thus far. 

-I’ve been diagnosed with Dyscalculia by my therapist, and plan to try out some accommodations to assist with that in the Fall. If I’m still unable to pass a math class (I’ve tried twice since starting college, and one of those courses was a remedial course), then I’ll get a psycho-educational evaluation so I can substitute my algebra courses with personal finance.

[queer-academic]

Today’s agenda:

- Finish reading Marzi, the graphic novel I’m reading for my class about (shocker) graphic novels.

-Give a group presentation in a class, which I’m not vibing with. Send love.

-Revise and prepare some poetry for the open mic I’m going to tonight.

I hope everyone else in the studyblr world is having a good day!

[queer-academic]

Wow I really need to be more active on here

Sorry gang. I’m going to work hard to be more active here. 

[queer-academic]

I’ve decided to stop my 100 days of positivity challenge, because I have a lot of personal stuff I need to deal with before I commit to posting every day.

Thank you for your understanding. 🥺

[queer-academic]

[queer-academic]

July 9 2021 // Day 13 of 100

Today I had a job interview (I didn’t get the call back :/), went to visit mom, and journaled some. I hope to do better tomorrow.

[queer-academic]

July 8, 2021 // Day 12 of 100

I went to see my psychiatrist today who completely switched my med regiment. I also did some writing for some volunteer work that I’m doing, and went to the gym and went swimming. I also made my Bujo spread for the week.

[ID: a simple weekly bullet journal spread with a card clipped to the right side. The card says “you can do hard things without dying.”]

[queer-academic]

July 7, 2021 // Day 11 of 100

I sent some emails today, but that’s about it. I know that isn’t much, but it’s been a pretty intense depression day, and I’m proud that I did that.

[queer-academic]

I am entirely consumed by my dissertation. After months and months of stagnation and brain fog, to work so hard at something and actually see progress is bliss. 

ig: rhiharper