My Crazy Study Habit

Boog'sCRRN246, RN · Dec 15, 2009

I'm the same way. When I study, I have to be doing something else also. I do the laundry, clean, look at Facebook, etc. It's actually pretty effective for me. I've always done this and somehow it helps me retain things. I read a section, then ponder it while I'm doing something else.

Short-Stuff 23 · Dec 15, 2009

I know the feeling! I have a hard time studying at home because I would rather clean the kitchen, do laundry, or ANYTHING else I can find so I do not have to study. I also check my myspace and facebook like no other if I am near a computer!

I have two good ways that work for me and everyone is different so this is just me. Sometimes I will wake up at 5am when the house is quiet and I am a morning person so I can focus at this time. STAY AWAY FROM THE TV AND COMPUTER! lol.. I sit at my kitchen table and read the chapters I am assigned. I will also go to the library a school and sit in a cubicle by myself and force myself to read. Also, while I am reading, I am highlighting and taking notes that way I keep myself involved and my hands are doing something.

I may be crazy but that is how I have to do it. Good luck!

Keepstanding, ASN, RN · Dec 15, 2009

when i was in nursing school, i had to "hole up" in my bedroom at a desk in order to make myself study. maybe you need to do the same ?? good luck and get that focus back girl ! :jester:

praiser :heartbeat

delilas · Dec 15, 2009

I was the same way when I was attending university. For nursing school, I was determined to make things difficult because my studying could eventually mean the difference in knowing what to do in a situation or watching someone else do it (and given I want to work with neonates...not an option!).

Even though I use my computer in class for notetaking, I generally don't use my computer when studying - that immediately removes 90% of the temptation! I sit or lay down in the middle of my living room with all my supplies, some crackers, some caffeine, and set to work. If its a long study session, I break every hour or so, walk around, call a friend for a few minutes, etc.

But really, it seems you had my same problem...I used to have my computer with me...and there are too many distractions on it! Especially during this time of year when happy holidays emails are flying and gifts need to be bought.

Find a place you're comfortable, print out your computer notes if you need to, grab your book, and try studying that way. Bring a snack and coffee with you, and pick a place in your house or a library where you won't want to people watch, and see if it helps!

bseesahm · Dec 15, 2009

lol - I've been surfing here on a "study break" for the past 20 minutes! Reading this thread, I feel like a kid again and "mom" just caught me! Thank you for the laugh and also the push to get back to books! Slinking back to my study area in the living room AWAY from the computer now...

dannyc12 · Dec 15, 2009

I just can't focus. :-( psychological?? same college days study habits. i can't study without cleaning up my room doing laundry or doing some crafts by the time i feel ready its almost time to sleep or im already too tired to study...

Your post pretty much describes how my study habits were defined. Rule #1: No Computer. So no facebook, no email, no news, no allnurses, no nothing.

I also have to get outta the house. So no laundry, no TV, no cats, no visitors. I found a cool Starbuck's with a little alcove that is great for studying. I get inexpensive drinks and tip well - the staff appreciates it and is wonderfully supportive.

It also helps to have a plan; 4 hours - 2 Hours on so-and-so chapter, 2 hours on another with small breaks. If I don't set any goals I will wander off aimlessly. Yes, that means I have to drag 50 pounds of books around, but I get my stuff done. I use the ipod and listen to class lectures or podcasts if I need to drown out background noise.

Having scheduled group study sessions is also helpful - I know if I don't cover the material on my own first, group study is useless.

I notice sometimes classmates would try to use study groups as a way to try to get fellow students fellow to present the "important" material to them so they don't have to read. This provides them comfort - they think they have been exposed to the material - but no knowledge. They cannot recall or apply anything on exams, lab, or clinical and soon abandon this Hail Mary study attempt.

You have to be disciplined, if studying is not your priority then figure out what is, quit school, and go do that. I have the benefit of experience when it comes to this. My first time through school, I partied constantly and rarely studied. I basically got through college on my ability to pull all nighters then lurch my way through the exams. No way I could have done that in Nursing school - hell to this day I don't know how I did it and graduated with an engineering degree.

Good luck!

sharpeimom · Dec 15, 2009

i've never been able to study at a desk. ever.

what did work was sitting cross legged on the bed surrounded by my books, research materials, cup of tea, pens, highlighter, notebooks etc. and setting a timer for half an hour. i knew that for that half an hour, i would have to concentrate. after the timer went off, i could take a shower, get a coke, visit a friend, whatever, for 10 minutes and then i did another 30 minute study session.

another thing i used to do was gather up my dirty laundry, my books and study things and go to the laundry room. the noise, hum, and vibration blocked out distracting sounds and i was able to work.

another childish thing that worked that i'm embarassed to admit is that i made up a box with small rewards -- a new lipstick, perfumed lotion, a roll of lifesavers, a packet of flavored cocoa, teabags, a book or magazine,

etc. and when i had worked x number of 30 minute periods or finished a paper, i rewarded myself.

silly maybe, but they worked.

kathy

shar pei mom:paw::paw:

ShortStackRN · Dec 15, 2009

I can totally relate!!! Clutter is a HUGE distraction to me and of course my house is always a wreck because let's get serious...WHO has time to clean in nursing school?? When I do leave the house I get distracted...the only thing that has worked for me so far is to have a study parter or 2 to keep me focused. Plus it's interactiv and not boring. If I AM studying alone then I have to have music on or my ipod in to keep it from being too quiet...I can't study in silence!!

shoegalRN, RN · Dec 15, 2009

When I was in nursing school, I couldnt study without listening to my Ipod. It kept me focused on my material.

I also would take notes, go to the gym, get on the trendmill or stairmaster, have on my Ipod and read my notes while working out. It worked for me.

Now, I still have to study for tests for work and I don't do the same habits. I just get up in the middle of the night and study until morning.

USN2UNC · Dec 15, 2009

All you need is a Monster energy drink. One of those and you will have about 5 hours of pure focus. Maybe it has become one of those obsessive compulsive habits, but I cant study without one! It definitely got me an A in an 8am Calculus class too!!

rosedale4u · Dec 15, 2009

wow thanks for your advice guys! it's really going crazy! i Just need to start and be serious and really try to focus! well Group studies are very helpful but since I'm alone here don't really have friends to go to like back home... pretty hard. I went to some review classes and try to get into some of my classmates but most of them are too busy to make up a plan. oh well....

Thanks again! here I am again... ONLINE lol