Hi all. A few of my friends here have noticed that I haven't been posting much. I try to keep in touch through PMs, but don't get to read a lot of the threads anymore due to school. I'm wondering if you guys have any suggestions for studying.?

I find that I have a very hard time studying lately. I know it's partly due to the fact that since I moved a month ago my place has not been as clean and organized as I'd like it to be. I'm working on that I'm also reading a little about Feng Shui and I'm hoping that will improve a few areas of my life.

But, I'm wondering if I should listen to a certain kind of music when I study or if anyone has suggestions. I don't have ADHD, just Gemini restlessness. Which can certainly FEEL like attention deficit. Maybe I'm just burned out, I don't know.

I've tried listening to Enya or relaxation music, but that just makes me sleepy sometimes. (keep in mind I'm usually studying later at night) Also, does aromatherapy help? There are candles that I like, but I associate them with relaxation also and I think that would be counterproductive. I need something that will help me feel alert and attentive.

Any suggestions would be great! I'll be working on more cleaning and de-cluttering this weekend, so hopefully it will keep coming along.

I like a blend of lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils. Smells a bit like disinfectant, but they combine well and promote alertness, postive/upbeat thinking and promote fact retention. You can burn them in a diffuser, so it won't be as relaxing as a candle. Or try just grapefruit oil on its own, which is pretty good too, and depending on what type of scents you like might work better for your nose.

Good luck! I know how hard it can be to settle down and concentrate on stuff, its never been my forte either!

Love,
Terri

Thanks Terri! That's a great idea. I have some eucalyptus oil at home. I hadn't thought of that.

A diffuser? I don't have one. Are they pretty cheap? I think I've seen them, but have to figure out where...

I am sooo bad at focusing sometimes. Usually once I get started I do ok. But, it can be a challenge. Being busy makes me just want to procrastinate school work. I'd rather just take a nap or watch a movie.

I'll try the eucalyptus oil when I study for my finals this week.

Hi Sky,
I can suggest Hemi-Sync brainwave CD's. There are ones
made for concentration and focus!
I really got into it! Bet you would 2!

Its been a long time since I was in school. And I never studied! Just looked at it once, I have a photographic
memory!

Rena

Hi Skydancer,

There are many ways to learn, but methods have shown that the most senses you use the quicker you learn, and the fastest you memorize.

There is hearing memory, you could record and hear the subject. I'm not good at listening as you probably are having Gemini energy, I can't hear long sentences, because I drift off in the middle of it!!!
And there is visual memory, but if you also write what you see, the memory is reinforced. I find it very useful to write on the computer what I am learning.
I greatly recommend this method. Sometimes I don't even need to read again what I have written.

And mediattion can also help you a lot, while in meditation ask for concentration and good memory, you'll notice the improvement!!!

Love,
Tish

Hi Sky

Yes, I think diffusers are pretty cheap - I have two and one was about $10, the other is a little nicer but still I don't think I paid much more than $20...

I have heard of people also putting the oils into a bowl of warm water near them, which would also diffuse the scent. I've never tried it, but I am sure it would work too!

Tish's suggestions are good too! When I was in school and studying for exams I always physically wrote out the important things I wanted to remember. I spent alot of time making really good study notes, and often it was the process of making the notes that made me remember the material!

Good Luck!

Terri

CDs? yes, Rena, I would be interested in that.

I have a weird photographic memory when it comes to stuff I see on the computer. Especially spreadsheets or things from work. I guess it just imprints on my brain.

Tish, I did well in undergrad because I could listen to a lecture, take some notes and I'd never crack a book. Unfortunately, grad school's not like that. You have to read cause they do a lot less lecturing. That's where I have the most trouble. Reading. Sitting down to read length descriptions of counseling models and theories that are all very similar. Trying to differentiate and pick up the major points is tough.

Studying is not so hard for me. It's READING. Reading textbooks blah. Know what I mean? It's stuff I'd love reading if I weren't under so much pressure to get it done. But, there's a LOT to read and remember.

I'm going to try doing some reading over my lunch, but that means leaving the office cause there are too many distractions. I think if I break it up, it will flow better and seem less massive.

Hi SkyD,

I love reading and can read all day, but only if I am interested!! I would also get distracted reading length descriptions and theories...

Then you will have to make an effort because it is worth it!
Good luck dear!!!

Tish

this just came to me . . . i realized i learn the best when i discuss the material with another person. this way we fill in for each other what we may be missing. discussion also puts the subject in an active space and makes it easier to retain. it's one thing to learn by listening, but it's also another thing to learn by thinking up things to say!

good luck!!!