There have likely been moments when you’ve needed to pay attention but found it impossible. There have been days when I’ve attended my lecture, opened my notebook, uncapped my pen… and my brain has logged out. Because my class continues whether I am mentally there or not, I’ve had to figure out a few ways to stay present.
One of the most effective ways that I ground myself is by taking notes – with pen and paper. Using a word document is easy. The combination of brain static and easy leads to me being lazy. By challenging myself to write down as much as I can from the board, I tend to wake up a little bit. It also acts a safeguard; when I’m more alert later on, I can revisit the notes that I’ve taken and build on them. But sometimes even note taking can become an impossibility. So what do I do then?
One of the biggest motivators for people with ADHD is external pressure. Putting yourself in the accountability zone in the classroom can help significantly. Don’t sit at the back. Sit at the front and your mind won’t have any choice but to stay present. Those are two of my own personal techniques, but there are many others you can use: bring a fidget toy with you, ask questions and get involved, doodle-notes, make micro goals that consist of what you want to achieve, and so much more.
Your journey might be different from the other students around you. But the mission is the same.
