Concentration tips

Thank you

Thank you so much for your encouragement. You'll finish your dissertation, too! You can do it. :)

You've come this far - you'll get there

I hope so! It's been quite challenging so far but I want to finish.

Oh wow - it's a long course. It'll be worth it though

You're welcome :)

I'm currently entering my third year and I need at least another year on top of that.

Thanks! I haven't thought of setting myself timers - I often find I sit there for hours and wonder why I haven't been coming up with anything productive. I need to get better at taking breaks.

I have a tangle toy and I love it; I use it at work when I'm on conference calls. I don't know why I didn't think of using it for studying! 

Thanks for the tips How long do you have left on your PhD?

I'm not sure if this has been said before but I find the following things helpful: 1) setting an alarm clock in addition to having a to-do list because I tend to obsess over tasks as well and end up exhausting myself because I can't see "the bigger picture" (= getting task x done). Saying to myself "I'm going to focus on this for x numer of minutes before the first break" really helps me putting things into perspective. 2) Have you heard of tangle toys? They're great for stimming with your hands (if that's your thing). Playing with these while I read/take notes/write really helps me focus. Hope this helps! I'm currently working on my PhD dissertation so I feel your pain.

Haha, if I'm feeling brave 

That's fantastic 

And I look forward to it. I bet lots of people will be interested with it. Maybe you can do us a video breakdown of it when you're done.. Just for fun

Haha, I have no idea why either. I'm fascinated that there are two of us

That’s so weird!  When I’ve mentioned to my friends that if I’m trying to write revision notes, or make a list of things I have to get done, that I need to use different handwriting they laugh and say it’s weird.  I have no idea why I do it. But I’m glad I’ve found someone else that does it too! 

thanks     lol

What you said about failed attempts being a victory is really helpful. I'm currently going through exposure therapy for my OCD and I've been really frustrated with myself for having meltdowns when I attempt the exposure activities - I can't calm down the way I'm supposed to. At least I've attempted it though.

I didn't know about inattentive ADHD until recently, but I do wonder whether that might be a factor for me - a lot of the symptoms seem to fit. I definitely struggle with executive functioning, but I know that could be autism-related too. I guess I'll just have to wait for my assessment to find out.

I never learn either.

I use different handwriting too!

Haha, it looked fantastic. Just a shame I barely got anything done

but it looked good right :)