Neurodiverse Study Tips for the Upcoming Deadline and Exam Season
For neurodiverse students, the pressure to stay on track and perform can be particularly challenging, but with the right strategies in place, you can navigate this stressful period more effectively.
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As the semester draws to a close, the workload intensifies. What once seemed like a manageable routine quickly transforms into a race against time. Days blur into one another as deadlines loom large, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. For neurodiverse students, the pressure to stay on track and perform can be particularly challenging, but with the right strategies in place, you can navigate this stressful period more effectively.
Having experienced the struggles of managing deadlines and preparing for exams myself, I understand the stress and difficulty of maintaining focus when the pressure mounts. As a neurodivergent person myself, I’ve found myself caught in cycles of working for ten hours a day, feeling as though I was achieving something, only to realise the time lost due to distractions or poor planning. There was also a time when I found myself drowning in assignments, requiring extensions to meet the demands of several deadlines in quick succession. Reflecting on these experiences, I realise that with better planning, consistency, and self-care, I could have improved my approach and, in turn, my grades. Here are a few tips that could make a significant difference during this busy period.
1. Stay Off Your Phone
One of the biggest distractions in today’s world is the smartphone. While it’s tempting to check your social media or scroll through TikTok for hours, it’s essential to recognise how much time and energy this drains away from your focus. The constant interruptions from notifications or the addictive nature of short-form content can derail your concentration for hours. Try using apps or features that block distracting websites and notifications, allowing you to focus fully on your study or revision sessions. Or, try putting your phone in another room, when you’re studying.
2. Stay Consistent, Even with Small Tasks
Consistency is key. Whether you’re tackling a five-minute task or a five-hour study session, consistency helps keep the momentum going. Neurodiverse individuals sometimes struggle with shifting focus or maintaining attention for long periods, but breaking your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can make it easier. Aiming to complete a small task consistently each day, rather than cramming all at once, can not only reduce stress but also improve your long-term retention of information.
3. Find What Works Best for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to studying, especially when it comes to neurodiversity. Some people thrive in the quiet of a library, while others find they need variety to maintain their focus. Experiment with different study environments—whether that’s a quiet corner, a bustling coffee shop, or your own room. For some, working in the same place every day can build a sense of routine, while others may need to switch things up to avoid burnout. Listen to your body and your mind and adapt as necessary. If something isn’t working, change it.
4. Break Down Large Tasks into Smaller, Achievable Ones
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a massive to-do list, but tackling everything at once can quickly lead to burnout. Instead, break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This can make your workload seem less daunting and provide a sense of accomplishment as you check off each smaller task. A TED talk that I watched once discussed how breaking large projects down helps keep your focus on the immediate goal rather than getting lost in the enormity of the entire task. One task at a time is more achievable and less overwhelming.
5. Ask Questions Before the Deadline
As the exam and deadline season approaches, it’s easy to become buried in your work and forget to seek clarification on things you’re uncertain about. However, reaching out to your lecturers or tutors is essential. If something isn’t clear in the course material, or you’re unsure about expectations for an assignment, ask the necessary questions early. Doing so ensures you’re on the right track, reduces confusion, and can help you avoid unnecessary stress as deadlines approach. Don’t wait until the last minute—communication is key.
6. Maintain a Regular Sleeping Routine
It’s tempting to burn the midnight oil in the lead-up to a big deadline or exam, but consistently depriving yourself of sleep can hinder your ability to concentrate, retain information, and perform well. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep a night and try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day. This not only improves your overall health but also optimises your cognitive functions during study sessions.
7. Take Care of Your Body
Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated are simple but often overlooked aspects of studying effectively. Make sure you’re eating regular, nutritious meals and drinking plenty of water to keep your body and brain functioning at their best. Dehydration or poor nutrition can impair concentration and memory, making it harder to study effectively. Taking regular breaks to stretch, walk around, or even meditate can also help reset your mind and body during intense study sessions.
To conclude, the exam and deadline season can be particularly stressful for neurodiverse students, but it doesn’t have to be a time of overwhelming anxiety. With the right strategies in place, you can reduce the pressure and set yourself up for success. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Take it one day at a time and keep adjusting your approach until you find what works best for you. You’ve got this!
