Study Tips & Tools for Students with ADHD Studying for the RD Exam

Studying can be tough for anyone, but for students with ADHD, it can feel especially overwhelming. Distractions, difficulty concentrating, and challenges in organizing thoughts can make learning feel like a chore. The good news is that with the right strategies and tools, students with ADHD can improve their focus and create a personalized learning experience that works for them.

Create a Distraction-Free Environment

To improve focus, start by setting up a study space that minimizes distractions. This environment should be comfortable, well-lit, and used solely for studying.

A cluttered desk can create a cluttered mind, so start by cleaning your study area. If possible, equip yourself with noise-canceling headphones. Remember that the standard exam you are taking it in a room with other people. If you are worried about this test taking setting you should apply for test taking accommodations. Learn ore about applying for accommodations in this blog post.

Break Tasks Into Manageable Chunks

Looking at a long study schedule can be frightening. Instead of diving into a four-hour study marathon, break your study tasks into smaller chunks. Try focusing for 25-30 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This method, known as the Pomodoro Technique, encourages efficient study bursts. Use this free website to help set a Pomodoro Timer.

During short breaks, step away from your desk to stretch, enjoy a snack, or engage in a quick hobby. This approach maintains your motivation while giving your mind a chance to reset.

Incorporate Movement Into Study Sessions

Restlessness is common among students with ADHD. Instead of fighting the urge to move, integrate it into your study sessions. Some effective methods include studying while standing or using a stability ball as a chair. Also, take short walking breaks. A quick 5-10 minute walk can boost brain function and recharge your energy levels.

Set Specific Goals

Clearly defined goals are vital for maintaining motivation. When you make your schedule be sure to put specific tasks for each day vs just planning to study for x hours. Sign up for the free RD Exam Prep Masterclass to learn how to make a schedule.

Write your goals down and track your progress. Checking off completed tasks can provide a satisfying sense of achievement, reinforcing your motivation. Many students in the Signature Self Paced Course like to use this workbook to help them visually check their tasks off a list.

Embrace Mindfulness Techniques

Incorporating mindfulness into your routine can help reduce anxiety and enhance focus. Self care must be a part of your RD Exam study routine to help prevent stress and anxiety being the reason you don't pass.

Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga pave the way for mental clarity. Studies indicate that just a few minutes of mindfulness before studying can improve concentration and memory retention.

Seek Support

Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. Working with a RD Exam tutor is a great step for student with ADHD to take to get support for their exam. Discussing strategies with peers in group classes also fosters a supportive community and enhances everyone's study experience.

Student Recommended Apps for ADHD Studying:

Finch: Self-care app that uses a virtual pet bird to build healthy habits and increase mental well-being, users set specific goals/habits/exercises and receive rewards when they are completed (points to unlock new features and buy things for the pet), ability to connect with others, encourage friends, and set goals together.

Focusmate: Virtual (free) coworking app with a focus on accountability, choice of 3 different lengths of work sessions, users are paired with others from various different backgrounds and the session is done right on the app.

Brili: Brili is organized by ADHD experts to bring you daily motivation, schedule and routine guidance, and a variety of focus tips and techniques. They put together a collection of routine templates so you can pick the one that works best for you! Once you set your routine and goals, you can visualize your success and even set personalized rewards for completing tasks!

Forest: The Forest App is a simple concept - the longer you stay off of your phone, the longer your tree grows! With the ability to set your own focus time, Forest can be helpful in a variety of tasks and goals. As you continue to succeed in your goals, you can watch as your original tree turns into a forest!

Freedom: Freedom is the perfect app to avoid distractions on your computer or laptop. With Freedom, you can block other websites and apps of choice for a specific amount of time. These sessions can either be started in the moment or scheduled into your day! This app has shown great success for users with an average gain of 2.5 hours of productive time per day.

InFlow: InFlow is another app developed by ADHD experts and clinicians. With InFlow, users will gain knowledge of how their ADHD impacts their everyday workflow and get personalized coaching and strategies to combat these effects. They also gain the ability to create connections with others who have ADHD, ask them questions, and share their experiences. 

Have an app or tool you love to help you study? Email it to us at dana@danajfnutrition.com to add it to the list!