Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - I need help with concentration and memory recall

AHadley · 09-05-2003, 06:33 AM

This is a subject I've given a lot of attention to.

For me, the most detracting thing about studying something is the distractions . Even if I am in a quiet place with nothing external interrupting, I find that I interrupt myself with worries over other things going on in my life (money, marriage, kids, getting old ... the usual crap)

One of the neurotransmitters that does help "calm you down" so you're not distracted by things going on in your head is Seratonin. Seratonin levels can be raised by taking medications in the SSRI class; including Prozac, Zofrin, etc.

Protein also increases seratonin levels in the brain. Carbohydrates stimulate the bodies production of insulin, which "clears the way" for the amino acids in the protein to get to the brain. So, try studying at night after a nice big dinner of Steak 'n 'Taters!

Another technique that has worked very well for me is the "Rule of Three". I never get anything the first time I read it. If I'm "chapter studying", I'll read through the chapter once, making little or no effort to assimilate the information, just to vaguely familiarize myself with it.

I'll read through it a second time, more closely, with a more concerted effort at (NOT memorizing!) but understanding what is being said.

The third time I read it (preferably, the next day) it all makes perfect sense.

Another great technique is to imagine that you are the teacher, and you have to explain it to yourself. Ask yourself questions, and if you don't know the answer, write it down and find out. If you do know the answer, explain it to yourself like you're a 2-year old. You'll quickly find yourself to be an expert on any subject you want.

09-05-2003, 06:33 AM	#14 (permalink)
AHadley Upright	This is a subject I've given a lot of attention to. For me, the most detracting thing about studying something is the distractions . Even if I am in a quiet place with nothing external interrupting, I find that I interrupt myself with worries over other things going on in my life (money, marriage, kids, getting old ... the usual crap) One of the neurotransmitters that does help "calm you down" so you're not distracted by things going on in your head is Seratonin. Seratonin levels can be raised by taking medications in the SSRI class; including Prozac, Zofrin, etc. Protein also increases seratonin levels in the brain. Carbohydrates stimulate the bodies production of insulin, which "clears the way" for the amino acids in the protein to get to the brain. So, try studying at night after a nice big dinner of Steak 'n 'Taters! Another technique that has worked very well for me is the "Rule of Three". I never get anything the first time I read it. If I'm "chapter studying", I'll read through the chapter once, making little or no effort to assimilate the information, just to vaguely familiarize myself with it. I'll read through it a second time, more closely, with a more concerted effort at (NOT memorizing!) but understanding what is being said. The third time I read it (preferably, the next day) it all makes perfect sense. Another great technique is to imagine that you are the teacher, and you have to explain it to yourself. Ask yourself questions, and if you don't know the answer, write it down and find out. If you do know the answer, explain it to yourself like you're a 2-year old. You'll quickly find yourself to be an expert on any subject you want.