I just can't concentrate

[belgo]

Does anyone else find they just can't concentrate on studying? I have two very small children, and I'm studying a subject in a different language, and I just can't get my head around what I'm supposed to be doing. Everytime I try and study my brain goes all fuzzy! I passed the first year despite being pregnant and having a small child, but now I'm doing the second year, it just seems so much harder.

Belgo,
I feel for you. I am doing a part time masters and have no children (M/C last week though) but I have a job that can be as bad as having twins!

I too find it hard to concentrate and even though I only have 5 more weeks to go when I hand in my dissertation I am still struggling.

I have to make myself see the light at the end of the tunnel and think of the days when I won't have to come back from work and type until the wee hours.

Could you get some childcare arranged via uni that would give you extra time to literally force yourself to do the work? Can you 'reward'yourself even with a little chocolate or a study free day everytime you complete an assignement?

When I was at college doing my degree we used to make big lists of everything we really wanted to do so we could focus on studying and reward ourselves later.

Be strong, you can do this xx

I always find this after any holiday, especially the summer.

What I do to force myself is to break it down into 20 minute time slots - 10 minutes if I'm really bad.

So 20 mins work, then 10 mins doing something else. I use a kitchen timer to force me back to it.

I always find this helps.

And setting aside certain times to do work. No work outside this time, but must work during this time kinda thing - no matter about housework or anything else that needs doing.

Thanks Gillian. I'm so sorry to hear about your m/c. It must be very hard for you at the moment.
I seem to be a permanant student, and I wish I could work instead. The problem is that I live in Belgium and don't have an easily transferable profession. The studying I'm doing is in flemish, and it's just too hard. It's so frustrating because if it was in English I would have no problem at all.

ilovecaboose - that's good advice. I do find myself doing housework when i should be studying.

my house is never cleaner! I even sort out the socks and tidy up!!!!

But I have to convince myself that when there is nothing else to do then I have to work!

Gillian - I always find myself thinking - oh the freezer needs defrosting or something similar. Amazing all those little jobs you can find.

hehe I sometimes iron :0 instead of studying - or as of late hop on these boards!!!

whoops better study now hehe

Know the feeling Babyfox!

I actually find it OK (sorry - not helpful I know).

I think it's just the joy of immersing myself in something interesting and stimulating and NOT related to nappies and washing.

Actually, I take a long time to get going (lots of inertia) but then I'm away.

Beckybreastraps - I would enjoy it if it was interesting - but it's not interesting - it's mostly project work that's just so boring.

Ah. Dh did an MBA which bored the pants off him and had the same problem. My sympathies.

Have you tried essential oils? I use rosemary on a burner thing when I'm studying its meant to stimulate your brain but don't use if your preggers or epileptic!! Helped me focus