Patient Advice
Topic 5: Manage concentration and memory
Develop memory aids and train your memory
Mel’s advice: My husband and I missed a few birthdays and things we just hadn’t remembered. So I put chalkboards and post-it notes everywhere. I tested myself on things that I had on the next day, before reading it on the chalkboard. I also used post-it notes to help me remembering words. And I would get other people to test me on naming different objects.
At uni, record lectures and pace yourself in exams
When I found it hard to concentrate in lectures, I recorded the lecture on a dictaphone. In this way I did not miss anything when I zoned out. In exams, I paced myself to avoid getting tired and panicking towards the end. I started by putting bullet points down for each question first, rather than writing all the way through. I also found earplugs useful to zone out all the other noises because I would get really distracted.
Don't push yourself too hard
Mel’s advice: Don’t push yourself too hard. Although it’s good to push yourself sometimes, it can set you back if you’re upset or frustrated that you can’t achieve things as quickly as you want to.