Why Traditional Studying Doesn’t Work—And the Study Techniques ADHD Students Should Use Instead

Kelly Anthony
Mar 17
5 min read

A Personal Journey into Learning and Creativity

Fortunately, I had a Montessori education until high school, where learning felt natural and engaging. But once I transitioned to a more rigid academic system, I found myself bored, uninspired, and struggling to stay focused. The traditional approach to studying—long lectures, rote memorization, and passive learning—never worked for me. Later, as a professor and tutor, I realized that many of my students, especially those with ADHD, faced the same challenges. That’s why I became passionate about study techniques ADHD students can actually benefit from—methods that tap into creativity, movement, and structured flexibility to improve focus and retention.

Writing has always been my anchor. Since childhood, I poured my thoughts into journals—letters to my dog, reflections no one else would read, a place to sort through life’s challenges. This personal connection to writing as a tool for self-care and clarity shaped how I approached tutoring, including my work with Henna, a student in desperate need of new learning approaches and self-confidence.

Henna’s Struggles in a Rigid System

Henna was in the final year of a demanding osteopathic program, struggling with ADHD, depression, and an academic environment that felt more punishing than supportive. She faced comprehensive exams, an intense clinical internship, and multiple research papers—all while battling self-doubt and burnout.

Beyond the academic pressure, Henna faced an unsupportive peer and faculty network. Her program was fairly new, and the directors equated rigor with excessive workload, offering little encouragement or celebration of success. In this toxic atmosphere, Henna had lost faith in herself.

Henna’s school discouraged learning. It seemed that the more challenging things were, the better the program was perceived to be. Professors were not interested in students—only in their test scores. Henna’s emails seeking guidance often went unanswered, and her academic and clinical days stretched 12 hours or longer. The only time she felt truly seen, and happy, was when working with clients.

To make matters worse, the structure of the program added stress. Students were required to travel long distances for parts of their training, often staying in Airbnbs with little opportunity for rest or stability. The overwhelming workload and constant movement left Henna exhausted and anxious. Because of the extreme demands, students did not have the time or energy to form study groups or build relationships. The program ranked students against one another, fostering competition rather than collaboration. Some instructors even played favorites, leaving the rest of the students feeling invisible.

Creativity as a Learning Tool

Like me, Henna had an untapped creative side. Her neatly color-coordinated shelves and carefully arranged artwork in her room hinted at a mind that craved structure and expression. I introduced her to neurographic art, a meditative drawing technique that mimics the way neurons connect in the brain. This process became a calming ritual, allowing her to work through stress visually.

Journaling also became a key part of her routine. In our sessions, we sometimes sat in silence, each writing in our journals, allowing space for reflection and mental clarity. Henna began to see writing not as an academic task but a powerful tool for self-discovery.

Transforming Study Habits

Henna’s previous approach to studying was ineffective—rereading notes for hours, hoping repetition would lead to retention. Together, we built a more dynamic study system.

Flashcards with Depth: We structured flashcards to integrate and apply knowledge instead of just definitions, making her study sessions more interactive.

Study Sprints and Breaks: Henna was used to marathon study sessions, which exhausted her. We introduced study sprints—short, focused sessions with built-in breaks that included journaling, stretching, or drinking water. She learned that studying smarter, not harder, was the key to retaining complex material.

Accountability Through Connection: Since finding a study partner at school felt unsafe, Henna began texting me updates to keep herself accountable. This small shift helped her stay on track without feeling isolated.

The Breakthrough Moment

The biggest change in Henna wasn’t just academic—it was personal. She learned to trust herself again. She became more open, no longer afraid to share her struggles. Even when her confidence wavered, she knew she had the tools to regain control. Instead of retreating to bed when overwhelmed, she took her dog to the park or changed her study environment.

Henna also worked on realistic goal-setting and time management. She learned to balance a heavy workload by prioritizing tasks, using time-blocking methods, and integrating self-care into her schedule. Though she initially struggled with fatigue crashes, she started experimenting with structured rest and more intentional study habits.

By the end of her program, Henna had achieved remarkable milestones:

Passed her comprehensive exams
Excelled in her clinical papers and internship
Graduated on time with her peers
Started her residency in her dream field

But more importantly, she gained confidence and resilience that would serve her beyond school.

The Lesson: Be Teachable

Henna’s success wasn’t about working harder—it was about being open to change. She embraced new ways of thinking, studying, and managing stress. Her willingness to be teachable made all the difference.

For students facing similar challenges, remember:

Be open to new study methods—what worked in the past may not work now.
Prioritize self-care—mental clarity fuels academic success.
Find support—whether through a tutor, mentor, or trusted friend, accountability can make a huge difference.

Henna learned to see herself as I did—smart, capable, and wonderfully unique. And that is what true learning is all about.

How to Get Started with Journaling

If you are new to journaling or unsure where to begin, here are a few simple steps to help you get started:

Pick a Notebook – It doesn’t have to be fancy. Choose something that feels comfortable to write in.
Set a Timer – Start with just 5-10 minutes a day and gradually increase as you feel more comfortable.
Use Prompts – Try questions like “What’s on my mind right now?” or “What’s one thing I learned today?”
Write Freely – Don’t worry about grammar or structure. Let your thoughts flow without judgment.
Make it a Habit – Set aside the same time each day to build consistency.
Reflect – Occasionally read back through your entries to see patterns and progress.

Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, stress relief, and personal growth. Give it a try and see how it transforms your mindset!

"I have been searching for a tutor that would get into the psychology behind why I stand in my way and understands the internal battle that happens within neurodivergent folks when we just want to sit down and do our work. I am so excited to work with Kelly!" ~Henna, Ontario, Canada

START THRIVING TODAY!

Henna’s journey proves that traditional studying methods don’t always work—especially for students with ADHD. By incorporating study techniques ADHD learners benefit from, like creative learning strategies, structured flexibility, and mindfulness practices, she found a way to thrive academically and personally. If you’ve been struggling with focus, retention, or burnout, it may be time to rethink your approach and find study methods that truly work for you.