ADHD-FRIENDLY GUIDE
How to Break Down Studying for an Exam | ADHD-Friendly Guide
Studying often feels impossible with ADHD when your brain resists structure. This guide breaks it into micro wins that lead to strong recall and less panic.
✓ Track your progress ✓ Check off micro-steps ✓ Celebrate small wins
Why This Breakdown Works for ADHD Brains
No Overwhelming Tasks
Every step takes 2-5 minutes max. Nothing here will make your brain shut down.
Dopamine Hits
Check off micro-steps frequently for constant motivation and progress visibility.
Clear Next Action
No guessing what to do. Every micro-step tells you exactly what to do right now.
Complete Step-by-Step Breakdown
Phase 1: Setup and Planning
Gather materials
Collect notes, slides, and textbooks
Put them in one folder
Highlight exam topics
Label files clearly
Create a 'study zone' folder
Make a mini schedule
Block 3x25-minute sessions per day
Assign one topic per block
Add to Google Calendar
Set reminders
Reward yourself after each
Create motivation triggers
Make a study playlist
Prepare snacks
Place water nearby
Write 'why this matters' note
Keep it visible
Phase 2: Active Learning
Chunk your topics
Pick one topic only
Split it into 3 subtopics
Use colored notes for each
Study for 25 minutes
Take a break
Teach it back
Explain aloud to yourself
Use simple language
Note what you forgot
Review that part again
Record a short summary voice note
Test recall
Use flashcards
Cover answers and recall
Mark wrong ones
Redo after 2 hours
Celebrate small wins
Phase 3: Review and Retain
Quick review loops
Revisit old notes
Underline key facts
Summarize each topic in one sentence
Review just before sleep
Keep sticky notes handy
Simulate exam conditions
Set timer for 1 hour
Work through past paper
Highlight weak areas
Take 10-minute break
Try again next day
Calm your nerves
Stretch for 2 minutes
Listen to relaxing music
Do box breathing
Say 'I've prepared' aloud
Sleep early before exam day
ADHD Pro Tips
⏳ Short focus bursts
ADHD brains focus best in timed 25-minute blocks.
📱 Use audio notes
Record summaries — replaying boosts recall for auditory learners.
🧩 Break topics down
Don't study a whole chapter — tackle one subtopic at a time.
🌙 Review before bed
Sleep consolidates memory — quick review at night helps retention.
Track These Steps in Scramblie
Import this entire breakdown into the app, check off steps as you go, and celebrate every tiny win. Built specifically for ADHD brains.
Download Free on App Store✓ Pre-loaded task templates ✓ AI task breakdown ✓ Progress tracking
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