Why 2x Speed Is the Perfect Match for My ADHD Brain
ADHD, Online Courses, and the Magic of Double Speed
Whats up! 3rd Advent is around the corner.🕯️🕯️🕯️
Did you ever have those meetings in school with your parents and teacher? The ones where they talked about how things were going in class? I remember mine vividly. Every single time, the teacher would say, "Jezz loses concentration after five minutes." And yet, no one ever stopped to wonder why.
Back then, no one realized it was ADHD. I was the quiet little girl sitting at the back of the classroom. ADHD is often stereotyped as being loud or disruptive, so a girl like me, taught to "behave", was overlooked. I didn’t act out. Instead, I turned all that hyperactivity inward.
Looking back now, those meetings make so much sense. Concentration has always been a challenge for me. In school, I’d sit through lessons where the teacher stood at the whiteboard, droning on about things I didn’t care about. My brain would check out after five minutes. Today, it’s the same story, if I’m watching an online course and it doesn’t grab my interest, I lose focus. I’ll stop, walk away, or just zone out completely.
When I do stick with courses, I’ve noticed something, I need constant breaks, every five minutes or so, to reset. I’ll stop, then come back and pick up where I left off. If something really grabs my attention, I might last longer, but that’s rare. YouTube videos work the same way, if it’s boring, I’ll pause it and come back later… or not.
But here’s where things get interesting. Lately, I’ve found a game-changing solution: 2x speed.
Yes, I’ve started watching all my courses at double speed! And you know what? It works. My brain actually stays focused. Maybe it’s because the fast pace keeps my mind from wandering. Maybe it matches the speed of my thoughts better. Either way, it’s been a revelation for me.
What’s funny is that a few years ago, I couldn’t stand watching anything sped up. It overwhelmed me. Maybe my brain wasn’t ready back then, or maybe it just wasn’t the right time. But now? I’m obsessed.
I even signed up for a workshop on animal character design last year with Aaron Blaise. The live session was 6h long, and I only managed to sit through part of it. I’ve been trying to go back and finish it ever since. Recently, I tried watching it at 2x speed, and suddenly, click, it worked! I powered through, stayed engaged, and actually enjoyed it.
Here’s what I’ve learned, the ADHD brain is often in a hyper state, especially in women, who are conditioned to keep their struggles hidden. For me, speeding up content matches the rhythm of my mind. It’s like my brain finally says, “Yes, this makes sense.”
Of course, it doesn’t work for everything. Some YouTube videos still don’t grab me, no matter the speed. But for online courses, where I just want to get to the point, it’s a lifesaver.
So if you’ve got ADHD like me, give it a try! Maybe it’ll work for you too. Or maybe not, everyone’s different. But for me, 2x speed has been a total game changer.
❄️ My art Journey
You’ve probably heard of Spotify Wrapped, right? Well, Apple Music has its own version called Apple Music Replay.
Back in 2021, the Arcane soundtrack shot to the top of my albums list in just three weeks. And guess what? This year is no different! 🤣 Honestly, the music from that show is absolutely incredible, every track is a masterpiece!
So, what about you? What’s your top album of the year? Let me know! 🎵
(The Shark is a Christmas present. Do you think the person will like it? 😊)
I will go on a little break. I will be back on the first week of the new year!
So Merry Christmas and Happy New year! 🥳
❄️ What to Read Next
Thank you so much for your generosity and support!
My eldest is enjoying the Arcane soundtrack too. He's catching up on the show and only just started watching it a week or so ago. Pretty much everyone he knows was recommending it to him. 👍
2x speed is ace for videos. I often listen to podcasts at 2.5x too. Been useful for years now—speeeeeeeeed!! ⏩