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How to maximise your organisation

Do you ever feel as if everything in your life is upside down? When your life isn't very organised it can feel quite overwhelming and hard to concentrate and do things. Here's some things you can do to organise!

use a planner and plan ahead

declutter your places like your room, drawers, purse, bags etc

organise your closet - get rid/donate clothes you don't wear anymore, fold clothes etc

declutter your phone - this can include your apps, photos, files, emails

create a routine and stick with it - routines can help you stay on track

create a tracker - from anything to habits to money

empty your bin

plan meals in advance

vacuum your floors

make your bed

write down anything you need to do

do your laundry

spend at least 10 mins a day cleaning your personal space

not mandatory but you can redecorate your room

My entire (simple) wardrobe

Other than my shoes and one of my backpacks, this is literally all the clothes I own and I absolutely love it.

Hard to believe that I used to own 2 full dressers and closets full of clothes and shoes. Not to mention all the other boxes of clothes that would be tucked away in storage and whatnot.

Now, I feel so much less stressed about what I'm going to wear. No longer need to lay out clothes the night before hand cause I mean...it's all just RIGHT THERE.

Everything I need, and nothing I don't 🖤✨️

How To Become A Brand New Person ✨✨

Self Reflect:

Journal daily.

Think about past decisions and how they impacted your life.

Meditate regularly.

Create a vision board to visualize your goals.

Review your strengths and weaknesses.

Identify your core values and beliefs.

Figure out your passions and interests.

Think about your childhood dreams and aspirations.

Evaluate your current state of happiness and fulfillment.

Set Clear Goals:

Define specific career goals, like "Get promoted within two years."

Set health goals, like "Lose 20 pounds in six months."

Create financial goals such as "Save $10,000 for a vacation."

Establish personal development goals, like "Read 24 books in a year."

Set relationship goals, such as "Improve communication with my partner."

Define education goals, like "Complete a master's degree in three years."

Set travel goals, like "Visit five new countries in the next two years."

Create hobbies and interests goals, such as "Learn to play a musical instrument."

Set community or volunteer goals, like "Volunteer 100 hours this year."

Establish mindfulness or self-care goals, such as "Practice meditation daily."

Self Care:

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

Follow a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Practice in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga.

Take regular breaks at work to avoid burnout.

Schedule "me time" for activities you enjoy.

Limit exposure to stressors and toxic people.

Practice regular skincare and grooming routines.

Seek regular medical check-ups and screenings.

Stay hydrated by drinking enough water daily.

Personal Development:

Read a book every month from various genres.

Attend workshops or seminars on topics of interest.

Learn a new language or musical instrument.

Take online courses to acquire new skills.

Set aside time for daily reflection and self improvement.

Seek a mentor in your field for guidance.

Attend conferences and networking events.

Start a side project or hobby to expand your abilities.

Practice public speaking or communication skills.

Do creative activities like painting, writing, or photography.

Create a Support System:

Build a close knit group of friends who uplift and inspire you.

Join clubs or organizations aligned with your interests.

Connect with a mentor or life coach.

Attend family gatherings to maintain bonds.

Be open and honest in your communication with loved ones.

Seek advice from trusted colleagues or supervisors.

Attend support groups for specific challenges (e.g., addiction recovery).

Cultivate online connections through social media.

Find a therapist or counselor for emotional support.

Participate in community or volunteer activities to meet like minded people.

Change Habits:

Cut back on sugary or processed foods.

Reduce screen time and increase physical activity.

Practice gratitude by keeping a daily journal.

Manage stress through mindfulness meditation.

Limit procrastination by setting specific deadlines.

Reduce negative self-talk by practicing self-compassion.

Establish a regular exercise routine.

Create a budget and stick to it.

Develop a morning and evening routine for consistency.

Overcome Fear and Self Doubt:

Face a specific fear head-on (example: public speaking).

Challenge your negative thoughts with positive affirmations.

Seek therapy to address underlying fears or traumas.

Take small, calculated risks to build confidence.

Visualize success in challenging situations.

Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people.

Journal about your fears and doubts to gain clarity.

Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.

Focus on your strengths and accomplishments.

Embrace failure as a valuable learning experience.

Embrace Change:

Relocate to a new city or country.

Switch careers or industries to pursue your passion.

Take on leadership roles in your workplace.

Volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone.

Embrace new technologies and digital tools.

Travel to unfamiliar destinations.

Start a new hobby or creative endeavor.

Change your daily routine to add variety.

Adjust your mindset to see change as an opportunity.

Seek out diverse perspectives and viewpoints.

Practice Gratitude:

Write down three things you're grateful for each day.

Express gratitude to loved ones regularly.

Create a gratitude jar and add notes of appreciation.

Reflect on the positive aspects of challenging situations.

Show gratitude by volunteering or helping others in need.

Send thank-you notes or messages to people who've helped you.

Keep a gratitude journal and review it regularly.

Share your gratitude openly during family meals or gatherings.

Focus on the present moment and appreciate the little things.

Practice gratitude even in times of adversity.

Be Patient:

Set realistic expectations for your progress.

Accept that personal growth takes time.

Focus on the journey rather than the destination.

Learn from setbacks and view them as opportunities to improve.

Celebrate small milestones along the way.

Practice self-compassion during challenging times.

Stay committed to your goals, even when progress is slow.

Keep a journal to track your personal growth.

Recognize that patience is a valuable skill in personal transformation.

Celebrate Small Wins:

Treat yourself to your favorite meal or dessert.

Reward yourself with a spa day or self-care activity.

Share your achievements with friends and loved ones.

Create a vision board to visualize your successes.

Acknowledge and congratulate yourself in a journal.

Give yourself permission to take a break and relax.

Display reminders of your accomplishments in your workspace.

Take a day off to celebrate a major milestone.

Host a small gathering to mark your achievements.

Set aside time to reflect on how far you've come.

Maintain Balance:

Set clear boundaries in your personal and work life.

Prioritize self care activities in your daily routine.

Schedule regular breaks and downtime.

Learn to say "no" when necessary to avoid overcommitment.

Evaluate your work life balance regularly.

Seek support from friends and family to avoid burnout.

Be kind to yourself and accept imperfections.

Practice mindfulness to stay present and grounded.

Revisit your priorities and adjust them as needed.

Embrace self love and self acceptance as part of your daily life.

Hey i just wanna ask since your blog is really helpful, can you give me some advice on how to stop being lazy or how to be more productive? This have been a problem since i was little and im telling you i wanna make it stop

HOW TO EXIT YOUR LAZY GIRL ERA

LAZINESS IS NOT AN ACTION, BUT A MINDSET. If you are truly committed, disciplined and motivated, you will have no problems achieving your goals and being productive. So, no negative self-talk & a limiting mindset only holds you back. 

EAT THE FROG OR CHICK 

Eating the frog refers to doing the hardest task on your to-do list first to get in your productivity flow and conquer your to-do list easily. 

Or, what I prefer, is eating the chick(s). Doing the small impact tasks first gives you enough confidence to do your harder tasks. Eat the one you prefer!

FIGURE OUT THE REAL ISSUE. Is this a task you hate? Then make it enjoyable for yourself. Afraid of failing? Expect yourself to fail. Is it overwhelming? Then only do a fraction of the task.  Find a solution. DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF TO TIME. Avoid timing yourself or giving yourself a time limit. Just do your tasks without worrying about time, even if you run out, you’ve still been productive.  SET YOUR ENVIRONMENT FOR SUCCESS. Lay out everything that you have to do, minimise common distractions and remove anything that makes you feel anything but productive. MAKE THE TRANSITION EASY, from non-productive to productive. Ensure that you have a customised ritual before being productive, have a particular time to start being productive and have a specific place where you are productive.  AVOID PERFECTION. It doesn’t matter if your tasks aren’t achieved at a high standard, but if you commit to just doing it, that consistency provides more growth and helps to do that same task again.  PLAN YOUR DAY, PROPERLY. Don’t be vague when planning. Outline what you need to do for each task, because when we know what we have to do, it seems more achievable and less out of reach.  BALANCE IS KEY. Taking breaks, eating healthy meals throughout and getting the blood flowing increases our productivity. Please, do not overexert yourself to be productive.

40 Tips For Becoming More Disciplined 📌💡🚀📝

Know what you want to achieve soon and in the future. This helps you know where to go and stay motivated.

Do the most important things first to save time and energy.

Have a daily plan that includes work, rest, exercise, and learning.

Make big tasks smaller so they're not scary, and you can see progress.

Use methods like the Pomodoro Technique (working for a while, then resting) or blocking time to get more done.

Notice when you're avoiding work and make yourself start.

Control yourself from getting distracted or doing things just for fun.

Say no politely when you can't do more things without getting stressed.

Stay healthy by eating well, exercising, and sleeping enough.

Keep learning by reading, taking classes, or trying new things.

Check how you're doing with your goals and change plans if needed.

Tell a friend or mentor your goals so they can help you stay on track.

Keep your spaces tidy to help you focus better.

Learning discipline takes time, and it's okay if things don't go perfectly.

Think good thoughts about yourself instead of bad ones.

Imagine doing well to get motivated.

Mistakes are chances to learn, not reasons to give up.

Be happy about even small successes to stay positive.

Listen to advice from others to get better.

Be ready to change your plans but keep your main goals.

Try mindfulness to concentrate, be calm, and know yourself better.

Write about your progress and plans in a journal.

Turn off things like social media when you work or study.

Think about things you're thankful for to stay happy.

Do quick tasks right away instead of waiting.

Spend time with people who help you and make you want to be better.

Let others do tasks that you don't need to do, so you can focus.

Get better at handling problems without giving up.

Picture doing well to stay motivated.

Drink water to think clearly and stay healthy.

Have a special place to work or study to help you focus.

Wait for bigger rewards instead of quick ones.

Keep things simple, both around you and in your mind, so you can concentrate.

Listen to advice without feeling bad about yourself.

Use apps and tools to manage your tasks and time.

Reading helps you learn and think better.

Decide what's good enough for you and stick to it.

Believe you can get smarter and better with practice.

Do creative things to stay imaginative and interested.

Listen carefully to others to be better at talking and understanding.

Sent over by my mentor

⪩⪨ 30 habits to make life better ⪩⪨

Wake up early and enjoy the silence.

Drink a glass of water.

Stretch your muscles and do some exercise.

Meditate or practice gratitude.

Brush your teeth and wash your face.

Make your bed and tidy up your room.

Put on some comfortable and clean clothes.

Eat a healthy and balanced breakfast.

Take your vitamins and supplements.

Read a book or listen to a podcast.

Write down your goals for the day.

Review your calendar and schedule your day.

Check your emails and messages.

Avoid social media and news until later.

Say some affirmations to yourself.

Give a hug to your loved ones.

Pet your furry friends or water your plants.

Pack a healthy lunch for yourself.

Leave early and avoid traffic.

Smile or say hello to people you meet.

Appreciate the beauty of nature and weather.

Greet your colleagues and classmates.

Start with the most important or difficult task.

Take break and stretch a little.

Ask for help or feedback when you need it.

Learn something new or improve a skill.

Celebrate your achievements and progress.

Detox your inbox and gallery regularly.

Always thank your colleagues and friends for their help and support.

Spend quality time with your friends and family.

january 29-feb. 04

monday: 30 minute cardio | 30 minute bi’s, tri’s, & shoulders | 20 minute stretch

tuesday: 30 minute hiit | 35 minute glutes | 15 minute stretch

wednesday: 30 minute cardio | 30 minute chest & back | 20 minute stretch

thursday: 40 minute walking cardio | 35 minute core & back mobility

friday: 30 minute cardio | 35 minute legs | 15 minute stretch

saturday: 50 minute vin to yin yoga

sunday: 25 minute foam rolling pilates | 20 minute yoga

Level Up Pyramid.

I will never stop yapping about how important it is to get your basics right. If your base routine is not solid, no matter what you add on to it, it will never be sustainable.

most of us get motivated in the middle of the night, build an elaborate routine that we’ll follow for less than 2 days and we’re back to square one.

I get so many asks about girls getting stressed over their routine and how they should solve the issue. If your routine is stressing you out, you need to cut. It. Down.

this is a pyramid that will teach you to get the basics down and in what order.

if your foundation is strong, your base routine will be an unshakeable of your life. if it is an unshakeable part of your life, you will slowly but surely get better at those things. as you get better at those things, your confidence will increase. as your confidence increases, you will be ready and motivated to take on more challenges.

This is a masterlist to help you , elevate your mindset. It only works if you actually implement it , just watching videos and daydreaming, will not.

I'm always open to suggestions to add any videos to this , just send me an ask or a comment

how to master your emotional intelligence

"friends" to watch out for

you are a queen , u were born one

bye bye lazy girl era

the song jia effect

overcome your phone addiction

acceptance and change

learning to value

not taking risks , is the biggest risk

the perfect student

your enemies are secretly addicted to you

creating a successful mindset

mindset is everything

being your own dream girl

stop being lazy and pathetic

2024 vision board

here is my vision board for 2024!

some areas I have added is my personal aesthetic, personal style, health, financial, travelling, school, musical and learning more italian ୨୧

but why should we create vision boards and why?

vision boards helps us invision what our goals for the year are and what kind of vibe we want to have

it's super easy to look over anytime to see if we're on track with our goals

what do I put in my vision board

put in images of what kind of person you want to be

put in images of your goals and areas in which you want to succeed in

some categories for your vision board can be personal life, financial, career, school, health, relationships

MASTERPOST OF MY POSTS

Advice posts:

Small things you can do to help keep somewhat sane when life is chaos incarnate

Tips for a super busy life with add-on by lilliesandlovebirds

How I prep for a new semester at uni

STEM writing advice

schedule time for yourself

Broke college student tip: cook

Overwhelming failure

Small changes make big impacts

Gathered school advice

advice for new college students

Failure is normal and a part of the learning process

tips for playing catch up

Getting back into school

UNIVERSITY WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

How to bounce back from failing a test

How to get a good work/life balance

 Study stuff:

review/summary pages

Testing tips: minutes before the test

Fun ways to help stay focused while studying

A survival guide for finals week

different study methods

How I condense notes for quick reviews

How to study for a test with lots of info

Testing tip

My 20 Favorite Language Learning Tips

Autism and School

Productivity:

Productivity and disability

One of my favorite productivity tips:

Healthy productivity

don’t be productive all the time

How to make the most out of a sick day

slow mornings

How I limit my productivity and why you probably should too

Other:

Easy and cheap study snacks: stuffed croissants

failing is ok

academic wins

Easy, fast and cheap foods for under $5

TIPS FOR MANAGING CHRONIC MIGRAINES AND ONLINE CLASSES with add-on by phdstudygirl

Things I learned from failing classes

Debugging the Fear Algorithm

A day in the life of someone dealing with anxiety is pretty straightforward: it's just a constant loop of overthinking that never seems to quit. All those thoughts strung together create a seriously harmful cycle. Funny thing is, the person going through it might not even realize they're stuck in this same old pattern, but anxiety just eats up every moment of their time. If you recognize yourself in the example below, congrats ! You're already taking the first step toward healing, which is to open your darn eyes to reality.

Admit it. Every day, every second, your mind is looking for a new reason to feel terrified. It could be worrying about what someone might think of you, a thought that will linger until you're mentally drained. Or perhaps, you spend hours fearing that your loved ones will leave you, that what you hold dear will disappear one day, that you'll never find happiness, to the point where you sink into a black hole of despair. That's not even your fault ! Honestly, only those who have never experienced anxiety could underestimate the weight of facing your own demons. That sh!t feels like being held by the collar over an abyss.

But like, where in the world does that even come from?

Who cares ???

I'm so done with those well-being articles that go on and on explaining the origin of the problem, sometimes without any proof of their explanation, and then throw at you fuzzy instructions. "Accept your situation! Embrace your emotions! Focus on your breathing!". I mean, even if these tips did the trick (not saying they're all useless, who knows), these articles never tell you exactly how to do it and totally ignore the freaking reality of a real anxious person: living in constant fear of some invisible danger. So, regardless of the murky origin of why you operate like that, let's get down to business.

Some practical advice

For small fears

This advice if for when you get anxious over something trivial, perhaps even small OCD. Let's say you're trying to build some healthy habits, like sticking to a regular bedtime. But when the time comes, you get caught in a cycle of stress, doubting your ability to stick to your resolutions. You become overwhelmed with anxiety, completely disconnect (it's called the freeze response), and end up letting the hours slip away. To sum it up, you go to bed feeling drained and like you're a HUGE failure.

What to do? Romanticize. For now. Or rather, play it down. Dedramatize. Look, repeating to yourself that you're worthless and should do better will only reinforce the cycle and push you further into depression. The problem isn't you; it's that your brain is playing games, tormenting you with these little repetitive fears.

Just tell yourself that these hours spent staying up are your me-time for now, that everyone has it from time to time, and that you'll eventually sleep earlier when you've had enough of being in your lazy era. A bit of temporary indulgence, even if it seems like a strange method, is more likely to work than hammering into your head that you're good for nothing and incapable of keeping your commitments. Tested and approved method. So, remember: de-dra-ma-tize.

For medium (or mundane ?) fears

Everyday life fears can even drain your day more, because you feel like the consequences are even more real. Someone said something this morning, and you're not sure if it was mean. Your train got canceled, and you need to find a solution quickly. You don't understand the instructions you were given at work, and you're embarassed to ask again. You received an unusual administrative letter to handle. Your phone is acting up, and the customer service isn't very cooperative. You have to go grocery shopping by bus an hour away from home with a fragile plastic bag, and it's dark outside. The list goes on.

These fears are as real as your response needs to be pragmatic: get organized. Plan. Be logical. Don't magnify in your head what that person said, don't interpret it; if they don't like you, you'll eventually find out. Panicking won't find you a train home. Go talk to a station agent or quickly check the next schedules. Anticipate. Find a way to have your work checked ("Hey, can we recap the meeting from earlier? I understppd we need to do xyz, is that right?"). Seek help from someone experienced with administration, ask all your questions to staff, take notes while they talk, ask for more explanations when you don't understand, no matter if you feel like you're looking dumb. Focus on information, facts. Emotions don't matter. Change your phone. Plan your journey in advance, wear that coat that will keep you warm outside even if it's not "glamorous." Set alarms on your phone… you get it.

Mundane fears often don't stand a chance against a pragmatic strategy.

For... big bad fears

Yeah, you know the fears I'm talking about. The ones that make you feel like you're atomized with anxiety and that the world is about to collapse right here, right now. The ones that suddenly strip away all meaning from the little simple things, from life in general.

The first step to healing from this kind of fears is to acknowledge the them. I know what you might be thinking. "Here we go again with some cheesy advice. This girl is telling me to do this vague thing, 'acknowledge' things, as if it's going to put an end to the perpetual suffering that's been ruining my life for years." So, let me get more precise : healing only begins when you've been confronted with your own mess, not once, not twice, but at least four or five times.

When you've brooded enough on your fears, you'll realize that this constant terror, this slow daily death isn't a way to live. At that point, "choosing happiness" (this trendy expression is the worst for those dealing with feelings of helplessness or lack of self-confidence) won't even be a tough decision; it simply will be the only way forward. If you're reading these words thinking you can't make this decision, do not worry. You will get there. Suffering will eventually open your eyes, and you'll end up surprising yourself with your own strength.

Defeats will become your strength

The fear will return. It will return when you've forgotten why you decided to get better. It will sneak in during the quiet hours of the night or right in the middle of a peaceful morning to mess everything up. It will come back anyway, but weaker and weaker. Why? Because you'll gradually become an expert at handling it, and also exposure desensitizes to fear. Here are some facts I know to be true :

"It's time to panic." = No, it's time to get organized.

"I'm screwed." = No, you're not.

"I believe this person hates me." = A belief isn't a fact.

"My life is a mess." = For now. Nothing dramatic.

"I won't make it through this time." = Actually, you will.

"I'm tired of the challenges." = Talk to someone and take a break. You need to catch your breath.

"I can't find the will to keep fighting." = It will come. Like everything else, it takes practice.

I am no doctor, this is just life experience. Keep fighting everyone!

14 Habits to pick up for 2024 ✨

1 - plan tomorrow, today - outline tasks and priorities for the next day before going to bed 2 - set a timer for breaks - use a timer to ensure that short breaks don't turn into extended distractions 3 - quick digital detox - step away from electronic devices for 15 mins to clear your mind 4 - limit screen time before bed - reduce screen time at least 30 mins before bedtime for better sleep 5 - visualise success - picture achieving your goals to enhance motivation and focus 6 - declutter for 10 mins - spend some time decluttering to feel a sense of accomplishment 7 - learn something new - dedicate a short time to learning a new fact, skill or concept daily 8 - positive self talk - replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations throughout the day 9 - tech free meal time - enjoy at least 1 meal a day free from electronic distractions 10 - quick physical activity - squeeze in a short burst of physical activity - like a quick workout or a brisk walk 11 - set daily goals - outline specific, achievable goals for the day to stay on track 12 - prioritise one task - identify and focus on a single priority each day for increased productivity 13 - hydrate first thing - drink a tall glass of water right after waking up to rehydrate the body 14 - morning stretches - incorporate a brief stretching routine to boost energy

guide to become your best version ✨

the first step, be clear about what your best version would look like. questions to ask yourself.

what would my best version look like?

what habits would i have?

what would my life be like?

what would be my morning and evening routine?

what thoughts would i have?

what would i focus on?

what thoughts and habits should i leave behind?

how would i like to feel?

and lastly…

what can i start doing to connect with this version of me?

you can also add your own questions if they resonate with you, the important thing about this exercise is that you connect a little bit more with that better version of yourself.

from my experience, it is important to focus and work on these three areas of our life at the same time so that none of these areas are out of balance and we can flow to that version more easily.

it is important because i have realized from my own experience and from other people who send me questions that they only focus on one area, in most cases, the habits, and forget others, then when something happens or we go through a bad moment we feel lost and it seems that everything is "wrong" but if we work on these areas at the same time and we nurture them day by day we will have more control of our emotions and thoughts, then we will not stagnate in "bad times". remember, we can always go through bad times but these always bring us a learning experience.

✨ physical

daily movement, create an exercise routine

eating healthy food, for the sake and perfect functioning of our body.

create a daily routine that will help us reach our goals.

healthy habits

hobbies that help us connect with our best self.

focus on the well-being of our body

✨ mental and emotional

read about personal growth, psychology, and topics that will help us to improve our personal best.

journaling

keep a daily record of our emotions, as well as our habits.

focus on what we do want rather than what we don't want

detect what our negative thought patterns are and change them for - more positive ones according to how we want to think and feel from now on.

affirm positively

work on those areas of our life that we need to improve or are damaged

✨ spiritual

healing and balancing both your feminine and masculine energies

develop your intuition

have faith in yourself and in the process of creation (god, universe, energy…)

read about spirituality

meditate day and night

doing energetic cleansing

connect with your spiritual side

love yourself for who you are now

forgive the people who hurt us and forget the past

practice gratitude

practice compassion and tolerance towards yourself and others

connect with nature

this is what i believe brings us closer to becoming our best version, as i am always learning new things about the subject and evolving both personally and spiritually so i will continue to share this in future posts.

as always all questions related to the topic are welcome and if you have any doubts you can also ask.

How I prep for a new semester at uni:

I make a new time block sheet. I put all my classes in, then my commute time. From there I plan study hours, when I need to wake up to not feel rushed, work hours, etc. This plan helps to keep me from getting too overwhelmed and let me feel like I have everything under control.

I do my school shopping on prime day or after the back to school rush. You'll find those nice multi subject notebooks on sale for cheap and fun stationary and backpacks a lot cheaper like this!

I try to get a head start in classes. If I know we're reading a book or something I'll start a couple weeks before school starts. I try to take notes on as many chapters/subjects as I can and all that. This not only helps me get ahead, but it also helps me for when I inevitably fall behind.

I get all the routine maintenance done on my car. I drive over an hour to get to classes so this is very important. Oil change, tire rotation, balance, filters, etc. I save up my summer tips to get all this done.

I stock up on easy and fast foods. Instant noodles, granola bars, frozen meals, etc. Between working a lot and doing classes I don't have the energy to cook and do dishes so this saves me.

I give myself little reasons to get excited. The teacher or the campus or a friend. Whatever it may be. I HAVE to have a reason to drive that long to attend a class for an hour and come back and not get stressed.

I make a food budget. It's so easy to spend $150 a week on snacks and treats and coffees and such. So I have to set a budget and a plan for myself so I can actually pay my rent haha

I plan my walks to classes on campus. Where I'll park, how much time I have between classes, how to get there, etc.

If I have late classes, I make sure that I can call someone after every class as I walk to my car to make sure I'm safe.

Plan little treats and rewards. If I realize there's a week that's going to be super hard on me, I'll plan a little early morning walk or something special I don't do often after as a reward.

I try to be more positive to myself the closer the semester comes. I have to be proud of me and my work. I have to be confident in my abilities. So I have to have that mindset. Which is super hard as someone with severe anxiety and depression and who has been conditioned growing up to be quiet and a background character essentially. But I AM good. I AM smart. I can ace these classes. I deserve to be here and I deserve good things.

I triple check with my job to make sure they have my updated availability and will give me the flexibility I require due to my classes.

Overall, I just get my shit together once again and try and get myself excited. I have the opportunity to study at a university and that in itself is absolutely amazing and something I don't take for granted.

ੈ✩ Habits for your academic life

Below are some habits and rules to keep in mind throughout your studies and some tips that will elevate your learning experiences.

☆ Setting boundaries and learning to say no

It is always easy to say yes and join every social event that one is invited to, however its crucial to consider your own personal life and the consequences of your decisions. Hanging out with friends is a needed event as a social creature, however it's better to exercise caution and know when to say "no" to focus on your own goals and dreams. Don't get pulled into the pace of others and focus on finding a routine and schedule that works for your own benefit.

☆ Being comfortable with your own company

You will find in uni that there are lots of times that you will spend alone, and maybe feel a little anxious that you're the only person who isn't constantly in the company of someone everyday like you maybe were in high school. However, realise that even the time to yourself is a time of value, and treasure those moments to focus and work on your own goals. It is easier to get lost and lose sight of your ambitions when with others who don't have the same aspirations as yourself. Use your own time to sit down and work out what you want to achieve and quietly put in the effort to win.

☆ Never being scared to ask questions

It can be quite daunting to ask questions in lectures, so I prefer to ask my questions during times that aren't forced into a short time interval, such as tutorials, office hours, and other forms of learning support that your university/college provides. This way there is no rush to answer my questions and take my time in working through concepts and ideas. Ask questions based on your own conclusions, questions that challenge current rules and perspectives. Think deeper into your lessons and seek to make use of every bit of information.

☆ Being curious

This is very much related to the point above, that being that personal interest really aids with the brains memory retention. The more things you approach with an enthusiastic attitude, the easier it is for your brain to remember and categorise. Having curiosity, even if it is forced, gives a great advantage where you seek to interconnect the information you learn with other data, and grow more networks of neurons that allows your brain to stay healthy and active.

☆ Initiating contact

Struggling with a theory or assignment? Great, it shows that you are actively trying to understand a concept and working your brain muscles. Now the best way to comprehend or complete what you are struggling with is to access support materials. Still difficult? Reach out. Your teachers, professors, tutors are all there for your benefit. Use them intelligently and squeeze every drop of assistance and support from them while they are still available to you.

☆Watching educational content to aid your studies

You can never lose from learning a bit more every day. However make sure to fact check and find your information from trusted and quality sources. In general, it's always a win to be educated in various topics from health, sciences, arts, humanities and more to gain a better understanding of ourselves, our world, and humanity.

For example, I watched a ted talk today, and here is my conclusions from my notes:

ੈ✩TedX: Why Reading Matters by Rita Carter

Summary:

☆Your brain needs a workout as much as your body. And reading fiction seems to be one of the best workouts you can get. (I recommend quality fiction, with that being classic literature because it genuinely exercises your mind with its intricate language techniques and diverse vocabulary)

☆Not only is it good for you, but it's also good for society as a whole because the brain is like a muscle: the more you force yourself through books to take other people's perspectives, to sympathise, to empathise with other people, the more empathetic a society we will have.

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good luck lovelies

~winter

ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ✩‧₊˚

A few things ive been doing recently that help manage my adhd

Not sure if this will help anyone but i've made a list of things ive been working really hard to do to help manage my adhd and general inability to be a functional adult:

Make reminder posters! Get on canva and create personalized posters to put around your room/house to help remind you to do daily things like take your meds, feed pets, take out trash, etc.

Keep a junk notebook! Anything you think of that cant do immediately write it down. If its important it'll help you remember it, if not it saves you from getting distracted or making impulsive decisions. (This is especially helpful if you tend to get distracted when studying!)

CLEAN AS YOU GO! Whether its taking a cup out of your room every time you leave or washing each dish immediately after use. If you can develop this habit it keeps your space so much cleaner!

Have two laundry bins: one for worn but not dirty things and one for dirty things. It limits what ends up on your floor!

Make use of bins. I have several around my apartment that I use for things that dont have a home. Once those bins are full, I go through them and discard or find a permanent home for them.

Don't study/work at home. Even if it means buying a $5 coffee just so you can sit in a spot and effectively work, its much better than getting so behind on tasks you get overwhelmed.

It takes some work to develop habits and im far from perfect with all of these, but if I can do these things even 3 days a week it makes a huge difference!

Broke college student tip:

Learn to love cooking. Like get into it. Enjoy it. Get excited to cook. Why? When you learn to cook and enjoy it you'll save money. Lots of money. And you'll be eating better, healthier food too.

For example. I'm eating seafood and veggie pasta right now with a white wine cream sauce. In a restaurant, this would be a fancy meal, costing $20 or so for a small portion. Literally cost me like $5 or so in ingredients to make. And like 20 minutes to cook. And I made enough for lunch AND dinner. When you know how to cook you can make cheap foods taste amazing.

Here's some advice how to make this easier:

Buy frozen things. Frozen veggies, frozen fruits, frozen meats, etc. Frozen lasts longer and saves you money and stress.

Have basic herbs and spices on hand. Salt, pepper (red, black, and white), thyme, rosemary, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, bay leaf (chopped is best), cinnamon, paprika, cumin, and sage are my most commonly used ones!

Common recipe ingredients to keep on hand: pasta, rice, lemon/lime juice, garlic, onion, white wine, frozen veggies, potatoes, frozen meats, sugar, butter, pasta sauces, tomatoes, eggs, soda/pineapple juice/beer (great for marinades or cooking meat).

Frozen things when stored properly can be stored for a couple months and portioned out making quick meals easy!

Learn flavor profiles. Citrus, basil, rosemary, butter, salt, garlic, and onion are all fairly universal in their uses while things like cumin and turmeric have a stronger, earlier flavor and are great for stews, curries, pastas, soups, and sauces!

Learn to shop. If it's non-perishable and bogo, get it! Bogo (buy one get one) is basically half off and now you have two things for when you need it! Walmart brand pasta is like $0.98 a box. You can also get a bag of frozen extra small shrimp at Walmart for like $5 and there's about 50 in a bag. Shop non-perishable items by weight (price per ounce) and perishables by size.

Pasta sauce can be put in the freezer and if stored well can keep for like 3 months!

Sauté your veggies! They taste so good that way!!! A little butter, garlic, rosemary, and onion. Sprinkle with salt after and viola!

It's easy to fall into a food rut, so treat yourself every now and then with something different or challenge yourself by limiting yourself to 5 ingredients or something to make you exercise your skills.

Make your own barbecue sauce. It's so fun! All you need is molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, and whatever you want to customize it. I usually put honey and bourbon in mine.

Go on pinterest and find easy recipes! The great thing about a recipe is every single one you see is customizable and was made to the cooker's preference. You don't like mushrooms? Don't put them in and add something earthy and unami like turmeric or sumac in its place.

Tofu is easier than you think.

Rice is very filling and goes with most everything.

Keep fresh herbs fresh by putting them in water. You might even root and grow your own!

Frozen fruits are amazing for marinades or more "tropical" tasting recipes. Frozen citrus and pineapple are great for making a citrus chicken and rice! Just defrost in a bowl and then add the chicken to the bowl.

Tortillas are amazing and keep for a while in the fridge.

Print out recipes and keep them in a binder so you make notes and changes directly on the paper!

☆4-step Study Framework☆

~watched Justin Sung's video recently and my current takeaways,

Step 1: Aim high:

think what would ______ do? e.g (could be an individual or career) What would a/an "overachiever/scientist/Albert Einstein" do?

Step 2: Cram early:

Cram the foundation of the whole semester in maybe around the first 2 weeks to be able to understand its relevance during lecture times.

Step 3: Build prior knowledge:

build prior knowledge so that you can consolidate the info during the time everyone else is learning.

Step 4: Be strategic with your resources:

have self-regulated learning skills (look things up and use self-explanation and generation) where you don’t ask simple questions, rather test hypothesise or check synthesised ideas.

→“Try to develop the skills to figure out the basic stuff by yourself, use expertise where expertise is needed.”

Make sure: Never compromise the non-negotiables:

Use a ‘solutions’ mindset, and make do with the resources you have and try to figure it out and make an educated guess as to what will be taught (you can get 70% right and 30% from lectures)

If you are making excuses for; I cant study at home, my commute is too long, I procrastinate too much etc.→ “Are you wanting help? Or are you just wanting validation for why it’s hard for you?”

will start my 3 hour study session now :)

good luck everyone <;3

~winter

ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ✩‧₊˚

ੈ✩‧₊˚Self Improvement Habits

ੈ✩‧₊˚self improvement habits to slowly implement

✩no social media before 10 am and after 9 pm (even better if you delete your social media, I only use pinterest and tumblr)

✩sleeping around 6-8 hours everyday and not sleeping later than 12pm

✩ figure out your bodies needs, what are you defficient in?(e.g iron and vitamin D) Do you need acne meds? (they saved my skin) Take vitamins and minerals daily and invest in your health early to prevent issues.

✩waking up early (this can vary but I try around 5-7am)

✩reading 15 min a day and slowly increasing by 3-5 min, I recommend classic literature such as Woolf, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, etc

✩working out once a week for beginners to slowly 3 times a week

✩eating healthier through nutritious meals, fruits and nuts and avoiding very sugary and overly processed junk food.

✩practicing writing, journalling, or any other form of creative expression

✩pick up an instrument to learn (proven to increase brain activity and improve brain health)

✩reconnect with nature, spend an hour or more outside, no music just listening to your natural surroundings

✩choose a skill and hone it, this can be from Edx or Skillshare, e.g CS50 course from Harvard at Edx

✩work on your goals for at least 30min a day

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good luck with your studies !!!

~winter

ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ✩‧₊˚