March 1, 2021
Planned Breaks and Setting a Routine
We’ve all had those weeks where there seems to be an endless pile of assignments and your motivation is dwindling. It can be extremely easy to be consumed in stress and not know where to begin. Oftentimes I find myself scrolling on my phone for hours to avoid the stressful assignments due later. Instead of relieving this stress, the whole time, my anxiety keeps eating away at me. When I finally decide to start working, I find the same amount of work is there, but there is less time to do it.
To avoid this cycle of stress, you can establish planned breaks. In these, you set aside a set amount of time to do something relaxing. If possible, try to get off technology (you have probably been on it all day). You could go on a walk, get a snack, listen to music, read a book, or do yoga. Make sure to set up a time when the break will end so that you do not waste time you don’t have. During this time, try not to think about the things you have to do later. Instead, focus on the present and try to enjoy what you are doing. This tactic does not just apply to school stress.
Another easy way to decrease stress is establishing a routine. Find what works for you and stick with it. For example, you can try out working in the first 3 hours after the school day ends to finish as much of your work as you can. If you work better later, establish a routine of working between certain times. This will build a habit of chipping away at the work you have and make it easier to start working. Make sure to incorporate planned breaks into this routine.
Setting a routine and planned breaks will help to make seemingly daunting tasks less stressful. I hope you give these tips a try!
March 8, 2021
Healthy Study Environment
Creating a healthy work environment will increase productivity and focus, making it easier to study.
Here are some helpful tips to do so:
Diminish Distractions
- Find a quiet place in your house. If one is unavailable, try a local library or coffee shop.
- Put your phone in a different room to lessen the temptation.
Routine
- Setting a routine can help you to stay on task. Carve out specific times for studying and schoolwork and specific times for pleasure.
Reach Out to Classmates
- Studying over either group calls or in a socially distanced meet-up can help the whole group stay on task.
- Support from classmates can be extremely motivating.
Take Breaks or Opt for a Change of Scenery
- Studying for hours on end can take a toll on even the most seasoned students.
- Take small breaks, have a snack, go for a walk, or take a shower.
- Reducing screen time at set intervals will help reduce headaches.
Eat Healthy and Drink Water
- Proper diet and hydration go a long way in terms of energy and pushing through even the toughest scholarly materials.
Creating a healthy work environment will increase productivity and focus, making it easier to study.
Here are some helpful tips to do so:
Diminish Distractions
- Find a quiet place in your house. If one is unavailable, try a local library or coffee shop.
- Put your phone in a different room to lessen the temptation.
Routine
- Setting a routine can help you to stay on task. Carve out specific times for studying and schoolwork and specific times for pleasure.
Reach Out to Classmates
- Studying over either group calls or in a socially distanced meet-up can help the whole group stay on task.
- Support from classmates can be extremely motivating.
Take Breaks or Opt for a Change of Scenery
- Studying for hours on end can take a toll on even the most seasoned students.
- Take small breaks, have a snack, go for a walk, or take a shower.
- Reducing screen time at set intervals will help reduce headaches.
Eat Healthy and Drink Water
- Proper diet and hydration go a long way in terms of energy and pushing through even the toughest scholarly materials.
March 15, 2021
Healthy Snacks
Easy-To-Make Snacks w/ Little Prep Time
Disclaimer: These suggested snacks should NOT replace full meals!
Easy-To-Make Snacks w/ Little Prep Time
Disclaimer: These suggested snacks should NOT replace full meals!
Cheese and Crackers
Cheese is a great source of:
Calcium
Protein
Vitamin A
Vitamin B-12.
Cheese is a great source of:
Calcium
Protein
Vitamin A
Vitamin B-12.
Veggies and Hummus
Carrots
Celery
Broccoli
Peppers
Besides being a great source of plant-based protein, hummus helps to:
Lower cholesterol
Reduce cancer risk
Fight inflammation
Carrots
Celery
Broccoli
Peppers
Besides being a great source of plant-based protein, hummus helps to:
Lower cholesterol
Reduce cancer risk
Fight inflammation
Bananas or Apples w/ Peanut Butter
Peanut butter provides you with:
Protein
Fiber
Carbohydrates
Peanut butter provides you with:
Protein
Fiber
Carbohydrates
Yogurt Parfaits
Yogurt
Granola
Choice of Fruit
Yogurt is packed with:
Potassium
Magnesium
Calcium
Protein
Yogurt
Granola
Choice of Fruit
Yogurt is packed with:
Potassium
Magnesium
Calcium
Protein
Smoothie of Choice
Milk of choice
Protein
Ice
Fruit of Choice
Because of all the fruits and vegetables in smoothies, they are rich with fiber!
Milk of choice
Protein
Ice
Fruit of Choice
Because of all the fruits and vegetables in smoothies, they are rich with fiber!
Avocado Toast
Bread (whole wheat for a healthier snack)
Avocado
Optional: lemon juice, salt, pepper
Avocados Contain:
Potassium (more than bananas!)
Fiber
Antioxidants
Vitamins K, C, B5, B6, and E
Bread (whole wheat for a healthier snack)
Avocado
Optional: lemon juice, salt, pepper
Avocados Contain:
Potassium (more than bananas!)
Fiber
Antioxidants
Vitamins K, C, B5, B6, and E
Protein Bars
Make sure to read ingredients if you have any diet sensitivities.
Make sure to read ingredients if you have any diet sensitivities.
Popcorn!
Edamame
Boil before eating
Salt/sauces optional
Boil before eating
Salt/sauces optional
MArch 22, 2021
Tips for Stress
There are many things that can lead to stress like school, work, sports, and even friends and family. Many of these are out of our control. Here are some helpful tips to reduce overall stress:
There are many things that can lead to stress like school, work, sports, and even friends and family. Many of these are out of our control. Here are some helpful tips to reduce overall stress:
Take a Deep Breath
1. Take a step back from the problem at hand and just breath.
2. Take a deep breath in, hold it for a beep, and then release.
3. Do this 3 or 4 times to help yourself relax.
1. Take a step back from the problem at hand and just breath.
2. Take a deep breath in, hold it for a beep, and then release.
3. Do this 3 or 4 times to help yourself relax.
Listen to Music
- Put on relaxing music or listen to your favorite song.
- This will help you relax and help your brain focus; it can also put you in a better mood.
Exercise
1. Exercising is a healthy distraction.
2. Exercising can help improve your mood and lessen stress by producing endorphins which are the body's natural painkillers.
Communication
- Talking with friends or family about problems can help calm you and alleviate stress.
- Talking out our emotions can prevent additional stress and emotional outbreaks which leave us feeling worse than when we started.
Do your favorite activity
1. Whether you like reading a book, doing yoga, or playing sports, doing your favorite activity can help you destress and eliminate tension.
All of these tips minimize stress, help you decompress, and can even aid in identifying the cause of your stress. Then, you can find a way to prevent stress or just figure out simple ways to reduce it. Everyone gets stressed so remember that you are not alone. Try to take a step back and find your way to arrest stress.