Even though it doesn’t snow here in San Diego, I am from Ohio so the winter and holiday snowy season will always remind me of home. Click the link below to view my vlog showcasing how I’ve brought a little bit of home into to my winter wonderland room decor. Happy Holidays from California!
Just in time for some fun spooky season baking, this month’s featured recipe is for Halloween cookies! Click below to check out my vlog where I show how to make these fun and easy cookie treats!
College is considered to be the best four years of your life, but some great things can come with a cost. With the large amount of freedom, flexibility, and independence, it can be hard to stay on the right schedule and not procrastinate. Especially since college always seems to have something going on, whether its homework, a test, a club event, or just hanging out with friends; you start to hit a wall of work overload. Fortunately, the following tips may be able to help you both have fun, as well as balance the many challenges that college brings us.
Many college students already have a large collection of textbooks, papers, worksheets, and other things that may overload your brain. However, using different technology platforms can help you stay on track and even lower anxiety levels. Whether it’s your laptop, tablet, or phone, using a digital planner is a great way to have your deadlines and reminders at your disposal. Inputting all the information and deadlines for the semester allows you to plan ahead for any big projects or tests. The visual representation of a crazy college schedule will also help you better balance your obligations so that you can physically see where you may feel overwhelmed and be proactive in it.
Since college doesn’t have anyone monitoring where you are and what you are doing, it can be really easy to fall out of structure or routine. Having a solid regular routine is important to help you avoid procrastination, which ultimately leads to that stressed out feeling. Referring back to the use of technology, setting up recurring tasks in your calendar will help you develop habits and new routines. Examples of this could include blocking off time in between classes for activities, such as going to the gym, studying, grocery shopping, and other activities.
Just like any other situation, rewarding ourselves after reaching our goal helps us feel more confident that we can achieve even greater challenges. This feeling of pride after achieving a goal allows us as students to feel motivated to be more productive in whatever work we are doing. Just like when you run a race and are rewarded with a medal, you should read a chapter, or finish an assignment, and then reward yourself with a tasty treat, a 10-minute break, or whatever puts your mind back at ease.
Sometimes we all just want to get certain assignments or projects out of the way faster than we think. However, it is extremely important to be able to maintain a healthy balance of everything on our plate. Piling everything up and trying to complete it all in one sitting will easily cause a work overload. It is completely fine, and necessary, to schedule in rest, relaxation, and fun when working or planning out your week. Every single day doesn’t have to be all work and no play, because having those down times to ourselves helps us recharge and refresh our minds in order to better prepare us for our next task.
Through time management you are not only able to get your work done, but you will also have the feeling of being accomplished and time for things that you love. Know your time is valuable, so think of as that and take care of it.
According to the American Test Anxiety Association, up to 40% of students in a college or high school have high test anxiety, and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Being a student that has had plenty of test anxiety encounters, I have learned, and still am learning, the many tips that you could follow to reduce the anxiety.
Organize a study schedule several days ahead of time to ensure that you are not cramming nor stressed about finding time the day before the test to cram. If you spend a little time each day preparing, you are more likely to remember the test material.
Taking a test with very little sleep can cause you to be more distracted and lethargic during the exam. This will cause you to guess and ultimately receive a lower test score. Be sure to give your brain a reset and give it the blood flow that will help you test your best!
Do relaxation exercises, such as meditation and yoga, to increase the blood flow to your brain. These activities can help you think more clearly and concisely both during your study sessions and during the exam.
You’ve got this! If you prepared, studied and did all of your test rituals, then you are ready for the test. If you stress too much during the exam, you are more likely to second guess yourself on each question. Take the test with positive thoughts and tell yourself, “I’ve got this!”
Before answering any questions, read the directions carefully. Look for specifics – what details should be included. For example, if you’re taking a math exam, are you required to show your work? Taking time to read the directions will help you avoid making costly mistakes.
There is no reward for finishing first. If you see other students handing in their exams, do not worry. Take a deep breath and just focus on each question that you do. Take all the time you need and use extra time to go back and check your answers.
Taking these steps before and during your tests can help reduce stress or anxiety and help you achieve better scores. Here’s to doing your best on the test!
Everyone gets nervous when first attending a college or university. There are sometimes thousands of people you’ve never seen before and tons of organizations trying to recruit new members every semester! Whether you are new to a school or just want to get more involved, here are five tips I found helpful when navigating campus and making new friends!
College campuses are full of resources to help each student in different aspects. Reflect on your unique interests and hobbies, and then do a Google search of your school’s organizations on campus. Some schools have a special organization portal that you can search using keywords, or you can just simply search using a search engine and include your school’s name.
Employers like candidates who can demonstrate confidence. Showing that you are involved on campus offers a great talking point in each interview. It can also spark a similarity between you and the interviewer – maybe your employer or interviewer has the same interest!
Multitasking and time management are KEY to balancing coursework with participation in multiple organizations. It’s been proven that being in organizations requires excellent time management that can be transferred to your grades and school work and in the end boost your GPA!
When you find the perfect organization to get involved with you’ll start to figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are. Getting involved on campus allows you to find out what you like and don’t like. Once you find your niche, you can carry this with you for the rest of your life.
College should feel like home and so should each organization that you’re in. Once in the organization that you love, you will find your best friends and some will become like family. Leaving your own family for school may be tough but in the end finding an organization and club gives you a place to call home away from home.
Getting involved on campus is challenging when you are new to the area and don’t know where to start. However, being involved in an organization is essential to building a network on campus, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, building your resume, and even improving your grades! With these tips you will be set to explore campus and get involved!
