It has been pouring rain here in STL, so that means no exploring the city, but just really focusing on work. When I am working on either blog related things, school, or personal I have to have music on in the background. I love listening to music either while I am writing emails, writing, or just chilling, music helps me to focus and concentrate. My playlists are made up of a random mix of sappy love songs, depressing songs, feel good music, and just some of my old favorites. I’m not much of a music guru, or a vinyl record collector, I actually like to listen to the same songs over and over again when I’m working (weird) but here’s a mix of my favorites – a little Ellie Goulding, Broods, John Legend, Adele, and sorry but I love J. Biebs. I also love love some classic Dad Rock, ya know the oldies? Also Amy Winehouse can do absolutely no wrong in my book, and LaLa Land is currently a favorite album to listen to! Music is something that I use to help me either concentrate or de-stress. We all have de-stressing “secret weapons” that we pull out in times of tension or anxiety, whether they be photos that relax us or make us smile, music is one of my ways to de-stress. Whether it is having a great playlist to jam to in the car, dance to, or study to- music is much welcomed noise for me, some background hums is always enjoyed.
Tagged as:
concentration,
FOCUS,
music,
recommendations,
studying
Hey everyone! As of this week, 2nd 8 week classes have started, it looks like we are safely halfway through the semester. This is about the time every semester that my motivation begins to fade a little bit, and I find the enthusiasm that I had at the start of school to be almost nonexistent. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way, so I want to share with you my top 5 tips for staying motivated even when I don’t want to!
- First, remember why you’re here- College can be stressful, and some days, that stress can be pretty overwhelming. Those moments are when I try my best to remind myself that everything I am feeling is temporary, and everything I am doing is putting me one step closer to the amazing future and career I have planned for myself. Take a minute to visualize what it is you want, and why you attended college in the first place. Suddenly, whatever is on your plate won’t look so big anymore.
- Reorganize– Usually around this time, my once impeccably organized and color coded binders, planner, and notebooks suddenly start looking like someone set a bomb off in my backpack. This only adds to my stress, so I like to take a moment to get everything back in order and looking nice. This also helps relieve stress by helping me get all of my assignments organized for the rest of semester so that I know what is coming and how I need to pepare.
- Talk it out- Odds are, by this time you are deep into your chosen major and have made friends with the people in your classes. By this point, you start to realize that you are all tired of school and chronically stressed. Consider this feeling a source for a bonding opportunity. At least once a week, the girls in my major get together and talk about what is stressing us out, and give each other tips on how to get through different things. This not only helps us relive what is bubbling up inside, but also puts into perspective that you are not the only one who feels stressed or insecure, which honestly usually makes us all feel so much better.
- Give yourself something to look forward to- Yes, at this point, your schedule is full and you have a million and one things to do, and the last thing you want to do is schedule out MORE time to force yourself to have fun. Do it anyway. Not only will doing something you look forward to relieve stress, but it will also break up your day a little more, so you’re not caught in the same old boring routine that drains you.
- Just breathe- Whenever you feel stressed, unmotivated, or like you just can’t deal, take 5 slow, deep breathes. This will slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, relieve stress, and leave you feeling a little more positive and energized. Try it. It only takes a minute, and I promise, it works.
I hope these tips help you get motivated for the rest of semester!
Have an awesome week,
Taylor
Tagged as:
FOCUS,
motivation,
perseverance,
tips
I did not even realize that I ended my first year of college with nothing less than a B. This is great. I realize that all my hard work paid off. All the nights that I spent in the dorm studying instead of going out to go party has paid off. Never underestimate yourself and always strive to be better. Staying focused on your grades and not getting distracted can get you a long way. Even though I did have fun every now and then, I was always focused on my school work. It is always good to have a connection with the professors. They are there to teach you and you are there to learn. The greater your relationship is with the professor, the easier and more comfortable it will be for you to ask questions and get more understanding about the school work. I am so proud of myself for passing my first year of college with a BANG!!!! If you put your mind to it you can achieve anything!
Tagged as:
Academics,
FOCUS,
hard work,
studying
Well I am pleased to say that I am now a part of a major group at Fontbonne. The stresses of interviewing are over because now i’m officially a FOCUS leader. I am so happy to start this new journey and possibly become a role model for incoming freshman. I am ready to bond with the other leaders and create lasting friendships. Here’s to a new start with new people! Yayy FOCUS!!
Tagged as:
FOCUS
