Sagarmatha, or Mount Everest | Read More
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I now know that some people feel unhappiness the way others love: privately, intensely, and without recourse.
For months after my visit with you
I painted only mountains.
from “January,” Anne Michaels (via h-o-r-n-g-r-y)
some self-care/mental health tips for the upcoming school year
with school coming soon or already starting for some people i figured i’d share some of my tips for a healthier lifestyle. i know in the past i’ve struggled so much with being good to myself once school starts, both mentally, emotionally, and physically!
keep a clean room
i know how hard this is. i’m absolutely awful at it, even in the summer but it really makes the biggest difference. coming home to a mess when your life is already stressful and messy enough just makes things worse. i know when i have a clean space i’m way more productive and at peace with my situation.
take a break from social media
just doing this every once in awhile makes the hugest difference. social media is a wonderful world but it’s easy to get caught up in how everyone is doing things without you or having more fun or how someone’s prettier or whatever. it’s not worth it. i’ve learned that just deleting the apps for even a few hours can make my mental state 10x better. it’s important to realize that while people are out doing things all the time, you can never be as fun as all the 162 people you follow combined.
don’t be afraid to invite people out
one of the biggest things i struggle with is being social, simply because i overthink inviting people to do things with me too much and just wait to be invited by someone else instead. remember that even if someone says they can’t do something, it’s not the end of the world. at least you opened up a possibility!!! by being someone who invites others to do things, people will feel more appreciated and like you actually want to hang out with them! but also always save time for yourself as well!
create a self-care routine with motivation
by giving yourself some type of reward to wash your face, brush your teeth and shower, such as only watching your favorite tv show afterwards, it will feel a bit easier to accomplish the tasks that seem simple but can be terribly hard, especially if you suffer from depression. i’ve learned that combining things into one task also makes it easier, such as once you get in the shower, do everything. wash your face, brush your teeth, shave, all in the shower. it makes self-care so much easier.
get outside, stay out of bed
laying in bed is the best thing ever, i know, but it can be so easy to get in there and never get out. this is my biggest bad habit. i feel more productive even just sitting on the couch. my bed is like a black hole of lost motivation. go outside for twenty minutes a day if you can. sunlight makes things a little better and staying inside all day does nothing for you.
do one thing that scares you everyday, big or small.
i’m someone who has struggled with social anxiety for years now, but i’m slowly getting better because i’m making a conscious (and very terrifying effort) everyday. this won’t work for everyone, i know, but it’s helped me a little bit. i try to challenge myself everyday to do one thing that scares me, whether it’s asking someone to do something after school or agreeing to get coffee with a friend you’re not super close to yet, or even just making conversation with someone next to me in class. don’t push yourself too far but don’t make zero effort either.
cut the negative language/mindset
anytime you have a negative thought find a reverse positive. even saying “i’m not happy with how my hair looks but my ass looks great in these jeans” is better than saying “i look awful today”. stop the constant internal bullying! think of it this way, if your best friend said the things you say to yourself, how would you feel? you’re your own best friend, so cut the shit! compliment yourself like you do your best friend. complimenting myself and finding things i find beautiful on my own body even once a day has increased my confidence exponentially. a negative language towards yourself leads to a negative mindset.
find someone who motivates you
if you need motivation to work out, study, anything, find a buddy. having someone to do things with and hold you accountable makes a world of difference. this summer i got together with a friend and made a deal that we would work out 2-3 times a week. it worked so much better than if i had just made that goal for myself because she was always there to text me to ask to workout when we needed to but i lacked the desire. and i did the same for her. now we actually both got a job at a gym together this fall and are working out consistently because we have that mutual accountability with each other! plus just having someone you enjoy seeing makes doing the hard task more fun!
accept your individuality
you don’t need to look like society’s ideal of beautiful. there’s millions of types of flowers, and just because one kind is pretty to someone, does that make all the others ugly? no. there’s tons of species of dogs too and they all look totally different. is a poodle ugly just because a golden retriever is cute? NO. your individuality is you. everyone is beautiful in the very own unique way. don’t try to look like someone ellse. your beauty is not measured by how perfect your features are.
drink some fucking water
and eat some food too
understand that a bad week doesn’t mean a bad life
we’re all going to go through those weird ass time periods where it feels like everything sucks and nothing can go right. accept that although it’s pretty bad right now, it won’t be forever.
good luck with this school year everyone! hope my tips help even just one person. take care of yourselves, kiddos.
clockwork-hobbit asked:
Do you have any tips on how to make a weekly log? I have a monthly log, but am interested in making a weekly one as well in my bujo but have no idea of how to start
studyfeather answered:
Hi there! (omg I love your username!!) By weekly log, I’m assuming you mean like a weekly bujo spread? Let me take you through my process!
➸ pick a theme
A theme can be anything! For my past bujo spreads I’ve had stuff like … comic book, easter, dandelion, quote, flowers, harry potter, molang, etc. If you’re having troubles, here’s some ideas how you can pick a theme:
- washi tape. if you have any sort of washi tape, use it to your advantage! it has polka dots? give your spread them dots. it’s a landscape? flowers? a pattern? match it! it’ll make your spreads that much prettier (imo)! also with washi tape - you can always go by color. this one is blue and green? looks like i’ll use blue and green for my spread too! etc.
- books. i’m sure there’s some book out there that you enjoy. you can choose quotes from it, take inspiration from character moodboards or ideas if they have been turned into movies …
- disney. you can do a bunch of disney related spreads!! characters, movies, themes, environment. you can even derive inspiration from original fairy tales (like the grimm brothers) and give hints of the stories on your spreads. @/stvdybuddies have some disney spreads you can check out! if you’re not a big disney fan, you can always pick other movies, too!
- holidays. these ones can be super fun! if a holiday coincides with your week, you can emphasize it! use the holiday colors and patterns. or, each month has a focus/awareness you could use.
- minimal. as long as you have the basics, you’re good to go.
➸ layout
After choosing a theme, I plan (mostly in my mind, on paper if I’m having troubles) how I want to lay out my spread. I typically come up with a couple ideas of how I want to emphasize my theme and how I can fit seven days worth of information on my spread. I typically have around 2-4 different items to get my theme across. For example…
- dandelion theme: wish related quote, drawings of dandelions, picture taken on grass
- comic theme: comic book font, black and red - bold colors
- easter theme: chicks, eggs, pastels
- harry potter theme: house crests, designed font
- moana theme: maui’s hook, heart of ta fiti, tattoo design
If you don’t like choosing a theme, feel free to skip that and instead go to deciding a layout. When I first started my bujo, I focused more on function than design. I had my days listed and an area to have what needed to be done that day - but that was it. And if that’s how you like it - great! Work with it! Or you can always decide a layout and later add doodles and other designs. Some ideas/something you can include:
- habit tracker (sleeping, drinking water, exercise, etc)
- mini monthly calendar
- day of the week (listed by number/day)
- photo/art
- shopping list
- weekly to do
- diary log
- days all on one side, image on the other
- days on top, image/other on bottom (or vice versa)
- include (or don’t include) weekends
- days listed horizontally
- days listed vertically
- here’s some weekly spread layout ideas by @/alimastudies !
Normally, when deciding a layout, I try to think about what my week is going to be like too. For instance, if I know my week is going to be suuuper busy and I am going to need a lot of info written down, maybe I’ll go for a more minimalistic layout that allows for plenty of bullet points. If there’s … ehh not so much on my plate, then I can fill in the blanks with a design or have a busier layout.
Once the idea has been solidified, it’s time to put it together. Gathering your supplies; journal, pens, washi tape, etc. If it helps, you are 10/10 free to work on all your art, lettering (or any other written information) on separate pieces of paper if you don’t like putting it directly on your bujo - and instead glue it in. It can help with layout flexibility; say something you were thinking doesn’t turn out the way you thought - you can easily switch it up this way.
In choosing colors, I tend towards black and white + one color. But! It is best to keep to one or two colors within a spread. It usually looks a bit more pleasing that way.
➸ planning your week
Once my layout has been set, it’s time for me to add what my week is going to consist of. I usually follow this pattern of putting down information:
- work schedule
- assignment due dates (when in school)
- tasks and sub tasks
- appointments
- high priority things to do
- reminders
- people I need to talk to
- miscellaneous, things to do in my spare time
- planning for the following week (ie appointments)
Everything that I have written down, I normally have some sort of signifier to go with it. Like an exclamation point if it’s important, can’t be put off longer, needs to be done asap, etc. Or a dollar sign when it’s something I need to budget or spend money for. A music note when I hear a song I like but want to find later. It helps me find what information I’m looking for quickly! If you want to see my full key for some ideas, look here.
But remember, everything that is written down in your bujo is for you. I’m pretty forgetful in some aspects, and clearly remember other aspects of my daily schedule. Figure out what your priorities are within your week and stick to it!
A bujo is like a customizable planner, and a place where you can quickly add needed information. For a monthly spread, it’s good to use for the big picture - big ticket items like weddings, birthdays, vacation days, school events, etc. Having a weekly spread allows for you to dive deeper into your days and be able to set specific goals for yourself, and track what it is you’re doing from day to day. It’s a great way to jump start productivity!
➸ look at other weekly spreads
Honestly? This is what I do most of the time. I love love love looking and seeing how other people put together their week and what kind of content they put in their weekly spread too! Layouts, photos, trackers, minimal to detailed … all of it helps me find different ways to work on a weekly spread. Every time I work on a spread I always always am looking at other people’s content for ideas and to be inspired.
➸ other resources:
resources you may find useful in setting up a weekly spread.
- @/obsidianstudy’s guide to bullet journaling
- @/chrissiestudies’ “how I make my weekly spreads”
- @/passionplanner shares ABCDE method - prioritizing your tasks
- @/productivityplant’s how to make a bullet journal
- @/rhubarbstudies’ guide to bullet journals
- @/allystudiesx’s things to add in a bullet journal
I’m in no way a bujo master and am still figuring out things for myself - but I hope this helps! ^ 7 ^ Feel free to ask me another question if you’re looking for more information!
What to do when you really don’t want to study.
I think we’ve all been there - the class is important and you know you need to study but when you sit down you end up feeling grOSS AND YOU don’t want to. So here are some tips to overcoming that:
Take a deep breath and reevaluate why you need to study. Try to stay positive.
- When I’m not motivated I keep saying things like “what if I just don’t do it?” And then - surprise! - I end up not studying and suffer/regret it later. When coming up with reasons to study, try to keep it positive. Don’t say things like “if I don’t study I’ll fail the class.” Instead, say things like “if I study, I have a better chance at doing well on the exam. Future-me will be so proud of current-me.”
- If you truly cannot find a single reason to study, set your studying aside for later and do another productive activity or take a long break.
Drill it into your mind that you really don’t need motivation to do well.
- Even if you find the reason to study,
that doesn’t necessarily mean you are very motivated. Sometimes we feel like no
motivation = unable to study. This isn’t true.
- Make a deal with yourself. Try studying
for ten minutes. And actually try to study. If by the end of ten minutes you
feel like you can continue studying, great! Keep going! If not, then you can
take a break and do something else.
Choose a study scheduling method that works for you.
- Some people feel great studying for
hours on end once they get in "the zone.” Others feel the need to
take quick breaks every half hour. Studying and scheduling methods are
different for everybody! Play around with scheduling to find out what works for
you.
- In high-stress times, work (studying,
assignments, etc.) can feel pretty overwhelming. To organize all the stuff you
have to do, write it down! This takes some of the stress of remembering tasks
off from your brain, so that your brain can focus on the more crucial things.
- If you’re making a to-do list, keep the general list short. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed by too many tasks. (You can keep sub-lists on separate paper/sticky notes to break down each task.)
- If you’re making a time-table, keep your schedule loose. Give yourself buffer time to complete each task, just in case you overestimated your efficiency.
- It’s totally okay to overestimate efficiency! - ifyou do, you learn more about yourself and how you study best.
Small (pomodoro) breaks
- Pomodoro technique in a nutshell: 25
minute blocks of working with 5 minute breaks in between. Feel free to change
the length of the blocks according to your preferences! During your breaks, you
can
- Get more water
- Get snacks
- Make tea/coffee
- Stretch
- Do a tiny bit of yoga
- Walk around the room/building
- Stretch
- Five-minute meditation
- Head massage
- Try to avoid looking at a screen. When
you look at a screen, you stimulate your brain and it won’t get its rest. Also,
the internet might suck you in and your break could last longer than intended.
(cough tumblr)
Long breaks
- Sometimes I really really really really
reALLY don’t want to study. Or do anything. And I feel kind of gross and am on
the verge of a mental breakdown. If you feel this way, stop.
- Take a hella deep breath. And another
one. One more. Aaaaand one more just for good measure.
- Get away from your desk. I associate
desk with studying, so getting away from it helps me relax. Lie down on a bed,
or move to a different room if you can. If you can get near a window, try
looking into the distance to relax your brain and eyes.
- Breathe for a couple of minutes, then
evaluate how you feel. Again, try to stay positive. Instead of “I feel
shitty and I don’t want to do anything,” try “I feel tired right now
and resting can help me feel better.”
- Based on this evaluation, estimate the
amount of time you need to rest. If you have a lot of studying to do, try to
keep it under an hour. Set a timer for the amount of time you have decided on.
(remember to include buffer time!) Getting back to work on time can make you
feel more productive, which conduct better productivity!
- During a long break, do an activity
that makes you feel good and takes your mind off studying. You can
- Take a long walk. If you live near a park or a trail, try strolling around in it.
- Eat healthy food. Junky comfort food can make you feel groggy, especially foods that are fried. Instead, try eating some fruits or nuts.
- Take a shower/bath
- Talk with a friend
- Make some art
- Enjoy a long coffee break. (avoid caffeine if you feel anxious/panicky, though)
- Play with a pet
- Take a power nap
- Longer meditation/yoga
- Again, try to avoid looking at screens.
Also, avoid thinking about studying. Let yourself have the luxury of NOT
THINKING ABOUT STUDYING for a while, so you can return to it with a fresh mind.
Mental health days
- Sometimes everything is just too much
and you might feel the need to stop everything for a day. If so, take a mental
health day!
- Think of mental health days as physical
health days. If your body isn’t feeling well, you are allowed to stay in bed
and sleep/not do anything for a day. Similarly, if your mind isn’t feeling
well, you are also allowed to stay in bed and sleep/not do anything for a day.
- Let your parents and teachers know that
you don’t feel well and can’t go to school. From my experience, most teachers are pretty understanding and will let you
have the day off. (You might have some work to make up later, though.)
- Do not study on mental health days.
Don’t even think about studying on mental health days. Instead, just focus on
getting better. You can
- Sleep in
- Clean your room
- Take a super long bath, complete with bath bombs and candles
- Watch a good movie
- Read a good book
- Sing your favorite songs really loudly
- Literally anything that (IS HEALTHY and) makes you feel good about yourself.
Study groups can keep you going, even when you kind of don’t want to
- Setting up a time (like a date!) can
keep you on track
- Study with someone you trust to keep
you accountable. Don’t study with someone you know you’re going to gossip or
watch cat videos with.
- If you really feel the need to cancel a study date, it’s ok! Just like canceling any kind of date, it’s 100% okay to back out if you feel uncomfortable.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and happy studying!