Today, I just wanted to remind everyone of this. If you saw my last post (over two weeks ago, oopsie!) you'll know that I was getting a bit bogged down by the new looming school year. Daunted by the thought of actually having to use my brain after three months of it rotting (basically), I spent the first two weeks of school freaking out, to say the least. I didn't write anything down and thus spent each night frantically running through my mind's recollection of the day's events, searching for some hint of a teacher mentioning if we had homework that night. And the normal cycle of procrastination began again, although this time it was scheduled to be so: 'instead of wasting my time trying to do the math homework I don't understand, I'll ask my teacher the bits I don't get in the morning!'
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that we always need to remember to look on the bright side of life! Although it may sound cheesy, it's a pretty good rule to live by. No matter how bad of a situation you think you're in, there's always a bright side to it. I failed my test? Well, now there's room for improvement!! (ok, bad example) Some tips for getting through work or school, although I'm not the best source:
1. Don't get bogged down by tasks you're assigned. Take everything step by step. Then, when you finish each bit of your project, you'll feel more accomplished and motivated to continue! One thing that helps me is to write a little checklist of these steps and check them off as I complete them.
2. This goes hand in hand with step 1: Don't be a procrastinator! Although I profess to be one, I generally get my work done on time, if not early. The key to this is what I mentioned earlier: instead of putting off the easy stuff, get that done first! Then you feel accomplished, blah blah (see above). However, if you completely don't get something after an hour of trying to do it, just accept that you don't know how on your own. Don't freak out and start crying (from experience) - just ASK someone! Whether it's your mom, your best friend, your teacher or Google (you know you have), someone will have the answers. Trying over and over to get the answer that's out of your reach will just stress you out more. That is to say, don't just ask for the answers either. Whoever you've gone to for help, ask them how to do what it is you don't understand. That way, next time you won't go through the same ordeal or freaking out over a complicated math problem. (yep, experience) Remember: your teachers, parents, and friends are there to support and help you, and even if you don't know the answer, chances are someone else will.
3. Have fun! Work and school can get pretty boring and stressful. That's what weekends are for! Or even just the couple of hours you have once in a while to watch a movie and relax. Remember to work hard, because it will definitely pay off, but don't overwork. Remember to play as well. The fun will satisfy your need for a break and you'll feel more relaxed and refreshed when you go back to your office or school. It's better to return to your work with a clear head, instead of a perpetually stressed one. Call your friends for a movie night or go out to dinner. Or just stay at home and watch romantic comedies in your PJs with some popcorn in your lap. Take a break once in a while- you deserve it.
4. Always look on the bright side. No matter how bad you feel, there's always a good side to it. And if you're going through tough times, know that once you work out your current issues, there will be a clean slate waiting for you on the other side. Wake up every morning with a positive attitude and continue on with your life with optimism! You never know what's just around the corner.
So, that's my two cents for tonight. Hope you guys found this helpful. I'll be taking my own advice, starting with this week. I'll let you know how it turns out!
xx Elena
Warning: language! and silly humor ;)
