Studying tips + How to Combat Stress

There's nothing I like more after a stressful week of school than to sit back, relax with my cup of hot cocoa and Pin or Polyvore away. I only recently discovered these and they have already become my new obsession. I'm still learning to navigate these sites so it may be a while before I post anything else (other than my last post) from these sites.

Speaking of tests, I recently developed some ways to study more efficiently and to reduce school stress and since midterms are coming up, what better time than to introduce these tips now?

Tips for Studying

1) Start studying ahead of time- If you are given advanced notice, use the time to plan your studying out. You won't be as overwhelmed if you study 45 mins for 4 nights instead of 3 hours in one night.

2) Make sure you have all the notes you need- Compare notes with a trustworthy friend and if you are missing any notes, make sure to get them from your teacher as soon as possible.

3) Ask your teacher for help- If you're having trouble with anything, make sure you ask your teacher for help in a timely manner.

4) Have a study buddy- Sometimes studying with someone else is more helpful than studying individually. You'll keep each other from procrastinating(hopefully) ;) and will get more work done quicker. Lastly, your study buddy can help you with something you may not understand and vice versa.

Fight Stress!

1) Study in spurts- Study for say, 30 mins and take a break. Then, go back to studying.

2) Don't get (too) overwhelmed- If you feel yourself getting too stressed, take a bubble bath and when the water goes down the drain, imagine all your worries going down the drain. 

3) Study with music or a candle- Study with your favorite scented candle or your favorite music in the background (on low)

 4) Make time for time with Family and friends- Remember that this test isn't the end of the world and don't let it consume your life. Be confident in your abilities. 

5) Don't skip meals- Skipping meals to study is probably the worst thing you can do. It'll make you moody and irritable and keep you from studying efficiently. Eating your favorite meal will also be a nice comfort.

That's all I have for you today! Like I mentioned before, 
BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITIES!! YOU CAN DO IT!! I believe in you.

With love,

Samantha

Disaster in The Philippines

I was saddened to hear about the recent disaster in the Philippines. This beautiful group of islands was hit pretty hard by Typhoon Haiyan, a category 5 super typhoon which stuck on Nov. 8. The city of Tacloban was the hardest hit. Out of the many stories I have read, one really stood out. It was about a baby girl, born five days after Haiyan hit Tacloban who was unable to breathe on her own. Because of the loss of electricity, incubators which would have kept her alive did not work. Her own parents manually pumped oxygen into her lungs for 3 days before she died. My heart goes out to those affected by the typhoon and I will be praying for the Filipino people. Hopefully, they will have the strength and perseverance to carry on in this difficult time.

Here is the link if you would like to donate to the American red cross:

https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jsp?donateStep=2&itemId=prod4650031&campname=donatetyphoon&campmedium=aspot_unassigned

With love, 

Samantha