Tag: Lifestyle & Mindset

Things to Romanticize

~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

A list I began for no reason and will probably continue. I just want to fall in love with the mundane again. It’s all in the little things I suppose.

Car Rides

The sleepy feeling of driving at night with someone you trust. Chill music playing in the background. Street lights whizzing by in the dark. The green glow of the radio controls.

Letters

Pen and ink. The wonderful scratching sound of writing on parchment. Being unnecessarily fancy. Writing in cursive. Talking about the weather and how much you miss them.

Elevator Rides

You feel busy and important but not so much so that you’re above smiling at those who get in the elevator with you. The little compliments you offer your temporary traveling companions. A shared moment of quiet in everyone’s day as the chime sounds after each floor.

Freshly baked bread

The smell filling the house. Soft butter. Soup. Cold, wet weather.

Lightning bugs

The smell of fresh July air. Mason jars. Contests between siblings to see who can catch the most,

Sun Rises

Being up and about before everyone else. Quiet time. Reading as you watch the world wake. A misty blanket which slowly lifts.

Lace curtains

Rays of sunshine streaming through. Patterned shadows being cast on the opposite wall. Quaint and homey.

Dabbling in many different hobbies

Who knows what you’re into this week. Fast paced. Knowing a little bit of everything. Endless possibilities. The joy of learning for the sake of learning.

Hand written notes (the handwriting doesn’t have to be perfect)

Personal. Gratitude for everyone in a small way. Smudged letters that reveal a message that has that person floating the rest of their day.

Moths

Flitting around light. Patterned wings. Night butterflies.

How to avoid burn-out in college

~ Brooke F. ~ 1 Comment

Make short-term achievable goals to go along with your long-term big ones.

This can look like a daily to-do list where you check off little things like doing laundry or cleaning out that messy desk drawer. Your long-term and big goals can be rather daunting. So break it off until smaller bites that you can see yourself accomplishing.

Have at least one weekend day open for catching up (if you can).

I know this isn’t doable for everyone, but leaving at least one weekend day open for catching up on anything that needs to be caught up on is a great thing to do. This can be homework or housework or both. You just need to keep a day open for the things that tend to pile up if you don’t.

Evaluate Priorities (you’re probably going to have to say “no” to something.)

There’s going to be a lot of things bartering for your time in college and I’m sorry to say, you’re likely not going to be able to do it all. I know it’s hard, especially if you have a people pleasing complex (cough, cough), but you’re going to have to say no to some things and some people. You cannot do it all. So prioritize the things that are really worth your time.

Celebrate little achievements and accomplishments and reward yourself every now and then.

Buy yourself a coffee if you did well on that test. Allow yourself to watch an episode of your favorite show when you finish your homework early. Celebrate the small mile-stones and you’ll maintain your wind for future projects.

Keep an eye on your mental state.

College moves so quickly. So much so, it is very easy to cultivate some very unhealthy thinking patterns and habits without even realizing it. I nearly broke one semester because I didn’t even realize I had an issue till I was on the verge of falling to pieces. Keep a conscious eye on your mental state. Sometimes being mentally unhealthy can sneak up on you. It is very easy to lose yourself in a school schedule.

Try to take care of your body.

You study like crap when you feel like crap. Coffee is not a substitute for water. Get some sunlight every now and then. Take your meds. Go for a walk every now and then. Shower and wash your face at the end of the day.

Keep a schedule of some sorts

Especially towards the beginning of the semester when you have lots of room numbers and time slots to remember. But really it’s good to have a schedule year-round if you can manage it. This kind of organization can really help you manage and budget your time and therefore lead to less stress overall during the school year.

Know that it’s okay to ask for help and seek out tutoring resources if you can when needed.

I know asking for help is on most people’s “least favorite things to do” list but trust me, you’re probably going to have to do it at some point during your college career so might as well get used to the idea. And try not to wait till you’re halfway through a class and you’re completely lost to ask for help. If you’re struggling now, ask for help now. Nail down those concepts that you’re shaky on; most subjects build upon earlier concepts.

Make time for passion projects, social activities, or hobbies every now and then.

Don’t run yourself ragged and deprive yourself of spending your time doing fun things or hanging out with friends. These are not “luxuries” that you can deprive yourself of long-term. Sure, don’t skip studying and exam to go partying but definitely schedule a coffee date with a gal pal or a day to indulge in one of your long-neglected hobbies. You are not a machine. You are a person with many different needs, some of which are social. Don’t deprive yourself of these things because you feel you don’t deserve or have “time” for it. You need to make time for it.

Evening Poems: Victorious

~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

The many victories of a healthy mind
Are In the small things I’ve come to find.
Nails no longer bitten to nubs
Flesh and blood and hangnail stubs.
I buy myself a coffee with little guilt.
And By midmorning, I no longer wilt.
Hunger is something I actually feel.
Food can be enjoyed, senses real.
I can sleep and wake with the sun.
And I feel full when the day is done.
Even if I haven’t exactly changed the world.
I was not lost in a sickening whirl.
I saw my coffee thick with cream.
Walked barefoot in a little stream.
I saw the rain fall in a mist.
Along the pane the water kissed.
These things weren’t lost on me- I saw them all.
I couldnt before- I was too busy with my fall.
These are the victories of a healthy mind.
All the little things that you can find.

How to bounce back from failing an exam (or even a class)

~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Yeah, I know this isn’t fun to write about or even read about. As a student who grew accustomed to A’s and B’s in highschool, I found myself a little shell-shocked when I got to college and failed my first big test (RIP my biology midterm grade-you will be missed). And it was… an adjustment to say the least. Really this one grade should not have made me question my identity like it did but a someone who prides myself on how well I do at school, it was definitely a blow to my pride. I questioned whether or not I was really cut-out for college or even my major (I am a bio major by the way). But in the end, what I really ended up doing was dusting myself off and trying again. And here’s how I did it…

I had a grieving period

And boy, did it stink. I cried over this grade a lot (probably a bit more than I should have). But I really do think it is good to allow yourself to feel sad over this grade, especially if you worked really hard and did not receive the mark you feel you had earned or expected. Don’t wallow of course. You should not tie your self worth to your grades. But do allow yourself the time to be sad. Cry. Shower. And Take a nap.

I had a forgiveness period

And then I had to forgive myself. I know it may seem strange to some, but when I get a bad grade, I have to forgive myself for it because usually it means I disappointed myself. But wallowing in self-hatred is not a recipe for doing well in a class or even doing well in general for that matter. So there eventually came a point where I just had to accept it and move on.

I had an evaluation period

I had to think about why I flunked. This, in turn, and lead you to forming a better game plan for this class in the future. I had to ask myself how I got this bad grade and what led to it and whether or not it was in my control. I’ve done poorly on a few tests since the bio midterm mishap and did so for a variety of different reasons. Some were simply due to ineffective study methods or spreading of study time. And every now and then, the class itself is just plain difficult (or maybe even a professor is). This doesn’t give you an excuse to give up of course but you should definitely recognize what is and isn’t in your control.

I made a new game plan

Once I identified why exactly I did badly, I made a new game plan. Usually this step involves a new study strategy that focuses on where I was weak before and compensates for where I messed up. I recommend making this plan and then STICKING TO IT (it doesn’t do you any good to make it and not follow through).

I Tried to avoid burnout by taking breaks

I know for me it was hard to accept that I still needed breaks after my bad grade. When I don’t do well, I have a bad habit of depriving myself of such things because I felt I didn’t deserve it. But trust me, not taking-breaks just results in burn-out and that helps no one. Breaks are not optional. Stick to your game plan but your game plan should consist of a well-needed break every now and then. This step took me a few weeks to grasp but after completely wearing myself thin, I got the message that I need to rest as any normal person does.

I accepted that this happens

To the majority of people actually. College is hard. But I can do it because I can do hard things. Even if I fail sometimes. That’s a part of succeeding actually I’ve discovered. For every success I have about 100 little failures that allowed me to get there. And that’s alright. So best of luck to you. Go and achieve your goals. Because you can do hard things!

55 Creative Hobbies to Pick Up

~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Just a database of creative stuff to do when you’re bored. Useful for if I ever get quarantined again.

Crafty

Origami

Upcycling

Upholstering

Tie-dye

Pottery

Scrapbooking

Soap Making

Booksmithing

Stained glass

Candlemaking

Glass Blowing

Leather Working

Macrame

Tapestry Work

Quilting

Quilling

Resin

Woodworking

Fashion

Jewelry Making

Sewing

Cross Stitching

Crocheting

Knitting

Embroidery

Felting

Art

Charcoal art

Graphic Design

Watercolor

Balloon Art

Sculpting

Animation

Nail Art

Makeup Art

Calligraphy

Acrylics

Pastels

Foil Art

Photoshop

Shoe Painting

Comic-book/Web-comic making

Writing

Poetry

Short stories

Novel writing

Song Writing

Critiques/Reviews

Blogging

Journaling

Fan fiction writing

World building

Garden-y

Flower Arranging

Garden Art

Terrarium Making

Other

Video editing

Recommended Drinks for Writing

~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

Admittedly, writing can be hard sometimes and on bad days, a little exhausting. That’s one reason I like to have something to sip on sitting on my desk while I work. It generally helps me focus and takes away an excuse for me to get up and break my writing streak. So, here’s a little list I’ve made of best drinks for writers. Enjoy!

Turmeric Lattes

So, Confession, I really didn’t know what turmeric was until I was searching for good drink options for me to sip on while writing my book. However, upon research, I found that turmeric was a spice, closely related to ginger, that has brain boosting effects. One of the many ways you can consume this spice is by means of a latte which considering how much I love creamy and hot drinks, I’m all for.

Link to a Turmeric Latte Recipe is here

Blue Berry Juice or Blue Berry Smoothies

Second confession, I don’t like blue berries. However, blue berries are filled with polyphenol which is a brain boosting chemical that can aid you when writing. Plus, they’re relatively healthy!

Tea

Specifically ones that help with concentration and focus. This includes Matcha, Peppermint, and Ginger. Or, more broadly, Black and Green Teas.

Coffee

This is a pretty obvious pick considering the nice little caffeine rush coffee offers. Not to mention there’s nothing more comforting than cupping your hands round a warm, steaming mug of coffee as you work on your latest writing project or book.

Chocolate Milk or Hot Chocolate

I really like the science behind this. Did you know that it has been shown that chocolate increase blood flow to your brain? I think this is a very fun fact, especially considering I’m going to be eating and drinking chocolate regardless of whether or not its beneficial to my focus.

Lemonade

Another great option! Lemons have been shown to boost your brain function and lemonade can also help hydrate you much better than say a soft drink or coffee.

Tips on maintaining Writing Motivation

~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Just a little list to help you keep that writer’s block at bay. Enjoy!

READ

Read, read, read and read some more until you are completely swollen with words that have no choice but to spill out. This will get you into a “wordy” frame of mind where you think in terms of language as oppose to pictures which you THEN have to transfer to words and then put them on the page.

BROADEN YOUR INTERESTS

Try to vary your media consumption form music, to movies, to what you choose to read. This will fill your brain up with new and different ideas that will show through your work. Plus, the more different pools of inspiration you have, the more interesting ideas you can come up with. (Think of it in terms of a river being fed by a bunch of smaller “streams” or water sources. It becomes more powerful the more sources of inspiration you have).


DON’T BE PARALYZED BY THE FEAR OF NOT BEING ORIGINAL

There are lots of ideas out there. So much so that sometimes you can be frustrated by the thought that nearly anything you come up with has been done before. And yeah. maybe it has. But not by you. Try and by yourself and that will show in your writing style but also don’t stress so much over doing everything so uniquely that you struggle to write anything.

OUTLINE PROJECTS

This bone structure is vital. It helps you stick to a consistent theme that will show through your work. This is so you don’t lose the “soul” of your story or writing during the process of creating it.

TAKE A BREAK EVERY NOW AND THEN

I recommend stepping away from writing every now and then, especially when you feel like you’re going stale. Go do something mindless to rest your brain a little.

LET YOUR MIND WANDER SOMETIMES

Sometimes you just need not focus on something. Some of the best ideas come when you’re not really doing anything specific. Give yourself this mental freedom.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Your brain is a part of your body. Drink lots of water, sleep well, and move around a little bit. You’ll get more done if you take care of yourself physically.

Things to do When you Just Don’t feel like Yourself

~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Is it just me, or are there days where you don’t feel anything? Maybe I’m weird but I feel like some days I’m completely out of touch. I’m uncreative, unpassionate, and, sometimes, unhappy. I don’t feel like myself. I wish I could say this funk passes, but sometimes I can go a solid week just… not feeling myself? Maybe it’s burnout, maybe it’s just emotional bleh, but either way, here are a few things that I do to feel like myself again. Maybe, if you feel this way sometimes perchance, they can help you too?

So, If you’re not feeling like yourself , try some of these things.

Go for a walk or a drive. Roll down the windows and listen to the wind. Get lost in nature. 

Listen to your favorite music. Listen to old music. Listen to your childhood favorites. Get lost in the sound pulsing through your head. 

Exercise real hard for like half an hour to a full hour and then take a looong hot shower or even a bath. The exercise will boost your endorphins and the shower will make you feel satisified and squeaky clean.

Read your favorite book. Remember what it was like reading it for the first time? Get lost with the characters and love them till the end. 

Pick yourself some flowers. Got lost in the way they sweetly smell and brighten up your room. 

Cuddle something. This can be a stuffed animal, a pet, or, if you have a designated cuddle human (apparently that’s what I’m calling significant other’s now?), a person.

Write something. A story. A letter. Anything. Get lost in the words and the way they tumble onto the page. 

Look up at the stars or watch a sunset. Get lost in the colors.

Open a window or something. Fresh air does wonders. I don’t think any candle or air freshener in the world could ever replicate the smell of crisp air.

Collect shiny things, little things that make you smile and put them in a jar. I know this sounds weird, and almost Crow like, but for me personally, I get joy from little things.

Remember, to find yourself, you might have to get lost a little bit, often in the little things. And that’s alright. Perhaps that’s why the little things are there in the first place.

Insults to Keep up your Sleeve Part 2

~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Because swearing is boring.

  1. You Cold Corndog

Listen, corndogs are kind of iffy anyway. Especially the oven made ones. They’re especially bad when they’re soggy and the hot dog and the breading seem to be two totally separate entities with the bread sliding off.

2. You Crusty Toothpaste Tube

You can thank my brother for the inspiration on this one. I mean, does it REALLY take that much of your precious 12 year old boy time to put the dumb tooth paste cap back on the tube???

3. You Goblin

For if you’re feeling real whimisical.

5. You Spork

Because sporks are supposed to do two things but in actuality does neither of them at all. Often like my siblings.

6. Cough Syrup

Lovely, simply because its off the wall but obviously insulting.

7. You greasy door handle

You can just feel this one.

8. Haggis

A Scottish dish consisting of a sheep’s or calf’s offal mixed with suet, oatmeal, and seasoning and boiled in a bag, traditionally one made from the animal’s stomach. And the perfect insult for a not so savory individual.

9. You Limp Lettuce

Because the joys of Alliteration.

Quarantine Bucket List Week 2

~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Because me and my friends burned through the previous one super fast.

Quarantine bucket list version 2

You can still complete the tasks on the first list. Besides that, same rules as before! Good luck!

A side note: point value is increasing so if you struggled with the last list you still have a chance. Also, you are welcomed to complete any items on the previous list that you haven’t done. These are just in addition to it. 

Another side note: things are getting harder.  

-find out what Disney princess you are from a quiz and share your results (10 points)

– go somewhere and order a kids meal (and if they offer a toy, take it) (50 points)

-send a member a song that reminds you of them. Tell them it’s their theme song. (20 points)

-Dramatically recite/read something for the group. (40 points)

-make a secret handshake (and if you can send a video of it to the group, do so) (30 points)

-find a news article of something interesting that is unrelated to coronavirus and share it with the group (20 points)

-start a blog, and post every day for about 4 or 5 days (im excluding myself from this one as I already own two blogs that I keep up with)(200 points)

-have a photo shoot complete with props and a pretty background and everything and share your photos (preferably through email as photos take up a lot of storage through text) and NONE of you are allowed to say you can’t do this one because you are all beautifully adorable so I don’t even want to hear it (80 points)

-write a story but this time there’s no prompt, just write one. You can do this more than once as long as it exceeds 600 words. (100 points)

-learn to fold a fitted sheet. It has to be neat, tidy, and stackable. (80’points)

-write a letter to your past self (40 points)

-make a short film. Of any kind. Share it with the group. (100 points)

-similar to above, film and choreograph a fight scene. Add epic music. Share it with the group. (150 points)

-design an outfit of sorts. This can be anything from a dress to a super suit to armor. It doesn’t have to be girly. Just experiment with this art medium. (40 points)

-find a fountain and flip a penny into it to make a wish. (40 points)

-have a picnic if the weathers nice. Take pictures and share it with the group (70 points)

-Surprise me. This can be anything. Give me a shock. I just want to be surprised at what you come up with. (100 points)

-find out what flavor of pop tart you are (20 points)

-send people pictures of your cute pets. I expect cuteness to the max.  (15 points)

-draw something cool with chalk and share it (25 points)

-pull an all nighter and document the process (who knows, maybe you can put it in your blog.). This is going to have a high point value because SLEEP IS IMPORTANT YOU NIGHT OWLS. (170 points)

-invent something (80 points)

-build a fort. (80 points)

-wake up before the sun comes up and send us a picture of the sunrise (100 points)

-share your crappiest (or best) pickup line. (20 points)

-have a “pun-off” with someone. Pick a topic and then go back and forth and see who can come up with the most puns revolving around that topic. (40 points for the winner, 20 for the loser). 

-share an embarrassing/funny story with the group. (40 points)

-make a mystery for someone. Be creative. This can be a series of letters left for someone. A scavenger hunt. A text convo where you leave clues to the person as to your identity.  Get creative. If theres anything I want to stress in this game it’s creativity. (100 points)

-choreograph a dance & send it out to everyone. Others also receive points for learning it. (100 points for all parties who participate in this one).