Hello again, everyone!
It seems like one of the most popular topics on my blog is school/study tips. I shamelessly admit that I am a nerd. People who meet me generally assume I am very laid-back and happy-go-lucky about schoolwork. They sometimes assume school comes very naturally and easily for me, but the truth is, I have to push myself to work extra hard. My grades are very important to me, even if I act like I goof off a lot or seem carefree. As a senior at university, I think it's safe to say I've collected my fair share of study tips. Most of my tips are pretty well known. (visit professors during office hours, actively participate in class, go to tutoring sessions, learn how to take notes efficiently, etc.) But today I just wanted to remind you of one of the most important tips.
Here it is: TAKE TIME TO BREATHE!
Let me confess that I am terrible at this. Lately, I feel like I've been running around, rushing off to meetings, extracurriculars, squeezing in time for studying and homework, and also balancing a healthy social life with friends and classmates. My to-do list never ends and I often feel the need to get everything done right away and will not rest until everything is finished. The other evening, I made myself a cup of camomile tea and sat down. I took a moment to close my eyes and feel myself breathing. I don't really know what prompted me to do this, but I guess I just feel a nudge from my mind to do it.
It's so easy to ignore what our bodies and minds our telling us. Clearly my body and mind needed a few seconds of stillness and silence, but I couldn't figure that out until I just say down and stopped letting distractions get to me. We all have work that needs to get done, but if we don't prioritize our mental and physical health, what's the point of scrambling around like crazy? Listen to your mind. It's so crucial that we learn how to tune into our inner life.
College is extremely difficult and stressful if you want to do well. Success means working hard and keeping at it, but that doesn't mean you have to become a robot or shut down. I had a yoga instructor used to tell the class, "Check in with your breath. The breath is always there for us. Use your breath. It will carry you through."
The breath is always there for you. Use it. It will carry you through.
XOXO
Chloe
