Improve Your Study Skills w/ These Tips!

/

If you are looking to improve yourself, you may find that dedicating a bit of time every evening to study is the best way to go in the right direction. However, there are so many different influences that can impact your ability to focus. Perhaps you're not sleeping so well, or you are feeling stressed. But when it comes to studying, there are a few simple hacks that you can take advantage of to ensure that you are focused on the task at hand.

Stimulating The Brain

There are so many ways you can do this, from reading out loud to neurofeedback therapy. Neurofeedback is a behavioral therapeutic modality that works from an operant-conditioning framework (think of B.F. Skinner’s box or ABA in Autism). It provides feedback in real-time, teaching individuals to regulate neurophysiological responses, which ultimately helps improve functionality.

There are so many ways to stimulate the brain (not just in terms of the ordinary things), but by digging deep to bring aspects of your mind out that you didn't even know you had. Neuroplasticity is being discussed more because we used to think that our brains were predetermined, that they were a certain size and that we could only learn so much. But now by stimulating the mind you can do so much more than what you are capable of, and even if you're not ready to go for something like neurofeedback you could try binaural beats. In fact, there are plenty of these online.

The Feynman Technique

We tend to cram lots of information into our brains, and as a result, we end up trying to memorize things rather than to learn them. Much like when we are trying to remember things before an exam, but this isn't very effective at all. Instead, the Feynman Technique is all about explaining it to someone who doesn't have a concept of what it is, like a young child. A lot of people tend to relay information without letting it sink in. If you can't explain it, you won't be able to understand it. By doing this, you are ready to consolidate (bring on the hippocampus) information in your brain so that it's not overly complicated.

Minimize Distractions And Improve Focus

One of the main problems we all have these days is that there are too many distractions around. By minimizing these distractions, especially if you sit at a desk with your smartphone in your periphery, you will work a lot better. It's something that we can all benefit from. Because the internet is right there, we've got to take advantage of the many blockers to stop surfing the web. By learning to increase our productivity, we can find ways to focus better. Focusing on the task at hand means minimizing distractions but also finding ways to focus on the information appropriately. Because we, as individuals, can get overwhelmed by the task at hand, we need to figure out how to focus on one thing at a time. This is crucial when we are looking to study because if we are overwhelmed by the prospect of learning a language, that is what will loom large in our brains. Focus on one thing at a time, and it becomes a lot easier for us all to digest.

LETS GET SOCIAL…




Make Health And Happiness Part Of Your Daily Life

/

Like so many women, if you’re living a busy and stressful life, it could be taking a toll on your general health and well-being. It’s important nowadays to take the time to look after yourself and think about each lifestyle choice you make. By making positive changes to your everyday routine; you’ll become happier and healthier, which will help to lead you through a long a fulfilling life. The following are some areas to consider if you feel like life is weighing you down a little, so that you can begin to enjoy health and happiness each day.

Nourishing Yourself

Food is our body’s fuel, so filling yourself up with junk food all the time, will not have a positive effect on your health and how you feel. By no means do you have to give up your favorite treats completely, as a little of what you enjoy can do you good. However, candy, cakes, and fast food should be regarded as treats for special occasions or a reward for a heavy duty workout. By keeping your sugar intake down; you’ll have more energy and won’t have to face any crashes from the glucose leaving your system.

Cooking fresh meals is another smart idea, as it makes it simple to control what you’re eating. If you cook from scratch, then you can monitor the ingredients, including any fats and sugar, which goes into your delicious homemade meals. Cooking can also be therapeutic, as you can focus on the task at hand, and let your daily stresses float away. The more you get creative in your kitchen, the better you’ll get; so check out some recipes and tutorials online for some inspiration, and before you know it, you’ll be feeling beautiful from the inside out!

Seeking Help

It’s always a cathartic experience to talk to somebody else about your worries and problems; however, many people find it difficult and often shy away from opening up, especially when it comes to both their physical issues and mental health. Whether you have worries regarding your intimate area and want to look into the Geneveve procedure, you’re struggling with low mood and need counsel, or you’re impacted by anxiety surrounding an array of things; there’s no better time to get help, than right now.

Try and make time to call, or even email, a friend or family member to tell them what’s happening. By going through everything, you’ll be able to take the weight off your shoulders and are likely to gain some positive advice in the meantime. A simple catch up and chat with somebody can also highlight all the successes and good points in your life right now; this in itself will give you a boost and make you feel better about your situation.


If you’re uncomfortable sharing your thoughts with those that you know, or you feel your problem is too serious or complicated for them to help solve; there are plenty of resources available to you. Take a look online, and you’ll find an array of contact details to access expert help from people who have been professionally trained in dealing with your particular problem. You might just be feeling generally overwhelmed in life, and need some advice on how to ease the pressure and move forward; whatever it is, it’s not worth keeping everything to yourself.


LETS GET SOCIAL…

Tips For Living With A Mental Illness

/

Most of you may know that I am currently working on my doctorate in Clinical Psychology, so it is only right that I touch on the subject of mental illness because although we are living in 2017, it is still a subject of taboo for some, especially when it comes to different cultural groups. Dealing with mental illness is hard, not matter the degree. It's a very difficult issue to deal with because unlike other problems that are physically visible to the people around you - struggling with mental illness is very easy to hide, which makes it even more dangerous.  

It was once overlooked because people just put it down to attention seeking, and because of this people tend to be really frightened about opening up, but it's the year 2017, there's no need to feel like that anymore. There are so many different ways to get help, manage and improve how you feel on a daily basis.

While there are many severity types that span the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, for those who are able to cope with their symptoms a bit better than others, here are a few tips that will help you to keep a healthier perspective on things.

 

Focus on your strong points, but be aware of your limits.

You may not get as much done as maybe other people would, because you will be facing a lot of different things that cause you stress. But this shouldn't be seen as a negative thing. Because of all this, you are most likely very good at being patient, and patience is a great skill to have.

When having a mental illness, for some reason people tend to be quite creative. It doesn't always work out that way, but in some cases of Autism especially, people usually have great attention to detail and use their brain to store it full of knowledge and information. You would be surprised as to how many actors, musicians, and artists are actually Bipolar (manic-depressive.)

Don't look at yourself as being strange. You are unique in your own way, and that isn't because of your mental illness - it's because you're a human being. So put your attention and energy onto all the wonderful traits that you - and only you - can offer this world.

 

Get yourself the treatment you need.

There are far too many suicides that go on because people feel as though it's the only resort. The pain that it causes to feel that alone, dealing with such an issue that makes you so low that you don't want to be in this world with the people that love you. - That's a very dangerous spot to be in. That's why it's so important to seek medical help and discuss what the best treatment will be for you. - You don't have to suffer in silence or go through it alone. There are plenty of support that will give you all the information that you need to find what's best for you. You may find that going on medication that balances your mood is necessary, or talking to someone about exactly how you feel everyday is a more suitable option. Some people even find that herbal vaping or aromatherapy for health issues can help sooth and relax things like depression, anxiety, and even mood swings. So it really is just about discussing options and finding something that you agree to.

 

Get support but don't let it consume you.

It's very easy to feel like the odd one out when you're with a group of people, whether you know them or they’re just complete strangers - you know how you're feeling, and that’s pretty much all you’re able to focus on. Your mind is most likely racing with one thousand and one different things going on in your head all at the same time. If you're anxious, this will be ten times worse. Even if no one is looking at you, you will feel that this is specifically for a reason, and you will be analyzing everything like crazy!

Going to support groups for your illness can be amazing, because you're essentially in a room with all other people dealing with the same issue. Although it may feel as though you're on your own at first, the more times you go, and the more you open up - you will learn so much, not only about others, but yourself too. Groups are there to remind you that you're not weird, and you can find comfort in the idea that you will always have a place to go.

But having said that, don't use your illness as a crutch or an excuse to hold you back, or take the easy option out without having to push yourself. Sure, it may be a lot harder for you, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

 

Don't allow anyone to treat you badly.

For some strange reason, a lot of people that deal with a mental illness are deemed weak by other people. For example, if people are aware that you're a little different, unfortunately, most people will treat you different - even though you never asked them to do that. People may also try and take advantage of you because you are seen as an 'easy target'... Don't let them do this to you, however much they try. You're not someone that can be messed with, or someone that should just put up with silly things because 'you're different'. Don't ever feel like you need to settle in a relationship, or be silent in a conversation because the other person is trying to enforce some sort of power over you.

 

Finding work isn't impossible

If you're generally quite up and down, then searching for a more flexible job will be best. This may be freelance work, working from home, or if you're lucky, working for someone that is able to give you clear instructions, somewhere quiet to work in, and time off when you need it.

It's very easy to think that not mentioning your illness is a better route because it won't restrict you from the kind of work that you get offered - but don't do this. Your employer needs to know if you're not well. - Not so that they can judge or pity you - but just so they have a better understanding of things. Especially if you do have to take multiple days off, or shorten your hours.

 

Take responsibility for your actions.

Just because you may be a little different, doesn't always mean you get special treatment. For example, if you're in the company of others, whether that be family, friends or even strangers, - if you have a really bad day, and you lose your temper and get quite angry and aggressive - once that is all over and done with, you have to think about the possibility that you may have affected anyone while they were in your presence. Yes, it is horrible having to deal with emotions like that, but it's also horrible to see someone unraveling and losing control right in front of you, and you are not able to do a thing. So ask them if they're alright, and apologize for breaking down like that.

The same thing goes for if you made plans with people, and then end up changing your mind.  Don't just bail on them, let them know in advance so they're not left looking forward to something all week for nothing. You would like someone to take your feelings into account, so do the same for others.

 

Find the people that will accept you for you.

Friendships can be very hard to keep when you are dealing with a mental illness. We can all have the odd ‘good day’, which is great, and your friends may love to hang out with you. But then the day will come where you feel as though that dark gray cloud has positioned itself right above your head, and all you can feel is the weight of the rain hitting down on you. On days like this, your friends may not want to be around you, because they can't deal with how you are. - Let them feel this way. If they don't feel comfortable with you on your 'off' days, then you shouldn't want to feel comfortable around them either. That's why we have so many different people that come into our life - they all have different purposes. You just have to either be patient, or find someone that can be with you on a good or bad day regardless.

Relationships can be a lot trickier, not so much to find - but to maintain the relationship. Whether it be a few days, few weeks or few months of trying to act as 'normal' as you possibly can, you are sooner or later going to have to breathe and be yourself. - It's very scary, but how do you know you've met the right person if they haven't yet met you properly? You don't want to find out later down the line that you wasted eight months of your life, hiding a big part of yourself, trying to be the 'perfect' partner, only to find out they were a super idiot!

What about the people who are selfish and only like the sound of their own voice, or people that always think they're right and are never willing to compromise? - If they can all manage to find a relationship and keep a healthy one going - then you have absolutely nothing to worry about!

LET'S GET SOCIAL...