Learning Challenge: Happiness Jar

One thing I have always wanted to try out since starting college is a Happiness Jar! I think they are such a creative way to remember just how fortunate one is in life, and that every moment can be so special.

My freshman year, a couple of my friends decided to make one with their roommates, and at the end of the year they opened it up. It was adorable!

I also have heard of friends having a “passing journal” like Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants only with a book. They wrote down happy moments in their lives and then send it to the next person. Since starting six months ago, they’ve filled an entire journal and have started on the next. A great way to keep in touch when far away!

Learning by H.E.A.R.T.

Learning Challenge: Attention Tips

Prompt: I'm guessing pretty much everybody has some good strategies for paying attention and focusing, so figure out what your best time tip(s) are and then write that up in a blog post. Maybe other students in class can benefit from a strategy you are using!

As someone who is diagnosed with a disorder that is actually described by my lack of attention skills, I can honestly say I have tried every tip and trick in the book when it comes to trying to pay attention in class. Some work, and, obviously, so seriously did not. Below are some of the best tips I can give for paying attention in and out of the classroom.

1: Sooth the Ear

Whenever I am having to focus on schoolwork, I always listen to calm music. If I am writing, it has to be background tunes (piano, orchestra, etc) but if it is math problems or something similar it can have lyrics. This type of music motivates you.

The Best Study Drink Around

2: Coffee is a Focus Assistant

I don’t know what it is about coffee, but, for some reason, it is the greatest thing I have found to help me focus. It is like adderall in a cup. Sip on some hot brew and get to work. This plus tip one together make miracles happen.

3: Find Your Environment

Some people focus better when they are in a crowded location, like the main part of the Union. Others, like me, need to have a simple, comfortable space in which to work. My absolute favorite spots are 1: Gaylord Hall (so comfy with the couches) or 2: The Grey Owl on Grey Street.

4: Cover Your Clocks

If time limits stress you out (like they stress me out), sit facing AWAY from any clock possible. Cover the clock on your computer with a sticky note if you know you’re going to be working late… it’ll keep your stress on the low.

5: No Phone Zone

My phone is my absolute weakness while studying (which my friends may not believe because I am the worst at texting on planet earth). Pinterest and Instagram can consume me for days. Turning my phone on silent and screen down are the absolute best tricks I can offer (or put it in your backpack! Even better).

Learning Challenge: Attention and Meditation

Meditation is something that I take very seriously. Since I was in high school, I have practiced yoga. I love to tell my friends that it is more than a form of exercise, it is a thought process. Not only does my body feel stronger and relieved afterwards, but my brain feels clear and strong.

Whenever I can, I attend Bikram yoga, which is often referred to as “hot yoga” because the room is typically 90-107 degrees. It is very tough to get into but ends in being the most rewarding experience. Your body relaxes itself through this process, and your mind must stay determined and focused in order to keep you going throughout the entire thing. Truly an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone who asks.

Some Basic Poses

Learning Challenge: Empathy

As a child, my parents always said empathy was my number one strength. It is very rare that you see a little child going up and asking people on the street “what’s wrong”. It is something I’ve always been told but, until several years ago, never fully understood. Here are a couple great points about empathy:

1- it is different than sympathy. Sympathy is when you can comprehend what someone else is going through on a mental level. Empathy is when you understand it on a physical level. When someone is empathetic, even if they have never personally been in the same position as someone, they are able to put themselves in their place and feel for them. It is an amazing thing

2- people with high levels of empathy are more prone to depression. In addition to feeling for themselves, they are always feeling the pains of others as well, making it hard for them to function at times.

Comprehension is key

Learning Challenge: How to Focus With ADHD

As someone that struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for years of my life, I have learned lots of different ways to pay attention while studying. It all has to do with the environment you create for yourself.

So many thoughts,so little time

1-If you know you are an easily distracted person, don’t sit in your room or in a highly populated area (the basement of the Biz) because you know you’ll end up just watching people walk around and not actually on the work in front of you.

2- Orchestra and piano music often help create a tone for work, especially for those who have to do a lot of writing. These types of music allow you to block out sound without confusing your thoughts with the singer’s lyrics.

3- Pressure can make perfect; I’m not saying to procrastinate everything (especially tests!) but for assignments that are smaller, if you know you focus well under pressure, sitting down and convincing yourself you have to have it done by a certain time may be the way to go!