Tips and Tools to Start the Year

 

Welcome to the new academic year!!

This is such a great opportunity to start fresh, and I am so thrilled to be joining you for the ride!

**What do you want 2023/4 to look like?**

Here are some things for you to ponder as you enter this next stage.  Remember that having some kind of planner/organizer is an important component on this journey.  We will explore options together in our sessions.

Eat that Frog by Brian Tracy (These are some tips that I pulled from the book.)

  • Set the table – Decide exactly what you want to accomplish. Write down your goals in your planner.
  • Organize your tasks by value and priority. (Ask yourself – Is it more important for me to organize my room/closet, or get this schoolwork done now?)
  • Prepare BEFORE you begin. Be sure you have everything you need at your desk each morning. (Be sure you are not working in your bed/bedroom.)
    • Eat breakfast
    • Coffee/tea/water
    • Phone put to the side
  • Do the most dreaded task (top priority) FIRST

Feeling anxious or stuck?

4-7-8 Breathing Method

  • The 4-7-8 technique forces the mind and body to focus on regulating the breath, rather than replaying your worries. It can soothe a racing heart or calm frazzled nerves. It has been described as the natural tranquilizer for the nervous system.

Cold water in your face:

  • The diving reflex – sends a signal to your body and IMMEDIATELY lowers your heart rate
  • All of this happens as a reflex; there’s no conscious thought required. The parasympathetic nervous system take care of it for you. If your anxiety is spiking and you’re approaching a panic attack or you’re feeling totally deregulated, this could be a quick way to settle things down in the body.

Struggling to stay on task while working?

Interval timer – The purpose is not to take a break every five or ten minutes, but to reel you BACK IN if you have gotten distracted. It is a reminder to reset if needed. The little alarm will sound and you will know that you’ve only wasted a few minutes before your reset, rather than 45 minutes!

Feeling like there are not enough hours in a day?

Look at your daily schedule and chunk your time. Maybe every Tuesday from 2 to 4 you are free. Make that time STUDY time regardless of what assignments are coming up. There is always material to review!

Choose a place (OUTSIDE of your bedroom/home preferably) to go to during that time.

Do you get sucked into scrolling/social media/phone time?

Download and try out the Forest app.

https://www.forestapp.cc/

Do you think it would help to have an accountability partner WHILE you are doing hw assignments and such?

Check out Focusmate

https://www.focusmate.com/  

AND REMEMBER – I am here to help you, support you, cheer you on, and serve as your accountability partner as you take on life and crush your goals!