Lillian

finna start college. tryna get organized.

[ceriniity]

studying isn’t always aesthetic especially for people struggling, sometimes it’s trying to study when your room is a tip because you lack motivation and have to prioritise, sometimes it’s junk food for a snack because time/money won’t allow for anything else, sometimes it’s messy notes because really you just have to get this done and don’t have the time to make things as nice as you would like

the gorgeous pictures on studyblr often act as a motivator and for that I’m appreciative, but don’t let them act as a standard or the norm, don’t let them demotivate you if your life doesn’t look like that. get done what have to and it won’t always look nice - that’s okay, it’s all okay x

[ihavealavalamp]

[ihavealavalamp]

some context.

when i started university i really struggled with writing essays and doing assignments because my adhd ass was really just not suited for that kind of environment (i didnt even want to go to uni for this purpose, but we wont get into that). i got so stupidly desperate that i was like “okay. this essay needs to get done, i need to fuckin Push myself into doing this.” and the best solution i had was to play a song on repeat to push myself into finishing the essay as fast as possible so that i didnt have to listen to the song anymore, and i don’t know my exact reasoning, but the song of my choosing was Don’t Stop Me Now by hit british rock band Queen. i guess i just thought it would be a funny choice at the time. anyways so it worked! i hauled ass getting that essay done with like 1000 words or so in under an hour, citations and all. i handed that bad boy in with not a lot of faith in myself cause it was so rushed, but whaddya know, i got it back and the mark was the best mark on an essay i had ever gotten throughout me entire essay-writing career!

so obviously. i continued doing this. every time i had an essay to do i would procrastinate it until the last possible minute and then just throw on a ten hour version of Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen and let freddie mercury take the wheel. the most notable was a huge research essay with citations that was a final project of an english class last summer, 2500 words. i can hardly remember the topic. i think it was something to do with vaccinations. i wrote it all within two hours right before midnight on the due date and handed it in thinking it was gonna make me fail the course and i got it back a week later with an 80%. by all means this was a terrible practice but it never failed me so i never learned. however i did not predict the consequences here, and the consequence was that i essentially accidentally trained my brain to activate into Essay Mode whenever i heard the song Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen. including when i don’t actually have any essays to write. i hear the song and it activates something within me that wants to write about the effect that capitalism has on the advancement of art movements, or the validity of some classical writer’s opinions on academia. and it’s hell. im just chilling in the cafe with some friends minding my own business and it comes on the radio freddie mercury himself manifests inches away from my ear like “TONIGHT…” and it feels like the chemical makeup of my brain just takes a heel turn. it’s terrible. once i was procrastinating an essay and my friend came over and knew this fact about me and started playing it on her phone while i begged her to spare me and it Worked and i got the essay done in an hour.

anyways ive been doing this for two years now.  i never reread them. i just put the song on and black out for two hours and i never remember the content of what i wrote, i just hand it in and hope for the best and it somehow has never failed me. i WISH it failed me then maybe i’d have some better habits in academia and better advice for my friends who have trouble with essays. but i really dont so this is just how i get through uni at this point. and like idk if it’s something that’s just really useful for other people with adhd, but apparently it works great for my adhd friends as well. somethin about association. who knows.

so yeah tldr. i accidentally conditioned myself to only write essays at record speed and high quality when listening to hit song Don’t Stop Me Now by british rock band Queen and it’s the only thing that has gotten me this far in university.

[susansistired]

I recently started journaling and for some reason I feel a lot less anxious and I get things done?

[creshireneira]

Taking a few minutes out of your day to journal is a great mindfulness practice that helps you focus your thoughts, reduce stress, and help you achieve your goals! Not many people do it because it looks like you are wasting your time but it saves so much time and makes your life so much better! I recommend all my followers to buy a journal and keep up the practice for at least a week. You will notice a positive change in your life. Guaranteed!

[elizxa-beth]

If you are more like me and don’t like staring at a blank page then please check out the Morning Sidekick Journal by Habitnest! I got my journal during their Kickstarter campaign and have been using it ever since! It’s a journal that helps you implement healthy habits and win your morning. They also have other journals for meditation, nutrition, and weightlifting. But just look at this <3

Before I started journaling I was always stressed and directionless and maybe this sounds a bit silly but I am actually conquering my life now!

Check out their website here: habitnest.com

I LOVE IT!

[johnnyishereforever]

Journaling is one of the best habits to have because it makes implementing other habits a lot easier. It keeps your focussed.

Here is a list of habits that could improve your life (with links):

Wake up early

Learn to prioritize

Practice gratitude

Motivate yourself

Read a book every month

Meditate

Exercise more

Network

Save at least 10% of what you earn

Eat healthier

Stretch regularly

Cook more often

Smile more

Connect with nature

Eat more mindfully

Meet new people

Learn a new language

Walk more

Spend more time with family

Reduce the waste you leave behind

[anime-destler]

Where has this been all my life

[fillernotes]

Paying for College

Hi, I really hate to do this, but right now I need a miracle. I don’t have a co-signer for the last little bit of student loans and I’m running out of time. My hope is to start at UNCG in August 19th and I need $4,000 USD. If you can’t help, can you reblog?

Venmo: lillian-knight

Paypal: lillian715

I’m desperate. Any little bit helps.

Thank you!

[fillernotes]

Good news fellows! I can set up a payment plan. However, I still need some money for the down payment so if you’re willing to send me a couple dollars it would help a lot!

[fillernotes]

I need to come up with 2500 by the end of the month!

[fillernotes]

I made a Go Fund Me! If I don’t raise this money soon my classes will be dropped!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/1pydu4z9uo?utm_medium=sms&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&rcid=387db79c76aa4097b238079edbca90ec

[fillernotes]

Paying for College

Hi, I really hate to do this, but right now I need a miracle. I don’t have a co-signer for the last little bit of student loans and I’m running out of time. My hope is to start at UNCG in August 19th and I need $4,000 USD. If you can’t help, can you reblog?

Venmo: lillian-knight

Paypal: lillian715

I’m desperate. Any little bit helps.

Thank you!

[fillernotes]

Good news fellows! I can set up a payment plan. However, I still need some money for the down payment so if you’re willing to send me a couple dollars it would help a lot!

[fillernotes]

I need to come up with 2500 by the end of the month!

[fillernotes]

Paying for College

Hi, I really hate to do this, but right now I need a miracle. I don’t have a co-signer for the last little bit of student loans and I’m running out of time. My hope is to start at UNCG in August 19th and I need $4,000 USD. If you can’t help, can you reblog?

Venmo: lillian-knight

Paypal: lillian715

I’m desperate. Any little bit helps.

Thank you!

[fillernotes]

Good news fellows! I can set up a payment plan. However, I still need some money for the down payment so if you’re willing to send me a couple dollars it would help a lot!

[fillernotes]

Paying for College

Hi, I really hate to do this, but right now I need a miracle. I don’t have a co-signer for the last little bit of student loans and I’m running out of time. My hope is to start at UNCG in August 19th and I need $4,000 USD. If you can’t help, can you reblog?

Venmo: lillian-knight

Paypal: lillian715

I’m desperate. Any little bit helps.

Thank you!

[nine-hours-of-sleep]

This studyblr is ANTI all-nighter, ANTI overexertion, PRO mental wellness, PRO self care, PRO getting enough sleep

[universi-tea]

Back to school time is coming fast, and for a lot of us that means moving into dorms!! My first year I brought all the wrong things, so here are some tips and a lil packing list to help you guys figure out what you need and what you don’t.

tip #1 You don’t need as much as you think you need. Throw out those bed bath and beyond packing lists because they’re only trying to take all your money. If you don’t use it when you’re at home, you won’t use it at school.

tip #2 Think through a typical school day – what do you do? What do you need?

tip #3 Pack in things that will be staying in your dorm as much as possible – laundry baskets, trunks, those plastic drawers, etc. It’s way easier than carrying down 500 boxes to the recycling bin. 

tip #4 Don’t shove too much into one bin, especially if there’s no elevator. Keep it light!

tip #5 See if there are things you can wait and buy there – snacks, school supplies, etc to save room in your car. But drive an extra half an hour instead of going to the Target right by campus that’s inevitably packed and sold out of everything.

tip #6 Pack cleaning supplies last so you can clean everything (especially your bed!!) before you start unpacking. 

tip #7 Bring some snacks and a bottle of water for moving day, and dress comfy. It will inevitably be 100 degrees and you + your fam will get hangry fast.

what to bring:

bedding 

A comfy mattress pad!! Dorm mattresses are brutal. Mine was around $25 from bed bath and beyond and was just as comfy as the expensive tempuredic ones

An extra set of (cheap) twin xl sheets for laundry day 

An easy to clean duvet/quilt (twin is fine)

Double check on bedding sizes! Twin xl is standard, but it may be different at your school.

Extra blankets for movies nights/when friends stay over

bath

A sturdy shower caddy! I got one for $5 and had to replace it by fall break

A robe for the walk to and from the bathroom

Shower shoes!!!!! Dorm bathrooms are nasty

Towels (3) and bath cloths (however often you use them)

Whatever soaps/shampoos/etc you use

Stock up on pads/tampons/hand soap before your parents leave so you don’t have to walk to the store when you need it

study

Get a good desk lamp!!

Don’t buy notebooks until after the first day of class! Some may be better suited for laptop notes, and for some you may not take notes at all. 

A bulletin board is a lifesaver!!

A small white board (not hung up on the wall) is nice for making notes/working on problems without wasting paper

Find a good planner!!

And a wall calendar 

Have those random things on hand that you never think about until you need them: tape (masking, duct!!!!, scotch), tape measure, etc

Bring lots of lil drawer organizer/pen cups to organize

Pack all of your favorite pens/journals/sticky notes, but leave a few at home for when you’re studying on break

clothes

Research your school’s weather and pack accordingly, ofc

Pack lots that’s easy to layer (old buildings have temperamental heating)

Comfy shoes are so important!! You’ll be walking everywhere 

Leave most winter clothing at home to pick up on break, but bring a coat and sweater in case there’s some early cold weather

Same goes for spring semester! Packing shorts in January seems weird, but you’ll be glad

Pack an outfit or two for nice events/interviews

Bring all the clothes that make you feel great and confident, and leave the rest at home

Some cozy clothes for lazy days/camping out at the library

Rain boots and a rain coat! I never used them before, but rainy days are 10x worse when you have to walk to class

Try not to over pack – you’ll be getting new clothes (especially free t shirts) and dorm storage is limited

misc

Bring a floor lamp! Dorm lighting is so depressing, you’ll want one in addition to your desk lamp. 

Duct tape!! Seriously you’ll use it all the time

A sleeping bag is great to have on hand; you’ll use it more than you think (weekend trips, for friends who stay over, etc)

A trash can!

Some cleaning supplies: clorox wipes, a broom, etc

HDMI cord for watching pirated movies on your tv

Medicine – pain killers, cold/stomach/allergy medicine, cough drops, etc

A small duffle bag, plus a toiletry case for weekend trips

Your insurance card!!! + other important papers in case of emergency

Tupperware for sneaking food out of the dining hall

what not to bring: 

here are a few things commonly listed on packing lists that you’ll never use.

A bed skirt – so many suggested it, but there’s no need

A fan – most dorms have a/c units, and if it turns out to be too hot it’s easier to go out and buy one for $10 than to store one you don’t use

Printer – you’ll most likely get free printing money to use at the library

A laundry drying rack – you have bed posts for a reason

Travel sized toiletries – just bring the full size. You live there, after all

Bed risers – you’ll most likely have an adjustable bed already

Step ladder – I cannot think of a reason you would need this (other than move in day) when a chair would not suffice

Iron/ironing board – I promise ironing will not cross your mind, and if you really need to just throw it in the dryer with a wet bath cloth. The extra space will be worth the fifty cents.

Pots/pans – you’ll rarely be cooking if you have a meal plan, and if you are most schools allow you to rent them for the night

This is far from an exhaustive list, but it should help you get an idea of what you need and what you don’t! Be sure to check out your school’s housing website to find the details of your dorm before you leave. Good luck and happy packing!

[soft-butch-cassidy]

depression tips™

shower. not a bath, a shower. use water as hot or cold as u like. u dont even need to wash. just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. sit on the floor if you gotta.

moisturize everything. use whatever lotion u like. unscented? dollar store lotion? fancy ass 48 hour lotion that makes u smell like a field of wildflowers? use whatever you want, and use it all over. 

put on clean, comfortable clothes. 

put on ur favorite underwear. cute black lacy panties? those ridiculous boxers u bought last christmas with candy cane hearts on the butt? put em on.

drink cold water. use ice. if u want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost.

clean something. doesn’t have to be anything big. organize one drawer of ur desk. wash five dirty dishes. do a load of laundry. scrub the bathroom sink. 

blast music. listen to something upbeat and dancey and loud, something that’s got lots of energy. sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both.

make food. don’t just grab a granola bar to munch. take the time and make food. even if it’s ramen. add something special to it, like a hard boiled egg or some veggies. prepare food, it tastes way better, and you’ll feel like you accomplished something. 

make something. write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, anything artistic. even if you don’t think you’re good at it.

go outside. take a walk. sit in the grass. look at the clouds. smell flowers. put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.

call someone. call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. talk to a stranger on the street. have a conversation and listen to someone’s voice. if you can’t, text or email or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. even if you don’t say much, listen to them.

cuddle your pets if you have them/can cuddle them. take pictures of them. talk to them. tell them how u feel, about your favorite movie, a new game coming out.

[fillernotes]

how do I rotate photos on Tumblr Mobile lol. Anyway, here’s this week’s spread. It’s sloppy and it has leaves and stuff. Cool.

[pepp-jo]

2 spreads side by side!!

[summit-studies]

When I was much younger, somehow I remember myself devouring books at a much faster rate. I find myself feeling somewhat ashamed of myself for how much less I'm reading these days, and "read more" always makes it into my lists of resolutions and goals. Recently I've been trying to get back that spark for reading, so I'm making this post as an exercise for myself as well as to share with you guys some ideas and methods to consider if you've ever felt this way too.

put away that phone

Time flies about twice as fast when I'm on my phone, compared to when I'm reading. The seconds seem to literally trickle though my fingers when I'm on social media, and suddenly and hour or two has been chipped away from my life and I have nothing to show for it. This doesn't mean that my interests online are worthless, but when I start to realize that all I've been doing is mindlessly scrolling for the past hour- yeah, I should've spent that time reading instead.

I also have this extreme fear that social media is ruining my attention span, but research is still split and paranoia about it won't do any good either- moderation is key.

it's not you, it's the book

Some books are just harder to read than others. Sometimes it's because they're classics and the language used and it's flow makes the book hard to trudge through, no matter how beautiful it is.

Other times it's because you're dealing with something like a Murakami book, where is gets so absurd at some point and deep at others, that you need a breather after each chapter.

If you feel like you're stagnating, it might be because the book you're trying to get through is one of these. Especially if you're the kind to stubbornly refuse to start a new book before finishing your current one. Realising what kind of book you're reading may help you be kinder to yourself about taking your time.

The solution which usually works for me is to resort to "lighter" reads, oftentimes rereading sections from some of my old favourites (this is why my copies of harry potter and the hunger games look horribly run down) or finding lesser known books from the local library that deal with a subject matter easier to digest.

busy life? try audiobooks

Our modern lifestyles seem to be doing their best to eradicate reading. Audiobooks are a good solution, if they work for you. They don't require a physical medium, so they're more efficient in that aspect, and they allow your eyes (which may have been straining to focus on a screen all day) a nice rest.

They're good for busy people because you can get through a book while getting through more menial mechanical tasks, like chores and laundry- two birds with one stone.

maximize time

On trying to analyze what in particular I used to do to manage to burn through books so fast, I've found that I used to waste much less time.

Depending on your lifestyle, there may be more "empty" time in your day that you realize. For example on the bus, during meals if you eat alone, before bed, when you're bored during certain events and just end up sitting in the corner on your phone, etc.

get the most out of it

Either by scribbling in the margins of the book (that felt sacrilegious to type) or by writing in a bujo or journal dedicated specifically to books, writing down your thoughts during and after reading a book will help you digest it. You can also write down any preconceptions or expectations you have for the book. This helps you process the book and discern the specific ideas that you understood through the book.

It's also cool to read these reviews/logs/whatever you want to call them after rereading those same books in a couple of years, it may offer insight into how your perspective on life has changed and grown.

That's all I've got! I'd love to hear if any of these has helped you, or if you have any ideas/experiences you'd like to share!!

[eintsein]

SOURCES + LINKS

Dr. Bradberry, Travis. (January 15, 2018). “How to make yourself work when you don’t want to.” Retrieved from: https://medium.com/the-mission/how-to-make-yourself-work-when-you-dont-want-to-f4f251a85514

MacLellan, Lila. (January 15, 2018). “How to stop procrastinating.” Retrieved from: https://work.qz.com/1159212/how-to-stop-procrastinating/

Sun, Michael. (February 17, 2014). “Psychological Skills: Changing your Emotions - An Intro to Cognitive Reappraisal.” Retrieved from: https://www.psychologyinaction.org/psychology-in-action-1/2014/02/17/psychological-skills-changing-your-emotions-an-intro-to-cognitive-reappraisal

My masterposts, infographics, printables, + more!

[stu-dna]

4.7.19 // 87 / 100 days of productivity

anyone seen stranger things season 3 yet???

[lovelysuggestions]

How to Get Going When You Just Want to Stay In Bed and Be Nothing

Some days hit you like a ton of bricks, and for those who already struggle, those days can be even harder. Hopefully, these little tips can give you a boost in your darkest moments.

1. Open a window, let some light and fresh air in. You might not want it now, but it will help you feel better in the long run.

2. Take a shower. Sometimes, this can be more difficult than we expect, but that’s okay. Just letting the water hit your back, or washing your face can make you feel more refreshed.

3. Work on a hobby that gets you going. Unfortunately, as good as it feels in the moment, lying in bed and watching netflix while the work you have piles up will only make you feel worse. Now, maybe you can’t tackle your assignments right now, but sitting up and drawing your favourite character or watering your plants while blasting some music will get you in a better mindset.

4. Change your music. Sometimes we need to listen to a sad ass song and just get all our emotions out, but once that’s done and dusted, don’t dwell. Listen to some up-beat music (if I may, I recommend our Pick Me Up Playlist by You) and try to keep your environment from matching your mood.

5. Get a healthy snack and drink some water. Never underestimate the power of good nutrition. If you can’t handle the thought of a full meal, some fruit will suffice for now. But remember what you eat fuels your body, so if you can bring yourself to fitting in a remotely well-balanced meal, you’ll be all the better off.

6. Make a list, pick one, simple task, and get it done. Maybe you have laundry to do and it’s piling up. Maybe you have to wash down the kitchen counter. Maybe you have a worksheet for school. Maybe it’s just making the list. Whatever you need to get done, write it down, and rather than letting that overwhelm you, pick one thing from that list to tick off. Slowly but surely, you will be able to tackle the bigger things.

7. Go for a walk. Getting some fresh air and simple exercise will refresh you without tiring you out. Bring some water, or maybe make it a trip to get some of your favourite snacks and a smoothie from Jamba Juice. If you’re struggling to get up and out, having something nice to look forward too can motivate you. 

8. Think of why you’re feeling this way, and then let it go. More often than not, there is a reason you’re struggling to get up and out. Understanding the root of this feeling can help you move past it, tackle it, or keep it from holding you back.

I know this is pretty standard advice, but I think we all need that little reminder every now and again.

[journal-jk]

Been a minute :)