I want to be the very best

Like no one ever was. No, but legit, I'm Lea. I'm an incoming high school senior in the US and I want to help you (and myself) create great study habits. So regardless of your grade or classes, I think I can help you. Feel free to ask me anything or Kik me at doingthemusicthing my main blog is teardropsonmymanyinstruments

[studyhabits4life]

Lots to do tomorrow! Wrote it all out so I won't forget.

[studyhabits4life]

GUYS I HAVE A WEBSITE

i really hope this website doesn’t die off. I hope for it to become a productive community. 

This blog will not die off because I have a website. Things will still be posted both here and there. Some will be duplicates, some will be exclusive to one media, so check in on both every so often.

I’m so happy right now. This is going to be a good time.

[studyhabits4life]

Apps I Use!

I’m pretty old-fashioned. I prefer a paper planner and a paper journal. But, with so many classes and assignments and word processors all being online, distractions are everywhere! So here’s a list of apps I use (almost) everyday to keep me on the path to success.

Goodtime Productivity Timer - I swear by the Promodoro Timer method. At first, I thought it was stupid and the breaks were a waste of time. But I wrote a whole paper while using the timer, and it really works. I prefer this app over other timers because I don’t like having to type the task in at every session. What if I have multiple tasks? What if I finish a task halfway through the timer. I, personally, feel like a cheater if I switch tasks.

Posture Minder - I have issues with my joints (at 19, I know, right???). I found how much better my rib cage and my back feels when I sit up straight. So I have this app that reminds me at an interval I set. It also used the phone’s accelorometer to know what angle the phone is at to determine if I’m slouching to use it. 

Water Drink Reminder - I’m really bad at remembering to drink. REALLY bad. I’ll suddenly have a super headache and not know why. And especially because I’m physically active, I need to drink water. This reminds me every hour to drink something, and I can track what I drink. A reminder will say something like “You’ve had x much today, and only need y more to reach your goal!” I find it pretty motivational.

TimeTune - I’m the kind of person who will forget what I need to do once I get freetime. This app feels a lot like a Google Calendar, except you can schedule more than events and reminders. There’s programs, routines, timers, reminders, and events. And you can color code and set reminders for everything. I like to plug in my schedule (classes, work, etc) and then in free moments, I put a reminder such as “Do x, y, or z during this time”. I give myself options, but only those options. But don’t worry, I leave myself actual freetime, too!

Other apps I use that aren’t specifically productivity:

Headspace and Stop, Breathe, Think (meditation apps)

My school’s app that allows me to check grades, finances, etc.

Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Keep.

[studyhabits4life]

Winter Break!

You made it! Congrats! Whether you are on winter break from middle school, high school, college, work... or whatever.... You made it! Time to relax!

Although you do deserve that peaceful break to catch your breath from the rushing semester, don’t let all that work you’ve done bettering yourself and keeping yourself organized fade away!

What I’m doing over break is making a weekly to-do list. Nothing has a hard deadline, but I’d really like to do it before the weekend. It gives me a purpose. Otherwise, I’ll sit on Pinterest and YouTube and Tumblr all day. I write that I want to practice x amount of hours, I want to exercise x amount of times, I need to go to these places for this reason, etc. 

I also am continuing to log my water, sleep, and spending. Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean I can blow my entire savings account (I did enough damage over the semester before logging my spending). 

For the love of all that is good, please don’t sleep in every day. I know that a voice in your head has been telling you the same thing, but here I am, an external source, telling you it’s a bad idea. If you go to sleep at 1am and wake up at 10 or 11 am every day, you are going to sleep through everything when break is done. Sleeping in is for the weekend (or if you get sick. No obligations means you can do this because it’s important to your health). My alarm is currently set for 8am. Sometimes I take an extra 15 mins, but no more than that. I want to be able to get up and ready for my 9am in January. 

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so don’t buckle down and focus like you did during finals. Take this time to catch up with friends and family you haven’t seen. Remember: this break is for you. Take care of yourself, socially, mentally, physically, everything. 

You deserve this break <3

[studyhabits4life]

Finals week is upon me! So it’s likely upon y’all. I’ve been really emotionally struggling with all the stress, but here’s how I’m dealing with it.

I pick a time to wake up. I stick to it. 

I pick a time I want to be done for the day. I stick to it.

If I find myself doing nothing between those two times, I check my to-do list. Lately, I’ve even started a secondary list called “Nothing to do?” and it is things I can do for 5 minutes here and there, that will have an outcome I want.

I write out my schedule every morning. What finals I have, what meetings I have, etc. I check it after every meeting/class/test/whatever.

I know it’s not much, but I’m not super experienced and this is just how I’m coping and what is working for me.

[studyhabits4life]

50 Things I Love

I’ve been trying to better myself in my bullet journal by writing open letters to people (based off a pinterest pin found here). So to give examples of how to add self reflection into a bullet journal or planner or even a reflection notebook, I wanted to throw something here that I would write in my journal.

1. Kittens (they’re so SMALL AND FLUFFY)

2. Fuzzy sweaters

3. My professional fraternity sisters (SAI)

4. My roomate

5. My beautiful, best friend,  Renee

6. My amazing boyfriend, who understands me better than I understand myself

7. My horn (as much as I say I hate it, I love it)

8. Concert Black Attire (looks good on EVERYONE)

9. Personable teachers and professors who can joke around, but are also super passionate about what they teach and gets stuff done.

10. Disney Music

11. Mozart vocal works (not his horn music!!!)

12. Comfortable but professional clothes (like messy but professional buns!)

13. Apples

14. CHERRIES

15. Taking a hot shower with a lot to think about and no where to rush to be at

16. Chorales

17. Indie Music

18. Pop-Punk (makes me feel understood)

19. Sign language

20. People with disabilities who don’t let it stop them from being successful

21. Elephants (symbolize strength and luck)

22. The fact that elephants react to us the same way we react to dogs. They think we’re cute.

23. Rules and directions

24. Efficiency

25. The smell of coffee

26. Passion (about anything)

27. When people take me seriously (which isn’t often because I’m small)

28. Highlighter that shines like the sun

29. Colorful gel pens

30. Art. Or maybe just the concept that someone can put thoughts and feelings into something other than words.

31. Literature

32. THE OXFORD COMMA

33. Non-fiction reading (or as I call it, light reading)

34. Biology

35. Psychology

36. Basic algebra, but with really big or complex numbers

37. Ukulele songs

38. Music theory 

39. Mothering people

40. Being needed

41. Children. They’re so much fun.

42. YouTube videos (especially GMM and gamers)

43. Warmth: either other people’s body heat or my heated stuffed elephant

44. Men’s choirs

45. The sound of the cello

46.Asian Guava candy (this)

47. Coffee paste chocolate squares

48. Nacho Cheese Doritos

49. Public speaking

50. To-do lists (crossing things off)

Reblog with something that you love!

[studyhabits4life]

How to be the Do-It-All Girl in College

Wondering how you're ever going to manage to "do-it-all" in college! Read on for my tips and a complete Erin Condren Life Planner review!

[studyhabits4life]

Pinterest!

I’m a pinterest fiend! I get most of my life organization skills from pinterest. Follow my studyblr blog here

You can check out my other boards (like mental health, food, quotes, etc) here

I hope seeing how I find life organization skills helps you find your own!

[studyhabits4life]

I started trying to keep a bullet journal. I've developed this new system for myself. My planner (not pictured) I use for long term. When I get assignment due dates or events, I write them down there. And I write out to do lists and reminders for the week. Every morning, I consult my planner and arrange my bullet page for the day. I know it's not pretty, but it's quick and works for me. The facing page I leave blank for me to write something that makes me better. One day, I wrote things that make me happy. Another day, I wrote things to do when I'm nervous, anxious, or panicking.

[studyhabits4life]

I haven't been around in a while. I'm sorry. But I feel I've finally gotten my shit together and I'm ready! Be prepared for my music major life!

[neuroticmedblr-deactivated20190]

how to avoid education burnout

have 3 achievable goals a day: having a laundry list of things to do everyday is super unrealistic, and you just end up feeling bad about yourself because you didn’t accomplish your goals for the day.

leave your sundays open: i love sundays because they’re my day to chill out and catch up on school work that i wasn’t able to finish during the week.

recognize when you’re at your emotional limits: forcing yourself to get work done when you are unable to comprehend your study material does not benefit anyone.

learn how to say no: people will ask you for your time and it will stretch you to the limit, whether it be at your job, in your extracurriculars, or in your personal life. know when to step back and say no.

take care of yourself physically: take breaks, go for walks, shower regularly, get enough sleep, eat healthy, see your friends

celebrate your accomplishments: go out to eat with friends after a big exam, indulge in a night off after a busy week with some netflix and wine

make a study plan beforehand: it can be daunting to see how much work you need to put in to a class or task beforehand, but this allows you to spread your work evenly so you don’t become overwhelmed.

learn how to ask for help: it is very rare that people make it through school, whether it be high school or university or any graduate program, without needing the advice of others or just a kind soul to vent to. find that person.

never forget your hobbies: you will need things that keep you sane. if you love to play music, write, play volleyball, or cook, make you sure you don’t lose these things. they will become your escape when times get tough.

log off from time to time: it is exhausting to be constantly connected to social media and your email. just physically disconnecting from these for a night to take care of yourself can really help you clear your mind.

[pup-punk]

Applying & Freshman Year

Picking the right school infographic

Getting letters of recommendation 

Tips on choosing a major

Choosing the right college

A guide to move-in day

Surviving your first day of classes

Choosing a major

Things you need to know before starting college

Senior checklist

What you need to know about admissions

Things to consider when choosing a major

What to expect at orientation

Tips for transfer students

What I learned my freshman year

Tips on choosing classes

Finding the best laptop

The truth about being undeclared

What NOT to do freshman year

Things to do the summer before you start

Writing a great application essay

Different types of colleges

Why your major matters

Pros and cons of taking summer courses

Pros and cons of attending a small college

How to be successful in community college

Freshman tips for the self-conscious

College prep timeline

Visiting colleges

Scheduling your classes

Why you should apply early

First week checklist

Things to do before you graduate high school

How to efficiently choose your classes

What colleges look at most on applications

Self-Care 

How to be a morning person

Dealing with anxiety

Organizing your assignments

How to deal with burnout

Dealing with depression

Losing weight in college

Avoiding the freshman 15

More on dealing with anxiety

Practicing self-care

Overcoming shyness

ADHD & college

How to have “me time” 

Taking care of your mental health

Remedies for homesickness

A healthy grocery list

Helpful exercise tips

Eating healthy in restaurants and the dining hall

Dealing with mental illness in college

Curing test anxiety

Managing mental health

Staying healthy

Getting through college when you don’t party

How to nap effectively

In Your Classes 

How to master your toughest classes

How to raise your GPA

Handling a heavy course load

Preparing for new classes

Can I afford to skip class today? 

Things to do in between classes

Things to do when starting new classes

Planning for a busy week

Passing an online class

Acing group projects

Why you’re not making the grades you want

Good note-taking tips

How to prepare for next semester

What to do if you’re failing 

How to bounce back from failing a class

Ways to raise your grades

GPA calculator

Things to do during syllabus week

Making the most out of your syllabus

Mistakes to avoid in your classes

Note-taking in class

Cornell method of note-taking

How to remember what you wrote in class

How to correctly use a syllabus

MLA format

Weekly assignment printables

Studying & Essays

Why studying in advance helps improve grades

Gigantic study playlist

Anti-procrastination strategies

How to properly use Google for essays

Really cool motivation strategy for reading textbooks

Shortening/lengthening essays cheat sheet

Make an essay appear longer than it is

Ultimate guide to passing finals

Useful tips for all types of learners

How to write a great essay about anything

Make a study guide with Microsoft Word

Tools for writing an essay

How to write papers that will dazzle your professors

How to tackle a long-term school project

Writing thesis statements

What to do if you’re a few words short on an essay

How to make a paper look longer

Procrastination 101

The formula for writing long papers

How to write with clarity cheat sheet

Preparing for exams

Writing a research question

How to be study savvy

How to take notes from a textbook

Make a study schedule with Microsoft Excel

Helpful highlighting system

How to annotate text

Research terms defined

How to study effectively infographic

Forming good study habits

What to do if you don’t have enough time to finish a paper

How to prepare for a test

Really helpful website to work with on essays

How to memorize flashcards

Organizing classwork and notes

What I wish I knew before taking online classes

Study tips for different types of learners

Making a study guide with Microsoft Word

Make a finals study plan

Ways to start and end an essay

Pandora study stations

Automatic bibliography generator

Finances

Questions about buying textbooks

Guide to cheaply buying textbooks

A girl’s guide to saving money

Free college textbooks

Tips for managing your finances

Basic guide to couponing

Paying for college beyond the basics

Student discounts, pt. 1

Student discounts, pt. 2

Student discounts, pt. 3

Student discounts, pt. 4

Student discounts, pt. 5

Student discounts, pt. 6

Student discounts, pt. 7

Compare/buy/sell college textbooks

Websites for financial aid you should use

Ways to save money on expenses

The financial aid roadmap

Questions to ask about student loans

Financial advice from a grad student

Apps for budget-setting

Clothing stores with student discounts

How to make money in college

Student loan mistakes

How to attend college for free

Side jobs for students

Free school supplies

Easy ways to save money

Dorm room discounts

Free college textbooks

How to live on a budget

Finance tips

Printable financial planner

Expense tracker printable

Monthly budget printable

Tips to lower your grocery bill

Planning out your college finances

Things to know when completing the FAFSA

Miscellaneous 

Backpack essentials

Tons of printables

Free binder spine labels

Staying safe

Life hacks for college students

Living with a roommate

Great time management system

Surviving your first party

College dating: expectations vs. reality

Packing list for a library study binge

Why you should try new things in college

Sample roommate contract

Surviving your first cold winter

Tips to navigate dating

Hard lessons you learn

Healthy dorm room snacks

How to own your hookups

The do’s and don’ts of talking to your professors

Time management tips

Juggling work and college

How to e-mail your professors

College care package items and must-haves

Apps for organization

What to do when life challenges threaten your academic success

Lily Pulitzer binder covers

Popular planners to use

College clubs that look great on a resume

Truths about sex in college

Class assignments template

Things to know before applying to grad school

How to stay organized throughout the year

Habits of highly successful students

Weekly meal prep

My favorite Dollar Tree organizing products

Ultimate organization guide

Campus security tips

[academicssay]

Meanwhile on Twitter | https://twitter.com/mckellogs/status/811339472205910016

[asearchforg-d]

I would encourage this.

[patrickdiomedes]

that’s fucking briliant

[studyhabits4life]

Tbh I love sign language and I can't find any resource posts on it :(

[simply-study]

how to slay the new semester

get in the right mindset

you have to be in it to win it!! make yourself understand that it’s a fresh start, and keep your goals and resolutions in mind.

identify what worked and what didn’t

take into the new semester study methods that worked and leave behind the ones that didn’t. once you figure out which ones didn’t work, it’ll prevent you from falling back into the same, unproductive habits.

try new methods

continuing methods that worked for you is fine and all, but consider trying some new ones!! this keeps your braining working and from getting accustomed to the same ways of encoding and remembering information. you’re bound to find some you like, and even some you don’t, which you can make note of to not waste your time on in the future.

stay healthy and practice self care

don’t get so wrapped up in trying to do well/better this semester and forget to take care of yourself!! always make time for breaks, relaxation, and freetime.

more details + explanation if you follow the link!!

[studyhabits4life]

So my psych research project is due pretty soon after I get back to school. And it's a group project. A powerpoint on Google slides. And I'm the only one who's done anything. And I'm worried it won't get done in time. What do I do? :S

[studyhabits4life]

Can someone help me write harmony in 4 parts for silent night in Bb major? Using the golden progression as best we can? Music theory is kicking my butt...