Aug 21, 2016
Study Tip
It doesn't matter if you don't want to study. When you eat healthy foods that you don't like, you still get the nutritional benefit. It's the same with studying. Just get started and do the work, and you'll be thankful later.
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Study Tip
It doesn't matter if you don't want to study. When you eat healthy foods that you don't like, you still get the nutritional benefit. It's the same with studying. Just get started and do the work, and you'll be thankful later.
(1/100 days) taking some sloppy stats notes in my pajamas. School started yesterday and I still can't quite believe I'm a senior in high school? Here's to hoping this year is productive and fun!
Studying with Back Pain
I imagine a lot of people can relate when I say that I often suffer from lower back pain. Here’s what I do when I need to study but my back is aching.
Pain Killers
Don’t tough this out. Ibuprofen is magic.
Keep A Pillow On Your Chair
This helps soooo much. It improves your posture and provides support, which helps to take some strain off your lower back.
Have Everything Within Reach
Water bottle, pencil sharpener, tissue box; whatever it is you might need, have it in your study space before you sit down.
Stand Up Occasionally
I personally try to stand up every 10-20 minutes, even if I only stand for five seconds at a time. This might seem counter-intuitive, but in my experience sitting for prolonged periods of time is much more painful than standing every now and then.
Heating Pad
I love my heating pad. They’re not too expensive (between $10-$20 on Amazon usually), and if you have chronic back pain it’s so worth it. If you’re in a pinch, a hot water bottle might do the trick. A lot of articles I’ve seen have said that you should NOT use ice for lower back pain.
This Pain Science article covers the heat v ice issue pretty well
KT Tape
I personally love KT tape, but I mostly use it on my wrist. I only put it on my back when I really need some extra support, because it is rather pricey.
Check out their website for specific prices and info
Try Some Exercises During Study Breaks
PLEASE BE CAREFUL.
If you’re in too much pain to walk, DON’T attempt. I have only tried the exercises I have learned in person (which I do not want to try to explain here for fear of explaining them incorrectly), but there are plenty of online videos/articles that can help you get started.
Again, please be cautious.
Additional Thoughts
This post is aimed at people who experience lower back pain a lot and know that it’s normal for their body to feel this way. If you are suddenly experiencing intense/acute pain in your lower back, please rest and consider talking to a doctor.
It’s okay to rest! Back pain sucks and I’m proud of you for trying to get work done, but it’s absolutely okay to lie down. Take care of yourself.
There are lots of real medical articles on the internet that might be of more use to you than this. I am not a medical professional, this is just my own experience.
Feel free to add on any tips/ideas of your own!
Classes?
I'm taking 7 classes my senior year! Concert band Concert choir AP Environmental Science AP Psychology AP Statistics AP Calculus BC AP Literature and Composition What classes are y'all taking? Do we have any of the same classes? Let's struggle together!!
Common App Question
As a potential music major, most of my extracurricular activities throughout high school have been playing in different ensembles. On the Activities section of the Common App, should I list all of these separately or try to group them into one or two activities? Also, is it worth mentioning private lessons? Since I'm applying as a music major, I will have the opportunity to elaborate (for most schools at least) in a separate music resumé. Should I save all the details for that? Thanks y'all :)
App Tip
If you are planning to apply to colleges through the Common App, be sure to use this app to help stay on top of it all.
Sorry for the not-strictly-study-tip, but I had to show you guys this. I just got this PlanAhead student planner (goes from July 2016-December 2017) from Big Lots for $4. Seriously, just $4. So my tip is to have a look at those office/school supply sections at your favorite stores now because you might find some really awesome deals. Seriously JUST FOUR DOLLARS. It's a little plain, but it does the job and I've never seen a planner this cheap before. I can't wait to start writing in it :D
App Tip
Make a checklist of the application requirements for each school on your college list. Include application deadlines, application fees, recommendations, essays, and scholarship deadlines in your lists. Consider having hard copies of all these lists (one piece of paper for each school ideally) so that you can reward yourself by physically checking off each item when you complete it.