Back To School: Getting Back Into The Flow

Dear Diary, 

I am officially back at school! I spent the weekend reorganizing all of my things-I brought back so much stuff from home, it's quite sad. Now I am 2 full days into the semester. My schedule for Spring is pretty crazy! I am lucky enough not to have any Friday classes, but I have two three hour classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, along with two other classes those days. So basically, during the week my Mondays and Wednesdays I have one class at 11:20 a.m., and then my day is done. That frees up a lot of time if I really think about it, but I am a little stressed about my Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. I, like many other college students, spent my break binge-watching Netflix. But hey, Friends was released on New Year's Day-what is more exciting than that? 

Now the hard part is getting back into the rhythm of that school flow. I am a moderately lazy person, so I have a ton of trouble trying to keep things on track. Fortunately, I have compiled a list of tips and tricks to help me get back in focus for Spring Semester.

Let's get into it. 

1.) Keep a planner. || I did this last semester because I know how my mind works. If I don't write something down, there is a 99.9% chance I will not remember it. A planner or agenda helps me keep everything I need to do in one place so I know due dates, exam days, and even when my favorite shows come on. 

2.) Write "To-Do" Lists. || I am notorious for my To-Do lists. I have multiple post-it notes in different places around my dorm to help me to remember what I need to get done that day. I even have a white board that my roommate and I write on to remember to clean our dishes, get popcorn, or do a load of laundry. This is such an easy way to keep track of what needs to be done, and you can cross off the things you have completed.

3.) Get back into a normal sleep cycle. || I spent my break staying up until 1-2 a.m. reading or scrolling through Tumblr and not waking up until noon. This is so unhealthy. Getting back into normal sleeping patterns is hard, but you have to do it. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep is extremely important for not only your mental health, but your physical health, too. Just think of all the things you can accomplish from 8 a.m. to noon that you couldn't have done if you were sleeping. Try getting into bed before 11 p.m. if you can. 

4.) Set everything out at night. || I usually throw on yogas and a sweatshirt every morning, but some people like to dress up for classes-I applaud those people. If you're one of the envious, try setting out an outfit the night before to make sure everything is ready so you don't have to waste a half hour looking for a top to match the skirt you want to wear. Also, try keeping everything you need for the next day's classes in your backpack, that way you can just throw it over the shoulder when you leave for the day.


I hope this helps those of you who are trying to get back into the school regiment. Good luck this semester, and bring home those good grades!

What do you do to get your focus back into school?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

Say Goodbye to 2014: New Year's Resolutions

Dear Diary, 

It's that time of year again. Each year I decide on making a New Year's Resolution. Now the problem with this is that I either start off fantastic and and forget about it by March, or I forget about it until March-and then start.

I have a problem. 

I need to stop this pattern of resolution destruction. Picking easier resolutions could help, but so could better motivators.


Here are some resolutions I believe everyone should try to make this coming year:

1.) Take a walk each day. || Not only can this make a stressful day a little bit easier, it can also take the place of your daily physical activity. Take a 45 minute break and walk briskly around the block. You can do this first thing in the morning as a wake-me-up, or try it in the evening after work. 

2.) Stop drinking soda. || I'll be the first to admit that this one is the hardest for me. Unfortunately, these sugary drinks are bad for your teeth, let alone your waistline. If there is one food you cut out in 2015, let it be soda. Try infused water, tea, or soy milk (I love almond milk!).

3.) Go on a technology diet. || I don't mean completely cut technology out of your life, but take an hour from each day and don't look at your phone, laptop, TV. I know it's hard. Spend quality time with your family and friends, read a book, or maybe you can use this time for your walk.

4.) Sleep more. || I'm not giving you an excuse to sleep during the day. I mean try getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night. As a college student, I know how difficult this can be. Sleeping has so many great benefits including focusing more, fighting of sickness, and improving your physical and emotional health. 

"Sleeping can do all that?" you may ask.

         Yes, yes it can.

Here are some tips to keep you motivated all year long:

1.) Start a Pinterest board! || I can literally write for hours about how much I love Pinterest. They have amazing articles about working out and healthy recipes (If that's your resolution), as well as motivational signs and posters you can hang up. 

2.) Let your friends in. || Don't do this on your own. Friends and family make a great support team.

3.) STAY WITH IT!! || Experts say it takes approximately 21 days to turn a new activity into a habit, and 6 months to become apart of your personality. Be sure to remain patient and reward yourself when you reach your goals. 

Hopefully this helps those of you who were wanting some help deciding on what to do this year. 

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace