Stress Management

When Dr. Blumin asked us to make a "stress pie chart", I didn't think much of it. However, it ended up being one of the most helpful exercises I did in class. By writing out my biggest stresses in life, I was able to see how conquerable all my stresses truly are. On of the sections on my chart was finals and making sure I am prepared for each of them. I found out that I am entitled to seven hours of free tutoring through the College of Visual and Performing Arts. I immediately took advantage of that and contacted tutors for my two biggest finals which had been stressing me out the most. Another section of my chart was my future and what I was going to do as a profession and even just in general. The major/career exploration project helped me a great deal with that part of my stress. At least knowing that I am starting to shape my courses according to what I want to do in the future and what I enjoy takes the stress off a lot. A big section of my stress I have found is able my body image and dieting. With all of the stress that college brings, it is hard to keep on a gym schedule and eat healthily at all hours of the day. However, not being able to do those things causes me stress, so it turns out to be a vicious cycle. I needed to find time to work exercise into my schedule, and help myself to not turn to food or splurge as often on unhealthy foods. I made sure I fit the gym into my schedule by treating it as if it was schoolwork. I used the gym as an assignment to cleanse myself and make myself feel good. I have learned that I need that as part of my schedule in order to function.

I'm sure there will be many different sources of stress on my future stress charts, however the most important thing to remember is the fact that laying my stress out in front of my face is extremely important, and is a great way to make what seems like a big mess into a simply solvable problem.

Red = finals/schoolwork, purple=health and dieting, blue=social life, and green=career/major/future

Task Management..

There is only about two weeks left of school and all I can think about is "SUMMER." Last week, I blogged about "How to deal with stress." The main factors that had me stressed out were: deciding my major, my body image issues, a possible summer internship/summer job and my nutrition exam. Luckily, I went on a get-away trip and was able to relax. A lot happened since my last post; I have decided on my career choice: Magazine Journalism and Spanish, minor in nutrition. I am confident about my decision, but now I need to concentrate on my finals, since the school year is coming to a closure. Also, I received an 88% on my nutrition exam.

There is a lot to do and not enough time left. This week I took some time to create a PRIORITY LIST in order to rank my assignments and tasks that I must complete before the school year ends. I found this technique easy to use but at the same time tricky. At first, I made a list of tasks ranking them in the order of my personal choice. For example my main priority was to purchase a shampoo for frizzy hair. I care a lot about my hair, but at this point my nutrition exam and spanish final are more important!

Therefore, I made a new list according to my academics.The Priority List technique worked for me because it worked as a visual to remind me of the tasks I must focus on completing. It was fun making the list and now I have to swing into action!

I highly recommend this strategy to everyone, because it helps me be organized. I printed my list and pasted it on my wall. Every time I accomplish a task, I cross it off my list. The feeling of satisfaction feels great! I am excited to make a new list for the summer!

ABOUT THE PRIORITY LIST- VISUAL LEARNER (All types of learners)

1. Make a list of the MOST IMPORTANT tasks that must be completed! Like an essay or studying for a final; not getting a haircut or shopping for shoes!

Management Strategies

For my final TECH assignment on Task Management I decided to use a Task Strategy called “Top-Five Strategies to Manage Assignments”. To complete this strategy you first work on your hardest course. The next step is to do your hardest assignment first as you attention span and alertness are best when you first start doing an working so best to do the most difficult assignments first. This step is one of the reasons why I chose this strategy as many times when I have a lot to do I direct my focus and attention on the assignments that are more enjoyable rather than the ones that are difficult and need to be done. The next step is to let you attention span be your guide to divide assignments into smaller parts. This entails timing yourself and fins out how long it takes to complete particular assignments and then a lot time for those assignments, which leads me to the next step, which is using alternate subjects during your study time. This step is similar to the step before it involves managing time to a study a certain amount of material and then to maintain focus switch to another subject. I found this aspect of the strategy to be extremely helpful as motivation is difficult unless I feel a time constraints usually from procrastination. By having many other academic distractions I allowed myself to diverge off track but simultaneously doing something productive. Finally the last step is to use due dates for assignments to set priorities and check them off when you complete them. As a visual learner was very helpful, I used posits on my computer and I would delete the assignment when I completed it, which also gave me a sense of satisfaction that I had completed something. In conclusion this in connection with other techniques such as “Schedule a Day at a Time”  I believe is very effective and I plan to continue using them after this class has ended in my studies.

Stress

The past two weeks have been extremely stressful! Last week, I had a nutrition test to study for. Even though, I studied a lot more than for the previous exam, I was still a bit worried. This past week, I was not academically stressed, but I was running out of time, since I was leaving home to visit my family. I hate to admit it but when I am stressed, I act a bit obnoxious. I am so worried about myself that I get in a "don't talk to me" mood. It's so sad. I want to learn how to control myself, before I loose any of my friends.

After reading chapter 13 on Stress Management, I realized that there are other ways to release my stress. I tried the strategy Stress Diagram, which compliments any stressed-out-visual-learner. I also found the Stress Reduction Plan beneficial.

ALL ABOUT THE STRESS DIAGRAM (visual learner+ other learners)

This strategy helped me visually see what is stressing me out the most. Therefore, it shows me what to do first in order to lower my stress level.

1. I made a list of four sources that are causing me to stress.

1. Summer ( internship, courses, job etc.)

2. Major ( magazine, nutrition or spanish)

3. Weight (lack exercise and a healthy diet)

4. Extra-curricular activities on campus.

2. I made a pie chart and dividing it into four sections. I also labeled the sections, according to the four sources, which I made a list of before.

ALL ABOUT THE REDUCTION PLAN

This strategy provides a list of activities that may help you reduce your level of stress. It mede me realize that I can use the energy I spend stressing out in other activities instead of sending negative energy out in the universe. This plan come equipped with different activities from the following topics: physical activities, pamper yourself, change your environment, share it, enjoy and get help. I chose from the various options:

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Work Out

* I felt energized!

PAMPER YOURSELF

Get extra sleep

* I felt well rested.

CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Go on a escape weekend

* I went home to visit my mom; Chicago, IL

SHARE IT

Call a friend

*I called my friends, Natasha & Melissa.

ENJOY

Listen to music

*I listened to my favorite song multiple time to relax.

GET HELP

Pending---- (contact the counseling center)

Going home was the most useful of all the recommendations. At home i felt stress-free and I wanted to laugh and spend as much time with my family as possible. It was a wonderful get-away! But, now I am back to stress-land..

BUT, now I know how to attack back!

bam! pow! wow!

Stress

 For this weeks TECH assignment I chose to do the strategy “A Day at  a Time”. This strategy involves you being very organized and in control of your stressful situations. To complete this strategy you need to every night before you go to bed write a list of no more than five items that are causing you stress. Write a list of them and post them on your planner and then the next day attempt to address all of those items on the posits. For a sense of accomplishment once you have completed a task put a line through it and then move onto the next stressful item. Then repeat this for the whole week and see how your stress levels are.

            This method I believe was very helpful in managing my stress. The first aspect that I found helpful was the fact that it was only five items. Even though, I have many things that are stressing me out, definitely more than five things breaking it down to the most essential and the most necessary help me prioritize my stress because, sometimes it can be overwhelming.

            The next aspect I thought was very good about this technique was the writing and crossing out of the tasks. As a visual and kinesthetic learner it is very beneficial for me to write things down and to also visually see them. As I do not have a paper form of a planner I prefer to use tools such as iCal, I also decided to use the electronic Stickies provided to me on my Mac. This was very helpful to me visually as I am always on my computer so I was constantly reminded of what I had to do as it was my background on my computer. 

Procrastination!!!!!!!!

For my tech assignment this week I decided to use an new anti-procrastination strategies I have never used before. The first strategy I used was called “Schedule a Day at a Time”. This strategy was easy to use and only had a few steps. 

First step was to write a to-do list for one day. The next thing you had to-do was to identify the tasks that would be realistic to accomplish and thirdly, add a few tasks that would be optional for the day but would be helpful to get them done. This next step was my favorite, after each task is completed you have to mark off the task you just finished. And finally the last step was to complete this for the whole week. 

Personally for me this technique worked amazingly. I used the application Stickies on my Mac computer and as the day went along and I remembered what assignments I needed to complete I would just write them down there and where I had free time (which I referenced my fritter finder for that) I completed the tasks on my to-do list. (below is an example of the stickies on my computer. I used not only these stickies for my school work but also for my personal life ; such as laundry ect.)

Another element that was not specified in the directions but I found helpful as I went along in the week was organizing it by priority. There are some assignments that I would prefer to do over others but others more important as they were due the next day. Therefore, by prioritizing them by importance helped my keep on track. I believe I will continue using this “Schedule a Day at a Time” technique because as a visual and kinesthetic learner not only does writing it down help me remember but also by being constantly visually reminded (as its on my home screen) it allows me to remain on task for the whole week.

Procrastination

It is a Friday night and I have to choose: party on South Campus or study for my nutrition test. Well, I haven't gone to a party in six months and finals are coming, meaning that I won't be able to go out. So, ok I choose to party.

My conscious bothers me as I put on the first coat of makeup.

I did not PROCRASTINATE this week, since I used two different systems that forced me to stay on top of my work.

STRATEGY: 24-Hour Rule

"FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT..."

My application for a internship was due on Friday at 5pm, so I made a new deadline: Thursday at 5pm.

1. Make a new deadline 24 hours prior to the actual date.

STRATEGY: Schedule a Day at a Time.

Creating To-Do Lists & crossing out the finished task makes me feel accomplished.

1. I wrote a to-do list everyday.

2. I pointed out the tasks that could be realistically completed.

3. I also added a few tasks that were optional to get ahead.

4. CROSS off the finished task.

5. Once you are finished with all your tasks: take a break or start on your optional tasks.

6. Make a new to-do list everyday and add the tasks that weren't completed the previous day.

Motivation

If you see me on a regular basis, you know I never have the same color nails for too long a period of time. And by too long, I mean over a day. Needless to say, I love to paint my nails. However, the thing about painting nails, is that is takes roughly 40 minutes to finish the entire process from removing the last nail polish to drying. I always have the patience for it, but the problem is, I don’t always have the time. In high school, especially senior year, I was able to spend almost every evening painting my nails a different color. In college, however, I’ve found that spending the time painting my nails every night when I should be doing schoolwork, had not been working to my benefit. Which is why I decided to use painting my nails as a motivation method in order to get work done.

How it works:

Step 1: Choose a piece of school work

Step 2: Choose a nail color

Step 3: Break up the work into 10 or 20 minute increments

Step 4: Alternate between work and nails until the work is finished

Step 5: Once work is finished, finish nails completely

Step 6: Have nicely painted nails and a finished piece of schoolwork!

Sometimes, if I really need to concentrate for a longer period of time than just 10 or 20 minute increments, then simply paint one hand, take a break from the nail process for as long as you need to finish the work, and then finish the other hand when you’re done.

You are welcome.

MOTIVATION

Dear Reader,

This week's blog topic is motivation. I am on a journey to find motivation for myself. I can not recommend tips on a topic, which I am familiar with but NOT experienced with. Therefore, my dear reader you are my companion on my everlasting journey.

PROBLEM: Eats when stressed.

My main problem is that I LOVE FOOD.... I always talk about food & I eat when I'm stressed. The consequences are: I am overweight, I feel sluggish and I lack energy.

I NEED MOTIVATION..

My main goal is to get in track with my healthy life style: eat a balanced diet & exercise regularly.

STRATEGY: REWARD yourself !

OK, so in my situation: If I keep up a healthy diet and exercise regularly in the

next week, I will pay $100 to enter in a competition similar to the show: Biggest Looser. The winner receives a

$5,000 reward!

1. I identified three different types of rewards that fit in the categories: no-cost reward, low-cost reward & high-

cost.

2. I will use one category of rewards for a week.

3. After three weeks, I will analyze which type of reward motivated me the most to accomplish my goal.

STRATEGY: WEIGHING CONSEQUENCES; make a chart....

1. I identified the situation where I lack motivation.

2. I identified the consequence due to the lack of motivation.

3. Pluged in the assessment. My lack of motivation is clearly significant because it has become a part of my daily routine: habit.

4. My plan to is to exercise in order to release stress at the gym, instead of overeating.

3. I will exercise regularly at 8 a.m. before class.

The common conception is that motivation leads to action, but the reverse is true- action preceded motivation.

Robert J. McKain

Motivation-DO IT!

For me personally getting motivated is the hardest aspect of completing an assignment. Once I become motivated and actually get started I will be able to finish. However, if I do not get that initial motivation it is hard for me to get into the assignment, which is often. Reviewing the motivation strategies I was particularly drawn to one method the “Rewards” system.

I believe this method to be most effective as if I know there is something I am going to get out of completing the assignment on time and efficiently I find that I suddenly become motivated. I used this method for two classes Three-Dimensional Arts and College Learning Strategies

For 3-D I rewarded myself with food. As this studio starts at 1:30 and ends at 6pm sometimes I stay after until 10pm in studio hours to complete my work. Usually around 8ish I become hungry tired and de-motivated. Therefore, I devised a plan to keep me on track and motivated I give myself a goal such as (it was this week we are building with wood) if I completed the sides to my box I could go eat. This tool of motivation worked really well as I love to eat and not only am I taking a break but boosting my energy to go back to the studio and continue on. 

My next class I used it in was CLS. ClS an assignment due every Wednesday and every Sunday. To ensure that I could go out with my friends on the Thursday and Friday nights I gave myself the task of completing both the journal for this upcoming week and TECH assignment before it was actually due. Ergo my reward method was socializing with my friends. I consider socializing a very important aspect of my life and nine times out of ten I will always put my social life before my school work. Consequently, by making this a reward for work I actually completed my assignments on time. In opposition although I did not have to follow through with my possible consequences I had planned out for myself (because I completed my work on time) I decided that if I didn’t get my work done that I would have to stay until I completed it. Which would have been very annoying and I knew that I would not have been motivated then and that’s what I think motivated me that much more because I knew I wouldn’t get it done unless I did it now. 

Memory

For some people, the worst thing about tests is memorization. For me, this has always been the easiest part. Since I was completely set in my ways, I was skeptical about our assignment to try and use a specific method from the textbook. However, I realized my method of memorization fits into the methods mentioned in the book. The method called “link”. The link method involves taking a word and using another word that you associate that word with, so whenever you see that word, the other word that you associated it with will help you to remember what it means. Now, I don’t use other words in association with the word I need to know, but I use pictures. The way this works, is I take a word, and then find a picture that I can associate the word with. This, I can visualize the word in my head and remember it based on the image. For example, in one of my classes I have current event quizzes every so often. In order to remember the top stories in the news, I used the link system with images. I typed out one or two words for each top story, such as Libya, Earthquake, Cell Phones, and Nuclear Plant. I then took an image which would help me remember the general Idea of the story. Once I had my images, I placed them right next to the word in large font on my computer.

LIBYA ------> image

EARTHQUAKE ------> image

CELL PHONES ------> image

NUCLEAR PLANT -----> image

Every so often I looked back at the word with the image, and recited to myself the news story. After about three days of doing this every so often, these images were instilled in my head and I was able to recite the story and even the details on my current events quiz. For some, other words in association with the word you need to remember is helpful. For me, I found pictures to be way more helpful. It all depends on how you learn, but for those who want to use the link method but like to see images, this would be perfect for you.