Study Spots

Oh my gosh, I am so happy to finally be done with final exams. I have to turn in 2 five-page papers on Thursday, but I am done with the actual exam part of the year, it's time for the homestretch. Yesterday in the library I found myself straining to see the text in a book and on the computer screen. I have 20/20 vision, but when you spend that much time reading on your computer, your eyes are going to start to hurt...it was a welcome excuse to lay down for a few minutes, though. 

Anyways, today I had an exam and the idea of going back to the library was just not one I was happy with, so I am taking advantage of this amazing weather and prepping for my exams outside! I know I can't be the only one tired of my study spot, so here are some other ideas of places to go!

Outside

Obviously I am a little biased since I am already out here, but the weather is so nice and it might even give me a nice base tan for beach week!

Coffee Shop

You're probably in need of some caffeine anyways, so why not study while you're at it. Starbucks gets crowded in almost every college town this time of year (oh and they are 24 hours during finals!) but scoping out a cute, local shop can be fun too!

Your Apartment

You can lounge around and blast your study mix without headphones and study snacks are just a room away! Just be careful to not let your bed become a constant nap zone instead of studying!

A Different Library

This probably depends on where you go to school, but UVA has a bunch of libraries with all different atmospheres which can be a welcome change of scenery without losing library productivity...also, the quiet floor is always available if your headphones don't quite drown out the library chatter. 

Friend's Apartment or Sorority House

You can still study with friends without going to the library. There is constant stream of girls going in and out of the Chi O house this time of year, especially because it is so close to grounds!

The Gym

Okay, I don't mean this for serious studying, but the gym can be a nice escape while you catch up on reading. Spend a little bit of time on the bike or elliptical to keep the blood flowing while you work through weeks worth of reading or notes. 

Also, don't forget to take study breaks and sleep! I hope finals are going well!

xoxo,

SSP

My Workspace {linkup}

First of all, thanks to Rebecca, Carlee, and Dorothy for hosting this linkup! I love seeing how other people get work done, and in what environment they thrive. Study and productivity preferences vary so much from person to person, and I know that I certainly have some preferences for where  I study.

A little disclaimer before I go any further though, most of these photos are of my desk, but to be honest I spend every week night in the library with my friend, Meghan. Sometimes I do accomplish work at my desk (I am doing it this morning), but for the most part, that is where I'm productive. I had to add this one pic below late because I totally forgot to take pictures when I was here yesterday, plus I love the desk (that I painted myself) in my apartment!

my spot in Club Clem this morning...
complete with coffee and a red solo cup of yogurt!

1) Where is your favorite workspace located?

The second floor of Clemons Library (UVA has a bunch of libraries, but this 24-hour one is my favorite). And yes, it has to specifically be the 2nd floor, I never work on the other floors, except for the occasional finals week studying on the 1st floor which is silent as the grave...ugh. Oh, and it's not pictured here, but I almost always have water and/or coffee with me when I am studying.

2) Do you prefer a sleek desk or are you more of an "organized chaos" kind of person?

I am very specific about working conditions being organized. My planner is color-coded and I make to-do lists all the time and that's reflected in workspace organization. I like for everything to look like it's geared towards productivity because it makes me feel like I can get more work done. On that note, that's why I work outside of my apartment. Whenever I work here, I super clean the place first so it's conducive to studying...yeah, it's a bit neurotic, oops.

3) What is your favorite writing utensil?

I love Le Pen. I use them in my planner and when I am highlighting words in hand-written notes. They're bright and clean and the colors make it easy to distinguish what's going on throughout my week. 

4) Show us your calendar or agenda!

I have both a calendar and agenda, but the calendar is only for big events too look at at-a-glance. Oh, and my to-do list is as important as my agenda because it's a more detailed picture of every day. I also use iCal on my phone, does anyone else use this many organizational tools?

5) Just for fun, what are you looking forward to most about spring?

I am so excited for sandals, flowers, and getting back in shape!

Thanks for hosting the linkup, ladies!

xoxo,

SSP

Struggles with Stress

"Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere."

-anonymous

Thank you, Pinterest, for that quote. That was actually one of the first quotes that I ever pinned and I still remember thinking about how accurate it was and how much it pertained to my life. I am such a worrywart. I stress out easily and then lose sleep and nothing good comes of it because I am too tired and stressed to produce at my full capacity. I am trying to really work towards embracing stress management tactics because I know that I am as guilty of this rocking chair life as anyone else.

Worrying is pointless, stress can be crippling, and life still goes on. Somehow out of all the messes that I have gotten myself into one way or another, a quote that a wise man once recited to me rings through:

"Some of the worst things in my life never even happened"

-Mark Twain

This is a quote I tell myself daily now. We are capable of spending so much time worrying that we forget about the here and now. I am not saying that stress will ever disappear, and sometimes a crunch deadline is just the motivation I need, but I am saying that we can manage it. For example, I am pulling late nights in the library this week preparing for next week's exams so that I can enjoy my brothers' visit to UVA this weekend. I am managing my stress, sure it will still come around, but there is no sense in hoping on my rocking chair of worry for what the week will bring

1) Plan Ahead: Take your syllabus or important work email and put all the deadlines in your agenda, google calendar, etc. Make sure that you know what's coming up so that you're prepared for the weeks ahead and that you don't get caught off-guard and have to scramble to get all the work done.

2) Make a List: No this isn't the same as number 1. Making a list means that you should make a to-do list of everything you need to do to prepare for an exam, work presentation, etc. If you have a checklist, you can benchmark your progress and feel more productive as you ensure you get everything done and having a plan means that, while it may be overwhelming at first, it is doable.

3) Relax: Do not spend so many hours in the library that you go cross-eyed if you can help it. Read a book, watch Netflix, or just do something that will let you decompress from the stress and pressure of work or school. 

4) Release Endorphins: Let's take a page from Elle Woods on this one. Exercise is such a great tension relief and it is also a nice study break. Take a break for a run or to go to the gym and come back feeling reinvigorated and ready to take on the rest of the day's studying.

5) Sleep: There are several studies that show if you are sleep deprived, you may as well be drunk. Well, that doesn't sound particularly conducive to effective work or exam taking. Get some rest, you will be far more productive in a few hours of alert studying than that crappy prep we have all done at 4 in the morning...it just doesn't work!

6) Eat Well: Start your day with a balanced breakfast. Get some brain food, jumpstart your metabolism, and take on the day. No one wants to be hungry and stressed...especially if you're a stress eater (totally guilty of this one).

Essentially, the key to stress management is staying on top of your game. Falling behind is when stress really tends to seep in. There is no point in worrying about something that we cannot change, but it will probably happen all the same. Just try to manage this stress and make it a mild motivator rather than a crippling burden.

How do you manage your stress?

xoxo,

SSP

Finals Fashion

I was at the library until 1:30am last night and I don't even have an exam today...what is wrong with me? The finals bug, yep, that's it. Sometimes you just have to keep working if you're in the groove and last night was one of those nights. Well, hours of sitting on a chair in the library doesn't exactly scream comfortable, in fact, depending on the chair, it can be downright painful. Finals Week isn't exactly the time to decide to make a fashion statement, but that doesn't mean you can't look cute. (Disclaimer: I wore bean boots, leggings, and a sweatshirt yesterday, so I am not saying you have to look put together.) 

today's outfit

As we all know by now, I like to come up with ways to avoid real pants as much as possible, and that mindset only becomes more a part of me during Finals Week. Here are two outfit ideas for getting through finals week. I have totally bought into the "Dress Well to Test Well" mindset in college, but honestly, I would totally wear this "library" outfit to an exam, I love the tunic!

Finals Fashion by sugarsnappearls

What is your go-to finals outfit? Good luck with exams!

xoxo,

SSP

Study Breaks

Happy Finals Season. May the odds be ever in your favor. 

Every year they come around, and every semester I end up with a mini panic attack session. Well, this year is no different. I actually just decided that I am declaring a double major in history on Wednesday (hence my absence on here) so I had a bit of added stress with class scheduling and such, but more on that at a later date. Finals are going to come whether we are ready or not, and they are going to stress us out too. It is unavoidable, but manageable. How do you manage it? Study breaks and stress management. I am all about study breaks. I don't know how much Pomodoro is going to work for me during these exams, but regardless, there will be some much needed breaks. One example is that today I am driving up to Culpeper to meet my Momma for lunch. It is an hour for each of us and we get to catch up, shop around, and it will prepare me for a long day and night in the library...ohh what a great Saturday night. Anyways, here are are a few suggestions for longer study breaks to get up from that desk you've been sitting at for hours. Keep in mind that it is still important to take a couple of small breaks, but there are times where you really just need a change of scenery on a lunch break:

Sleep

Cat naps were made for days like these, plus it gives your eyes a much needed break from straining while you study.

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Manicure

Whether it is at home or going to get one done at a salon, this is a guaranteed break because once you commit to painting them, you are basically useless until they dry. Plus, there is just something about having nicely painted nails that makes me feel more put together.

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Crafting/Baking

I find this relaxing, as do some of my friends, but if this isn't something you regularly do, finals is not the time to start. I love whipping up a batch of christmas cookies or another pinterest recipe on a study break or while reading a book because it's a great break...plus your friends will appreciate the free food!

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Exercise

"Exercise give you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands. They just don't." Thank you Elle Woods. Seriously, exercise is a great stress reliever!

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Cleaning

I love cleaning to relieve stress. Plus it is so nice to come home to a clean apartment after a long day in the library.

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Youtube Music Videos

Be careful that this doesn't get out of hand because it is a slippery slope of time lost, but break out the One Direction videos and get your groove on girl. (note: probably best to only break out the big moves in the privacy of your home, not the library)

Read a Blog

I love reading blog posts on study breaks...it's the perfect little break from the books. Oh, and if you want to read mine during finals, my study breaks will frequently consist of writing posts so there will be new content.

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Movie Night

Pop some popcorn and sit around with your sisters and watch a holiday movie. We Tivo'd and watched the Carrie Underwood version of Sound of Music the other night and it was exactly what I needed after cranking out a paper that day.

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What else do you do for study breaks?

xoxo,

SSP

P.S. Thanks to Amber, Jane, Logan, and Meghan for helping me with this list. 

Study Snacks

Well, it's that time of the year again. The time where you spend every waking hour staring at textbooks, notes, and laptop screens...finals! You would think by my fifth time going through this, I would be prepared for them, but they always seem to sneak up and stress me out more than the semester before.

Now, I don't know about you but I am the queen of study snacking. Seriously, if I am studying for a long period of time, I have to have something to eat or drink sitting next to me. It is so easy to make these study snacks unhealthy, especially with coffee shops in the library (hello, chocolate croissant), but here are a few suggestions that are a bit healthier (or not) and you can bring with you to the library allowing you to have more money to spend on coffee or tea or whatever your study drink of choice is.

Trail Mix

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Make your own trail mix with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, carb bite (i.e. Chex or pretzels), and sweet bites (i.e. M&Ms or chocolate chips). Having the protein from the nuts will keep you fueled and help you stay full. Plus this balance promises that both salty and sweet cravings will be satisfied.

Hummus

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I could probably dedicate an entire post to hummus...maybe I will one day. But seriously, it is filling and delicious and you can dip a variety of things in it, plus it comes in so many different flavors. I love Red Pepper Hummus and veggies for a meal or snack. Also, veggies are not that expensive...I don't know why some people think they are aka no excuse not to get them!

Popcorn

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It is low in calories and if you drink water while eating it, popcorn is super filling. Popcorn is also a great addition to trail mix. If you don't want plain popcorn, add some cinnamon sugar or a spice to it to change the flavor.

Granola Bars

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They take only a couple of minutes to eat, or you can spread it out over  a long period of time. Regardless, they can be pretty filling and are a good brain food!

Fruits and...

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You can bring a yogurt, oatmeal, or nothing. Fruits are a great thing to snack on and are pretty easy to transport. As with veggies, they really aren't that expensive if you buy the fruit that is in season.

Cookie Butter

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I don't care if it technically isn't healthy, but it is better for you than peanut butter. Eat it with a spoon or pretzels to cure that sweet tooth! Seriously, if you haven't tried this stuff, you need to. It is the best.

Dessert

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Treat yourself! I am not even going to try and pretend that I don't have a sweet tooth that gets the better of me more often than not (^see Cookie Butter). I will be taking full advantage of $5 Arches during finals and enjoying the brownies my Momma left with me. The key is to try to limit how much of them you eat...but if you slip up and eat a tray of cookies, I won't judge, we've all been there and I am sure I will be there this finals season too.

What are your favorite finals study snacks/meals? Anything that I should add to this list?

xoxo,

SSP