#Procrastination Prevention Tips | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

glowettee · 6 months ago

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how to recover from chronic procrastination (not just time management tips)

by mindy @glowettee

i wanted to talk about healing your relationship with time and tasks when you're stuck in a deep procrastination cycle. i've been in this cycle for a month now, and just recently got out of it using all of these methods. please just remember to be gentle to yourself, and take small steps.

understanding your procrastination:

identifying emotional triggers: notice what feelings come up right before you avoid tasks. is it fear? overwhelm? sometimes it's as subtle as a tiny flutter of anxiety

recognizing avoidance patterns: maybe you always clean your room when essays are due, or suddenly need to reorganize your pinterest boards before studying

spotting perfectionism links: notice when you're not starting because you're afraid it won't be perfect. this often shows up as "i'll start when i feel more prepared"

understanding fear responses: your body might feel heavy, or you might get suddenly sleepy when facing certain tasks. these are actually fear responses in disguise

mapping procrastination cycles: track how one avoided task creates a domino effect of more procrastination. it's usually a sweet little pattern we can gently break

emotional recovery steps:

healing task-related anxiety: create tiny, sweet rituals that make tasks feel safe. maybe light a candle before starting or use your prettiest pen

building self-trust again: start with promises so small they feel silly. like "i'll work for just two minutes" and actually stop after two minutes

developing completion confidence: collect evidence of times you've finished things, even tiny things like making your bed or sending a text

managing overwhelm spirals: catch yourself before the "i have so much to do" spiral starts. write everything down in your prettiest handwriting

creating safety in starting: make beginning feel cozy. wrap yourself in a soft blanket, make tea, create a gentle environment for work

rebuilding work capacity:

micro-task training: start with tasks so tiny they feel almost meaningless. maybe just open your laptop or take out one book

starting-point exercises: practice just beginning things without the pressure to finish. it's like dipping your toes in a pool

momentum building: string tiny tasks together like beads on a necklace. each small completion leads to another

success spirals: document every tiny win in a pretty journal. watching the pages fill creates its own kind of motivation

confidence restoration: celebrate completing even the smallest tasks. treat each one like a tiny victory worth noting

practical healing methods:

task relationship repair: make peace with tasks that scare you. talk to them like old friends you're getting to know again

emotional safety nets: create comfort zones within your work space. maybe a special corner with fairy lights and soft pillows

anxiety soothing techniques: develop gentle ways to calm your nervous system. perhaps counting flower petals or tracing patterns

overwhelm prevention: break everything down into pieces so small they feel almost silly. like "open notebook" as a complete task

progress preservation: keep a soft, gentle record of all your tiny steps forward. no progress is too small to celebrate

creating new patterns:

gentle accountability: find ways to be accountable that don't feel punishing. maybe share your tiny goals with a friend

achievement recognition: notice and celebrate every small completion, even just getting out your materials

progress celebration: create sweet little rewards for progress. maybe a favorite song or a moment with your comfort book

pattern interruption: catch old patterns with gentleness. "oh, there's my pinterest avoidance. how sweet of me to try to protect myself"

identity rebuilding: slowly start seeing yourself as someone who can start and finish things, one tiny step at a time

maintaining recovery:

preventing relapse: notice early warning signs with kindness. catch yourself before the avoidance cycle starts

managing setbacks: treat setbacks like gentle reminders to return to your healing practices

building resilience: each time you start again, you're building stronger foundations

sustaining progress: keep your momentum gentle and sustainable

adapting strategies: adjust your approaches with tenderness as you learn what works best for you

remember: recovering from chronic procrastination is about healing, not just forcing yourself to work.

tip: small wins create the foundation for bigger changes 🤍

p.s. you're not lazy, you're healing from task trauma.

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jennas-stuffs · 2 years ago

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our little secret: mission impossible

TW: unprotected sex, piv, fingering, hickey-making, nipple-sucking, brief head (fem receiving), fluff, fem reader.

authors note: this is my first time writing smut so i’m definitely open to tips and constructive criticism 😭

i can’t believe i’m saying this but im actually excited about a college class this year. i’ve always loved criminology, i watched basically every tv series there is containing it growing up. so it’s safe to say i didn’t hate the actual subject my last three years, i just hated the professor. ok sure i doze off every now and then but i know my stuff. it’s just that, he doesn’t believe i do. just because he’s some super genius only a year older than me and already teaching people doesn’t mean that he gets to be the only smart one. enough about him because my complaints have finally been heard and the administration finally finally let me switch classes. i can finally be rid of him. i walk into class with my head up high only to find my posture slump down and my smile fade into a frown.

“hello again y/n, you didn’t think you would get rid of me that easily huh?”

what the actual fuck. what the fuck happened.

“i thought i was switching classes.” i say with my jaw shut tight

“i promised the admins that they wouldn’t have to do all that because i would make it work. also it doesn’t look too good for me when one of my students transfers out my class because we were having ‘altercations.’

the sound of every word out of his mouth is almost identical to the sound of nails on a chalkboard. i nod so he can shut up and angrily stomp to a seat. out of spite, i nap my way through his class and to my surprise i wake up to the sound of the bell signaling my next class. i wake up confused, “why didn’t he wake me up? he always does, he loves disturbing my beauty sleep.” i shake it off and pick up the class paperwork i’ll have to make up along with my homework. a week passes by with undisturbed sleep, this is just getting weird. maybe this is what he meant by making it work. if it is, i’ll have to stay i expected more from him. hes so professional and strict, as would anyone expect coming from an ex-fbi agent. i mean this guy literally saw people die in front of him, and didn’t one of the serial killers set him up to be put in jail? what does he think he’s doing letting me sleep in his class? i should confront him. if he wants me in his class, he’s gonna have to earn it. he thought he could have the easy way out with me, oh no no no. i make a plan to set an appointment with him at the end of the day.

his office is neat and organized like i expected. too bad his freakishly tidy desk is gonna get a glimpse of this sleep deprived, angsty, college student.

we sit down and he quickly releases an exhale.

“so i’m assuming this meeting is about our non-existent altercations, because your grades are great, y/n. i haven’t started a feud just yet so what’s going on?”

i stand up rapidly, pushing my seat backwards. i slam my hand on his desk, leaving a mark on his papers, not like i care though.

“good job figuring that one out professor genius. so listen up. if you think just letting me sleep thorough your class is gonna prevent me from complaining to the admins again, think again. you probably think this is the easy way out so you don’t have to actually work it out with me well guess what. that’s extremely unprofessional. and in all honesty i expected more from you. im disappointed, professor reid. i guess your retired days from the fbi really tore you down huh? you don’t have that same spark in you- you”

“i know about your nightmares y/n.”

…

“what?”

“i’m retired from the fbi, correct. from the behavioral analysis unit. i can still profile people you know. from what i’ve noticed, you barley get any sleep and run on coffee. the work you miss in class you use as an excuse to stay up late at night to procrastinate on the sleep you know will wake you up in cold sweat the next morning. the only good sleep you seem to get, is the one in my class. see, i used to mind the fact that you were just sleeping though my lectures but it’s never interfered with your grade. so, i figured since it’s your last year of college and all i would allow my period to be your nap time.”

…

i sit down shamefully and shrink in my seat. i’m so embarrassed. he was just trying to help me and i snapped at him. i feel like an idiot.

“im so sorry. and thank you. thank you so much.”

one more word and i’ll burst out crying. i quickly pick up my bag and head for the door. but my wrist is grabbed by a warm hand.

“wait, y/n?”

i turn around to meet his eyes and pray he doesn’t notice the extra liquid in them.

i clear my throat, “yes professor reid?”

my wrist hasn’t been released yet.

“are you getting help for the- you know.”

“um i used to when i was little and it helped and they went away, but it came back.”

“when?”

“since i started college.”

“can you sit back down please, i just want to talk.”

here he is being so helpful and i’ve been hating him this whole time. when he wasn’t worried for my grades, he was worried for my sleep, and when he isn’t worried for my sleep, he’s worried for my mental health. i feel like such a petty bitch.

my wrist is released and we sit down.

we talk for hours and hours and he tells me stories of when he was an agent. i’ve never laughed so much in my life. we trade in our top worst and best moments in our lives when he realizes…

“wait so, sorry, if this is crossing a line and feel free to not answer but you’ve had boyfriends. but you’ve never had sex?”

“yeahh that’s accurate. it’s just everytime i think about someone seeing me naked i just get tense, like, just the thought of it makes me squirm.”

“so you have body image issues?”

“woww way to be slick with that one profiler, but sure, i guess.”

he laughs. and this laugh was different from all the other ones because it was this laugh i realized i don’t hate his voice anymore. it actually sounds, nice.

“so you’re telling me you’ve tried everything, all your therapists have given you medication and nothing really stuck?”

“i’m a lost cause doc.”

“don’t say that.”

…

“you know you haven’t tried everything.”

“sex makes me barf. no way.”

“hey a pretty girl like you can easily find some college guy to mess around with. don’t be so closed minded y/n.”

“mhm because you’ve had so much experience.”

his face goes pink.

“how did you know?”

“what? no i was kidding. wait. you’ve never had sex either? YOU HYPOCRITE!”

“it’s much easier said than done.”

“hey, a handsome guy like yourself can easily find some girl to mess around with. don’t be so closed minded professor.”

“spencer”

“what?”

“in my office, you can call me spencer”

“okay, spencer, how about we make a deal.”

“what kind of deal?” he says with a raised eyebrow

“the first to have sex is the better person because they are not a hypocrite.”

“that sounds like mission impossible but. ok. fine. deal.”

“REALLY? i was just joking but OKAY DEAL.”

we shake hands and i go back to my dorm and sleep. i slept, better, that night.

we check in with each other everyday to see if the other person won yet.

“has mission impossible been completed professor?”

“nope. what about you y/n?”

“nope.”

that’s not all we did, though. we went out to cafes to talk about life and how us virgins are channeling that sex energy into some other thing. seeing professor reid, i mean spencer, outside of school was weird. all of sudden his eyes were easier to look into. i just couldnt get enough of them. it was like i was drowning in them. don’t get me started on that voice paired with that cute face. i could just snuggle myself up into each word that came out of his mouth. but we had that same check up conversation everyday after class for a whole month until…

“hey y/n?”

“yeah?”

“are you free by the end of the day i wanna talk to you in my office”

“what happened to meeting up at the cafe? wait. did i miss an assignment? i’m so sorry i’ll make it up i swear.”

he smiles and laughs. that beautiful laugh. “no no i just wanna talk in a more private setting. you know how people can eavesdrop in cafes.”

“oh yeah sure i’ll see you then.”

“see you.”

WHY DID I SAY SURE? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME. THAT WHOLE REASON WHY I NEEDED US TO BE IN A CAFE WAS BECAUSE IT WAS PUBLIC. i can’t help myself when i see him. i know it’s wrong because he’s my teacher but he’s just a year older? i’m trying to justify these feelings for him but i can’t. i can’t help it. he’s so nice to me and i don’t deserve it, i just wanna repay him. no,nonononono. i can’t. not in that way. i have a meeting with him and it’s in his office so it’s strictly professional.

…

“hey y/n”

“hi professor”

he raises an eyebrow.

“hi spencerr, ” i say as i roll my eyes.

“ok good so uh.”

he pulls his chair and adjusts mine so that we’re sitting face to face, with no desk in the middle. god, this is gonna be a long meeting for me.

“i think we’re gonna have to switch your class”

“what?! why! we just started getting along don’t ruin it now!”

truthfully, i wouldn’t mind. all this tension i felt would definitely tone down if i didn’t see him so much. but i wanna see him, i love the butterflies he give me. it’s just so annoying i can’t do anything to ‘relieve’ them.

“well we’re just too friendly now, there’s barley any teacher-student boundaries.”

“are you serious. YOU’RE THAT ONE THAT INSISTS I CALL YOU BY YOUR FIRST NAME.”

he smiles “it’s not only that”

“you’ve chewed up my heart by making me switch classes, so, spit it out.”

“i think i like you.”

my heart feels like it’s gonna pop out of my chest, my pussy throbes and my stomach get butterflies. i get this overwhelming feeling of kissing him. but i can’t. we can’t. we shouldn’t. i look to the door and i look back at him. i stand up and walk up to the door, and lock it. i close the blinds and look at him.

“i like you too spencer.”

he grabs me by the waist and pins me to the door. we’re half a centimeter away from each others lips. looking at each others eyes and looking back down at each others lips.

“we shouldn’t.”

he nods, “we shouldn’t”

we slam each others lips against each other, making me let out the dirtiest of moans. he looks down on me and watches me unfold underneath him.

“you’re just a hot mess for me hm?”

i whimper and notice the throbbing feeling in my pussy intensify. it’s a hot steamy make out scene in his pretty little office, and i wonder how badly we can mess it up.

“spencer?” i gasp, barley having enough breath between kisses.

“fuck. say my name again please y/n.”

i moan, “spencer”

“again baby”

i cry out “spencer”

he says in his sweet voice “yes y/n?”

“fuck me.” i say in a whimper

and with those two words he kicks off his shoes and kisses me again. i mirror him taking off his clothes, working is way down, and up. once we’re both completely stripped he takes a second to look me up and down.

“you’re beautiful. all this time you’ve been hiding this?”

he bends his knees in front of me and kisses my breasts. i giggle at the feeling it gives me, similar to a tickle. he is just so sweet it melts me. while making out we move to his desk, where he pushes all his papers to the floor. he lays me down and my skin winces at the coldness of the wood. he’s sucks on my top lip, bottom lip, my jawline, my neck, my collarbone, making his way down to my nipples. i whimper, feeling his tongue go around in circles. i let out a loud moan, almost a scream, and notice the sudden arch my back went into when he starts to suck. he plans to leave every intimate place on my body with a hickey.

“you wanna leave marks on me spencer?”

he nods, making his way to the other nipple.

it’s just the sound of my whining and his sucking in his office, he breaks the silence for a second.

“i wanna show everyone you’re mine.”

then immediately goes back to sucking.

“my neck shows that enough-mm- spencer.”

“spencer… ohh spencer”

“yes y/n”

“feel me.”

that seems to have gotten him to stop sucking and he sticks to fingers up my throbbing pussy. i whimper at the motion.

“so wet, all of this for me?”

“mhm all for you”

he moves his fingers up and down, making me become a moaning, whining, whimpering, ‘hot’, mess again.

“spencer?”

“yes baby”

“i need you inside me.”

he looks down on me and suddenly the innocent light in his eyes disappear, witnessing a dark cloudy haze rolling in, covering his eyes.

“oh yeah?”

too far deep in the storm that is his eyes to speak, i simply nod. plus, that “oh yeah?” left me FOLDED.

he leaves a trail of kisses on my inner thighs, making me squirm. i feel the heat on his breath when he sticks out his tongue and sucks my core. he sits up and holds his dick, moving the the tip up and down against my folds.

“damn it spencer,” sounding like a whining brat, “stick it in already.”

he slams it in, thrusting forcefully, but slowly.

“faster.”

“yes baby”

i moan, grabbing his hair for support while my back arches even more, begging for more.

he speeds up, faster and faster, filling the office with the sound of unholy clicking, and not the type of clicking that comes from a clock. wet clicking.

i keep moaning his name…

“spencer, spencer, spencer?, oh fuck spencer, yes, please, fuck, fuck, spencer, i’m gonna cum im gonna cum, spencer.”

my head jolts back as he rails me through my orgasm.

…

now we’re laying on top of each other on his, now, filthy desk, covered in our cum and sweat. as we catch our breath i say unconsciously out loud,

“oh shit.”

i feel his laugh vibrating from his chest to mine.

“no, spencer, this is bad.”

“why?”

i sit up now realizing the mistake i made. he mirrors my action with a concerned expression.

“isn’t there some kind of rule in the university’s handbook that forbids students from having sexual relations with their teachers? i mean that’s considering that an average professor would be much older than them, usually it would be illegal anyways. do you think they would make some sort of exception? wait, do you think we’d have to tell them? will i get suspended? will you loose your job? oh my god, ok. so what if… what?”

he keeps staring at me rambling with a goofy smile plastered on his face that’s suppressing a laugh.

“whattt?”

“you know no one has to know about this, right?”

“but what if someone finds out?”

“y/n, what time did i have you come meet me in this office?”

“7pm”

“mhm.”

my eyes widen at the realization.

“ok so you made me come over when you knew the office would be closed just so you could confess your feelings to me, in your office, when the building was closed and everyone went back home?”

“yeah.”

“you know you could’ve just invited me over to your place. you didn’t have to make it so complicated.”

“well our situation is complicated, and if we want to continue to explore this ‘situation,’ we’re gonna have to be sneaky.”

i feel my face heating up.

“soo your likee my secret loverrrr”

he cracks a smile.

“i guess this’ll be our little secret.”

…

after we get back in our clothes and walk out together to our cars, he turns to me and says,

“hey y/n, have you completed mission impossible?”

“yup, what about you?”

“yeah, same.”

😱😱😱 THE END 😱😱😱

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milkoomi · 6 months ago

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milkoomi university newsletter. ᥫ᭡

february ‘25 issue

one of my goals was to create more & expand my content creation! in my january recap, i talked about making some kind of newsletter for my blog! i was inspired by @malusokay , @glowettee , & @agirlwithglam 🤍 i want to create two different kinds of newsletters! one with all the it girl tips & self improvement guides and one regarding academics (which is this one)! i’m so excited to create these & i hope you guys enjoy!

INDEX —

note: these sections will be included in all newsletters! i added what will be included for each section, but not all details will be a part of each month’s issue!

academic notices - academic moodboards for inspiration & motivation

tutoring center - study tips, exam prep, assignment completion guides, time management tips, iconic character how-to’s

advisor’s announcements - final words from me + monthly advice

counseling - Q&A; this first month will not include any, but if you have any questions you want to ask in regards to academics/studying, please feel free to send me a message in my ask box! just be sure to let me know that it’s for Milkoomi University!

Academic Notices ᥫ᭡

general study motivation —

medical student inspiration —

Tutoring Center ᥫ᭡

assignment completion guide —

create a to-do list

- start from hardest to easiest task or create a list ranked by priority!

- to avoid getting overwhelmed, keep the list short! max 5 tasks!

- use your favorite colored pen to use to check off assignments!

incorporate breaks

- use the pomodoro method! it’s a method great for completing homework assignments as well!

- remember: you’re allowed to take a break even before finishing an assignment!

- get up & stretch, grab a snack, go to the bathroom, make yourself tea/coffee

tina’s tip: after each task you complete, write yourself a little sticky note congratulating your progress! stick it on your notebooks, desk, laptop; wherever you can see it while working! these will be lovely little reminders that you got this and your assignments will be completed in no-time!

time management tips —

eat the frog method

- start by completing the most difficult task first!

prevent procrastination

- complete assignments ahead of time

- check due dates

- start (& try to finish) assignments the day they are assigned

use free time to be productive

- if you have a few hours between classes, get started on assignments!

- if you only have one class throughout the day, set aside 3-4 hours before/after class to work!

how to study like elle woods —

make it fun!

- have a friend/loved one quiz you! elle’s friends were her biggest supporters throughout her academic journey at harvard, and having your friends around to help you study can make the experience so much more enjoyable

- color coordinate your notes! elle always stood out in her class with her style, you could even see it in her school supplies, so make use of fun colors (or your favorite colors) and make your notes stand out to you

- multitask! there’s a scene where you can see elle working out and studying at the same time, so if you’re able to, pick an activity you enjoy and incorporate it into your studying. this could be walking on the treadmill and reading a chapter from your textbook or cooking while listening to a recording of a lecture

incorporate your studies in your everyday life!

- whatever it is you’re learning, try to find a way that you can use that information in your day to day routine! if something reminds you of something you learned in class, maybe reflect on it and either tell yourself or someone else how that day to day thing relates to what you’ve learned! for example, i’m currently studying to be in the medical field, and a friend told me some of their health concerns so i used my knowledge of what i know and applied it to guide them in the right direction to get better (& professional) treatment!

find motivation

- at first, elle was motivated to get into harvard and study law because of warner. then, she was motivated because someone she looked up to needed her help in a case. regardless of what elle’s motivation was, she still had it to help her get through law school and work hard to achieve success! so find something to motivate yourself to study no matter how big or small it might be!

Advisor’s Announcements ᥫ᭡

FEBRUARY ACADEMIC ADVICE —

include pre-lecture readings into your routine!

with the spring semester still fresh and new for a lot of us, it’s important to kickstart your classes with predetermined success! go through and review any lecture powerpoints and/or chapters before your next class to get an idea of what material you’ll be learning and to start getting an understanding of it.

pre-lecture readings are one of the best ways to prepare for class! it allows you to come up with any questions you might want to ask your professor, start structuring your notes, and be prepared to answer any questions that your professor might ask in class!

FINAL NOTES —

now that we’ve got into the new semester and we’re finally getting settled in, i hope you all remember that you are worthy of success. please don’t let your grades define who you are as a person. the work you put in is enough proof that you are capable of succeeding in your academics!

i hope this first newsletter from Milkoomi University was enjoyable for you guys! if you have any comments or questions you want to ask, my ask box is always open!

with lots of love, faustina ᥫ᭡

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screampied · 8 months ago

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miss vegas. how do u survive in college. please give me some tips. i am barely hanging on by a thread and it's only my first year. how do u do it. also ilysm.

hi nonnie 🌞. omg ofc! i used to live on campus, i don’t anymore which is way easier for me— also, don’t stress. first year can always be a lot and extremely overwhelming but i got uuuuu !!!!!! love u too

it's a lot of things i wish i knew as my first year LOL. i guess one thing that is probably super basic, don’t procrastinate. just get your stuff done so you don’t have to worry about it later ☝️ it’s easier said than done, but trust you’ll feel a lot better once you finish your assignments / projects early n on time !!! also, staying up late while working on stuff — don’t do that. it’s not good for you, and i always did that eheh. waiting ‘till the last minute of 11:59 to finish essays nuh uh. do your stuff as soon as it get assigned, DONT PROCRASTINATE 🫵 also, go to all your orientations. do nawt skip them

sleeeeeep. you need lots of sleep, regardless of what year you’re in it’s very important. i wish i knew that as a freshman 😀😀😀. i would stay up all night doin work, especially on the weekends. certified loser nerd. also, set an alarm !!!! if you’re a heavy sleeper like me, set a fuck ton of them !!!! or uh… have someone wake you up. i used to oversleep a lot, a way to prevent this is to usually go to sleep earlier than you usually do ( from my experience )

if you’re on campus, have some sort of map / guide so you know where you’re going !!!!! on my first day i literally got lost right away and i barely knew much english so it was even more embarrassing LOL. beeeee prepared !!!! ☝️ do research on ur school, they should provide those things — also, try to get those things ahead of time before your courses start so you aren’t askin random ppl where one of your rooms are. of course, its okay to still get lost anyway. it happens. ask for help if needed but make sure you’re prepared !!!

you don’t necessarily need friends to “survive” in college. everyone’s experience is different, but i found my experience easier by just keepin my circle small 🫂. IM NOT SAYING TO BE A LONER, you can have / make friends throughout your years ofc !!! in college, you’ll meet the best and worst people of your life. your main priorities should be yourself and your studies — but you come first at the end of the day. friends will always come & go, but eventually you’ll stumble across some nice ppl who share the same interests as you !!!

there’s prob super more important details but for the last thing i’ll say this— don’t let your grades define you 💓. it sucks majorly to get bad marks on something, especially if you stayed up countless hours on it, givin it your all. i personally have / had a habit of doing that, but never let it define you. if you truly think you didn’t get the right grade for any number of reasons, you can always talk to your prof about it in private. but don’t stress ab it !!! always remember you matter first over some exam 🫵

#✰ミ݁ ׅ ࣪ asks.#🧁#everyone's college experience is different — but try to have fun !!!!#make the most of it. you aren't alone. ☝️#one step at a time xxx

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deityoftherain · 7 months ago

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courting jewelry - Flower Husbands ESMP1 Oneshot

Rating: Gen

Relationship: M/M

Archive Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Status: Completed Oneshot

Word Count: 3,282

Summary:

Scott and Jimmy have been perusing each other in secret as their empires became allies. Now that their alliance was official, the Codlanders celebrated with a festival, inviting the Rivendellians to join them as a merger of their cultures. The two lovers sneak off from the festivities for some private time, emerging from their special flower garden hand in hand, announcing their courtship to their people through the jewelry they exchanged.

The fic is posted in full under the cut if you don't want to reroute to AO3 :D

“Shouldn’t they be here by now?” Jimmy asked his advisor, pacing back and forth as his tail swayed behind him. He fidgeted with his hands, rubbing the tips against the webbing between his fingers and the greenish brownish scales decorating his skin.

“They’re coming all the way from Rivendell, Codfather,” Moacir reminded him as they patted a one-two against his shoulder. “Give them time. The festival doesn’t start for a few more hours, anyway, and the other Codfolk are still preparing. Besides, I’m sure Sovereign Scott is just as eager to see you as you are with him. He’ll get here when he gets here.”

“Right, well,” Jimmy started without a conclusion. He sighed, planting his feet still as he scratched the back of his neck. Once that itch was satisfied, he ran his claws down his shoulder. The movement encouraged a scale to shed, and Jimmy scrambled to catch it. “Aha! Another scale for the flower!”

“Codfather!” Moacir exclaimed with a baffled laugh. He covered his mouth as he did so before pushing up the rim of his glasses. “I know you are anxious about the festival going well, but I know you well enough to know you aren’t this scatterbrained. Not when it comes to things important to you.” Realization dawned on Jimmy and he smacked his palm against his forehead. Right. He had managed to collect enough over a week ago and had some artisans help him manipulate deliberate curves into them. Using one’s scales in jewelry and decor was an old Codfolk tradition, dating long before the Cod-Salmon war. The technique was almost lost to history, but some brave souls managed to preserve it and prevent it from being another thing the Salmonfolk stole from them.

Moacir must have taken pity on him for they turned to comfort. “Don’t beat yourself up about it. You were in the habit of collecting scales for an extended period of time so it is only natural that you haven’t broken it yet. I was only teasing and it didn’t land properly. Still, as your advisor and your friend, I must insist that you go and relax before the elves get here. It won’t do us any good if our emperor is tripping over his own two feet because he’s tired.”

Jimmy considered Moacir’s words for a moment before allowing his shoulders to hunch, releasing the tightness in his shoulders. “You’re right, you’re right. I don’t want to be exhausted before it even starts. Will you make sure to get me when they arrive?” “Of course I will,” Moacir scoffed, but not harshly. “Do you even know me? Now stop procrastinating and go.”

“Woah! Okay, okay!” Jimmy exclaimed as Moacir started to forcefully guide him down the raised wooden pathing. “I’m going! No need to push.” Moacir stopped pushing when Jimmy started to walk by himself. “Rest well, Codfather!”

“I will!” Jimmy called the promise over his shoulder. Moacir was right, he was rather tired. As soon as he arrived back home, he staggered over to his bed and face planted onto the mattress. It was safe to say he kept his promise of resting, fading into dreamland rather quickly.

Jimmy was woken a couple hours later for final outfit checks and to make sure he was properly prepared. While the tailors made final adjustments to his clothes, Moacir quizzed him on the speech he made him memorize. This event was nowhere near a typical political affair nor was it supposed to be high stress, but The Cod Council (made up of supposedly wise and elder Codfolk) wouldn’t be pleased with him if he managed to mess up this alliance with Rivendell.

He didn’t understand why The Cod Council was so worried though! Codland wouldn’t suddenly fall apart if the alliance was broken and, even if the alliance did break, they had other allies such as Mezalea and Pixandria! It wouldn’t fail, he knew, for Jimmy had built a strong relationship with not only Rivendell as an empire, but Sovereign Scott, their emperor! Jimmy and Scott were actively courting, for cod’s sake! Not that that was super public information, yet.

Jimmy wished the council would give him some more credit for all he’d done instead of treating him with an unnecessary amount of skepticism. He already struggled with self-confidence at times– some of the other emperors openly scoffed at both him and his empire’s size and economic influence– so he would appreciate it if they actually offered some genuine support! Jimmy knew they were like that with anyone, jaded by war and loss, but he couldn’t deny it hurt.

Luckily, where the elders failed, there were people more than willing to help build up his confidence. Friends like Pix, citizens like Moacir, his sister Lizzie… even Joel, Lizzie’s husband, was supportive in his own special way! Jimmy was lucky to have a support system like them in place because he wasn’t sure he would be able to lead like he was otherwise.

Codfolk loved festivals, so they took every and any excuse they could to have one. They celebrated the changing of the seasons, they celebrated art, they celebrated hunting and herbs, they celebrated the changing tides and the rotation of the moon! Most importantly, they celebrated their alliances. They were culture mergers and fantastic for moral boosting.

Everyone knew that Rivendellians weren’t the most social people out there, especially with those outside their empire, so Jimmy worked diligently to make this festival the best one yet! It was the Codfolk way, after all: every stroke is a chance to make waves, so give it your all and savor the journey.

I’m Big Man Jim. I can do this! Jimmy repeated the mantra in his head to dispel the anxiety that wormed its way into his consciousness. If the Codfolk could survive a war with the Salmonfolk and the on and off hostilities from the Wither Rose Alliance, he could make it through a festival with the man he was courting.

Speaking of which, Moacir entered the room Jimmy was finishing up in announcing, “Codfather! The elves are here.”

Jimmy jerked out of his thoughts, both excitement and nerves sparking within him. The excitement took over as he thought of Scott, and the anticipation urged Jimmy to shrug off one of the Codfolk fussing over his outfit and rush out the door

He hurried down the oak plank paths with pep in his step. Some of his people stayed on his heel, prepared to greet the Rivendellians with him. Jimmy adjusted the headpiece nested on his head, an alternative to the Codhead Helm. The Codhead was worn for official ceremonies or for travel outside of the empire’s territory. While in Codland, it was considered more proper to wear a headpiece that didn’t cover his face. It had to do with tradition, trust, and centuries of history Jimmy could only recall fractions of.

If Jimmy were to be honest, he didn’t remember a single thing he said to greet the elves. He was so consciously focused on Scott in all his beauty that he couldn’t hear the words coming out of his mouth. Based on the thumbs up Moacir gave him when the crowd dissipated to enjoy the festivities, he assumed he did well.

Moacir had ensured he could recite the speech they prepared forward and backwards. Jimmy was positive he could recite it in his sleep, and maybe he has, he’d gone over it so many times. It was worth it though because everyone was happy and content, and Jimmy was permitted to show Scott around.

“Good day, Sovereign,” Jimmy greeted the other emperor with a grin, offering his arm for Scott to take. “Are you ready for your tour?” Scott returned the grin, slipping his hand around Jimmy’s arm. “My, aren’t you a gentleman, Codfather. I like this much better than almost drowning.”

Jimmy laughed airly, glancing away bashfully for only a moment. “As do I. Festivals are always a highlight in my life, after all. Perhaps you could come to the next one we have as well? It’s a music festival, in honor of traditional Codfolk songs and dances.”

Scott hummed in consideration, conscious of the fact that his people were still in earshot. “I would be honored to attend, if I am available.”

When an alliance with Codland is formed, the emperor of the other empire must allow the ruling Codparent (Codfather, in this case) to hold them under water. It was a trust exercise meant to ensure a bond, the emperor putting their life in the Codparent’s hands, and it was the Codparent’s task to pull them back up before they drowned. Once the ritual is complete, the alliance is considered official in Codland’s eyes.

Like the emperors before them, Jimmy held Scott underwater, but brought him up before harm came to his lover. Now, instead of repeating such a ceremony, which he doubted any of the other emperors would approve of doing more than once, they conducted festivals. Jimmy much preferred the festivals, if he were to be honest, but he couldn’t say he didn’t find joy in near-drowning Joel. He certainly put the “brother” in “brother-in-law”, they both did.

Jimmy walked Scott past a few crowded booths, squinting his eyes briefly at them. “Hm, there’s a lot of people over here. We should make our way to the other side so it isn’t as crowded and loop back. Does that sound good to you?” “Sounds wonderful,” Scott agreed, but he did stop walking. With Jimmy’s arm still hooked with Scott’s, it prompted him to stop as well because they would otherwise lose contact with one another. Jimmy furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, but Scott answered his unspoken question before it formed on his lips. “Before we continue the tour, can we go someplace private?” “Why?” Jimmy blurted out, ever curious, before scrambling to add to it. “I mean, we can, yes, but–?” “Maybe I just want to spend some time alone with you, Jimmy,” Scott interrupted, a playful gleam in his brilliantly dark blue eyes. “Don’t you want to spend some time alone with me?”

Jimmy’s face flushed, his voice lowering to a murmur, “Of course I do, orchid, you know that, but the alliance–” “Then it shouldn’t be a problem! Come on, petal, the alliance will be fine,” Scott reassured Jimmy. “No one will notice if we’re not wandering the festival for a little bit. Besides, don’t you think we both deserve a little time to ourselves every once in a while? Aeor knows I haven’t had a proper break in far too long.”

Void, Jimmy was always weak when it came to Scott. He briefly surveyed the area before tugging Scott off the “official” path of the festival. In a hushed voice, he instructed, “Hurry, this way!”

Scott giggled elatedly as he allowed Jimmy to drag him off. Jimmy racked his brain on where to take him that was in that direction. That was when the blue, gold, and white of the Rivendell embassy building caught his eye. Perfect! If they were caught sneaking away, that wasn’t the worst place to be found.

Scott must have caught on to what Jimmy was thinking because he said, “Let’s go to the garden.” “Already on it,” Jimmy informed him, practically beelining right there.

Scott had always liked flowers, but not many would survive the frigid temperatures of the mountains, even in a greenhouse. Knowing this, Jimmy granted the Rivendellians permission to build a tiny, secluded flower garden on the land provided to build the embassy on. It quickly became one of Jimmy and Scott’s favorite places to go together in Codland, and for good reason.

Their empires’ banners hung beside each other on the wall the garden shared with the main embassy. The other “walls” were hedges made of flowering azaleas, allowing the garden to be secluded in the first place. Inside the “walls” was a small fountain surrounded by various flowers, marking the area with the soft sound of moving water, pleasant aromas, and plenty of color.

As soon as they entered, Scott removed himself from Jimmy’s hold to approach the nearby jasmine and camellias. He sniffed the flowers with a content, somewhat dreamy sigh. “Aeor, I love this place.” Jimmy watched Scott flutter around the flowers like a bee seeking nectar, utterly stricken by his lover. He sometimes wondered how a man like Scott fell for someone like him. Sure, he was an emperor, but there were several cultural and lifestyle differences between them! Jimmy wouldn’t complain though, grateful that his affections for the elf were returned.

Scott always had this sense of etherealism to him, starstruckingly gorgeous. His skin was as pale as the mountains’ snow and his hair was a vibrant blue, reminding Jimmy (once again) of the blue orchids most commonly found in the swamp. In fact, if he held an orchid up to Scott, Jimmy was almost certain it would be an exact match. Despite the heat of the sun, Scott was barely flushed red, which Jimmy assumed was an elf thing. Barely any elves’ skin he’s known was affected by the sun, unlike Codfolk whose skin darkened and often freckled from sun exposure.

“Not that I mind you staring, petal, but we have come here for a reason,” Scott’s teasing comment pulled Jimmy from his thoughts. He guided the fabric of his long, layered skirt forward so he could sit down on the bench without it bunching before patting the spot next to him. “Sit with me.” Jimmy obeyed hastily, only taking two strides to reach Scott’s side. He sat down, unconsciously wrapping his tail around Scott like a hug. Scott allowed it to happen, not seeming to mind nor care. “Why did you insist on coming here first? There’s still so much festival to see.” “And we will see it,” Scott promised. “I’m just being selfish, and selfish me wanted to spend the day seeing you wear this.” “Seeing what-?” Before Jimmy could finish that though, Scott pulled out a shiny, almost-clear white necklace, holding it in such a way to display it in its full beauty. Upon further inspection, the shine likely came from some sort of enchantment, though Jimmy wasn’t sure which. Everything from the central pendant to the flowers and leaves that decorated the necklace further were meticulously carved, crafted to perfection.

Jimmy’s eyes widened and as his jaw went ajar, enamored by the artistry. He reached out to touch it before pulling back, not wanting to potentially break it. “Scott, it’s gorgeous. Did you make this yourself?” “I did,” Scott confirmed with a sense of pride. “I used my ice abilities as a base, but the finer details and enchantments I did myself by hand. It is made of ice, but it shouldn’t melt or affect your body temperature. I’ll admit, there were a few failed versions before this one, but I wanted to get it perfect for you.” “Oh, Scott,” Jimmy practically melted, feeling all warm and fuzzy by the show of affection and care. He was at a loss for words, so he didn’t speak. Instead, Jimmy gingerly took the necklace and clasped it around his neck. He looked down at it, his end of his tail starting to flick joyously. Unable to contain himself anymore, he pulled Scott into a tight hug before punctuating it with a chaste kiss.

“Just so you are aware, this is an elven courting gift,” Scott informed before Jimmy could go in for a second kiss. “I know we’ve been keeping our courting on the downlow, wanting to give our relationship time to breathe without input from other people, but everyone will know if you wear this in public. At least elves will know; I’m not sure how aware of our customs Codfolk are. You don’t… you don’t have to wear it if you’re not ready yet. This isn’t meant to rush you.”

“I’m ready. I swear it,” Jimmy promised in between initiating feverish kisses, unable to keep his hands off of his lover. He had been so nervous to bring up the topic of moving forward in their courtship, unsure about how Scott would react, but, void, was he relieved! He had been nervous for no reason, Scott bringing it up before him, but Jimmy was more than happy to prove his anxieties wrong. Scott meant everything to him, and Jimmy was more than ready to let everyone who would listen know. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love you, Scott. I love you so much.”

Scott noticeably softened at Jimmy’s words, returning the affections with an “I love you too” murmured when taking a breath.

They continued to exchange kisses even as Scott wrapped his arms around Jimmy’s torso with his fingers interlocking just above Jimmy’s tail. Scott pulled Jimmy onto his lap and Jimmy went with the movement, encircling Scott’s waist with his legs. Jimmy’s hands wandered up to Scott’s face, one cupping his cheek while the other tangled itself in his hair.

They were so lost in bliss and pleasure that Jimmy had forgotten about the festival until he heard three loud chimes go off in the distance in rapid succession. Both of them startled, the sound a surprise to both of them.

“We should probably take that as a sign to rejoin the festival,” Scott commented breathlessly, resting his forehead against Jimmy’s shoulder.

“Probably,” Jimmy agreed, just as breathless. “Those chimes are meant to announce that the relay races are starting soon, and I would like to show you them. I’m not participating this time, but they’re so much fun to watch, especially when you pick a team to root for.” “We should start heading that direction, then,” Scott raised his head so he was no longer leaning his body weight into Jimmy, “or we’ll miss it.” Jimmy climbed off of Scott’s lap, prepared to lead his lover back to the festivities when he recalled part of the reason he was so nervous for today. “Wait, orchid, I have something for you too.”

Curiosity colored Scott’s expression as Jimmy retrieved the flower forged from his scales and held together by gold imported from Mezalea. Scott held out cupped hands and Jimmy set the hair brooch on his palms.

“They look like your scales,” Scott observed, studying it closely.

“They are,” Jimmy confirmed, pleased that Scott caught that fact so quickly. ”Giving jewelry made of one’s scales is a Codfolk tradition. A courting gift, like your necklace. I suppose we had the same idea, but I planned to give mine to you later, after showing you around more.”

Scott laughed lightheartedly as he effortlessly styled the brooch into his hair, utilizing his years upon years of practice decorating himself with various jewelry and accessories. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

“Of course!” Jimmy puffed out his chest, straightening his shoulders with a grin. Scott rewarded him with another stolen kiss or five before they were interrupted by the chimes once more. “That’s the second warning! The third time it sounds off, they’re starting.” “Then let's get going! Come on, slowpoke!” Scott stood up and took Jimmy’s hand in his before dragging him out of the garden. Jimmy let Scott lead for a moment before picking up his pace to speed walk side by side with him.

Jimmy smiled so brightly as they raced along the path together that he couldn’t force it away if he tried. Festivals always left him in high spirits, but he felt over the moon with Scott wearing his scales and holding his hand as he wore Scott’s ice necklace, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you read this far, please like/kudos, reblog, and comment either here or on AO3, I appreciate it a lot <3

#deity writes #flower husbands #empiresfic #empireshipping #empiresshipping #i miss empires #empires jimmy #empires scott #empiresblr #empires smp fanfic #empires fanfic #empires s1 #esmp s1 #empires smp s1 #completed fanfic #fanfic #fanfiction

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etheribot · 9 months ago

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5 tips for the work-at-home witch ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

when i'm not witching around, i actually have a day job! my job is primarily a work from home job, spending my days alone in my room writing reports and reading legal documents... it gets stale (●´⌓`●) this is a list of some little witchy things i do to keep my head on straight and prevent myself from going mad and impulsively quitting my job!

some of these tips might also work for students!

you might have to switch it up a bit, but some of these tips could help you get through homeschooling, digital learning days, or homework.

₊˚⊹♡ 1. light a candle ♡⊹˚₊

one of the first things i do when i begin work for the day is to light a simple votive candle. the element of fire is a strong element, and by lighting a candle you can harness the energetic energy of the flame. the goal of lighting a candle while you work is to keep yourself "fired up" per say ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ . light the candle with the intention of remaining motivated and energized. for extra effectiveness, you could dress the candle with herbs that also have energizing metaphysical properties. (remember, though, always double check that your herbs are safe to burn!)

₊˚⊹♡ 2. use a sigil ♡⊹˚₊

sigils are an extremely simple yet effective way to use magick! personally, i like to draw the sigil on the back of my dominant (or "working hand") with a non-permanent marker. if you follow this method, be sure to wash it off once you've finished work for the day! leaving a sigil on your body too long can be a bit draining in my personal experience.

if you're more artsy, you could make a piece of art out of a sigil to keep on your desk. a painting, a piece of embroidery, a sketch, or even some digital art done and turned into your desktop wallpaper (tech witches would love that, i feel.)!

i personally like to make my sigils for work out of phrases like "may i work efficiently", "may my work be done properly", but & "may information come easily to me".

₊˚⊹♡ 3. money bowl ♡⊹˚₊

i actually haven't done this yet (˃ᆺ˂) it's a spell i plan to do during the next full moon.

but! the idea of a money bowl is to essentially bring more money in to your life. if you're looking for a promotion or a pay raise, a money bowl on your desk certainly won't hurt!

₊˚⊹♡ 4. work outside ♡⊹˚₊

if you're able, work somewhere other than you're typical working area at least once a week. coffee shops, libraries... even a different room in your house! the change of energy will keep you from feeling too stagnant.

i really recommend taking your work outside, if able. sometimes, i print out a few documents i need to read and go sit out under a tree in my yard. sitting outside in nature not only helps to keep you grounded, but it also helps foster your connection with the local nature spirits. connecting to your local nature spirits AND getting your work done at the same time... talk about multitasking! (ᴗᵔᴥᵔ) if you can't work outside, then take time during your breaks to step outside. a small walk or even just sitting outside under the sun is enough to help keep your centered.

₊˚⊹♡ 5. enchant a watch ♡⊹˚₊

i have severe ADHD, but i also have severe severe severe anxiety. because of this, under my doctor's guidance, i can't take ADHD medicine for fear of my anxiety medicine not working effectively. since i'm rawdogging my ADHD i tend to have a hard time staying on schedule... so i've enchanted my watch!

i recommend using materials that promote focus and organization. ever since casting an enchantment on my watch, i've noticed an uptick in my overall productivity in all facets of my life - work included. i haven't missed a deadline, and while i still have a nasty habit of procrastinating, once i finally make the effort to begin work i find myself staying on schedule way easier than before.

that's it for now! if you have any questions or would like me to go further into detail about certain things, feel free to send me an ask! <3

#witch tip #witchcraft #witchblr #witch #beginner witch #work from home

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nanowrimo · 2 years ago

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10 Tips for Developing a Daily Writing Practice

Every year, we’re lucky to have great sponsors for our nonprofit events. Scrivener, a 2023 Camp NaNoWriMo sponsor, is an award-winning writing app designed to help you get writing and keep writing. Here, Scrivener user and first time Camper, Bookstagrammer, aspiring author, and visual storyteller Yeldah Yousfi shares her tips on how to write consistently:

Writing consistently is one of the most important habits to cultivate if you want to become a better writer and reach your Camp NaNoWriMo target. However, while developing a habit of daily writing practice is useful for exercising your writing skills, it can be difficult to maintain.

Here are ten tips that I personally use for developing a habit of writing consistently every day:

1. Set a schedule.

One of the most important steps to developing a consistent writing habit is to set a schedule. Set aside a specific time every day that you can dedicate to writing—even if you just try this during Camp. This will help you to make writing a routine part of your day, and it will also make it easier to stay motivated and avoid procrastination.

2. Create a writing space.

It’s important to have a designated space that is comfortable and conducive to writing. This could be a home office, a library, or even a cafe. Whatever you choose, make sure it is comfortable and free of distractions so that you can focus on your writing.

3. Track your progress.

Keeping track of your writing progress can help keep you motivated and on track. This could be as simple as making a checklist of goals for each day or tracking your word count so you can see how much you’ve written each day.

4. Set achievable goals.

Having realistic goals is essential for staying motivated. It’s best to set smaller goals that are achievable in the short-term, such as writing 500 words a day, rather than trying to tackle a huge project all at once.

5. Take breaks.

Taking breaks (no matter how short) can help you stay focused, energized, and allows for the mind to rest and to process the material that was just written. Taking a short break every two hours or so will help you to stay productive and prevent burnout. Walking outside always makes me feel better, and I find it helps generate more ideas.

6. Read, read, read.

One of the best ways to become a better writer is to read, especially reading books in the genre you are writing in. Reading helps to open the mind to new ideas, concepts, and possibilities. You can also use the work of other authors to learn more about the craft of writing and to help you come up with ideas for your own work.

7. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Making mistakes is a part of the writing process. When you start writing, keep writing, even if it’s only for ten minutes. It probably won’t be perfect (or even good if it’s your first-time writing), but that’s okay—the more you write, the better you will become. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them as you go.

8. Have a support system and a writing partner.

Having a support system that you can reply on can be a great help in staying motivated and on track with your daily writing goals. This could be a friend or family member, or pick a Camp Counselor or writing group from the Camp forums. They can provide encouragement and help to keep you accountable. Additionally, having someone who is willing to read and give feedback on pieces of writing can be invaluable.

9. Reward yourself.

Celebrate your successes and reward yourself for your progress. Whether it’s a special treat or just a pat on the back, make sure to recognize your achievements and reward yourself for reaching your goals.

10. Take it one step at a time.

Writing is a process, and it takes time to develop a consistent writing habit. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t make progress right away. Just keep going and take it one step at a time.

Developing a consistent writing habit is essential for improving your writing skills and becoming a better writer. By following these ten tips, you can develop a habit of writing every day and make it a routine part of your life. Try it through July and see!

Yeldah Yousfi is a reader, aspiring author and visual storyteller. Check out Yeldah’s Instagram.

Top photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash.

#nanowrimo #camp nanowrimo #writing #writing tips #writer's life #by nano sponsor #scrivener #yeldah yousfi

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selfhelpforstudents · 11 months ago

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Mastering Time Management: Tips to Get Your Life Organized ❤️

Time management is like a superpower that everyone wishes they had, but it’s not as mysterious as it seems. With the right strategies, you can manage your time effectively, reduce stress, and make more room for the things you love. Whether you’re juggling school, work, or just trying to stay on top of life’s endless to-do list, these tips will help you get organized and stay productive. Let’s dive in!

1. Set Clear Priorities

Before you can manage your time, you need to know what’s most important. Take a few minutes to list out your top priorities—whether it’s work, school, personal projects, or self-care. Once you’ve identified these, it becomes easier to focus your energy on what really matters. Remember, not everything on your to-do list is urgent, so learn to prioritize and tackle the most important tasks first.

2. Break Tasks Down

Big tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination. The key is to break them down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, instead of writing “study for exams” on your list, break it down into “review Chapter 1,” “practice problems,” and “summarize notes.” Smaller tasks are easier to start and complete, and they give you a sense of progress.

3. Use a Planner or Digital Calendar

Whether you’re old-school with a paper planner or prefer digital tools like Google Calendar, having a place to organize your tasks and schedule is essential. Block out time for everything—work, study, exercise, and even relaxation. This visual layout helps you see how your time is being spent and makes it easier to stay on track.

4. Time Blocking

Time blocking is a powerful technique that involves dedicating specific chunks of time to different tasks or activities. For instance, you might block out 9-11 AM for deep work or studying, 11-12 PM for meetings, and so on. This method helps you stay focused and ensures that each important task gets the time it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid multitasking, which can actually reduce productivity.

5. The Pomodoro Technique

If you struggle with concentration, the Pomodoro Technique can be a game-changer. Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four rounds, take a longer break (15-30 minutes). This method not only keeps you focused but also helps prevent burnout by giving you regular breaks to recharge.

6. Learn to Say No

This one’s tough, but essential. It’s easy to overcommit and end up with more tasks than you can handle. Learning to say no—politely but firmly—can free up your time for the things that truly matter. Remember, it’s better to do a few things well than to spread yourself too thin.

7. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions are the enemy of productivity. Whether it’s your phone, social media, or noisy environments, identify what pulls you away from your work and find ways to minimize it. Use apps like Focus@Will or website blockers like Freedom to help you stay in the zone.

8. Batch Similar Tasks Together

Grouping similar tasks together—like answering emails, making phone calls, or running errands—can save you a lot of time. This technique, known as task batching, reduces the mental energy required to switch between different types of tasks and helps you complete them more efficiently.

9. Set Deadlines (Even for Small Tasks)

Even if a task isn’t urgent, setting a deadline can give you that extra push to get it done. Deadlines create a sense of urgency, which can help you stay focused and avoid procrastination. Make sure your deadlines are realistic, and don’t forget to reward yourself when you meet them!

10. Review and Reflect Regularly

At the end of each week, take some time to review what you’ve accomplished and what still needs to be done. Reflect on what worked well and where you could improve. This regular check-in helps you stay on top of your tasks and adjust your approach as needed.

11. Prioritize Self-Care

Time management isn’t just about work—taking care of yourself is equally important. Make sure you’re scheduling time for sleep, exercise, and relaxation. When you’re well-rested and healthy, you’ll be more productive and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

12. Use the Two-Minute Rule

If a task can be done in two minutes or less, do it immediately. This rule, popularized by David Allen in Getting Things Done, helps prevent small tasks from piling up and overwhelming you. It’s a simple but effective way to keep your to-do list under control.

13. Be Kind to Yourself

Lastly, remember that no one’s perfect. There will be days when things don’t go according to plan, and that’s okay. Instead of getting frustrated, practice self-compassion. Learn from any setbacks and keep moving forward. Time management is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice.

Final Thoughts

Time management doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. With the right tools and mindset, you can take control of your schedule and make more room for the things you love. Start by setting clear priorities, breaking tasks down, and using techniques like time blocking and the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused. And don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way—you’ll be amazed at how much more productive and motivated you’ll feel when you’re in a good place mentally and physically. You’ve got this! ❤️

Love,

Sophia

#studygram #study tips #studying #study motivation #study notes #books and libraries #motivation to study #studyblr #studyspo #quotes

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cool-thymus · 20 days ago

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📝and 😈 for the ask game! would love to hear how ur process goes ^^

Hiiii kawkaw! 🥰🌼　[Ask game]

📝 What does your note-taking or sketching or brainstorming process look like? Are you more organized or chaotic about it?

Drawing: first i decide on a style and format (so far i have a limited number of options 😅 some ideas come in the form of a painting, some are comics, and others are simple illustrations). Then i sketch out the idea and decide on the colors. I use a lot of references and take photos of myself if i can't find a particular angle. Sometimes an idea grows from a random ref photo, and my inner voice whispers "let's make this obkk 👀" haha. I'm still learning digital art techniques that's why my process is very basic. One thing i like to do though is to use a red-orange pencil brush for undersketches (i feel less tempted to keep cleaning the sketch lines instead of painting/doing lineart over them).

Writing: this one is tricky bc unlike digital art, there are no standard tutorials on creative writing. I've read a bunch of articles and posts with recommendations, sure, but all the guidelines are too general, which is probably the way it should be to prevent the beginners from reproducing the same templates. I remember one fun tip i picked up from a writing class though: highlight (in different colors) the parts that correspond to all possible senses of perception—sound, smell, temperature, etc. I do this occasionally to put myself in the character's skin and remember that information travels through the setting too :D For my short stories i begin with a couple of key ideas that trigger an emotional response (it could be a cool line, a detail in the bg, a symbolic gesture, anything). As i try to arrange them together, the underlying message of the story appears, and i can start writing the scenes to serve it. Then i take a break and edit the text (all of that in linguistic pain and suffering 🙃)

Short texts don't require much planning, but long ones do, especially if you have a co-writer 🤭 But I think it's too early to analyze that experience yet (i hope this ambitious WIP sees the light of day someday 💛)

😈 How do you beat the urge to procrastinate? What's your worst time-sink?

Surprisingly, I never procrastinate drawing, but i always procrastinate writing (i guess it's just more mentally taxing to me). I write SUPER SLOWLY despite having been dealing with texts my whole life, at work and leisure (even this post! I've started it like an hour and a half ago 😆) So over years, I've figured out some no-no's for me:

no open messengers;

no snacks (i won't write a word unless i finish the food);

no cuticles and neatly trimmed nails (bc skin picking kicks in instantly);

easy access to all research tools and dictionaries (i never write in my native language, so it's a constant idiomatic double check);

writing in public helps bc i feel pressured to actually type at least smth instead of staring at that one sentence for hours haha, but my pc is more convenient than a tablet, so it's optional.

Thank you for the questions! (i say picking at my cuticles 😄)

#ask game #personal #procrastination tips from me to me haha #in my previous post i mentioned getting into coffee drinking - today i tried americano #it's too early for us to be friends yet...

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myadhdchronicles · 2 years ago

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Navigating Life with ADHD: My Journey, Tips, and Hacks

Living with ADHD has its unique challenges, but it's also a journey filled with creativity, resilience, and countless small victories. I've learned to embrace my ADHD and discovered some invaluable tips, hints, and hacks along the way. In this blog, I'll share my personal insights and strategies that have made life with ADHD more manageable and even exciting.

1. Embrace Your ADHD:

Accepting your ADHD is the first step to managing it effectively. It's a part of who you are, and that's okay.

Learn about your specific strengths and weaknesses associated with ADHD. You might be exceptionally creative or have hyperfocus superpowers!

2. Create a Structured Routine:

Establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability.

Use digital calendars, planners, and reminders to keep track of appointments, tasks, and deadlines. I particularly like Sunsama, it is very ADHD-friendly. Habitica is good too, it is a gamified digital calendar that engages the ADHD brain much better than regular planners.

3. Prioritize and Set Goals:

ADHD brains can easily get overwhelmed by too many tasks. Prioritize your to-do list and break tasks into smaller, manageable goals.

Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.

4. Minimize Distractions:

Create a dedicated workspace that's free from distractions.

Consider using noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or white noise to maintain focus.

Learn what kind of workspace works best for you, it's not the same for every ADHD brain.

5. Time Management Techniques:

Use the Pomodoro Technique (working in short, focused bursts with breaks) to stay on track.

Set timers for tasks to prevent hyperfocus and procrastination.

6. Medication and Therapy:

Consult a medical professional to discuss medication options.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you develop coping strategies and improve executive functioning skills, but know your own ADHD brain because it does not work for all of them.

7. Mindfulness and Meditation:

Mindfulness practices can help you stay present and reduce anxiety.

Try meditation to improve concentration and self-awareness.

Meditation and mindfulness do not have to be the typical sit still and clear your-mind things they are for non-ADHD brains, for a lot of ADHD brains we need to move so something like knitting/crocheting, going for a walk, or sitting outside in nature with your dog are our forms of mindfulness and meditation.

8. Stay Organized:

Use color coding, labels, and file systems to keep your physical and digital spaces organized.

Daily checklists can be a game-changer.

Know your own ADHD brain and make your system one that works for your brain or organization will continue to be a struggle.

9. Don't Fear Mistakes:

It's okay to make mistakes. Learn from them and keep moving forward.

Perfectionism can be your enemy; aim for progress, not perfection.

Learn to let good enough be good enough, perfection does not exist.

10. Get Adequate Sleep and Exercise:

Prioritize good sleep hygiene; it can significantly impact your ADHD symptoms.

Regular physical activity can boost focus and mood.

11. Utilize ADHD-Related Apps:

Explore ADHD-focused apps designed to help with time management, organization, and focus.

Some popular options include Todoist, Forest, Trello, Clarify ADHD, Sunsama, and Fabulous.

12. Seek Support and Community:

Connect with others who have ADHD through support groups or online forums.

Share your experiences and learn from the journeys of others.

Living with ADHD doesn't mean you're destined to struggle. By embracing your uniqueness and applying these tips, hints, and hacks, you can take control of your life. ADHD has its challenges, but it can also be a source of creativity, innovation, and unique perspectives. Remember, you're not alone, and there's a vibrant community of people who understand and support you on this journey. Embrace your ADHD, and together, we can navigate the world with success and resilience. See you next time, ADHD Team!

#adhd #adhd brain #adhd problems #neurodivergence #actually adhd #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #neurodiverse stuff #adhd things

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