#Mental Health Benefits

[nourishflourishuk]

Wild About Gardening

There seems to be a bit of debate sparked by the comments made by Monty Don & Alan Titchmarsh in an article in The Telegraph. According to Craig Simpson the TV stalwarts agree that: “Wild gardens are ‘puritanical nonsense.” We introduced British native plants alongside non-native plants that enjoy the conditions by the pond. We let them run wild & tidy them up a little by removing old growth in…

[azcanyonrafting]

Health Benefits

Discover the numerous health benefits of rafting with Advantage Grand Canyon, from improved cardiovascular fitness to reduced stress levels!

[borngeniusworld]

Benefits of Mindful Meditation

Mindful meditation quotes @iamborngenius 1. “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” – Thich Nhat Hanh 2. “You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day — unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour.” – Zen Proverb 3. “Meditation is the tongue of the soul and the language of our spirit.” – Jeremy Taylor 4. “The mind is like…

[differentfirefart]

The Ultimate Guide to Fitness Training: Achieve Your Health and Wellness Goals

Introduction: 

Physical health: Regular exercise and fitness training improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, enhance flexibility and mobility, and support healthy body weight management. Engaging in physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer.

Mental health and mood enhancement: Exercise has a positive impact on mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which can improve mood and overall mental well-being. Fitness training can also boost self-esteem and body confidence.

Cognitive function and brain health: Physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function, including enhanced memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Regular exercise promotes neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. It can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve overall brain health.

Energy and stamina: Fitness training improves endurance and stamina, allowing you to perform daily activities more efficiently and with less fatigue. Regular exercise increases oxygen and nutrient supply to the body’s tissues, boosting energy levels and reducing feelings of fatigue.

Weight management: Fitness training, combined with a healthy diet, is an effective approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight. Engaging in regular physical activity helps burn calories, increases lean muscle mass, and builds metabolism. It can also help prevent weight gain and assist in weight loss efforts.

Disease prevention and management: Regular exercise plays a significant role in preventing and managing various chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and osteoporosis. Physical activity improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, regulates blood sugar levels, and strengthens the immune system.

Social connections and community: Participating in fitness training can provide opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests. Whether it’s joining group fitness classes, sports teams, or fitness communities, exercising with others can enhance social interactions, provide support, and promote a sense of belonging.

Longevity and quality of life: Engaging in regular fitness training has been associated with increased longevity and improved quality of life. By maintaining physical fitness, individuals can maintain their independence, perform daily activities with ease, and enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle as they age.

FITNESS TRAINING:

Fitness training is the process of engaging in physical exercise and activities to improve one’s overall health, strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. It is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle and can be pursued for various goals, such as weight loss, muscle gain, improved athletic performance, or general well-being.

When designing a fitness training program, it’s important to consider your current fitness level, goals, and any specific limitations or medical conditions you may have. Here are some key components to include in a well-rounded fitness training regimen:

Cardiovascular Exercise: This type of exercise raises your heart rate and helps improve cardiovascular health. It can include activities like running, cycling, swimming, brisk walking, or using cardio machines at the gym. 

Strength Training: This can involve using weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges. Aim for two or more days of strength training per week, targeting major muscle groups.

Flexibility and Stretching: Stretching exercises improve flexibility, and joint range of motion, and help prevent injuries. Include dynamic stretches (moving stretches) before a workout and static stretches (holding a stretch) after your workout or as a separate session. Yoga and Pilates can also be beneficial for flexibility.

Balance and Stability: Training for balance and stability helps improve coordination and posture, and reduces the risk of falls. Exercises like standing on one leg, using balance boards, or practicing yoga poses can enhance these skills.

Rest and Recovery: Allow your body sufficient time to rest and recover between workouts. This allows muscles to repair and grow stronger. Get enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and listen to your body to avoid overtraining and injuries.

Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the intensity, duration, or frequency of your workouts to challenge your body and continue making progress. This principle of progressive overload helps prevent plateaus and ensures ongoing improvement.

Benefits of fitness:

Fitness offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are some key benefits of engaging in regular fitness activities:

Improved physical health: Regular exercise and physical activity can help improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, strengthen muscles and bones, and enhance overall physical fitness. It can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer.

Weight management: Engaging in physical activities, such as aerobic exercises, resistance training, and sports, can help with weight management by burning calories, increasing metabolism, and promoting the development of lean muscle mass.

Enhanced mental well-being: Physical activity can improve mood, boost self-esteem, and contribute to better mental health and overall emotional well-being.

Increased energy levels: It improves circulation, oxygen flow, and the efficiency of various bodily systems, which can result in increased energy and productivity throughout the day.

Better sleep quality: Engaging in regular exercise can promote better sleep patterns and improve the quality of sleep. It helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and can reduce insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Enhanced cognitive function: Physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function, memory, and concentration. It can enhance brain health, stimulate the growth of new brain cells, and improve overall cognitive performance.

Disease prevention: Regular exercise and physical activity can help reduce the risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, osteoporosis, and age-related cognitive decline.

Increased longevity: Leading an active lifestyle and maintaining physical fitness have been associated with increased longevity. Regular exercise can improve overall health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote healthy aging.

Social benefits: Participating in fitness activities, such as group classes, sports teams, or outdoor activities, can provide opportunities for social interaction, networking, and building new relationships. It can foster a sense of community and support, enhancing overall well-being.

Improved quality of life: Fitness contributes to an overall improved quality of life by promoting physical health, mental well-being, increased energy, better sleep, and a positive outlook. It enhances one’s ability to perform daily tasks, reduces the risk of injury, and allows for greater participation in recreational and leisure activities.

Importance of fitness:

Fitness is incredibly important for overall health and well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a good level of fitness has numerous benefits for both the body and mind. Here are some key reasons why fitness is important:

Physical Health: Regular exercise and fitness activities help maintain a healthy body weight, strengthen muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall physical endurance. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Mental Health: Fitness plays a crucial role in promoting mental well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones that can boost mood and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It improves cognitive function, memory, and promotes better sleep, leading to enhanced mental clarity and focus.

Energy and Stamina: Regular fitness activities improve energy levels and increase stamina. Engaging in physical exercise enhances the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues more effectively. This results in increased energy levels, allowing individuals to perform daily tasks with ease and tackle physical challenges more effectively.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health and fitness. Regular exercise, combined with a balanced diet, helps burn calories, build lean muscle mass, and increase metabolism, contributing to weight loss or weight maintenance. It also helps prevent weight regain after losing weight.

Disease Prevention: Regular physical activity is linked to a reduced risk of various diseases. It helps prevent or manage conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, certain types of cancer, and metabolic syndrome. Fitness activities also support a healthy immune system, reducing the likelihood of infections and illness.

Longevity and Aging: Fitness has been associated with a longer and healthier lifespan. Regular exercise can slow down the aging process, improve longevity, and enhance overall quality of life in older adults. It helps maintain mobility, flexibility, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

Confidence and Self-esteem: Regular exercise and physical fitness can boost self-confidence and improve self-esteem. Achieving fitness goals, building strength and endurance, and witnessing physical improvements contribute to a positive body image and enhanced self-worth.

Social Connections: Fitness activities often provide opportunities for social interaction and connection. Engaging in group exercise classes, team sports, or fitness communities allows individuals to meet like-minded people, build friendships, and develop a sense of community.

The Different Types of Fitness Training Methods for Every Goal

Cardiovascular training:

Cardiovascular training, also known as cardio or aerobic exercise, is a type of physical activity that focuses on increasing the efficiency and endurance of your cardiovascular system. It involves rhythmic, repetitive movements that elevate your heart rate and increase oxygen consumption, thereby improving the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system.

Benefits of Cardiovascular Training:

Increased Stamina and Endurance: Regular cardio training improves your body’s ability to utilize oxygen, allowing you to engage in physical activities for longer durations without feeling tired. This increased stamina is beneficial for everyday tasks and sports performance.

Weight Management: Cardio exercises burn calories and can aid in weight loss or weight maintenance by creating a calorie deficit. Engaging in activities like running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking can help you shed excess body fat and maintain a healthy weight.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Regular cardiovascular training can lower the risk of developing various chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and metabolic syndrome.

Improved Mood and Mental Health: Cardiovascular exercise releases endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which can elevate your mood, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Types of Cardiovascular Training:

Running/Jogging: Running or jogging is a popular and effective form of cardio exercise. It can be done outdoors or on a treadmill and requires minimal equipment.

Cycling: Whether you prefer outdoor biking or indoor stationary cycling, this activity provides an excellent cardiovascular workout while being gentle on the joints.

Swimming: Swimming is a low-impact, full-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility.

HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief recovery periods. This type of training can be performed with various exercises such as burpees, jumping jacks, or mountain climbers, and helps improve cardiovascular fitness in a shorter amount of time.

Aerobics and Group Classes: Joining aerobics classes, dance workouts, or group fitness classes like Zumba can be an enjoyable way to improve cardiovascular fitness while having fun with others.

Rowing: Rowing machines provide a challenging total-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups and boosts cardiovascular endurance.

It’s important to choose cardiovascular activities that you enjoy and that suit your fitness level and physical capabilities. If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program.

Strength Training:

Strength training is a type of physical exercise that focuses on building and improving muscular strength and endurance. It involves performing exercises with resistance, such as weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight, to challenge and overload the muscles.

Muscle Strength: Strength training helps increase muscle strength by placing stress on the muscles, forcing them to adapt and grow stronger. This is achieved through progressive overload, gradually increasing the resistance or intensity of the exercises over time.

Muscle Endurance: Strength training also improves muscle endurance, which refers to the ability of muscles to perform repetitive contractions over an extended period. This is particularly beneficial for activities that require prolonged muscular effort, such as running, cycling, or even everyday tasks.

Body Composition: Strength training plays a significant role in improving body composition. As muscles are more metabolically active than fat, having a higher muscle-to-fat ratio can boost metabolism and overall calorie expenditure, even at rest.

Bone Health: Strength training is crucial for maintaining and improving bone health. Weight-bearing exercises, such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts, stimulate the bones and help prevent conditions like osteoporosis, especially in older adults.

Injury Prevention: Strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments through resistance training can help prevent injuries. By improving joint stability, balance, and overall muscular strength, individuals are less prone to strains, sprains, and other common injuries during physical activities.

Functional Fitness: Strength training improves functional fitness, which refers to the ability to perform daily activities efficiently and with reduced risk of injury. 

Mental Health Benefits: Engaging in strength training can have positive effects on mental well-being. Exercise, in general, releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. Strength training can also boost self-confidence, improve body image, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance overall cognitive function.

When incorporating strength training into your fitness routine, it’s important to consider factors like proper form and technique, gradual progression, adequate rest and recovery, and consulting with a qualified fitness professional if needed. They can provide guidance on creating a personalized program tailored to your goals, fitness level, and any specific considerations or limitations you may have.

Flexibility training:

Flexibility training, also known as stretching, is an essential component of fitness that focuses on improving the range of motion and flexibility of your muscles and joints. It involves performing various stretching exercises to lengthen and stretch the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Here are some key aspects of flexibility training:

Range of Motion: Flexibility training helps increase the range of motion of your joints, allowing you to move more freely and efficiently. By improving flexibility, you can perform daily activities with greater ease and reduce the risk of muscle imbalances and injuries.

Muscle Elasticity: Stretching exercises promote muscle elasticity, which refers to the ability of muscles to stretch and return to their original length. Flexible muscles are less prone to strains and tears during physical activities or sports.

Posture and Alignment: Regular flexibility training can improve posture and alignment by correcting muscle imbalances and reducing muscle tension. It helps lengthen tight muscles and alleviate common postural issues, such as rounded shoulders or excessive curvature of the spine.

Injury Prevention: Flexible muscles and joints are less susceptible to injuries. By maintaining an adequate range of motion, you decrease the likelihood of muscle strains, joint sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries.

Improved Performance: Flexibility training can enhance overall physical performance in various activities. It allows you to move more efficiently, with greater power and control. For athletes, improved flexibility can contribute to better sports performance and reduced risk of performance-related injuries.

Muscle Recovery: Stretching exercises can aid in muscle recovery after intense workouts. They help increase blood flow to the muscles, which delivers oxygen and nutrients, and remove waste products. Stretching can also alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness, promoting faster recovery.

Relaxation and Stress Relief: Stretching has a relaxing effect on the body and mind. It can help reduce muscle tension, relieve stress, and promote relaxation. Incorporating stretching exercises into your fitness routine can be a valuable tool for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.

When engaging in flexibility training, it’s important to remember a few key principles:

Warm-up: Always perform a light warm-up before stretching to increase blood flow to the muscles and prepare them for stretching.

Proper Technique: Use proper form and technique during stretching exercises to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury. Avoid bouncing or jerking movements and focus on a slow, controlled stretch.

Balance: Work on improving flexibility in all major muscle groups and both sides of the body to maintain balance and prevent muscle imbalances.

Gradual Progression: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your stretches over time. Avoid pushing yourself too hard and respect your body’s limits.

Consistency: Regularity is key when it comes to flexibility training. Aim to incorporate stretching exercises into your fitness routine at least two to three times per week.

If you’re unsure about the appropriate stretches or techniques for your specific needs, consulting with a qualified fitness professional or a certified stretching instructor can be beneficial. They can guide you through proper stretching routines and provide personalized recommendations based on your goals and limitations.

[homeloftglobal]

5 Tips to Declutter Your Home Efficiently

Tackle clutter effortlessly! Our 5 tips streamline decluttering for a serene home. Enhance mental health and focus. Start organizing now!

[you-must-know-this-info]

Why Exercise is Good for the Mind : Mental Health Benefits of Playing Sports

Playing sports has long been known to have physical benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health and building muscle strength. But did you know that participating in sports can also benefit your mental health? In fact, studies have shown that exercise can have a positive impact on mental health, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. In this article, we’ll explore the mental…

[uncanny-tranny]

I recently had to do a project in one of my psych classes, and man, I knew that CBT was used for every little thing, but seeing over and over, "do CBT! CBT is the best for every mental illness!" was so jarring. I'm absolutely biased because of my own experiences, but I just don't think it's as universal a treatment model as it's touted.

If you didn't benefit from CBT, it's not because you're lazy or didn't try hard enough or lacked intelligence or foresight into your own needs. Frankly, it's a therapy model that (I think) shouldn't be the only readily-accessible model and among the only therapy models covered by insurance. Some of us should not be treated in a CBT model and that's okay. It's not a sign of poor character or unreasonable demands, and if you don't think it's a model that works for you, then it's your right to express that!

[atelierlili]

Peeta Mellark: *exists*

Katniss Everdeen:

[morsobaby]

People with delusions. People with intrusive thoughts. People with compulsions. People whose symptoms are only ever seen with how big of a nuisance they are to everyone around you. People who are labeled irrational and fussy. People who have to "come out" to others about their "Weird" parts.

You're worth so much more. You're worth living and accommodation. You can and will have a good future with people who respect you and your boundaries. I promise. Keep on going

[nourishflourishuk]

Spuds Spuds Wonderful Spuds!

We’ve all done it, discovered a forgotten about potato or three in the back of the cupboard. Don’t throw any future finds out though, if they’ve started producing shoots, you can plant them! With time & care they should produce more potatoes for you! Not enough room for a vegetable patch? Well, you don’t need much – you can do this on a balcony as well as in a garden – watch the video to find…

[azcanyonrafting]

Whitewater Rafting

The Benefits Of Rafting For Physical And Mental Health

Rafting is an adventure and a sport that offers an incredibly unique combination of excitement and serenity. Thus, it is also perfect for holistic wellness due to its numerous physical and mental benefits. In addition to adrenaline-filled rapid riding, it strengthens cardiac fitness and muscle tone and promotes a confident mind. Whitewater rafting is all about riding a tide in a full-sized raft with others and enjoying nature and scenery while getting a great workout.

White-Water Rafting Can Strengthen Your Self-Esteem And Develop Your Willpower

Whitewater rafting resembles an outdoor adventure that involves paddling an inflatable boat down a river. Its hallmark is its unpredictable and exciting nature, which may be either smooth, relaxing, or highly entertaining. There are different intensities. Still, paddling in a team and being coordinated is a significant part of rafting since participants must synchronize their paddling and avoid bumps.

Psychologically, whitewater rafting is an effective way to reduce stress because of the soothing influence of water and the natural world. Next time you consider a family trip or a weekend getaway with friends, consider this adrenaline rush while breathing fresh air and enjoying some scenic locations.

Physical Health Benefits

Rafting does not simply live under the reputation of intense adrenaline rush; it also offers substantial health benefits beyond the sporting aspect. It benefits cardiovascular fitness, strength building, flexibility development, and weight control.

Furthermore, river rafting offers low-impact workouts for people from different fitness categories. For many, it is a way to explore nature and improve their day-to-day lives. For example, the natural environments surrounding you help with stress management.

Cardiovascular Fitness

Rafting is considerably beneficial for heart health through its perfect cardiovascular exercise. Paddling through water requires unceasing physical activity and workouts to lift the heart rate and boost blood circulation. This long-term aerobic training remarkably increases heart muscle strength and endurance and lowers blood pressure. Moreover, the strenuous exertion required in maneuvering through rapids stimulates overall cardiovascular fitness, resulting in better health and a stronger cardiovascular system.

Flexibility and Balance

The stability of the raft and the ability to achieve balance are fundamental for a safe and pleasant rafting trip. The raft goes through an incredible journey, and as it moves from one type of water condition to another, from calm water to turbulent rapids, paddlers need to be ready to adjust their positions every time to balance the raft.

Such changes are good in the long run, as they provide you with the appropriate balance and the capability to remain upright and prevent you from being capsized. It involves core strength and coordination. Furthermore, dealing with constant shifts in positions and reacting instantly to the changes in the water flow also nurtures the body’s flexibility in the legs and hips.

Strength and Endurance

Paddling reciprocates through the arms and shoulder muscles, creating the whole-body upper-body workout. As the pull holds the water, those muscles inside your back, particularly the lats and trapezius, are continuously at work. The deep core muscles, including abdominal ones and obliques, also work in the team to hold balance and stability on a raft, leading to a versatile workout to improve overall health. The deep core muscles, including the abdominal and oblique muscles, also rear their heads in performing this job.

When paddling, your body muscles will sustain long periods of activity, adapting to the work of constant movement and becoming stronger. The increased body strength improves your ability to sustain vigorous physical workouts and carry out prolonged physical activities without getting tired. With frequent rafting practice, you can develop great endurance and be in better shape for more strenuous physical activities and higher energy targets.

Mental Health Benefits

Unlike rafting, people are so involved in everyday struggles that they cannot slowly take time for themselves to reconnect with nature. Water is generally peaceful, and the paddle beat helps accomplish a calmer disposition successfully. These mental health benefits of white water rafting are obvious – rafting allows the stress to dissipate and brings about a state of relaxation. When rafters spend more extended periods of paddling, they are forced to approach the crew work paddling with a high degree of focus, thus allowing them to stay tuned to the task at hand.

Mood Improvement and Happiness

Rafting improves mood and happiness by triggering the release of endorphins and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. These are heightened through the fun and exhilarating experience of navigating rapids and the sense of accomplishment from overcoming challenges on the water.  Aside from overall mental health benefits and self-esteem, rafting significantly increases self-confidence because it allows people to face fears, overcome problems, and work together. The experience engenders a feeling of accomplishment and empowerment in the face of the stream's flow.

Social and Emotional Benefits

Beyond its physiological and psychological benefits, rafting has another factor: it is much more than an extreme sport; hence, a rafter can get many of these benefits. Through their experiences rafting down the rapids and trying to keep afloat in the currents, they establish deeper relationships among rafters and family bonding, creating a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.  The connections formed through these standard ups and downs lead to lasting memories that help to promote friendship and social interactions in everyday life as well as a person's emotional well-being, both on and off the water.

Conclusion

Stress rafting is a term coined to showcase the numerous advantages of outdoor rafting and what this sport can do for your mental health. For many, it's an outdoor activity that helps you leave all your worries behind, allowing you to learn a new skill, maintain balance, and explore the great outdoors.  Contact Advantage Grand Canyon today to search for rafting trips from all the top 15 outfitters in one place and book your next Grand Canyon rafting trip!

[ddarker-dreams]

Lock!! does ur big wrinkly brain have any neuvillette thoughts

yan neuvillette... it'd really be something.

he isn't cruel, deceptive, or forcefully restrictive. you'll walk away from interactions feeling like something's off, without being able to identify what. the quiet intensity of his gaze, perhaps? he looks at you like you hold the key to all the universe's mysteries. there's this expectation that neither you nor him fully understand.

he's just as perplexed by his behavior as you are, if not more so. from the onset, he rightfully predicts that nothing good will come from this. he values fairness and recognizes the immense gap in your positions. there's so much he could do, so much he could get away with, and his fascination with the infinite possibilities initially disturbs him. this mild revulsion never fully disappears, serving as a minor checks and balance for himself.

neuvillette isn't delusional. when he realizes there's no staunching this interest, he decides to take a practical approach by drafting his own code of conduct. he reasons that these 'rules', while dubious, provide a framework that's preferable to the draconic urge to possess you in your entirety.

the reoccurring tenet centers around doing you no 'unnecessary harm.' naturally, this is subject to his interpretation. your definition and his don't often overlap. he isn't deaf to your objections, though, in fact, he encourages them. he'd much prefer you spell out your thinking than leave him in the dark. if you make a compelling enough case, he'll relent. these minor victories mostly consist of you absolving innocent friends from his judgment.

you'll come to find out why your occasional run-ins left a lasting impression on you. it's because each second, behind that composed façade, he was weighing your fate on a scale that favored his interests over yours.

[fruityfinch]

Wow!!! I am going to throw up!!!

Tories today saying not enough disabled people have died as a result of their policy changes! We want MORE 👏 DEATHS 👏 NOW 👏

[girlbot666]

advice for university students who have a hard time getting work done aka the things that my ADHD-having ass needed 3 fucking semesters to learn :

1. go to class. GO TO CLASS. yes, even if the lectures are recorded. yes, even if you have other work you really need to do right now. you will fall behind if you don't and it will suck. next time you have class you will think, "I can't go to class today because I still haven't caught up with the material from the previous class" and then you'll do that several times and then you'll haven fallen really far behind and it will really suck. when you show up to class, keeping up with assignments will just naturally follow.

2. do not try to get work done in your room. it will not happen. no matter how much you don't want to leave, you have to do it, you have to leave. go to a library, or a cafe, or even just a different room in your house/dorm if you don't want to change out of your pjs (and even if you're one of those people who *can* get studying done in your room [couldn't be me], separating the environments you work in and relax in will feel so much better, i promise!).

3. go to office hours. if it's one of those STEM class office/peer tutoring hours where lots of people are being helped at once, it's especially important that you go. the material is designed to be challenging and you're not expected to be able to do it on your own. it's also a great way to hold yourself accountable to getting the work done on time. literally just put on some noise-cancelling headphones and work on stuff there until you have a question.

4. start on your big assignments EARLY. working on one essay or project and almost nothing else for 2 days straight leads to burnout. start at least 2 weeks in advance, and work on it everyday for just an hour, maybe 2. setting time-based goals is key here. it makes the assignment feel less intimidating. it's easy to convince yourself to work on it even if you don't want to because, hey, it's only an hour. once you start getting bored or frustrated, it's not too hard to power through, since it's only an hour. and if you're getting super distracted and really struggling to focus you can switch gears to something else guilt-free, and then return to it tomorrow with fresh eyes and a fresh mind.

5. inevitably, you'll fuck up. you'll do poorly on a test, you'll miss an assignment, you'll not understand things you're learning in class, you'll get nervous during a presentation. some days, you might not even fuck up necessarily, you'll just feel bad. when it happens, take a step back. acknowledge and honor your emotions. you might feel sad or disappointed or ashamed. treat yourself with kindness and compassion. try not to judge yourself, recognize that your feelings are natural and normal. take care of yourself like you would take care of a friend who was in your position. do some easy assignments, then wrap up work early. eat something, talk to someone or journal about it, do some cleaning, take a shower, and go to bed early. maybe it feels like you shouldn't because you have too much work to do, but trust that addressing your heavy emotions is more productive than just powering through. personally, if i don't do this, the feeling of shame lingers in my subconscious and i spiral for several days. like, don't get out of bed or eat or do any work kind of spiraling. perhaps the consequences are not as material for you. regardless, honoring your emotions and treating yourself with compassion is a life-long skill that is always worth practicing. your mental health will thank you for it.

[jihef03]

Love how Disney's Hook is so pathetic that his tv tropes character section turns into therapy bits.

[des8pudels8kern]

If I were to write a Star Wars fic (which I won’t, as working full-time does not leave me with enough mental energy to be properly actively fannish), it’d be an epic AU where Obi-Wan also falls down the shaft at the climax of his fight with Maul, is presumed dead, and then pops up during the Clone Wars as a mysterious agent of chaos whose initial goal is just to rattle and provoke the Jedi into shedding at least a bit of their apathy disguised as serenity and their superiority complex (so, Obi-Wan choosing to help an entire planet of children caught in a horrific war was bad and aggressive, deserving of first repudiation and then probation, but when Knights and Masters order enslaved sentients into battle it’s duty and necessary to uphold the values of the Republic and thus Order?). He’s bitter, he’s angry, and he wants to destroy the Order. Well, the Order as it is. All talk, so little regard for actual decency, and no infrastructure in place to protect the children under their care.

There’d be a semi-humorous scene where Cody (who is... compromised, okay, he knows it, but this evil fallen force user is just different from the other evil fallen force users, okay) comes across Obi-Wan, bleeding from a fresh gash on his head (”What happened to you? - Oh, nothing, dear one; I just tripped.”) one eye clenched shut where the blood is dribbling down, yada yada, they do their usual song and dance about no, you question your allegiance and join my side, and then.

What’s that?

Cody bends down and picks up the thing that’s caught his attention. It’s round, and not quite flat, and ye--- yellow. He narrows his eyes at the infuriating pain in the ass in front of him.

“Tripped, huh? Deliberately, I assume?”

The man’s gaze flits down to the coloured lens balancing on Cody’s finger now, the exact same shade as his one open eye.

“When you arrived, the light of your presence overwhelmed me and caused me to falter. It can be quite challenging when one has delved as far into the dark as I have,” the fucker tries to lie to Cody’s face, voice as serene as the calmest of Jedi Generals fresh out of meditation, and maybe Cody needs to reconsider how trustworthy anything spoken in that tone really is.

Cody throws the lens at him, and the offending item manages to land on his chest, where blood has soaked into the shirt, and sticks to the fabric, staring at him accusingly.

“What kind of nerf-brained idiot fakes being a Sith? The entire Order is after you!”

The nerf-brain winces, then sighs and droops. He rubs a hand through his suddenly tired-looking face. The blood from his apparently actually self-inflicted head-wound that was meant to disguise the missing lens is smeared all over his cheek now, which looks ridiculous and is somewhat worrisome because Cody is used to bloodshed and knows that it’s usually not a good sign when people forget that they are bleeding. It does match the bone-deep exhaustion etched in the other man’s features, though, now that his mask of flirtatious nonchalance has dropped.

“In my defence, I honestly did not expect it to go this far.” He spreads his hands and pulls a somewhat forced-looking version of his usual boyish grin. “I assumed I would get in two, maybe three strikes before the Order went on alert and I got caught. When they didn’t, I decided to... provide further motivation.”

His right eye is grey-blue, as fathomlessly deep as the waters of Kamino, and Cody wonders what can drive a man to pretend to be evil incarnate to catch the attention of an organisation of essentially super-powered sentients in the middle of a war.

Another trickle of blood from the absolutely needless head wound snakes its way down the side of the man’s face, making it clear that, whatever his motivation might be it’s not a healthy sense of self-preservation.

Maybe Cody can get him to take out the other lens, too, so he can check his eyes for signs of a concussion.

And get a closer look at the colour.

...At least now he’s not compromised by a Sith anymore?