Monday Motivation

The journey isn't easy but it is always worth it.

11 Snacks for School & Home

Life in college is crazy. The days are often spent trying to balance classes, studying, working, and catching up with friends. Finding time to be healthy in college also takes some balance and patience.

One great way to balance healthy eating with college is choosing healthy snacks. Snacking throughout the day is important to keep your metabolism running. But finding healthy snacks for school and home can be challenging.

Here are some of my snack recommendations:

Snacks for School: 

1. Hard Boiled Eggs
2. Almonds & Craisins
3. String Cheese & Grapes
4. Pumpkin Seeds
5. Unsalted, No-Butter Popcorn
6. Yogurt & Granola
7. Trail Mix
8. Dried Fruit
9. Apples
10. Turkey Jerky
11. Nuts 

Snacks for Home: 

1. Banana & Peanut Butter Bites
2. Celery with Peanut Butter
3. Cucumber & Humus
4. Oatmeal & Fruit
5. Rice cake with Peanut Butter
6. Baby Carrots & Low-Fat Ranch
7. Homemade Popsicle and Smoothies
8. Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites
9. Banana & Peanut Butter "Sushi"
10. Frozen Yogurt covered Fruit
11. Lunch meat & Cream Cheese Roll Ups

For more ideas and recipes check out my Pinterest.

What are YOUR favorite snacks? Comment Below!

Monday Motivation

Don't Quit. Be stronger than your excuses. 

How to Study Better

It is no secret that there are many differences between high school and college. College students have very different living arrangements, social lives, school/work schedules, and meals compared to most high school students.

One difference between high school and college are the tests & studying for them. In high school, many tests could be passed with a brief read-through of the notes the night before or the morning of. In college, many tests could be passed with a long, tiring cramming of notes the week before or pulling an all-nighter the night of. Learning that difference can be a hard lesson to learn.

There are millions of results when googling "college studying tips" that include articles, opinions, research, and info-graphics. All this information can be overwhelming for any college student searching for a new studying technique so it's crucial to remember that every college student is different. Every college student will have a different experience with studying for exams; take note on what works for you and what doesn't.

Here's college student tested tips or techniques on getting better test scores:

Megan June reveals of some of her studying secrets:

• Be organized 
• Have goals
• Go to tutoring or office hours
• Study every day
• Rewrite your notes
• Make flashcards 
• Know what to do before/after class
• Turn off the distractions
• Take breaks
• Study groups
• Make a list of questions. 

Samantha shares her insights on studying:

• Actually pay attention in class. 
• Take good notes 
• Read over your notes daily. 
• Make note cards 
• Study hard 
• Don't be afraid to use the internet
• Get some rest
• Get up early to review
• Go to class with confidence 

Rachel defines some DON'Ts on studying:

• Don't save it until the last minute
• Don't be cluttered with distractions. 
• Don't avoid sleep. 
• Don't underestimate the time you should set aside to study.
• Don't underestimate all the material that you will need. 
• Don't only cram in sutdying in between all of your other stuff. 
• Don't look at something once and move on. 
• Don't study or memeoriaze material without understanding it. 
• When studying with someone else. Don't move on if you still don't get it. 
• Don't be scared to go to office hours

For more ideas & tips check out my Pinterest.

What are YOUR studying tips? Comment Below! 

Monday Motivation

You are getting better & stronger with every step. 

Love Yourself

In college, your adventures will have you surrounded by different kinds of people: roommates, classmates, friends, neighbors, significant others, etc. These people can have a different influential power on your college experience whether it be for a class, a semester, a year, or your whole experience. But there is one more crucial person that can influence your college experience...

You.

College is a time of learning. A time to learn about your future career, surviving on your own, dating, and to learn about you. You can also learn about depression, stress, anxiety, and the commonality of social comparison. College is real, the lessons you learn are real, and the greatness in you is real.

Valentine's Day is often the celebration between significant others to express their love, gratitude, and affection towards one another. For some singles students it is a dreaded holiday with a thin silver lining -- discounted chocolate on the 15th. For some couples it is difficult to plan or buy something special for their 'valentine.' 

This Valentine's Day, I challenge each reader (single & taken) to celebrate this day by loving yourself more. 

Loving, accepting yourself is a crucial when surrounded by so many people. When you love yourself and understand your greatness, they will be affected social comparison less and able to distress quicker. Loving yourself won't make you perfect or invincible, but it will help each of you deal with the many lessons of college. 

                                         

I'm not alone in this challenge. Dress Barn's new sale is titled, "Me, my Valentine" with the hashtag #labelmeconfident and Buzzfeed has outlined a 12-day love yourself challenge. 

Here are some ways to celebrate you: 

• Create a list of all the things that you do well. 
• Don't be sorry for what you love. Love it and love it loud!
• Smile & laugh like you mean it.
• Surround yourself with people who'll remind you of who you are and how great you are. 
• Replace your negative go-to words with positives ones. 
• Write yourself a love letter. 
• Pamper yourself. 
• Call a friend when times get tough. 
• Do something that makes you happy. 
• Don't compared yourself to others. 
• Take a break from technology. 
• Create a reward/punishment system when you are mean to yourself. 
• Wear something that makes you feel great inside & out. 
• Eat something wonderful & savor each bite. 
• Take time for yourself. 

Check out my Pinterest for more ideas. 

Accept the challenge and celebrate YOU this Valentine's day. 

Monday Motivation

Don't quit on yourself or your goals. Progress is progress
no matter how small. 

Make Time to Laugh

Life as a college student is full stress. Whether it be from the endless stacks of homework, long hours of work, drama with roommates or significant others, or trying to manage all aspects on our lives.

Stress is such a common thing among students and it can have short-term and long-term effects on our bodies. Instead of lecturing about stress and the dangers of stress; I'm going to help relieve some stress...through laughter.

Here are some videos & pictures that help me smile and laugh:

Studio C : Top Soccer Shootout Ever with Scott Sterling

SNL : Star Wars Undercover Boss

Lip Sync Battle : Tatum Take-Over 

Hannah and Carli : Wherefore Art Thou, Zefron

Dustin & Geneviere : Adele Hello Parody 

BuzzFeed : If Guy Best Friends Acted Like Girl Best Friends

What makes you laugh? Comment Below! 

Monday Motivation

Progress is a personal victory; be proud of yourself.