How to Get Ready For Back to School

In just a few short days, I'll be back at Uni for my second semester!

I know most people probably don't want to be thinking about school while on holiday but I think it's important to dedicate just a couple of days to getting ready for your first day. It doesn't hurt to make sure things are in order. That way everything should run like clockwork from the moment you start back. Here are three tips to prepare for back to school!

Set Your Alarm
One of the best parts of being on holiday is staying bed til noon. In saying that though, you want to make the transition from holiday mode to study mode as smooth as possible. My number one bit of advice, if you've gotten so used to sleeping in, is to start setting your alarm for early. The weekend before you're due to start, make an effort to get up like you would for school. That way it's not such shock having to wake up on day one of your new semester. 

Write Down Your Timetable
Before you start back, get to know your timetable. There's nothing worse than arriving to a class late or not knowing where the actual location of a class is. Get out your yearly diary and jot down when and where you have each of your different classes. It's always good to check through this properly in case there are any problems with your timetable that need sorting. I also like to take note of any important dates or events that may be happening during the semester. 

Organise All Your Equipment 
Make sure you have everything you need for all your different classes. This includes any textbooks, stationery, or items of clothing. Look carefully at the list of requirements so you don't miss anything out or face any surprises on your first day back. I always find this step really enjoyable because I can use it as an excuse to go on school-related shopping spree! 

Thanks for reading!
Q: What's a tip you have for going back to school?

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4 Tips For a Sick Day

It seems like everyone I know is sick at the moment. Even I'm sick at the moment. I think it's typical around this time of year. Winter is just around the corner and with the amount of cold and rainy days we've been having recently, I don't think anyone's going to forget that anytime soon. Here are some ways I got through my sick day at the start of this week. 

1. Drink Lots
Staying hydrated is super important, especially when you're sick. Getting lots of fluids is a vital part of the "getting better" process. It helps to flush out all the bad stuff from your body. Try to stick with water if you can. I like to add a slice of lemon for a bit of extra taste. On top of this, you could add honey and ginger if you feel like something more. I know that lemon, honey and ginger water is a popular remedy drink for when you're feeling ill. Stay away from coffee and fizzy drinks. 

2. Stay in Bed
Get as much rest as possible. Don't dismiss your sickness. If you're not feeling 100%, just stay in bed. Sometimes getting up and going out only makes things worse. The only time I'll take a nap during the day is if I'm sick. But it really does make a difference. I took a solid two hour nap on my sick day and I felt a lot better than what I felt like in the morning. 

3. Keep Everything You Need Close by
Depending on your illness, set up a little bedside table of everything you need. Tissues are a must-have and if you have medication, keep a large drink bottle nearby as well. Make sure you're well stocked up on everything so you don't have to keep making several trips back and forth. If you need more of something, make sure to call a family member or friend to retrieve it for you as soon as they can. 

4. Binge-watch Your Favourite Shows
If you can't sleep, it's good to distract your mind so you're not constantly thinking about your sickness. When you're not focusing on your symptoms, it's easier to pretend they're not there. Having your favourite tv show playing is sure to keep your mind busy while also making you feel slightly happier in the process. 

Thanks for reading!
Q: When was the last time you had a sick day?

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Tips For Public Speaking

Speeches have always been my Achilles heel. I recently talked to a guy from my old Primary school and the one recollection he had of me is the time I cried before doing my speech in class. 

I was Year 4. 

I'd like to say I've improved since then but a couple of days ago, I had to give a presentation for one of my Uni courses and I was a nervous wreck. My voice was shaky, I kept fidgeting with my hands and to make matters worse, the slides from the powerpoint I prepared were all in the wrong order. I know there are a lot of people that struggle with public speaking so if you also fall under this category, I really hope this post helps with your next speech or presentation. 

Fake it Til You Make it
I tell myself this phrase all the time. The mind is a strange thing and pretending to feel a certain way can have a massive effect on how you actually feel. If you try and act like you're having a good time, you might start to actually enjoy yourself after a period of time. I can't say this always works but it definitely helps the audience engage more with what you're saying. 

Don't Overthink it
Cue cards are great but aren't always necessary. While it's good to prepare, don't overdo it to the extent that it feels unnatural. Having notes to refer to can sometimes stiffen you up while you're speaking. Of course you should go through what you want to talk about beforehand but don't dwell on this too much. Another thing to remember is to go into your speech with a positive frame of mind. Sometimes if you imagine everything to go wrong, you're almost willing it to happen.

Remember it's a Legitimate Fear 
If you're feeling anxious about going up in front of everyone to speak and your heart is beating a hundred miles per hour, chances are someone else is experiencing that exact same feeling. There's absolutely nothing wrong with being nervous to talk in front a crowd of people. It's scary having so many eyes on you at once. Don't dismiss your fear or tell yourself that you're being silly. In fact, acknowledge it. I had several people in my Uni class go up to the front and say they hated public speaking before their speech. Sometimes addressing your fear can make it seem a lot more okay. 

Q: Do you like public speaking?
Thanks for reading!

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3 Ways to Have The Best Year Ever

Did you know that this year is the Year of the Pig? 

The Chinese calendar starts and ends around February so even though January 1st has been and gone, this post is still relevant! 

I have a really good feeling about this year. Even though I was born in the Year of the Rabbit, the Year of the Pig still holds a very special place in my heart. Ever since I was a child, I've had an immense love for the adorable pink animal. For that very reason, I'm counting on 2019 to be a great one. This year is my year and it can be your year too! Here are three ways to have the best year ever!

Pick up a New Hobby
Expand your skillset by picking up a new hobby. Give anything and everything a try. You don't know what will happen, you may just have an amazing hidden talent that you're yet to discover. Be adventurous and don't just think about where you know your strengths lie. It's a great chance for you to challenge yourself and your abilities, and I can guarantee you'll have a lot of fun in the process! 

Explore Somewhere New
Go overseas, see the world! Or just as good, find somewhere in your city or town that you've never been to before. It's important to change up your surroundings when you can. Sometimes we get too caught up in our weekly routines that the places we know so well start to feel boring to us. The best way to make new memories is to step outside of these places for a little while and experience what else is out there. It can be as extravagant as a trip to Spain or as simple as a day hike with friends. If you're allowing yourself to break away from familiarity every once in a while, then you're definitely on the road to creating a really great year for yourself. 

Meet New People
Last but not least, meet people! Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to start a conversation with someone you don't know. They may just turn into a best friend for life. The people you surround yourself can have a massive impact on your year so be sure to stay in the company of people that make you happy and bring out the best in you. 

Q: What's your Chinese zodiac animal?
Thanks for reading?

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How to Plan For a Trip Overseas

In just over a week's time, I will be travelling to Malaysia with my family! In fact, by the time you read this, I'll already be there! 

(Yes, this post is being written in advance and yes, I am finally getting more organised with scheduling my posts!) 

We'll be in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, for 6 days and my Dad has put me in charge of planning what we do during that time. There are a lot of different ways to plan for a trip overseas but here are just the ways I like to do it. 

Pin a Whole Bunch of Images
Before anything else, I'll go on to Pinterest to scroll through images of the place I'm travelling to. That way I'll know what attractions to expect to see when I start doing more of my text-based research. If I'm feeling really inspired, I'll select images of my favourite looking places and arrange them on an A4 page in Photoshop. Just like the one I did below. 

Make a Bucket List
I love goal keeping and I love checklists. If you're the same, then I highly recommend making a bucket list for your holiday. There are usually plenty of ideas for pretty much any place you search for on Pinterest. I'm thinking of creating a bucket list devoted solely to all the restaurants and dishes I want to try. I'm really looking forward to all the food I get to eat while I'm away!

Read Travel Guides on Your Holiday Destination 
The Lonely Planet travel guides are always a great source of information. I already have a pocket book for both Hawaii and Beijing when my family and I travelled to these places in the past. Neither one of those trips would have been the same had I not bought those travel guides. I recently found one for Kuala Lumpur and have spent hours poring over it already. 

Talk to People Who Have Travelled There
I've spoken to a few people who've been to KL. It always helps to get firsthand advice. You'll also get a better idea for the overall experience of a place. Guide books and online articles tend to be more factual than anything else and while that's great for research purposes, it's still nice to hear the stories people have. 

Create a Detailed Itinerary 
Once you've got a definite list of all the places you want to visit, make an itinerary out of them. Write out the dates for all the days you're away then allocate two or three attractions to each (depending on how big or small the attractions are). Consider location when sorting these out as you want to make it easy for you as possible to get from one place to the next. 

Q: Have you been to KL before?
Thanks for reading! 

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5 Ways to Prepare For Christmas

As much as I love December, it's definitely my busiest month of the year. If it's the same for you, my advice is to plan ahead. Don't leave things to the last minute. There's nothing worse than running around on Christmas Eve trying to get everything done the night before. In today's post, I'm going to be sharing five ways to get ready for the 25th. Don't underestimate how many days you have left. They'll go by in the blink of an eye!

1. Write Your Christmas Wishlist
You're never too old for a Christmas Wishlist! There's nothing wrong with giving friends and family some kind of indication as to what you'd like getting. Of course they'd like to get you something you'd really love as you hope to do for them. 

2. Decide on a Budget
When it comes to present buying, it's a good idea to limit yourself to a certain spending amount. That way you won't get too carried away while shopping. If you can figure out what you want to get each person early on, you'll have less trouble settling on a realistic budget. 

3. Check You Have Enough Festive Gift Wrap
Make sure you have enough gift wrap to last you the holiday season. One or two rolls may seem like enough but can you never be too sure. It's always better to have more rather than less and you can always use your leftover rolls in the upcoming years. 

4. Clean Your House From Top to Bottom
If you know you're going to be having a lot of guests throughout the month, be sure to give your house a good tidy. Get everything in order before bringing out the Christmas decor. It's important your space is all sorted out before giving it a festive makeover. 

5. Restock Your Pantry
There's a lot of cooking and baking that happens around this time of year. Which means your pantry and fridge must be properly stocked. Replenish main ingredients like sugar, salt, flour and oil and for other, less ordinary supplies, refer to your favourite Christmas recipes. 

Thanks for reading!

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Tips For Saving Money

Lately, I've been spending quite a lot on eating out and shopping trips to the mall. I used to be pretty good at saving my cash however for some reason, this hasn't been the case as of recently. I thought this post would not only help others but myself also. I need to establish some ground rules for keeping my spending habits under control. Let me know if you found this post useful in the comment section below!

Have an Ultimate Goal

Having a goal or something to work towards can be a great incentive towards saving. Your goal could be an experience like a holiday overseas or a physical thing like a new phone or laptop. The bigger the goal, the more satisfying it'll be when you do end up saving that amount. It's okay if during this process you feel like you're goal is still so far out of reach. It can take a little bit of time to build up that momentum but if you stick with it, you'll get the results you want in no time. 

Limit Yourself to a Certain Amount a Week

A great way to limit your buying is to set yourself a maximum amount each week. Once you've decided on a reasonable spending amount, keep it at the back of your mind wherever you go. Be strict with yourself because the more lenient you are, the more likely this won't have an effect. This method will help you make more responsible purchases and ensure you're not splurging unnecessarily.

Make the Most of Sales/Discounts 

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of patience to save you some dollars. If you see something in a store and you're really tempted to buy it, give yourself at least a week to deliberate. If you're really lucky, during that wait a sale may pop up and you'll be getting the thing you wanted for nearly half it's original price. Look out for when your favourite stores or restaurants are having any special deals/discounts. Even the smallest percentage off makes a difference. 

Thanks for reading! Do you know any other money saving tips? 

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Tips For Organising Your Wardrobe

I've done so much shopping this past month and a bit, my closet has reached full capacity. There's literally no space for anything else and it's become a bit of a mess because of this. I've decided I need to do a massive tidy up but if there's one thing I've learnt from doing my big bedroom clean ups, it's that organising my wardrobe is no easy feat. If you're like me and really struggle with your wardrobe space, here are some easy ways to keep your fashion items in order. 

Categorise Your Clothes
A great way to organise your clothing is by category; dresses, tops, jackets, pants, etc. Not only does it make your job a whole lot easier when putting together an outfit for the day, it also makes your closet look that much tidier. By grouping similar garments together, the space will look a lot less cluttered/jumbled. An even better way to order these categories is by length. Depending on whether you want a downward or upward slope, start with the shortest or longest item then work your way along. 

Invest in a Shoe Rack
If you're someone with quite a lot of shoes, a shoe rack is definitely worth buying. Shoe racks are not only a great way to display your footwear, they also put your wardrobe's floor space to good use. While shoe shelves are another good storage option, they don't take advantage of floor space like shoe racks do. A good way to arrange your shoes is by use. Place the ones you wear frequently on the top level and then the ones you wear less often on the lower levels. That way your favourite shoes are more accessible to you.

Store Bags on Shelves
If you have shelves in your wardrobe, I'd recommend saving them for your bags. Bags are probably the most difficult to organise while making sure they're still visible. Depending on the number of shelves you have, you could sort a bag per shelf. By giving each bag its own compartment, they would be less likely to get distorted/squashed. This would also allow you to see each bag clearly making it easier for you to grab the one you want in a hurry. 

Hang Other Accessories on Wall Hooks
Belts, scarfs and hats are often overlooked in terms of having a home. Because of this, they tend to get lost quite easily. A quick and easy solution to this problem is wall hooks. You can either buy an over-the-door hook rack or DIY your own by attaching individual wall hooks to the inner side of your wardrobe door. If possible, try and make the most of your door space. With the right equipment, it can become a really great storage option.

Thanks for reading! Did you find this post helpful? Let me know down below!

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Tips For Organising Your Phone

I think I'm a pretty organised person. Efficiency is really important to me so in order to keep things running smoothly, I'll try to keep the mess and clutter to a minimal. My phone is definitely a good example of this. For me, I think keeping your phone tidy actually improves the functionality of this device. Not only does it speed up the phone's reaction time, it also makes it easier to find the things that you need when you need them. Let me know if you found this post helpful in the comment section below! I'd love to hear what you think!

Transfer Photos to Computer

It's always a good idea to regularly check the status of your storage as this will give you a good starting point for your decluttering. When it comes to a certain app weighing down your phone, the gallery is a common culprit. Photos are so easy to accumulate, It's understandable to overlook the amount of storage these photos are actually taking up. While it's okay to keep your favourite photos at easy reach, it doesn't hurt to transfer the rest. Making it a regular ritual will also make sure that you're not losing out on any of that valuable storage space. 

Use Folders to Group Apps

I don't like having too many pages on my phone because it can make it really difficult to locate a specific app in a short amount of time. At the moment, I've limited my page number to two only. The way I achieved this was by grouping my apps in folders. Categorising your apps is a really useful thing to do. I have several themed folders including a "Social Media" one, a "Photography" one and a "Games" one. Especially with the apps you don't often use but still need, folders are a good way to keep them in one place and off to the side a little bit.

Go Through Notes

I love using notes. If I don't have a pen and paper, the notes app is the next best thing. Most of the time, I use notes to write down any thoughts or ideas I have on the go. I used to keep my notes for ages. Most of the time, these notes didn't need to be there anymore. Either I had executed the task or recorded it somewhere else. I think it's nice to go through your notes every once in a while. You can delete any unnecessary ones as well as check for any ones you may have forgotten about. 

Check Your Recents

I'm always conscious of my recent apps. I used to make a habit of clearing them to save battery power until I heard it has absolutely no affect on the lifespan of your phone. Nowadays I like to keep the recents of my favourite apps so I'm not having to restart them every time I use them. I'll still discard tabs, just not all of them. Even though it doesn't really make a difference to your phone, it's still a good idea to keep your recents under control. 

Thanks for reading! 

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How to Manage Multiple Social Media Platforms

When it comes to blogging, platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest play such an important part in bringing readers to your site. Social media can really do wonders for your blog however maintaining several accounts at once is no easy feat. If you struggle with managing and being active on multiple platforms here are some tips to hopefully point you in the right direction!  

Keep on Top of Notifications
When notifications are left unattended, they can really begin to clog up your device. The trouble with this build up is that you're more likely to find yourself out of the loop. When you have an overwhelming amount of notifications to go through, it's understandable to want to skim through them quickly. However this means you're more likely to dismiss something you actually have a strong interest in. Make sure to keep an eye on the comments, messages and follows as you receive them. If they're easy to check off then don't hesitate to do so. When you constantly have notifications coming through, it definitely helps to get as many out of the way when you can. 

Have Daily Goals
At the start of each day, tell yourself what you hope to achieve on each platform. It could be joining a blogger chat on Twitter, starting a new board on Pinterest or commenting on five people's photos on Instagram. If you find you're putting certain platforms over others, give yourself reasons to tend to those accounts you're less loyal to. It's all about finding that balance and having a task for each social media site will really help motivate you to evenly spread your time across all accounts. 

Track When You Post
It's a good idea to make note of when you post online. Use a planner or diary to mark when you've shared on a certain platform. That way, you'll be able to see which sites you need to engage with more. It's easy to forget when you last posted on an account so it definitely pays to have some kind of record to refer to when this happens. A big part of engaging on social media is having a consistent posting schedule. Regular tweets, pins and shares are essential in order to connect and interact with your followers. Use your planner/diary to establish a good posting schedule. It'll really benefit you in the long run. 

Thanks for reading! What's your favourite platform for promoting your blog? Let me know in the comment section below!

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My 4 Tips For Starting a Bullet Journal

At the beginning of this year I decided to take the plunge and start my first proper bullet journal. Last year, I had an unofficial bullet journal where I trialled different spreads and layouts. During this time I was able to get to grips with the system and wrap my head around this new form of planning. I don't have a lot of experience on my side but in the process of starting up, I did pick up on a couple things that I thought would still be good to share. Here are 4 things that helped me when starting my bullet journal. 

1. Research Before Purchasing Anything
When it comes to finding your ideal supplies, I recommend watching comparison videos on Youtube. You'll not only see the stationery being tested side by side but also get a better sense for the wide variety of notebooks and pens on market. Try not to get too caught up in what everyone else in using. Establish what you're hoping to get out of your bullet journal as this will help make sure you're investing in the right products for you. 

2. Play Around With Different Equipment
It's commonly said that all you need to bullet journal is a notebook and a pen but that doesn't go to say that you can't incorporate other creative supplies into your planner. Washi tape, stickers, stamps and stencils can also be used in bullet journalling. Be creative and don't be afraid to experiment with different methods and techniques. The more enjoyable you make your bullet journalling, the more likely you'll commit to it. 

3. Get Inspired Regularly 
Pinterest and Instagram are treasure troves of bullet journalling inspiration. Whenever you feel like you're starting to lose momentum with your planning, scroll through BuJo accounts on social media. If you're bored of your current set up, look for new collections to add or different layouts for your weekly spreads. Sometimes it helps to change things up a bit so don't feel like your journal has to have a consistent theme/aesthetic.

4. Have a Draft Book
Whenever you're planning it's always good to have some scrap paper close by so that you can make any rough sketches if need be. A draft book allows you to test different handwriting styles, headers, borders and other types of doodles. If you see something online but don't know if you'll be able to execute it correctly, you can just give it a go in your second notebook. That way, if it doesn't look the way you want it to, there's still no harm done to your actual journal.  

Thanks for reading! What are your thoughts on bullet journalling? Let me know in the comments below! 

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My Blog Photography Tips

I love photography but am by no means a photography expert. The reason I decided to write this post is because I feel like my confidence behind the camera has grown so much from when I first started blogging to now. In today's post, I'm sharing my four personal tips for blog photography. Here are the things I've learnt through taking my blog photos. 

1. Use Less Props
Personally, I find less props a lot more manageable to shoot. Especially in terms of composition. Before I even get my camera out I tend to shuffle the props around quite a bit so having less items in the picture means I can be more flexible with my arrangement. If you're like me and are very particular about the layout of a photo, I think it's a good idea to limit yourself to five or six props per frame so you're not wasting time moving a dozen or so items every time you change your mind about a composition. 

2. Take Multiple Shots From Different Angles
Once I've created a prop layout that I'm happy with, I'll photograph it multiple times, adjusting my camera positioning after each shot. Experiment with different angles by constantly moving around your set up. That way, you're not limiting your photos to one reoccurring perspective  Flat lays are known for being a blogger's go-to photograph but that doesn't mean you can't play around with other kind of camera shots as well.  

3. Photograph Near a Window
Windows are your best friend when it comes to photographing indoors. There's a spot in the house living room that I find myself constantly going back. It gets just the right amount of natural sunlight. When it's hot summer's day, I like to photograph in the late afternoon so the light isn't so intense however if it's cooler outside then I'm more likely to photograph mid day. When it comes to natural lighting, you have to be adaptable. It may not be as predictable as other kind of lighting however it will provide you the best results in the end. 

4. Find Your Ideal Editing Program
When it comes to editing my photos, I like to use Adobe Lightroom to brighten my images and then canva.com to crop them to size. There are an abundance of photo editing apps and websites out there, it shouldn't be too hard finding one that accustoms to your photography needs. If you're not happy with your current editing process, don't be afraid to change it up a bit. You want to find an editing program that is compatible with you and your photography style so if something isn't quite working for you, it may be a good idea to try something new.

Thanks so much for reading! If you have any blog photography tips you'd like to share, feel free to leave them below! 

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How to Prepare For Any Big Test/Exam

When it comes to study and revision, everybody has a learning method that works best for them. I'm a visual learner which means I find it easiest to process things through charts and diagrams however you may prefer learning through listening or reading. Even though we all absorb information differently, there are still certain study habits that will benefit everyone no matter what their learning style is. My end of year exams are coming up so I know that compiling this list of tips and tricks will be a good way for me to mentally prepare myself for the upcoming months. If you know you'll be undergoing a test anytime soon, hopefully you'll be able to take something useful away from this post!

Start With The Tricky Stuff

Always study the harder content first. This should get top priority over the things you find least challenging. Make sure you've wrapped your head around the trickier stuff before reviewing the easier topics. Most of the time, the more complicated it is, the more points it offers so even if you aren't perfect at the basics, you'll still have a very good chance at achieving a high grade. 

Try a Practice Test

Find a past paper or test and try to complete it under exam conditions. To make it as official as possible, set yourself the same amount of time you'll have for the actual thing and make sure all devices are turned off or switched to silent. Aim to have just your test paper and stationery in front of you. After all, this is all you'll have on the day. Once you've completed your practice test, you should have a better idea of the exam format and how you're going to manage your time when it comes to the real thing. 

Keep Your Notes Tidy

Make sure you have notes that are both legible and easy to follow. There's no point in having a book of class notes if you can't read a single word of it. If you're really struggling to make sense of what you've written, ask to borrow a friend's book and review the content by writing all the information out again. After you've finished, you'll have both tidier notes and a better understanding of the things you re-wrote.  

Teach Others

When you explain something to a fellow classmate, not only are you helping a person in need but you're also strengthening your understanding of the information being taught. Sharing your knowledge and strategies is a great way to see how well you get the content. By teaching someone, you're testing your ability to process information. If you can teach it effectively, then you can execute it with ease however if you struggle to phrase your ideas then you may not have a complete grasp of the concept just yet. 

Communicate With Your Teachers

If you're ever unsure about anything exam-related, talk to you teachers. They know the content and test material better than anyone. They'll also be able to point you in the right direction in terms of what to study and how to best prepare for the questions. Your teachers are there to help you so so don't be afraid to contact them if you're feeling a bit stuck. 

Thanks for reading! What's the best piece of study advice you've ever been given? Let me know down below!

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4 Tips For Introverts

I've always considered myself an introvert. It's definitely not unusual for me to feel a little out of place at big social events/gatherings. I tend to keep to myself in large groups, need to step away from the crowd from time to time and take a little while to warm up around new people. Over the past few years I've been able to come out of my shell quite a bit however I still have my introverted preferences. I definitely feel more comfortable talking one-one-one than with a group of about 5 or 6 and when having a conversation with someone I've just met, like to ask questions instead of sharing stories about myself. In today's post, I'm sharing with you 4 tips for introverts. If you find socialising a bit tricky at times, hopefully this post will be useful in some way. 

1. Fake it Til You Make it
If you find yourself in a social situation where you don't know anyone, try not to let your discomfort show. If you're not quite ready to approach someone, make yourself look as friendly as possible. People are more likely to come up to someone who is smiling and looking around rather than someone who is frowning and staring at their feet. Stand tall and proud even if you're shaking inside. You'll have company in no time. 

2. Seek Advice
It's okay to ask for help from family and friends. If you struggle in certain social situations, don't be afraid to ask those who are more comfortable talkers/socialisers for advice. You don't have to change your personality completely, but if you're wanting to build on your social skills, it may help to get some tips and strategies from a person who is of the extroverted type. Talk to those who encourage you to meet new people and open yourself up to others but don't let them turn you into someone you're not. Introverts and extroverts are two different personality types and there is nothing is wrong with either of them so don't feel bad if you can't keep up with what they're telling you to do. 

3. Practice Makes Perfect
For quite some time, I really struggled with small talk and making conversation. Every time I went to speak with someone, I almost rehearsed the conversation in my mind, making sure I was completely prepared to say what I wanted to say. This was the only way I felt safe starting a conversation with someone and even though this probably wasn't best way to interact with people, it definitely helped me to develop this skill. Nowadays, I'm able to make small talk more naturally and I feel like I definitely have the practice I put into this skill to thank for that. Just put yourself out there. Even if you don't start off doing it in the right way, don't worry because you'll get there in the end. 

4. Start By Talking About Them 
My favourite way to start a conversation is with a compliment. If you like their jacket or their shoes or their earrings, tell them! This is a great conversation starter in terms of leading on to questions and personal stories. If you ask them where they got something from, it's highly likely you'll be able to continue the conversation from their response. If you're not very good at talking about yourself, make the conversation about them. Listen and ask questions. They're bound to appreciate your strong engagement and focus. 

Thanks for reading!

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How to Get a Good Night's Sleep

Having a good night's rest is so important and puts you in the best possible position for the next day. Lately, my sleeping schedule has been a bit off and I feel like I haven't had a decent night's sleep in ages. I'm either taking forever to drift off or am waking up abnormally early. Either way, I'm getting very little sleep. If you can relate and feel unsatisfied with the amount of hours you've been sleeping recently, hopefully these tips will be useful in some way.

Stretch Before Bed
Try fitting some gentle stretching into your night time routine. This will hopefully loosen any tenseness in the body and help you get into a relaxed state of mind. Avoid vigorous exercise as this tends to boost your energy levels, making it harder for you to fall asleep. Light exercise is better in terms of preparing your mind and body for bed and will definitely help to relieve some of that daytime stress for a restful sleep.

Listen To Music
Plugging in your earphones and listening to some relaxing music is a really good way to make yourself feel more sleepy. You could either use it to wind down before bed or have it as background noise while you fall asleep. If you're someone who tends to overthink at night, the music may be a nice way to distract yourself from your thoughts. 

Minimise Light
Rather than turning on the main light in your bedroom, use a bedside lamp or other smaller light source instead. If it provides a softer glow, it will be less likely to trick your mind into thinking it's daytime. For example, if you like to read before bed, use a book light instead of the ceiling light. Reading before bed is a really good habit to get in to however using the main light tends to make this calming activity a lot less effective. By limiting your exposure to light, you're sure to fall asleep a lot quicker/easier.

Switch Off Electronics
Disconnect from your devices at least an hour before you go to bed. If you know you'll be tempted by the notification bells and social media alerts, try switching your phone to silent mode or turning it off completely. As I mentioned before, you want to have very little contact with light as you're preparing for bed. The glow from your laptop or mobile screen is no different from any other light source in your bedroom. 

Check Quality of Mattress/Pillows
Comfortability plays a huge part in how well you sleep at night. If you find you're moving around a lot in your sleep, this may be the result of a worn mattress or unsupportive pillows. Mattresses have been said to last around 9-10 years so make sure yours hasn't exceeded this as this may be the root cause of your sleeping problem. Also, get pillows that are neither too hard nor too soft. You want your head to be propped up slightly but not an angle that strains your neck.

What's your favourite way to wind down at night?

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6 Tips For a Bad Day

In life, everybody has their share of good days and not-so-good days. Today's post is all about the latter. Personally, I don't think I handle my bad days as well as I should. If my day starts off on the wrong foot, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth from that moment on. Suddenly I'm expecting everything else to go wrong and because I'm in that mindset, the day is unsurprisingly full of slip-ups. That's how powerful your thoughts are. I need to stop letting one negative experience overrule the rest of my day. Just because a day starts off unlucky, doesn't mean it has to end that way. 

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions
When you're upset, you tend to brush your feelings aside. You try to suppress the embarrassment, frustration, betrayal or disappointment and in doing so, allow the feeling to have a lasting effect. Sometimes shedding some tears makes all the difference. Instead of letting the emotion linger inside, cry it out.

2. Connect With Others
Socialising and getting together with friends is the perfect distraction for a bad day. You can always count on those closest to you to know how to make you smile. If something is still bothering you and you can't seem to shake it from your conscious then I'm sure the group wouldn't mind if you shared it. Everybody needs to vent every once in a while. 

3. Try Being Productive 
Tackle the chores and responsibilities you've been avoiding for quite some time, such as tidying your room or cleaning your wardrobe. By getting things done, you'll be able to take your mind away from your worries as well as work towards the most rewarding outcome possible.  

4. Get Active
Exercise is really important, especially if you're not in the best state of mind. Keep it fast paced so that you can refrain from dwelling too much on negative thoughts. By the end of the workout you should feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day. 

5. Do Something Nice 
If you're really feeling down, doing a good deed for someone else is sure to lift your spirits. It may not magic all your problems away, but it will definitely leave you feeling more accomplished than you did before. 

6. Relax
Take some time out of your day to stress-relieve. Sit down and watch a film or run yourself a bubble bath. Adding a little bit of relaxation into your day is sure to boost your mood and just because your day hasn't been going to plan, doesn't mean you're undeserving of the treatment.

I hope you found this post useful. If you think that a bad day is a bad day and nothing can change that, think again. Sometimes breaking out of that mindset is all you need to turn your not-so-good day around. 

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Being a Healthy Perfectionist

A perfectionist is fuelled by their need to not only achieve but excel. I know perfectionism well and while I believe in the self-driven nature of this personality trait, you have to acknowledge the destructive side as well. As perfectionists, we're never fully satisfied with our accomplishments. When we reach our goals, we can't properly celebrate because our minds are too busy giving ourselves a new target. One that is just as tiresome and exhausting as the last. When we have these unrealistic expectations of ourselves, that's when working towards "perfection" can really start to take a toll on us. 

Concentrate on The Bigger Picture
Time is precious so we want to make sure we're using it on the right things. I definitely obsess too much over the minor details. If you're having to redo something again and again, take a second to think about how significant it is to the end result. The more you keep touching on it, the more paranoid you become. Know when to move on. Tell yourself you'll come back to it later and I guarantee you that by the time you've finished up, you'll realise just how small and unimportant it was.    

Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes
You're human, it's normal to slip up sometimes. We learn from being wrong and we make better choices because of this. It's true that our achievements define who we are but so do our mistakes. You must embrace this if you want to grow as a person and gain self acceptance within yourself. 

Don't Focus Too Much on One Thing
Don't let everything you do revolve around just one job or one class or one friend. Make sure you're tending to all aspects of your life. It's all about finding the right balance between hobbies, school/work and social life. If you were to spend every hour of every day "perfecting" your skills in a sport you play, you're likely to neglect all your other commitments. Which means if something were to go wrong and you were out for the season, you'd have nothing else to fall back on. 

Find The Silver Lining
Perfectionists often recognise the bad before the good. The voice inside our mind criticises our every move and floods our heads with insecurities. You're allowed to self-evaluate and reassess situations, however if these internal reflections are consumed by negative thoughts, they won't get you anywhere. Applaud yourself every once in a while. Instead of focusing solely on improvement, give yourself a chance to reflect on how far you've come and take pride in where you are now. 

What are your thoughts on perfectionism? 

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How to Get a Part-Time Job

Getting part-time work can be tough especially when you're starting out and looking for your first paid job. This is because most employers look for those who have been previously hired making it harder for those who've never been employed, to get work. In most cases, you need experience to get experience however getting a first job is definitely doable and with a little persistence, you'll soon find your way into the workplace.

Keep an Eye Out For Any Open Positions
Job vacancies are actually easier to find than you'd think. You just have to know where to look. Like with most other things, I'd turn to the internet first. Online sites are a great because they're able to narrow down your options for you, helping you find a job result that both interests you and works with your schedule. After online sites, I'd probably check social media as most companies post any open positions they have on their pages. Then if I still hadn't found a suitable job opening, I'd turn to the more traditional places such as newspapers and shop windows. 

Communication is Key
Don't be afraid to get in touch with businesses you'd really like to be a part of. Even if they haven't advertised an open position, it's never a bad idea to share your interest in employment with them. Though it's likely they will turn you down - which is understandable if they're not hiring at the moment - it doesn't hurt to leave your CV with them in case they need someone to help out in the future. While you can flick them a friendly email with you resume attached, sometimes going in and talking to them personally makes a really nice first impression.

Talk to Your Family And Friends
Get in touch with those who have already been through the job hunting process before. They're sure to have some good advice for you. And if you're keen to work at a company a friend or family member is part of, tell them. That way you'll be able to hear about possible job openings first hand. They may even be willing to recommend you to their employer themselves. As well as talking to the employees you know, talk to any business owners you know also. If you have a friend or relative that runs a company you think would be the ideal workplace for you, arrange a meet-up and let them know you're looking for part-time work. If you're really close to them, it's likely you won't have to worry too much about the interview/introduction process which definitely takes some of the pressure of you. 

I hope this post was helpful if you're still on the job hunt. Do you have a part-time job? If so, what is it?

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5 Ways to Get The Creative Juices Flowing

I'm someone who's constantly drawn towards any artsy task or project. Whenever there's opportunity to express my creativity or think outside the box, I'm always willing to take it. While I would describe myself as "creative" there are definitely times where I feel like my imagination has deserted me. Because I don't think I'm alone in getting this feeling, I decided to dedicate today's post to overcoming creative block.

1. Make a Mood Board
Doing some visual research is always a good place to start. Find artist models online that you can draw ideas from. Print off some of their designs and stick them to a pin board along with some motivational quotes, magazine clippings and a selection of your favourite photographs. I love being able to refer back to a mood board whenever I'm in need of inspiration.

2. Get Outdoors
If you've been sitting at a desk for a majority of the day, whether that's in an office or classroom, it may be time for a change in scenery. While a walk around the block usually gets the job done, I find scenic trails a great source of inspiration. Take a chance to really focus on your surroundings. When I go on these nature walks, I like to let my mind wander. Instead of forcing inspiration, I let it come naturally. Usually my best ideas come when I least expect them to.

3. Go to the Library
Reading is great way to help generate ideas. When you open a book, you're opened up to a whole new world of possibilities. Books are pretty much snippets of a person's imagination so what better place than a library to spark your own creativity. Libraries are great because their supply is so big and varied therefore you're almost always guaranteed to find something somewhere.

4. Put Pen to Paper

Keep a notebook with you at all times. As I've said before, inspiration can come at random. So make sure you're ready for it when it does. Anything that makes you stop and think, write it down. It's a good idea to record your ideas as soon as you get them because sometimes they disappear just as quickly as they come. Even the most crazy and impossible ideas can reawaken the imagination which will then go on to boost your creativity levels. 

5. Go to Bed
I know sleeping is probably the last thing you want to do but most of the time that overnight break is all you need to start that creative flow up again. Just because you're stepping away from something for the time being, doesn't mean you're forgetting about it for good. Don't feel bad about going to bed with your project unfinished because letting yourself sleep on your ideas will put you in the best possible mindset for the next morning.

Have I missed anything? Let me know if you do any of these or if you do something I haven't included!

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