Students blog

At the beginning of each year and each semester, students may make all different kinds of resolutions Whether it be exercising more, making new friends, or studying harder, almost every student finds something that they want to change. No matter the change though, one thing stays the same: organizational habits need an improvement! By organizing your life, you can achieve any goal you set your mind to!

Organize Your Day

Utilizing different planning apps like a digital calendar, a physical planner, or other organization apps on your phone can make planning your day-to-day schedule so much easier. I often find myself not remembering to do activities like going to the gym or meeting up with friends unless I make a conscious effort to write down and plan these events! Small efforts can go a long way.

What’s a Dopamine Menu?

This is one of the best tools I’ve found to “organize my happiness!” A dopamine menu is a small list of tasks that can be completed to make you feel happier! The “dopamine” aspect of the name refers to the chemical known as the “happy hormone.” The “menu” aspect refers to the fact that the list is often organized as a menu. Appetizers are actions that don’t take long and could include listening to your favorite song, cuddling a pet, or stretching. Entrees take a little bit longer – maybe going for a walk, cooking a favorite meal, or taking a long shower. Sides can be done in the background – like putting on your favorite show or lighting a candle. And desserts are special treats, like buying a new outfit or going to your favorite place! I’ve utilized a dopamine menu when I’m feeling stressed from college life. It’s a quick and easy way to give myself the boost I need to get through the day!

Organizing Your Space

Decluttering your space is an easy way to clear your mind. I’ve found that taking time to organize my closet, deep clean my room, and throw out old things that I don’t need allows me to enjoy and relax in the space that I’m living in. A clear mind helps me to study more effectively and reach my other goals more easily!

All in all, college life is never easy. There are constant stressors that take us farther and farther away from reaching our goals! As students, it is important to take a step back and reflect on our habits. With a few changes to our organization skills, we can easily achieve our goals!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

When it comes to our well-being and health, we were encouraged with vague statements such as “Get a good night's rest!”, “Eat healthy”, or “Make sure to exercise”. Often these conversations can be too generic, as they fail to encapsulate problems such as why someone may not exercise or why someone cannot sleep.

Studies show that nearly 50% of people abandon their gym membership within the first six months. Why? Because getting started can be intimidating. Here are some tips for overcoming common obstacles found in individuals who want to exercise. Before I begin, I want to clarify that every individual is subject to their own impediment. As much as you think the gym influencer on Instagram is perfect, they are not. There is a high chance they have had their own exercise block before.

A frequent problem I notice with people who want to start going to the gym is anxiety or “gymtimidation.” People fear what other gym-goers might think and are scared to be seen doing what others might perceive as “low-weight” or “low-intensity” workouts. I assure you that most gym enthusiasts are happy to see you taking time to better your life; others are just tunnel visioned on their workout. Nobody is going to degrade you for trying. Not to mention, that the whole concept of a gym routine is not an overnight process. It may be easier to take it slow by starting with things you are familiar with such as walking on a treadmill or a stair master. After a week or two you may progress onto running or weightlifting. All in all, the gym is individualized/tailored to your needs, take your time getting accustomed to it.

Another issue is conflicting schedules and a sense of laziness. Sometimes we just want to “take today off and rest”, which becomes multiple days. One way to combat this is finding a gym partner. Having a gym partner is one of the best drivers for the gym because you both can hold each other accountable, comfort, and compete with one another safely. This can also help with the previous issue of being anxious. Another way to combat laziness is the 3-2-1 method. This method just consists of counting down to the number one. Once you reach it, it is time to jump to action and prepare yourself for the task at hand! The more consistent you are with going to the gym the sooner it becomes a regular routine. Regarding schedule conflict, it is important to remember the gym does not have to be a 2-hour session. All it takes is 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, five days a week to meet the cardiovascular exercise recommendation. During that time, you can listen to music, watch shows, or talk to friends, and before you know it 30 minutes have flown by.

One of the biggest concerns of those beginning to exercise is the “how to”. The answer to this question starts with the question “What is your goal?” If you are like me and want to build muscle mass, then you should try out progressive overload. In short terms, progressive overload involves high-intensity weightlifting, with fewer reps and more weight to emphasize reaching hypertrophy. On the other hand, individuals who seek to lose weight must make sure that they are on a calorie deficit, a process in which you consume fewer calories than the amount required to fuel your body's essential functions and daily activities. If you maintain this deficit, you will lose weight. To attain extremely healthy weight loss, make sure you are getting adequate amounts of carbs, proteins, and fats (determined based on your demographics). Finally, if you are seeking to just stay healthy you should follow ACSM’s guidelines on frequency, intensity, time, and the type of exercise you should do weekly.

Overall, the best way to get into the gym is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Everything about the gym is going to be different from what you are used to. Your body will hurt from soreness, your heart will race to provide oxygen and blood throughout your body, you will sweat to cool off, and you will be in an environment that is new to you. All it takes is for you to dedicate yourself to the process of adaptation. Do not forget to do your research and practice proper form. Good luck with your exercise endeavors!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

In today’s hyper-connected age, staying focused has become more challenging than ever. With constant notifications, emails, and social media updates vying for our attention, it is easy to lose sight of our priorities. It also does not help that we always carry the internet in our pocket. However, with the right strategies, you can reclaim your focus and navigate the digital world with intention.

The Impact of Digital Distractions

Our brains are wired to seek entertainment and past time, making digital distractions incredibly appealing. Each notification triggers a dopamine release, reinforcing our habit of checking our devices. A constant state of distraction takes a toll on productivity, creativity, and mental well-being. Studies show that it can take up to 23 minutes to refocus after an interruption, underscoring the importance of managing distractions effectively.

Understanding the Cost of Multitasking

Multitasking often feels productive, but research proves otherwise. When we switch between tasks, our brains expend extra energy refocusing, leading to decreased efficiency and more mistakes. Single tasking, which is fully focusing on one task at a time, not only improves productivity but also enhances the quality of your work.

Decluttering Your Digital Environment

One of the first steps to regaining focus is minimizing digital clutter. Start by turning off non-essential notifications to reduce interruptions. Productivity tools can help block distracting apps and websites. Additionally, organizing your desktop and app layout can create a more serene and functional workspace.

Building Focus-Enhancing Habits

Developing habits that enhance focus is crucial. Techniques like the Pomodoro Method, which is working in short, timed intervals with breaks in between, can significantly boost productivity. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, train the brain to resist distractions. Scheduled breaks are equally important, as they prevent burnout and help maintain long-term focus.

Setting Boundaries with Technology

Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining focus. Consider implementing digital detox practices, such as creating no-tech zones in your home or setting specific times to unplug. Many smartphones offer app limits or focus modes that restrict usage during work hours. These boundaries help you regain control over your time and attention.

The Role of Your Physical Environment

Your physical environment plays a critical role in your ability to focus. Design a workspace that minimizes distractions by keeping it clean and organized. Noise-canceling headphones or white noise apps can help block out external distractions, allowing you to concentrate fully on your tasks.

Developing Long-Term Focus Skills

Strengthening your attention span takes time and consistency. Start by engaging in activities that require sustained focus, such as reading or solving puzzles. Practicing digital mindfulness, which is being aware of your tech usage and making intentional changes, can also help. Celebrate small victories as you notice improvements in your ability to concentrate.

The Benefits of a Focused Mind

The rewards of improved focus are immense. Greater productivity, deeper creativity, and enhanced emotional well-being are just a few of the benefits. By mastering the art of focus, you can achieve your goals more effectively and experience a more fulfilling personal and professional life. In a world designed to distract, focus is your superpower.

By implementing these strategies, you can take control of your attention and thrive in an increasingly digital landscape. Remember, focus is not just a skill, it is a practice that requires consistency and dedication.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

The beginning of a new year is very exciting but can also come with a lot of pressure. People aim high, setting really ambitious goals for the new year. Setting goals (New Year’s Resolutions) for yourself can be a great way to keep yourself motivated throughout the year.

Last year I wrote out my New Year’s Resolutions for the first time and found it helpful in visualizing my thoughts. I came up with categories that describe my current life and then put a few goals in each of those categories. For example, I had an academics section, a health section, a career section, a relationships section, and miscellaneous. When making goals for each of these sections, I tried to come up with some smaller goals and some bigger goals. By completing my smaller goals, I worked towards completing my bigger goals. I also put a timeframe on my goals, so that they were measurable, and I had a way to track my progress.

My year last year felt more productive than previous years. I think that started with even making goals in the first place – I subconsciously was always working towards them. Making goals in different categories ensured that I devoted some time to categories that often were pushed to the side. I made it a priority to move my body and exercise a few times a week. This released significant amounts of stress for me because it took my mind off of homework or an upcoming test. I focused on trying to read more books in my free time, instead of mindlessly scrolling on social media. I love to read; I just hadn’t made it a priority before. I used to believe that I was too busy to read books for fun while at school, but I learned that you always have time if you make time.

Another goal of mine was to prioritize relationships. My goal was to call one sibling every week as well as one friend from high school during the school year, and one sibling and one friend from college during the summer. Holding myself to this allowed me to stay more up to date with friends who I don’t get to see in person as often as I’d like to.

I would strongly recommend making goals at the beginning of the year because it helped me grow a lot as a person and improved my quality of life. Organizing my goals into categories helped me stay on track long after the glow of the New Year’s holiday had faded away. I felt great, both physically and mentally, after making an active effort to spend less time on social media, read more, exercise more, and prioritize relationships. Make time for the things you enjoy!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As I sit and reflect on the person I’ve become, I realize the individual I once identified with feels like a distant, familiar stranger. “Creative” was never a word I associated with myself or imagined others would use to describe me. Yet now, creativity defines my world and has become an intrinsic part of who I am. However, this transformation didn’t happen overnight. The journey to discovering my creative side and, ultimately, my newest passion was anything but easy.

After walking away from football during my sophomore year of college, I felt lost and aimless. Football had been such an intrinsic part of my life that I never allowed myself to believe I could excel at anything else. For six months, life without football left me at my lowest point. I didn’t know who I was anymore—until I found my way back to my first true love: storytelling.

Storytelling is the fuel that drives me forward in life. I’ve always had an affinity for creative storytelling, whether factual or fictional. The very act of weaving narratives has always fascinated me. Although my life was deeply entrenched in the student-athlete lifestyle, I often turned to media and storytelling as my escape. When football was no longer part of my day-to- day life, I immersed myself in narrative storytelling more deeply than ever before. With my newfound free time, I had no idea what to do—until one day, my younger brother, a 2D animator, suggested I start making videos. With nothing to lose, I decided to take the risk.

I’ll be transparent: I don’t believe I found creativity—creativity found me. From the moment I dipped my hand in the cookie jar, I became obsessed. From writing scripts to learning how to edit, tapping into my creative side became more than just a hobby—it was therapeutic. It forced me to reflect and understand myself in ways I never had before, sparking the motivation to become the person I truly want to be. I fell in love with the introspection that storytelling required, because to tell great stories, one must first understand their own.

As time goes on, I see myself continuing to grow as a creative. I view it as my avenue to live a truly free life. But what this journey has also taught me is how easy it is to put ourselves in boxes, limiting our ability to think beyond those confines. Creativity shattered those limits for me, showing me that the capabilities of our minds are truly endless.

Creative storytelling helped me discover that we are not meant to be tied to a single, fixed identity—whether defined by society or by ourselves. We are far more nuanced, and our minds are filled with infinite possibilities. As an aspiring storyteller in all its forms, my dream is to travel the world and provide people with a comfortable platform to share their stories. Learning about my own creative abilities has inspired me to dedicate my life to one guiding principle: Chasing Infinity.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Hey there, Resolution Revolutionaries!

As the new year approaches, we reflect on areas we hope to improve and grow. While New Year's resolutions often start with great enthusiasm, they can quickly lose momentum. However, we can approach resolutions with a new mindset and focus on achieving tangible results. These are my tips for anyone looking to keep their momentum going in the new year!

Dream Big and Start Small:

Pursuing grand visions transcends mere pastime—it's a catalyst for meaningful change. Our most ambitious goals find their roots in the vast expanse of our imagination, a space where the future can exceed the bounds of our current reality. Let's explore boundless opportunities and chart a strategic course towards our ambitions.

This year, I took time to think about what I wanted my life to look like long after graduating college instead of arbitrarily making my resolutions. I wanted to have time to explore my hobbies, speak multiple languages, and live an active lifestyle. I imagined the most idealized version of myself possible, and once I did, I made my yearly goals–with a twist. Instead of giving myself a year to accomplish them, I gave myself three months. The Twelve Week Year has been widely replicated by many people looking to take their goals to the finish line, and once I read the book by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington, I did the same! Although I did not achieve everything I set out to do and wasn't consistent every day, I achieved much more in 12 weeks than in the previous 12 months. If you’re also struggling to stay consistent for a seemingly long period, try implementing it yourself!

By dreaming without constraints, we unlock a wellspring of motivation and innovation, rendering the once unattainable within reach. However, the key to tangible progress lies in setting smaller, achievable goals. These steps deconstruct the journey, making our grand visions more accessible. By translating our dreams into actionable plans, we move from abstract aspirations to concrete achievements, ensuring our goals evolve from thoughts into reality.

Visualize Goals Daily

Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you turn your dreams into reality. By closing your eyes and picturing yourself achieving your goals, you can tap into the power of your subconscious mind and start to make things happen. But visualization is not just about seeing things in your mind's eye. It's also about using visual cues to keep your aspirations front and center in your consciousness.

One way to visualize is through creating a vision board! A vision board is collages of images and words representing your goals and desires. You can create your vision board on a poster board, a corkboard, or online. To make a vision board, gather images and words that inspire you and arrange them meaningfully and powerfully. I planned a vision board party with a few of my closest friends in December last year. We spent hours cutting out pictures and words from magazines, and then we arranged them on our vision boards. We talked about our goals and aspirations for the coming year as we worked. We shared why we wanted to visit a city, strengthen a habit, or start a new hobby. This made us mentally resolved to accomplish those things and gave us a group of people to hold each other accountable.

Once we finished our vision boards, I propped mine up on my desk to see it every time I sat down to work. Looking at my vision board daily reminded me of all the promises I made to myself and gave me a sense of purpose when I struggled to be consistent with my daily routine. Try collecting some magazines, scissors, and a corkboard, and let your dreams take shape!

Stay Flexible

Life has a way of throwing unexpected twists and turns our way, often derailing the best-laid plans. Some weeks are packed with exams, assignments, and deadlines; others might be very relaxed. It's important to understand that these fluctuations are a natural part of our existence. Embracing the ebb and flow of change involves staying adaptable and open to revising our goals or methods when necessary.

One of my goals was to walk 15k steps every day. I knew this would be a challenge on some days, like the weekends when I’d spend the entire day at home if I didn’t make any plans with my friends or family. So, I intentionally made plans to walk around campus with a friend or schedule a workout class at the campus gym. This worked out great for the first few weeks when my friends and I were caught up in the spirit of the new year and were extra motivated to hit our daily goals. However, as the weeks went by, we occasionally had to cancel plans because we had other commitments, needed to grind out some schoolwork, or just wanted a day to be lazy and catch up on our favorite reality TV shows. Instead of feeling anxious about not meeting a particular metric, I gave myself grace because my goal was to consistently apply my effort, not through short, intense bursts of energy that made me want to quit. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small a victory is in its own right.

And there you have it, folks – the best guiding principles to crushing your New Year's resolutions like a boss. Remember, it's not about the destination but the journey of self- discovery and growth. So, go forth and conquer those goals with gusto! Keep striving, keep thriving, and keep being your amazing selves!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

“Early bird gets the worm.” A saying we all know. I used to hate the thought of waking up earlier than 9 am. The only thing I used to look forward to in the mornings was my morning phone scroll routine. But I realized that staying in my bed was not fulfilling or productive for me. I knew I had to make a change, and even something as small as forcing myself to wake up earlier and get going has instilled new habits of discipline in my life.

1) Why wake up early?

The most important thing you need to ask yourself is WHY? Why wake up earlier? There are so many benefits to waking up early, you need to ask how this change will impact your routine. For me, my “why” consisted of wanting control over my mornings. The rest of the day gets hectic for me, and I wanted to be able to spend my morning peacefully without distractions. I value slow mornings and when I get the ability to not rush, I am more productive and in the right headspace to start the day.

2) Make small goals

It was so incredibly difficult to get into the routine of waking up early. My whole day was thrown off balance- the time I ate my meals, the time I studied, the time I had for myself. What worked for me was not the cold turkey method, but rather gradually making small changes. I started by making sure I didn’t drink any caffeine past 11 am so that I could sleep earlier. I then had my dinners prepared beforehand, so I didn’t need to spend my evenings cooking for too long. I made sure that I planned my weeks out each Sunday, so I had a rough idea of what I needed to do each day. Finally, I started by getting into bed earlier and then, with time, my body became more and more accustomed to the 4:30 am wake-ups.

3) Sustainable routine

I have days where I know that my body needs more rest, so I make sure that I’m not too hard on myself for straying away from my schedule from time to time. Sometimes you start your day off by things not going your way. That’s the beauty of a slow morning- hiccups happen and you have time for flexibility. Be real and kind with yourself, not idealistic.

4) Bask in the alone time

It can sometimes get lonely when you feel like the rest of the world is quiet. Take that time to really enjoy the time you have with yourself. You will find yourself feeling more focused, less stressed, and getting more done within a day. Becoming a morning person is about finding what works for you and what doesn’t. Being able to make positive changes in your life will leave you feeling happier and you might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of getting accomplished.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

The end of the semester is creeping closer, and everyone knows what that means – finals are approaching! Whether you're a freshman looking for tips on how to have a strong finish to your first academic year or a senior searching for the motivation to get through your last round of finals, here are a few strategies to help you study, manage stress, and succeed on all your tests!

1. Make a Study Plan 

A great way to manage your time is to enter finals with a predetermined study plan! Look at your schedule ahead of time and plan out the best days and times to reserve for studying. Make sure to give yourself ample time to get enough studying in, so that even if you skimp out on certain days, you’ll still have plenty of time to prepare. Most importantly – stick to your study plan! Do whatever to hold yourself accountable – set multiple notifications and alarms to remind you to study, motivate yourself with small daily rewards if you follow your plan, and make sure that you set achievable goals so you don’t overwhelm yourself. You’ll thank yourself if you take a small amount of time every day to study rather than cramming the nights before! 

2. Limit Your Screen-time 


Don’t give your phone the opportunity to distract you! Get ahead of the issue by implementing time limits for certain apps, turning off notifications for your apps, and by putting your phone in a separate location when you’re dedicating time to study! Your phone itself is a great tool to remind you to stay off of it! Utilize the features that will encourage you to take time away from it, like setting reminders when to turn off your phone, implementing screen-time limitations, and using ‘Do Not Disturb’ modes. 

3. Utilize Resources 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Make study plans with classmates to hold you accountable, engage with any tutoring services your campus offers, visit your professors’ office hours to clear up any concepts you’re struggling with, and make use of those study guides! There are a ton of people on campus that want to help set you up for success, so don’t be afraid to reach out to make sure that you will come to your finals prepared! There are also a ton of super helpful study resources offered on Pearson+ that you can check out and incorporate into your plan! 

4. Practice Self-Care 

Last but not least, make sure not to compromise your mental well-being for your classes! There are a ton of different techniques to manage stress, so make sure to incorporate the ways that work best for you into your study plan – whether that be doing yoga every morning, adding extra products into your night-time skincare routine, enjoying a hot cup of tea on a study break, or practicing breathing techniques. Your mind is your greatest asset during testing, so make sure 
to take care of it! 

Overall, make sure that you’re planning ahead going into finals and that you encourage yourself to start preparing early. This will drastically reduce your stress levels and help you earn great grades on all your tests. But, if you do find yourself falling behind on your study plans, reaching out for help through tutors or attending office hours is always a great idea. The most important thing to remember when heading into finals is that one grade on a test doesn’t define you, so just take a deep breath and try your best!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Growing up, music was genuinely the soundtrack of my life. Music was playing all the time, no matter what I was doing. When I was little, I would just shuffle all the songs on my mom’s iTunes, from One Direction to Taylor Swift to Counting Crows. As I got older though, I started to realize the importance of having music that was specific to the situations I was going through, or the times I was playing it. So, over the last few years, I have curated a long list of playlists, for any mood or situation someone may be in, and I have learned there are 4 essential playlists for anyone to have, even music newbies.

Playlist One: The Sad Songs

Although it seems like a rough place to start, it is important that you have a playlist of your sad songs. These are your crying in the car, post breakup, or just needing to feel your emotions songs. Some I have on my sad playlist are "What Are You Gonna Tell Her" by Mickey Guyton, "Ronan" by Taylor Swift, "Good Enough" by Maisie Peters.

Playlist Two: Female Rage

This playlist needs no introduction. These are the songs you are screaming when things are bad, when things are good, or when you just need a good scream. These songs will lift your spirits or help you feel seen through your anger. Although called “Female Rage”, these are the songs that anyone could be screaming. Some songs I’ve recently found therapeutic on this playlist are "Tolerate It" by Taylor Swift, "You Lost the Breakup" by Maisie Peters, "Best Thing I Never Had" by Beyonce.

Playlist Three: Mixed Crowd Playlist

These are the type of songs you can play when you are passed the aux in a car of people you barely know. A little bit of vibey, a little bit of fun throwbacks, but overall, not revealing the deepest part of your music taste. Some songs I recommend for this playlist are "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield, "That’s My Girl" by Fifth Harmony, and "Love Story" by Taylor Swift.

Playlist Four: Windows Down

This playlist is arguably the most important. This is your driving, windows down, summer playlist. This is the playlist that includes your singing/screaming songs, your throwbacks, and the songs that make you feel the most joy. This playlist may be targeted for summer nights but is made to help get you out of any bad mood or feel every good one. Some songs I recommend for this playlist are "The Man" by Taylor Swift, "Risk" by Gracie Abrams, and "Want U Back" by Cher Lloyd.

No matter what your mood or circumstance, music helps you in the good times and bad. Having playlists on hang to help you process your emotions or feel them deeper is the best type of free therapy, and I hope you found some of these recommendations helpful as you begin to build your own playlists!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!