Productive - Blog Posts

By the way, you can improve your executive function. You can literally build it like a muscle.

Yes, even if you're neurodivergent. I don't have ADHD, but it is allegedly a thing with ADHD as well. And I am autistic, and after a bunch of nerve damage (severe enough that I was basically housebound for 6 months), I had to completely rebuild my ability to get my brain to Do Things from what felt like nearly scratch.

This is specifically from ADDitude magazine, so written specifically for ADHD (and while focused in large part on kids, also definitely includes adults and adult activities):

ADDitude

How to Sharpen Executive Functions: Activities to Hone Brain Skills

Executive functioning skills range from working memory to cognitive flexibility to inhibitory control, and beyond. They power our daily func

Here's a link on this for autism (though as an editor wow did that title need an editor lol):

Kenneth Roberson, Ph.D.

Enhancing Executive Functioning Difficulties in Adults with Autism

Practical Strategies for Enhancing Executive Functioning Difficulties in Adults With Autism - Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as

Resources on this aren't great because they're mainly aimed at neurotypical therapists or parents of neurdivergent children. There's worksheets you can do that help a lot too or thought work you can do to sort of build the neuro-infrastructure for tasks.

But a lot of the stuff is just like. fun. Pulling from both the first article and my own experience:

Play games or video games where you have to make a lot of decisions. Literally go make a ton of picrews or do online dress-up dolls if you like. It helped me.

Art, especially forms of art that require patience, planning ahead, or in contrast improvisation

Listening to longform storytelling without visuals, e.g. just listening regularly to audiobooks or narrative podcasts, etc.

Meditation

Martial arts

Sports in general

Board games like chess or Catan (I actually found a big list of what board games are good for building what executive functioning skills here)

Woodworking

Cooking

If you're bad at time management play games or video games with a bunch of timers

Things can be easier. You do not have to be stuck forever.

The BBC is releasing over 16,000 sound effects for free download

Happy Mag

The BBC is releasing over 16,000 sound effects for free download

The BBC have released their incredible, expansive library of bizarre and obscure sound effects, all available for free download.

I thought it would be an hour of listening to screaming and looking at pictures of draculas, but it was so much for frightening than fathomed

My goal for this week: fixing my procrastination.

Even though I know it's not fixable in a week I think, I am able to grow healthy routines and habits in a week that will be the support I need to stop!

Thank you sososos much for the tip lovely 💗💗🎀

How do I stop procrastinating getting my life together. I'm not sure if you understand what I mean....as in how do I stop procrastinating getting out of my comfor zone to do better

GUIDE TO DEALING WITH PROCRASTINATION

Procrastination is delaying a task because of fear or anxiety about doing it. If you frequently procrastinate, it may result from your current mindset. In this post, I will discuss the reasons behind procrastination and how to overcome it by getting started.

AVOIDANCE MINDSET

If you’ve been in their comfort zone for quite a long time, you may be familiar with this term. An avoidance mindset is when we focus more on preventing possible negative consequences, rather than pursuing positive outcomes. This leads to procrastination, avoiding risks or challenges and generally staying in their comfort zones to avoid discomfort and failure.

This mindset usually stems from a fear that is holding you back which is keeping you ‘safe’, which is why we feel discomfort when trying new things. Fear of failure, wasting time, rejection and change are a few common ones.

Doing self-reflection or quizzes are the most efficient way to identify your fears if you haven’t already. Challenge negative beliefs that cause that fear to grow. 

The recommended way to shift your mindset from an avoidance one to a growth mindset is by focusing on the benefits that you’ll get from it. E.g.

‘Exercising is too hard’ -> ‘I’ll feel good about myself after’

‘Studying is boring’ -> ‘I’ll be proud of myself after achieving high grades’

‘Meeting new people is scary’ -> ‘I can’t wait to have a new friend’

PRODUCTIVITY WITH PROCRASTINATION

BREAK TASKS INTO SMALLER CHUNKS, and if it seems too difficult, do it over a week/fortnight. When tasks are smaller, they seem simpler and easier, so we don’t feel the need to delay them. For example...

Deep clean my room -> Wipe down all surfaces & put new bedding OR Monday I’ll wipe down surfaces, then Wednesday I’ll put new bedding. 

 MAKE THE TASK SPECIFIC. If the task is vague, it can seem too daunting to start because we have no idea how to start. For example, instead of saying studying for my science test, say do 3 rounds of science flashcards. We know exactly what to do, so it doesn’t give reason for us to delay it.

HAVE A ROUTINE. Having a consistent daily routine helps us to stay on track because our brains love routines and familiar activities, and it pushes us further because our brains will feel discomfort if that routine is not done. 

However, if you are someone who procrastinates, avoid micromanaging your day. It can seem way too overwhelming, but even if you do it, it can lead to being burnt out. 

KEEP ORGANISED. Being in an environment which is constantly cluttered, or having no way to remember everything that goes in your life, will make you have a cluttered mind, A cluttered mind will influence your actions to also be out of place.

DEVELOP A GROWTH MINDSET. I do have a post on this which is linked on my masterlist. The whole idea of a growth mindset is to embrace the idea that failure further improves us, instead of setting us back.

don’t have a picture today but! today was productive. made a family recipe for my class tmrw and went to track practice. hope everyone had a good day! :) 💞

went out to run some errands today, which always makes me feel productive. i’m currently coloring and watching an anime!

Daily Routine (9/14/17) - Coffee Break

I went to a local coffee shop called The Lab at Alchemy (Alchemy Coffee for short). You will probably see me post about this place often, as it is one of my favorite coffee shops in Richmond. Today’s experience at The Lab wasn’t really any different from any other day (except for the barista thinking I ordered a mocha instead of a normal coffee - only mildly infuriating). I ordered my coffee and muffin and sat down to be productive. 

Productive in a sense at least. 

I usually go to coffee shops to do homework, usually reading from my various textbooks or writing a paper on my laptop. Alchemy is different though. For some reason I can’t do anything academic while sitting in this quaint college student hangout spot. I’m not sure if it’s the people coming in and out, the buzz of drinks being made, or just being so close in proximity to people (if it’s crowded, space to breath can be pretty tight). It may be that I always have associated the place with de-stressing, but I add in stressors that prevent me from working. So now Alchemy is no longer a place where I can do “work” in an academic manner. I now see at as a place to unwind, and let my creativity sprawl in a different way

Creative writing.

I have determined that Alchemy is now my go to place when I want to write. Poetry, short stories, journal entries, and other forms of short prose - I feel safe and comfortable writing it there. Which leads me to this picture I’ve included. It’s an off kilter shot of my coffee mug and personal journal where I write all of my ideas for everything. I try and write in it at least once a day, whether it be a journal entry or something creative. Shown above is a series of short poems I came up with while listening to the song “Visiting Friends” by Animal Collective. In short, it’s a hypnotic, ambient, and drawn out acoustic guitar track with odd voices and sounds sampled into the background. While repetitive and long, the song is able to put me into an odd feeling where I make can write these unique dialogue poems that I’ve never been able to do unless I’m listening to this song. I now have 4 full pages of content while listening to this song. I’ll post them separately someday, probably with edits and rewrites in order for them to flow better. I also transcribed a short story that I wrote in my journal into a word document. It’s currently a mess, but I’m happy that I did it. I’ll post that story someday too when it’s ready.

It was quite a time at The Lab today filled with lots of creative energy and much needed de-stressing. I hope to be able to find a lot of other places in Richmond that have the same effect, hopefully free, as money can be tight for a college student. Honestly, any place that can get the creative juices flowing is fine by me. If you’re an RVA native and you write, please comment/PM with your go to places (oddly specific and far reaching I know, but one can hope). 

02.21.23

So, I found myself a study buddy and we're committing to a weekly schedule, rather than a daily one. It's much better on me mentally to have that. Also, I'm going through a lot right now. Ahh, I need to push through. I need to work hard.

A study buddy is important.

I'm going to forget about yesterday. From now on, I'll give you my all, dear my future.

02.08.23

I studied for 6 hours today. It feels so good to study. I wish for academia to take over my life and consume me. I want to be a workaholic.

02.05.23

So, I've been pretty productive today. Did groceries and attended the lectures. Need to do a chap rn. I need to study and do well. I'll study till 9pm and then, sleep. Slept a good 10 hours yesterday. Sleep is the most important thing ever.

02.03.23

So, today, I got done with a lecture that I've been putting off since December. Feel much more productive. I have a long day tomorrow. I have 2 more lectures to go through and a 5 chap test of physics tomorrow.

02.03.23

So, today, I got done with a lecture that I've been putting off since December. Feel much more productive. I have a long day tomorrow. I have 2 more lectures to go through and a 5 chap test of physics tomorrow.

The night sky see's it all~

02.01.23

Okay, so I need to start studying like crazy. Today I visited an academy which helps you prep for exams in the evening. I'll be joining it from tomorrow. I realised that I'm not just paying for learning, but for time allocation as well. I'm paying them to take my time so that I can get my life together. I hate how my self-accountability in terms of studying went downhill. I'll be waking up at 4 am from tomorrow.

Slacking off in the name of self care is not okay. Sometimes, the best thing that you can do for yourself is push yourself a bit more to secure the future that you've always dreamed of. 🌱 Productivity is self care 🌱

things to do in the afternoon

finish homework

write

go for a walk

have lunch

read

make yourself tea and relax

go to the beach

draw

practice guitar

pilates

spa day

dance

biking

go to a cafe and study

lay in the sun and take a nap

~ alora 🕊

One thing that has been making me feel truly miserable is my lack of will to study/work. Working I kind of understand due to my discontent with my career paths, but when it comes to studying I don’t really have that many excuses. I hate my university, but I love my major. So, it makes me downhearted to see how unmotivated I am nowadays to read about economy and related contents. I decided to change this. Everyday for the next weeks, I’m going to be studying for 30 minutes, at least or at most. And the strategy is: no fun pomodoro. I used to think that “Animedoro” was the best study technique out there, but recently I noticed how it’s a tricky trail for me. Since I have been lacking motivation, what I do is work for 20/30 minutes then grab my phone and do infinite scrolling or get lost in a Sex and the City episode. And I cannot make me stop. Today I stumbled into a video that talked exactly about this problem. Instead of doing something fun when you end a focus cycle, do something boring, that makes studying or working seems fun next to it. Or, and here’s my perception, something that doesn’t stimulate your brain in the wrong way. Here are the things that I believe requires thinking, so I don’t lose my focus flow (they are not necessarily boring to me, but some of them tires me quickly which makes me give up on them even quicker):

Reading the news.

Watch someone that motivates me to study/work.

Watch/listen to a podcast about something useful.

Sudoku video.

Math problems videos.

Solve a sudoku problem.

Read a few pages of one of the dense books I’m probably reading at the moment (I'm a slow reader so I know it won't fully distract me heheh)

If working, read an econ paper or something related to.

Or just do nothing. Go for a walk. Make some pancakes. Grab water and contemplate it.

<3 and if doesn't work, that's okay. I'll try something new <3

Here's the video in question:

esse ano vou voltar a estudar pro vestibular, no caso o enem, e por mais que eu queira largar tudo e chorar, vou tentar atualizar meu progresso aqui pra não perder a motivação e consequentemente abalar a minha disciplina (que já é abalada).

this year i'm going to be taking the exams to apply for universities again (here in brazil) and even though i want to give up everything and cry, i'm gonna try to update my progress here so i don't lose my motivation and consequently my discipline (which is already pretty doubtful and damaged)

Getting back into things! - Realistic study update.

I created this blog after applying to nursing school, which was due to start in March. My plan was to start posting my own content once school started. Unfortunately, I didn't get in.

After some moping around I decided to apply to the pre-health prerequisite course which is 19 weeks long and starts at the end of July. It's not necessary, since I meet the academic requirements for nursing, but I may as well do something before next year's nursing degree starts. I've heard it will help my chances of getting in.

I bought some nursing textbooks last year from a recent graduate, so I'm going to study from those in the meantime. I'll be posting study updates as often as I can remember to, mostly as a way to track my progress and hold myself accountable. I also have an Anki deck on the way for the textbook I'm starting with. Stay tuned for when the link goes live!

"As dramatic as it sounds things like these were therapeutic for her. Repeating affirmations to herself, performing rituals before washing dishes ir studying, or writing inspirational quotes on sticky notes and sticking them on the wall to read them every morning. It's small unesescary details like those that maintain her ambitious and motivated state."

Hello!☆ welcome to my self improvement/self care/study/reading blog. I hope for you all to join my journey of becoming the best version of myself! we can do it!!

🍳19.07.2022🍳

Hello everyone!

It’s been a little while since I did a normal post. Since exams have been over I’ve been really enjoying just having a lovely little break and not having any studying to do!

However, it’s time I start getting ready for university (which is in less than two months 😳). So, I’m going to start giving updates on the little productive tasks I get done to help me learn how to adult a bit more than I do now.

Today, I fried an egg for breakfast. I know it doesn’t seem like an amazing achievement, but I don’t cook at all so it felt like a very big first step into learning how to actually look after myself independently. Plus, it tasted good!

How’s your summer going? The UK has just had a massive heatwave, it was FAR too warm. ☀️☺️

attitude and social cognition~

(i love social psychology sm, def going to take few courses in uni)

early morning geography study session<⁠(⁠￣⁠︶⁠￣⁠)⁠>

why did i think taking entrepreneurship as a subject in CBSE would be a good idea

these notes are the only way i can motivate myself smh

5/5-7/25

Ben really hectic but hopefully I’ll be able to post regularly now that finals are over

General:

Went to bar

Went to gym

Organic Chemistry:

Took the exam and ended with an A in the class and the lab!

Criminal Justice:

Took the final

Retook exam 2

(Grades unknown)

World Civ:

Turned in final project

(Grade unknown)

Forensic Analysis:

Took final

(Grade unknown for lecture and lab)

Music:

Took final, passed class with an A

Ate:

Pizza

Max and cheese

Mashed potatoes

5/4/25

I had a much better day after my sisters helped me during my mental breakdown yesterday. I was able to focus more on my finals after getting their help

General:

Did a mobility workout/yoga

Organic Chemistry:

Watched some more crash course videos

Got slightly burnt out taking notes so i stopped

World Civ:

Finished my final project

Music:

Finished my essay

Forensic Analysis:

Took a quiz

Ate:

Protein loaded tea

Happy meal 6 ct. nugget

Garlic cheesy bread from dominos

4/29-5/3/25

Been really hectic and draining prepping for finals and packing to move out, I’ll just list what I did today rather than today and days I forgot to post

General:

Ran

Went to art sale

Organic Chemistry:

Watched some crash course videos to prep for the final

Forensic Analysis:

Studied for final

Finished writing note card for final

Ate:

Protein loaded tea

Hot dog and slice of pizza

4/28/25

Overall good day, thinking about how I’m gonna pass these finals next week 😭

General

Went on a run

Got a new weighted animal

Studied A LOT

Organic chemistry

Started Quizlet for final

Completed last test of the semester

Criminal justice

Added more info to final Quizlet

World Civ

Completed last two modules

Took last quiz

Ate:

Protein loaded tea

Fried fish

Cheese pizza

Snacks

4/24-27/25

This semester has been very chaotic that i haven’t been posting regularly, but i fear i may die with finals coming up next week 💀

General:

Worked a lot

Greek week happened

Changed my workout/running schedule

Organic Chemistry

Watched Module 4 Lecture 4 video

Started prepping for ACS exam

Had my last lab of the semester

Forensic Analysis:

Started making Quizlet for final

Reviewed for final for the lab with this class

Criminal Justice:

Finished Quizlet for exam 2 retake

Started Quizlet for exam3/final

Music:

Completed concert review essay

Ate:

Bacon egg and cheese McGriddle meal from McDonald’s

Bacon cheese burger with fries