I love a good silver bullet fix.
Like, for example, when I eat breakfast, it helps all sorts of things. I have a stronger appetite, more energy, less of an afternoon crash, I am less grumpy, and I have more of a desire to fix nice meals throughout the day. One tiny action helping to fix some severe issues. Woooo.
My friend was just excepted into a medical school nearby. I'm so happy for him and his family, and it gives me hope that my own dreams are not so far fetched. I was chatting with him about what he's found helpful in staying focus and directed and how I might pursue a similar path. Among other tips, he gave me one that I thought was fairly genius (for my brain). He has a vest that he wears whenever he is going to work or class. When he puts it on it helps him get into role and it helps him to take himself seriously/stay focused.
Do you have any silver bullet fixes, or simple methods that help a LOT?
Getting dressed (to the shoes) every day makes me more productive.
Hot Earl Grey in a travel mug - ready to go.
Hair & makeup done & good make me feel like I am "able" to do all errands, etc. that might pop up through the day.
A good night's sleep fixes a lot -- whether it's a frazzling day or a busy O. on deck for tomorrow.
That's along the lines of what I tell the kids I teach and tutor for test prep. I want them to find triggers that help their brain and body know that it's kick-a$$ test taking time.
Sense if smell is a great memory trigger so chewing a certain flavor of gum can help with getting in gear for a certain task (I'm tasting and smelling spearmint, so it must be time for X).
Getting into "uniform" can help trigger positive behavior - this is why many people who work at home are productive when they dress for work, or wearing an outfit that makes you feel sexy can help you enjoy a night out more, or simply putting on workout clothes first thing in the morning can make someone follow a fitness routine. So if I'm feeling unfocused or unmotivated, I put on the right uniform for what I'm supposed to be doing.
Another thing with my SAT kids is the power of visual prompts and visualization. We spend a lot of time painting a vivid picture of how awesome college will be and encourage them to do things like use pencils with a college logo on them or wear a t-shirt from their favorite school to remind them of why they are there.
Music is a great trigger - there are songs that I run to that whenever I hear them, I associate with being healthy and strong and in motion. I encourage my SAT kids to listen to a favorite song before classes, practice tests, homework and then the real exam to help get him into test mode.
Finally, a big challenge for my students is to focus on long reading passages - they "read with their pencils" (meaning the pencils are in their hand and they're annotating along the way) so I have them wear a bright band aid, or rubber bracelet, or paint their thumbnail a really bright color to visually remind themselves to focus and use their reading strategies even on long, dense passages. That could help anyone who struggles with reading long texts or other boring but important materials.
b vitamin complex is my silver bullet for energy
melatonin for sleep
music for mood
cooking for stress
my kids for lonliness
My glasses put me in the "ok, lets get serious and work" mind frame
I drink a Monster as an official kickoff to cleaning house.
My boobs are a silver bullet to fix my husbands mood - whatever it is!
Ephie:
How nice that your friend was accepted into medical school! That's great!!
I find that when I have a breakfast that higher in protein (eggs, bacon, sausage) I do better during the day.
Yes-furs and diamonds!
