Asipring Social Worker

1. Listen to your body.

You cannot study in an emotional state–it’s just not compatible with digesting material. I personally tried for years to study through anxiety and panic attacks, through tears, through constricted chests and racing hearts; even when I managed to “pull it off,” the performance would end up average at best. Before you approach your work, try practicing mindfulness (i.e. any practice that grounds you). Here’s a helpful introductory article.

2. Study in an environment catered to YOU.

Once you’ve listened to your body, cater your study environment to it. You should not have to bully or discipline yourself into working. For some people, working in a windowless white room is where they work best; however, if for you that sounds like pure torture, don’t do it. Don’t settle for a workspace just because someone told you its optimal study set-up. Try it out, of course, but if it’s not for you, that’s okay. Then you can try studying outside, on the porch, in that one comfortable chair in the living room, at your desk surrounded by candles with some hot chocolate, on the living room floor with pillows near some plants, and so on!

3. Forgive yourself for the inevitable missteps.

22.XI 🍂🌟 I haven’t studied and worked in cafes for ageees because of covid!! it’s time to remember what it was like!

Embrace the beauty of the natural world as we enter into the depths of winter. There’s something wonderfully haunting about the barrenness, the muted saturation, the quiet. This season is like the stillness between the exhale and the inhale. Dwell in that space.

Try and get in the habit of waking up early, even if you only manage it on odd occasions. This time of year, the sun might rise later than you. Bask in the morning twilight.

Dress well and fully, even if you do not intend to leave the house.

After you wake up, go for a walk, be it brief of meandering. Do not listen to music, but rather hone in on the silence, the sound of your footfalls, the winter birds.

If you live near a park or otherwise pleasant natural area with benches, take with you a novel or poetry collection, and linger for a time to read. Remember to wear gloves so that you may turn pages without discomfort.

Open a window periodically throughout the day, even if it is cold. That brief blast of air will anchor you to the natural world.

Try to complete at least one chapter of reading per day. You must tend to your mind just as you tend to your body.

If you wish, you may compose handwritten letters to those you care for, or fear with whom you may be losing touch. A physical letter holds so much more weight than a text or email. Practice your cursive, make the letter truly lovely.

Eat dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate, tea rather than soda, whole bread rather than white.

Keep a handwritten journal of your upcoming tasks, daily aspirations and idle musings. Maintaining a written record of one’s obligations helps to remind oneself of their true scales, so they do not try to expand and sprout teeth in one’s own mind.

Work hard. This season is stark and unyielding, as are you. You were built for this. Face the storm head on.

As night draws in, play some classical music in the candlelight. Close your eyes, tip your head back, and lean into it. Let the song flow through you in haptic ecstasy.

Before retreating to bed, record some of the positive experiences brought to you throughout the day: from tasks you completed successfully, to poetic thoughts that stuck you, to birds you spotted on your windowsill. Kindle your childlike sense of wonder, for there is so much in this world to wonder at.

- a day in the studyblr life #4

💫 woke up at 7:30 and drank my coffee with oat milk, as I always do, staring at the window

💫 studied a bit in the morning before going to work, and even though I only had time to study for about an hour, I was super focused and very productive

💫 my mid morning snack while at work - coconut yogurt with an oat and cacau mix

💫 one of the books I’m currently reading is the Milkman by Anna Burns. I like to read during my lunch break, it helps me to relax!

💫 while my boyfriend was cooking dinner I was able to study criminal law and to finish a chapter

Date: 1/8/21

Days of Productivity: 7/100

This is based on decades of experience as an uncle and as an older brother.

Never forget that children are just as much people as adults are.

Kids 10 years or younger (and sometimes older than that) don’t get sarcasm or irony, so don’t use them.

If a child has difficulty pronouncing a word, don’t copy their misprounciation when speaking to them. They can hear the word just fine. It could sound to them like you’re making fun of them.

(Yes, this means no babytalk)

Don’t be dismissive.

Listen to what they’re saying.

To get on the same eye-level, don’t bend over or squat: it seems condescending. Kneeling or sitting are better.

It should go without saying that you should respect children’s body autonomy. Don’t force affection on them.

Respect children’s emotional autonomy as well. Let them be angry. Let them be sad. Don’t force them to be happy.

Let children like things. Don’t run down the things they like just because you find them cringy.

Don’t think that you know better.

To children, adults are giants. Be a big friendly giant.

Don’t stifle children’s curiosity.

Don’t stifle children’s enthusiasm.

To quote Sondheim, “Be careful the words you say, children will listen.”

Winter Studying Challenge

15th December: Q: what is the coolest gift you ever gave to someone? A: ahh oh no I'm not sure... I gave someone a star named after them once!

16th December: Q: what is your favourite christmas movie? A: this is so hard! I think its between Love Actually, the first Harry Potter, and we always watch Wallace and Gromit the wrong Trousers!

24.11.2020

4/30 days of productivity; january 11, 2021