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[5:47 PM]

Plan to study at the library was a fail, but still on track for another day. I feel like I needed a change of scenery lately, so I came to the club room of my apartment complex! Somehow felt more productive than usual. 🔆

I worked on a post for this blog as well as getting ahead some of the marketing lessons I have pending from my certificate. Not a lot to do, but kept me busy.

Wishing you all a happy rest of your week!

The inactivity is real! Don't worry, it's just a classic case of writer's block and the stress of being unemployed. Most of my days consist of submitting applications, cold calling and emailing, and browsing postings on every platform possible.

I've been trying to stay motivated by reading about people who survived the unemployment drought or listening to podcasts. I happened to listen to one yesterday, "The Twenties Detox" with host Bianca Venchiarutti, and I absolutely loved the following line:

"Spring is like a season that lacks strategy, and it's for a reason. It's very bold. There is a quick change in momentum. It's why a lot of us feel like buzzing at this time of the year. Why am I sharing all this? Because there are so many elements out in nature that are going to show how we should now approach the next 90 days."

Spring is all about change and learning to embrace it 🌷. That's how I'm living for the next few weeks. When one door closes, many more open. For a million "no", there's a million "yes". Sending good energy to whoever's reading this!

Arriving at the second quarter of 2026 can only mean finals season is upon us. Whether you're a college student on the verge of graduating or a full-time worker getting ready to submit those deadlines, there's no denying everyone is locking in for the rest of spring.

Though it's been a while since I've gone to school, I enjoy learning about all kinds of things, especially anything that will help my professional career grow. At the moment, I'm reviewing material and studying "HubSpot's Digital Marketing" guide to earn my certificate! It's been a lot to digest since I'm still fairly new to the marketing world, but one thing I'm certain of is that I'm passionate about it, and I hope to dedicate full time to this career choice.

I wanted to go over two of my favorite study methods that have surely made ingesting material much easier, more effective, and, most importantly, fun!

The Pomodoro Technique 🍅

The Pomodoro Technique is more than a timer; it is a simple yet highly effective productivity system. Francesco Cirillo, who is a partner in Cirillo Consulting— a business consulting firm based in Berlin, created this technique as a student at university in the late 1980s, using a tomato-shaped kitchen timer. This inspired the very name of this technique, which is the Italian translation of the love apple itself. "True productivity means working less while achieving the same result," wrote Cirillo on his website when describing the origin of his creation.

A blog written by Phi Edge talks about the many benefits of the Pomodoro Technique, such as improvement in focus and concentration, developing time management skills, and providing a better work-life balance. It really goes to show how revolutionary this technique is, and how it can be applied to quite literally anything.

Today, this technique has been modified and tailored to an individual's work habits. In this blog, I'll be focusing on the standard and most universally known form of Pomodoro focus: the 25/5 split.

1. Select a task to focus on The first step allows you to prepare for the non-stop task ahead. Choose a concept to focus on from your study guide, maybe find that area of the house that needs a refresh, or lock in for that office project you've been delaying. Gather your supplies and get your work area prepared. 2. Set a timer and work continuously for 25 minutes Working for 25 minutes straight doesn’t have to be boring. My favorite way to go about it is by playing a chill lo-fi playlist or finding a digital timer on YouTube that has those time sessions already split for me. This productive study playlist has some of my favorite beats added to it, as well as this recent mix I’ve had on loop. However, nothing comes close to my Frutiger Aero-themed playlist, which is public and can be listened to here! Created by yours truly, of course. 3. Take a 5-minute break Stretching your body, refilling your cup of tea, or checking to see if you missed any text messages is always a good use for a break. In my previous post, “For Anyone Feeling Drained At Work”, I talked about the importance of micro-breaks and how they function as a “reset button” for your mind. We’re only able to provide the best of us and our craft with proper recovery. 4. Repeat for 4 sessions total After your break, it’s time to shift your focus back to the task at hand. It is important you repeat this cycle so you can truly feel the benefits of this technique. While it may work differently for everyone, there’s no denying that, from my point of view, it has worked wonders. Somehow, it makes me feel like I’m actually accomplishing the goal I set at the start. 5. Take a 15-30 minute break Great job, you completed all four sessions of the Pomodoro technique! Repeat the cycle until all your tasks are done or the workday is over.

I want to mention how rewarding it feels to complete a cycle, and like your distraction-free focus actually paid off with no burnout whatsoever. Working through this technique with a soft playlist playing in the background is truly the best way to get things done, and it’s always a 10/10 recommendation from me to anyone.

The Feynman Method 📂

The Feynman Technique is one of the most effective methods for reaching a deep understanding of the subject at hand, and it’s especially popular among students, educators, and professionals in their fields. It is often associated with the term “Explain it to me like I’m five” and has skyrocketed it into popularity. The method focuses on helping individuals find gaps within their knowledge so they’re able to learn content in a deeper manner.

Developed by Noble Physicist Richard Feynman, he believed in truly understanding the essence of a concept rather than merely memorizing it, and how the technique could be effective irrespective of the subject. “You must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool” quoted famously by Feynman.

We’ll look at the general picture of this method and break it down, focusing on the universally known four-step split.

1. Select your task and map your knowledge This is the foundation being laid for the road ahead, where you’re given the freedom of creating a visual map of your understanding; a brain dump, if you will. Start with the title of your focus, then divide it into subtopics, explaining each one in a way that makes sense to you. One of my favorite ways to go about it is by mind mapping. I select the main concept of my subject, divide it into sub-topics, and write everything I know about it up until that point. I avoid using complex words or difficult terms, as I find it ruins the learning flow of my brain. Think of it as a tree. Its branches and leaves are what make the tree whole. 2. Explain it to a 12-year-old The famous inspiration behind the method. Write down your idea in a way a 12-year-old would understand it. Though it may seem silly, the only true way to grasp your understanding is by being able to explain it to someone else. This is key to deep understanding. When you’re teaching it, you’re able to pinpoint gaps in your knowledge a lot faster than just looking at words on paper. 3. Review and refine The most beneficial part of the technique is the review part. Where there are gaps in your knowledge, there’s an explanation behind it. Return to your source material and understand the why. Study until it makes sense and you’re able to teach it properly. Personally, focusing on one topic at a time and being able to perfect it has been the most effective way to study my work. Finding places that need polishing and improvement allows me to fully grasp every corner of the subject and engrave it in my brain. 4. Test and archive Lastly, test your understanding by teaching someone else. Toss the notes aside and deliver information in a way that others are able to grasp it. Keep your notes in a folder dedicated to them so they’re free to review at any time.

Being able to fully grasp a subject feels rewarding. Though it’s a long process, knowledge takes time. It’s all about finding your weak points and turning them into a refined understanding. I especially love applying this method to complex and broad subjects, and oh, do I benefit from it.

Learning is different for everyone, and you must do what works best for you and your everyday habits. Studying will only let you get better, and it’s never meant to make you feel held back. I love how these two techniques work hand in hand for me, too! It has certainly helped me understand subjects in a controlled manner, without feeling burnt out.

There’s a whole world out there when it comes to productivity methods, and I’d love to hear what works for you! Do you use either of these two techniques? How do you like to implement them on your day-to-day work? Maybe I’ll take a tip or two from you and apply it to my study routine.

Thank you for reading, and I’m wishing you the most success!

A few months ago, I found myself hitting a speed bump at my job. I realized I needed to strengthen the relationship with my job while also avoiding the mental drain and burnout it was causing by the second. Though I wasn't alone in feeling this way. Others on my team felt it too, and it started to seem like the office was becoming a place we did not enjoy spending our day in.

During this time in my life, I learned so much and eventually found a way to feel content in the environment where I was spending half of my day. Here are the things that helped me get through my weekly 9 to 5, and that you can implement in your workday as well.

Do Not Involve Yourself in Gossip 💭

While gossip, whether it's innocent or not, can feel like bonding and an escape from the workplace, it often comes at someone else's expense. In a healthy workplace, professionalism is not just about how you perform your tasks; it's also in how you speak to and about others.

Gossip erodes trust and creates an environment where people feel guarded, as if they have to be careful with every word out of fear of judgment. Over time, it limits open communication and makes it harder to feel genuinely supported. Instead of making assumptions, it's always more productive and respectful to communicate directly.

Take Breaks, Even If They're Small 🌱

Recovery is essential to maintain meaningful and high-quality work. Even a short break between meetings or demanding tasks gives your mind space to rest, reflect, and come back with better focus. Simple actions like stepping outside for fresh air, grabbing a snack, or doing a quick stretch can make a clear difference, even if it's just 3 or 5 minutes.

Research by PromiseCare informs that a brief mindfulness exercise acts as a "reset button" for the nervous system, lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and improving emotional regulation. Over time, these small pauses help prevent the drained feeling that often comes from back-to-back meetings and the repetitive routine.

Keep Your Body Mobilized and with Good Posture 🔆

Preserving your mental health during heavy workdays is important, but your physical health matters just as much, and I'm not just talking about getting your full night's sleep (always sleep the required amount so you're well rested!). Whether your job is highly active or mostly desk-based, it should never come at the expense of your body. Implementing ergonomic tools like a supportive/adjustable chair, keyboard, mouse, or wrist rest can help reduce your body's strain throughout the day.

Personally, I've found that using a standing desk can be a game-changer for posture, especially since long hours in a seated position often lead to back and shoulder pain. Small adjustments like these can make a big difference in the long run!

I've put together an Amazon list with ergonomic essentials you can use to upgrade your desk or home setup, which you can view here.

Strengthen Communication Within Your Team 🗯️

Communication is key, no matter the size of your team. Whether you're working in a small group or across multiple departments, clear and professional communication is one of the most valuable factors in any workplace. Employees should feel comfortable expressing questions, concerns, and ideas without fear.

If you're in a leadership role, creating that safe space for your team to voice their opinions is essential. When people feel heard and respected, they're more confident, engaged, and able to deliver their best work. Check in with your team, celebrate their wins, and interact with respect at all times, even a simple "How are things going?" can make a difference.

Prioritize Your Work-Life Balance, Above All 🤍

Mastering the art of your work-life balance is essential to maintaining a healthy, sustainable relationship with your job. At the end of the day, your work should support your life and be something you love, not overconsume you. Establishing clear boundaries between your professional and personal time helps protect your craft, focus, and overall well-being.

Define your working hours and stick to them. Allow yourself to disconnect after work by not answering emails or working overtime on ongoing tasks (especially those of low priority). Learning to say "No" when your workload becomes overwhelming will preserve the authenticity of your work, and it won't feel like it's something you just have to "get it over with."

When you prioritize this balance, you're focused and more effective in both your career and personal life.

I loved my previous office job. It had its highs, but also very low lows. I knew that if I wanted to keep the love I had for that position, I was going to have to incorporate these changes. Truly, it ended up leading to a happy and healthier workplace.

If you relate to this experience, I'd love to hear the tips you used to feel happier with your job. If this post made you realize that you're going through a similar rough patch, know that it's completely normal and you're not alone. We may not have control over what's happening, but we can choose how we react to it; it's always up to us to make the change.

Thank you for reading! Sending lots of good energy to you all!