#bulletjournaling101

Hey anon! Don’t have any specific tips myself, or specifically on what to do “during class” but check out: 

 Anxiety and Panic Masterpost by @these-dandelion-wishes 

Coping with Panic Attacks by @candydsgn

Anxiety masterpost by @noshameinoursickness 

Panic Attack Diary by @bulletjournaling101

Coping with anxiety by @sheisrecovering

Creating an anxiety safe study space by @sarahsdesk

Anxiety masterpost by @dotgrids

**a lot of them are about anxiety generally, usually with a one liner re: panic attacks 

I’d say a big step, though a hard one, is to inform your teacher/ trusted psych advisor at your place of study etc about it. That way, they can adapt and accommodate your circumstances, sometimes before a big exam (i.e. special consideration, separate room/ desk for exams etc). 

I recognise that doing this is often a source of anxiety and stress for people, as they do not want to feel ‘different’ or ‘marked out’. 

I always think of it as... having someone who has your back. To level out the playing field. If I had a heart condition or diabetes, I’d be afforded an exception during class to take my insulin/ lollies etc. If I broke my arm, I’d have extra time to complete my exam/ assessment.  

So why should a panic attack be treated any differently?  

Hi there! (omg I love your username!!) By weekly log, I’m assuming you mean like a weekly bujo spread? Let me take you through my process!

➸ pick a theme

A theme can be anything! For my past bujo spreads I’ve had stuff like … comic book, easter, dandelion, quote, flowers, harry potter, molang, etc. If you’re having troubles, here’s some ideas how you can pick a theme:

washi tape. if you have any sort of washi tape, use it to your advantage! it has polka dots? give your spread them dots. it’s a landscape? flowers? a pattern? match it! it’ll make your spreads that much prettier (imo)! also with washi tape - you can always go by color. this one is blue and green? looks like i’ll use blue and green for my spread too! etc.

books. i’m sure there’s some book out there that you enjoy. you can choose quotes from it, take inspiration from character moodboards or ideas if they have been turned into movies … 

disney. you can do a bunch of disney related spreads!! characters, movies, themes, environment. you can even derive inspiration from original fairy tales (like the grimm brothers) and give hints of the stories on your spreads. @/stvdybuddies have some disney spreads you can check out! if you’re not a big disney fan, you can always pick other movies, too!

holidays. these ones can be super fun! if a holiday coincides with your week, you can emphasize it! use the holiday colors and patterns. or, each month has a focus/awareness you could use. 

minimal. as long as you have the basics, you’re good to go.

➸ layout

After choosing a theme, I plan (mostly in my mind, on paper if I’m having troubles) how I want to lay out my spread. I typically come up with a couple ideas of how I want to emphasize my theme and how I can fit seven days worth of information on my spread. I typically have around 2-4 different items to get my theme across. For example…

dandelion theme: wish related quote, drawings of dandelions, picture taken on grass

comic theme: comic book font, black and red - bold colors

easter theme: chicks, eggs, pastels

harry potter theme: house crests, designed font

moana theme: maui’s hook, heart of ta fiti, tattoo design

If you don’t like choosing a theme, feel free to skip that and instead go to deciding a layout. When I first started my bujo, I focused more on function than design. I had my days listed and an area to have what needed to be done that day - but that was it. And if that’s how you like it - great! Work with it! Or you can always decide a layout and later add doodles and other designs. Some ideas/something you can include:

habit tracker (sleeping, drinking water, exercise, etc)

mini monthly calendar 

day of the week (listed by number/day)

photo/art

shopping list

weekly to do 

diary log

days all on one side, image on the other

days on top, image/other on bottom (or vice versa)

include (or don’t include) weekends

days listed horizontally

days listed vertically

here’s some weekly spread layout ideas by @/alimastudies !

Normally, when deciding a layout, I try to think about what my week is going to be like too. For instance, if I know my week is going to be suuuper busy and I am going to need a lot of info written down, maybe I’ll go for a more minimalistic layout that allows for plenty of bullet points. If there’s … ehh not so much on my plate, then I can fill in the blanks with a design or have a busier layout.

Once the idea has been solidified, it’s time to put it together. Gathering your supplies; journal, pens, washi tape, etc. If it helps, you are 10/10 free to work on all your art, lettering (or any other written information) on separate pieces of paper if you don’t like putting it directly on your bujo - and instead glue it in. It can help with layout flexibility; say something you were thinking doesn’t turn out the way you thought - you can easily switch it up this way.

In choosing colors, I tend towards black and white + one color. But! It is best to keep to one or two colors within a spread. It usually looks a bit more pleasing that way. 

➸ planning your week

Once my layout has been set, it’s time for me to add what my week is going to consist of. I usually follow this pattern of putting down information:

work schedule

assignment due dates (when in school)

tasks and sub tasks

appointments

high priority things to do

reminders

people I need to talk to

miscellaneous, things to do in my spare time

planning for the following week (ie appointments)

Everything that I have written down, I normally have some sort of signifier to go with it. Like an exclamation point if it’s important, can’t be put off longer, needs to be done asap, etc. Or a dollar sign when it’s something I need to budget or spend money for. A music note when I hear a song I like but want to find later. It helps me find what information I’m looking for quickly! If you want to see my full key for some ideas, look here.

But remember, everything that is written down in your bujo is for you. I’m pretty forgetful in some aspects, and clearly remember other aspects of my daily schedule. Figure out what your priorities are within your week and stick to it!

A bujo is like a customizable planner, and a place where you can quickly add needed information. For a monthly spread, it’s good to use for the big picture - big ticket items like weddings, birthdays, vacation days, school events, etc. Having a weekly spread allows for you to dive deeper into your days and be able to set specific goals for yourself, and track what it is you’re doing from day to day. It’s a great way to jump start productivity!

➸ look at other weekly spreads

Honestly? This is what I do most of the time. I love love love looking and seeing how other people put together their week and what kind of content they put in their weekly spread too! Layouts, photos, trackers, minimal to detailed … all of it helps me find different ways to work on a weekly spread. Every time I work on a spread I always always am looking at other people’s content for ideas and to be inspired. 

➸ other resources:

resources you may find useful in setting up a weekly spread.

@/obsidianstudy’s guide to bullet journaling

@/chrissiestudies’ “how I make my weekly spreads”

@/passionplanner shares ABCDE method - prioritizing your tasks

@/productivityplant’s how to make a bullet journal

@/rhubarbstudies’ guide to bullet journals

@/allystudiesx’s things to add in a bullet journal

Hello there, lovely anon!! ♥ I actually joined the studyblr community pretty recently (just this month!) so I hope I can answer your question well /// !! Since I’m pretty new, there’s still quite a bit I have yet to learn myself! 

➸ advice for a new studyblr

Don’t be afraid to just start. 

Honestly! There’s no need to feel insecure about your posts, spreads, handwriting, picture quality, stationary - everyone in the studyblr community is so sweet and positive and helpful I begin to feel spoiled. I hope you do to!

Don’t feel self conscious about anything. You’re beautiful, wonderful, and perfect just the way you are. There is no better you than you!

Stop comparing your posts and blog to other people’s. There’s a lot for you to learn, and it won’t all come immediately. Notes, followers - it takes time. 

Reach out to other studyblrs!! 

Say hi, send asks, make friends! Make comments on other’s posts, send compliments or help where you can. Just being active in the community can help you get attention but also give you a wonderful time. A studyblr is to help you grow, and this is a great way to keep you motivated in doing so.

Along the same line, try to find ways to interact with your followers!

Tags, Tags, Tags! 

A lot of studyblrs will track a tag and will often reblog your content if you tag your original posts with it! You can find out what tag to put by checking out a studyblr’s page (for example, I track #studyfeather). You can make a list for yourself if that helps! (: But try not to be too overwhelming or overuse it. Maybe switch up which tracked tags you use from post to post. 

Make a tag for you to track! It would make sense that if you’re using tracked tags to make one for yourself to spread the love. 

Have a tag that is specific to your original content (mine is #featherpost)!!! It will make it nice and easy for those who come across your blog to find what you’re posting about. Having original content helps others have more interest in your blog!

A lot of what you are reblogging can serve as a resource for yourself. I like to reblog posts that inspire me, or have spreads I might try, masterposts, etc. If its important for you to find what you’re reblogging for later, make a tag system for yourself. For example, heres @ / studypetals’ tags page or @ / studyquill’s navigation page if you need any ideas. This is a great idea if other people begin using your blog as a resource as well. 

Take advantage of all the information you see. 

There are so many posts that address procrastination, time management, stress, note taking, school - anything at all - that is made available to you. It’s one thing to see the information, but it’s another to make use of it. (And don’t be afraid to share your knowledge either!) You can even make posts about trying out different advice if that helps motivate you to try something out.

Make an introductory post!

Help others get to know you better by putting together an introductory post! It’s never too late to make one, so don’t worry about making one if your blog has been up for a bit.

From what I’ve discovered, introductory posts tend to have the following information (not every one has ALL of this, it’s up to you what you’d like to add): name, age, school year, why you started a studyblr, your classes, some of your favorite studyblrs, other blogs you have (and other sites you’re on), any anything else you’d like to say/add. 

If you use tracked tags or tag studyblrs you love, it can help get your blog noticed! (:

Post original content!

I touched on this earlier, but this is so important. One of the best ways for your studyblr to succeed is posting your own work and sharing it to the community. You never know how many people will love it, be inspired by it, follow you from it, or contact you because of it.

Be fairly consistent in posting original content. I try to post at least once a week even though I’m pretty busy. It helps motivate me to keep my bujo and studyblr going! You can try out the 100 days of productivity or some studyblrs put together monthly study challenges you can keep up with. As an example, here’s a May Study Challenge I might try out!

In posting original content, make sure you link information you’re referencing to help others that much more!

Queue your posts!!

A great way to keep your blog active is to queue your posts. I have my posts queued at 10 each day and try to keep at least 20 posts in my queue at all times, in case a couple of busy days keep me from adding more. Some people unfollow inactive blogs - and this can be a way to prevent it. 

The only thing I don’t queue are original posts and asks, but it’s up to you if you decide to use the queue system or not!

➸ advice for a new bullet journalist

Real quick!! I would advise taking a look at the bullet journal’s official website to help understand the basics of bullet journaling. 

It’s designed to be quick and customizable way for you to keep information and tasks organized. A great way to make use of this (that I’ve found) is to make a key for each of your logs. You can see my key here. You can also search tumblr for bujo keys to see what others have come up with. If you do want to make a key, make it so that it works for you!  It can be as simple or detailed as you want, with or without signifiers, etc. If you don’t like this system, that’s just fine!

Discover different journal options and where to find them.

There is no set journal to use, however there are popular choices among the studyblr community: Moleskine, Leuchtturm1917, and Muji journals - but it is NOT limited to these. Working with a regular notebook works just fine as well! 

It’s one thing to find and purchase something online - but I like being able to find what I’m looking for in person. It saves shipping + handling costs, and I get to it immediately. And, sometimes, they can be cheaper too! I found my moleskine journal I’ve been using at Barnes and Noble, and have also seen Leuchtturm1917 journals at my school’s book store. (The temptation is real every time I walk past OTL) 

Your bullet journal is for you, so let’s make it that way.

A big part of having a studyblr is to help yourself in becoming more productive in learning and improving a lifestyle (or this may just be how I see it). So! There is no set format for you to use a bullet journal. It’s up to you to figure out what works best for you.

You can take inspiration from other people’s post to help experiment with different spreads and layouts. (Be sure to credit/tag if you do! Just to be safe.) 

You can find out different things that you can add to your bujo! Habit trackers, daily/weekly/monthly/yearly spreads, lists of things to keep track of (books to read, tv shows and episodes to watch, shopping/wish lists, bucket list, etc), anything you’re interested in. Depending on your interests and areas you wan’t to use a bujo to help you with, this can vary. If you want, you can test out different ideas to see if you like it or not. It will take time to find what you like, so don’t stress about it in the beginning. You’re just starting, after all!

There is always something for you to do, it’s just a matter of finding out what that is. If you need any help of finding something to do, feel free to message me! (As long as you don’t mind me asking a bunch of questions haha.)

Don’t be afraid to use pencil first when making your spreads.

Me being me, trusted myself to use pen right off the bat. Boy, do I regret that XD It got to the point where I purchased an erasable pen but I’m finding nothing can beat pencil before pen. But before you erase the pencil - make sure the pen has dried. I can’t stress this enough. I’ve gotten impatient multiple times and go ahead to erase, and instantly wished I hadn’t. You can try to find pens that prevent this from happening, but waiting is the best alternative. Something you can do is make a spread at night, and wait to erase when you wake up in the morning. You can keep your bujo open to the page you worked on for it to dry better.

You don’t need any fancy or expensive stationary.

Seeing the pastel highlighters, wide variety of pens and miscellaneous tools it’s easy to think you need to have it all but . . . you don’t have to have any of it. Especially if you are low on funds, don’t worry about getting anything new. Just work with what you have! I have been using pens I’ve owned for years and have hardly touched to see what I can do with them and am pleasantly surprised! I have a bunch of supplies that I have gotten for school that haven’t been used that I plan on finally putting to use. 

Your basic school supplies with notebooks, highlighters, pens and pencils, post it notes, can take you as far as you wish!

Having a difficult time coming up with a spread? Here’s some ideas! 

Try out different hand written fonts. This can include headers/titles and subheaders/subtitles. Try headers, banners, and dividers too! Here’s some different ideas: x | x | x | x

Give your spread a theme. Disney, movie, music, history, art, cartoon shows, books - anything at all! This can help with finding art to fill in blank spaces to give your spread some more interest. Here’s a post with a bunch of ideas you could use.

Colors! Try out different color combinations! Being an art student, I’m overly conscious of colors. They can help set a mood, evoke certain emotion, some colors work best with others (be smart when using complimentary colors), etc. Here’s a site that covers basic color theory. But . . . this is me being nerdy. This can take quite a bit of thought - but you honestly don’t have to (: !! It’s best if you stick to one or two colors within a page not to overwhelm what others are seeing, especially if you’re wanting to keep things minimal. If you want me to go deeper into this, and talk more about contrast and whatnot . . . I can make a separate post as not to clutter this one ♥

Make goals for yourself! This can be included in a habit tracker, but doesn’t need to be. They can be as small as going on a 20 minute walk each day during this week, being sure to stay hydrated, doing something with a family member or friend, completing or starting a big project or assignment, etc. 

Find some quotes and add them! Here’s some quote masterposts I’ve come across: x | x | x | x

When taking pictures, be conscious of lighting.

The best kind of lighting is natural lighting. Taking pictures outside (or inside) during the day will help your image quality! I know before I said picture quality doesn’t matter much, but this can be a simple and easy way to help improve your posts. 

If natural lighting isn’t helping you the way you want, you can take a look at different apps with photo editing capabilities or filters. I have a horrible app finding ability, and just use Photoshop (you can get PS CS2 for free here) or Clip Studio Paint to edit my photos. My favorite tool to use is the tone curve. However you can see this post to look at other options, like apps (it also links to other posts you can look at)!

Have a good time!

Honestly, I feel this is what it boils down to. As long as you are enjoying what you’re doing and continue to have a passion for studyblr related content, you’ll succeed. Don’t stress about it and take one post at a time.

I bought this adorable pencil bag from @bulletjournaling101 a couple of weeks ago and I love it!!  So cute and well made, AND it came with three pens!  I think she still has a pink one left, so you should definitely check it out.