Category: Self Care

May is National Teen Self Esteem Month | 5 Tips to Improve Your Self Esteem

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If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you may have noticed that self esteem, especially among teenagers, is a common topic of mine. Ironically, I just found out that May is National Teen Self Esteem Month. The first thing I thought; I have to share this with my followers!

Our teenage years are a critical time in development, physically and emotionally. Along with that, teenagehood (childhood) is when we begin to figure out who we are and develop our self esteem and confidence. That being said, today I will be sharing some tips for every teenager (and adult) who is wondering how they can give their self esteem a bit of a boost. Let’s get this party started! ✨

Think positively about yourself. In order to increase self esteem, we need to put in some effort to see ourselves positively. When you look in the mirror, try to focus on what you like about yourself rather than what you wish you could change. Regardless of what other people say, always see yourself in a positive light.

Try a new hobby. You may wonder how this tip could be helpful for self esteem–let me explain. When we are able to gain a new talent, we develop the feeling that we are capable to gain new knowledge. And when we feel capable, we begin to feel more confident in ourselves and our abilities.

Keep a good support circle. The people who are always by your side to support you, through life’s ups and downs, are your support circle. This may be limited to 1-3 people. And if so, that’s okay. The size of your support circle isn’t important; it’s the people in your circle that matters most.

Don’t compare yourself to others. This is a big one, considering that the reason why many think so poorly of themselves is because they are constantly comparing themselves to other people. The media commonly makes the impression that we are “supposed” to look and act a certain way to fit in or be “beautiful.” But we always have to remember that beauty is more than just our outward appearance; beauty begins from within.

Be a cheerful giver. Another great way to boost self confidence is to do something nice for someone in your community. Some examples of this are doing some work in your neighbors’ yard, tutoring a student, or even volunteering for a local soup kitchen. Helping others is another way to help us feel as if we are doing something purposeful, and that we are capable of making positive differences in the lives of others.

I really enjoyed coming up with some tips to encourage growth in self esteem among teenagers, and I hope you were inspired by my words, as well. Remember that God made each of us unique and beautiful in our own, authentic way. We were not made to fit in. Instead, we were made to stand out. Today’s message: just be YOU.

Have a blessed day, everybody! God bless you all! ✨

My summer break has started; I’m done with 8th grade!

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A crucial part of my virtual public schooling is our Pace Chart, which is basically a guide that tells us which assignments we need to submit each week to keep a steady pace. One of the factors that I love about my school is the amount of flexibility; even though we need to follow the pace chart, we are also able to get ahead of pace in order to finish our courses early.

Now, I love school and all, but if I can have a longer summer break, then I’m all for it.

Due to having more time in my schedule after I finished my elective courses early on, I was able to get well beyond the assignments for the week. This means that (aside from my final Module discussions with my teachers and segment exams for 2 subjects) I am done with middle school! This school year went by so fast, but I’m thankful that I was able to pass with all As! ✨ YAYYYYYYY! ✨

I am still attending my daily live lessons for all of my main courses, mostly to prepare for the upcoming FSA, SSA, and EOC tests. Still, completing all of my required assignments for the year is a big weight off of my shoulders. I thank God, Goodmommy, and everyone who has supported me throughout this school year for their love and encouragement. I’m excited to see what high school has in store for me. ❤

Related Post: How to Stay Organized as a Virtual Student

Although the post that you see the link to above was aimed toward other people who attend school virtually, many of the tips can also apply to in-person public school students, so feel free to check that post out. Additionally, here are 3 ultimate tips that can help you get/stay on (or ahead of) pace to set you up for success as a student and a person.

Attend your classes everyday. This tip is kind of common sense, but I still believe it’s necessary to add to this list, considering that the reason why many kids fail their classes is because they simply don’t go to class. If we aren’t doing schoolwork and going to class on a daily basis, we won’t know what to expect on pop-quizzes, tests, and end of the year exams. Being present is a must for the best school experience possible.

Make sure you have a study space. Whether you are a virtual student and you work at your in-home study space daily, or you need a place to do your homework after school, every student should have a designated study space. It can be a lot easier to focus on your schoolwork or homework when you are constantly doing it in one spot every day. Eventually, your study space will help you keep your work stored in an orderly fashion. Organization is key!

Get 8 hours of sleep a night; just not in class. The amount of sleep that we get every night can have a huge effect on our attention spans. Therefore, to avoid dozing off in class, make a daily schedule that allows you to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. A healthier body = a healthier mind.

I hope you learned something from this short and sweet post. We only have a month left of this school year, which is a little hard to believe. But don’t worry–with some hard work and faith, we are sure to succeed!

Have a beautiful day, everybody! Remember that every moment is a blessing; God bless you all! ✨

An open letter to my younger self…

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Dear younger self,

First of all, let me say that I love you, and I know what you’re facing: I was you. While I’m not that much older than you, and I still have much to learn, I hope that you will read these words with an open heart. God has given me lots of wisdom, and like you I am learning every day. I still have things that I need to do and I still have imperfections. But through it all, God has always been there for us, and He always will be. This is the advice that I have for you.

Just be you. I know that you may look in the mirror and see imperfections. But God says that you’re beautiful, inside and out. Even with your flaws, you are the apple of His eye. Don’t ever look in the mirror and wish you looked like someone you’re not. From now on, when you look at your reflection, say “If God says that I’m beautiful, then I think so, too.” The more you say it, the more you’ll believe it. Just shine. Be the the light in the darkness that God chose you to be.

It’s okay to have just a couple friends, because sometimes “friends” can be the same people who will try to take advantage of you in your highs and abandon you in your lows. However, through it all, God is your friend. You are your friend. Goodmommy is your friend. And you might even meet one or two more friends along the way~but don’t rush it. For the Bible says that a friend will stick closer than a brother. And considering that we have a great little brother already, I know that can be pretty hard to beat, LOL.

Keeping the peace is more important than being right. I know that you’re a perfectionist. I am, too. Naturally, we want everything to be perfect all the time. Sometimes, we might think that something isn’t fair or that someone owes us an apology. We might think it in our heads. But a rule to always remember is avoid speaking everything that pops up in your brain. Every thought isn’t meant to be spoken. And if you ever need guidance, pray about it. God will tell you what to do. He’s good like that.

Don’t compare yourself to people. There will be times where you may look at someone else and think that they’ve got everything together. They may always have the biggest smile on their face. They may be popular. They may be pretty. They may be rich in money and jewels. But never forget that sometimes only God knows what’s happening beneath the surface. Rich in money is far from the same thing as rich in peace, joy, and love.

Stop worrying about what other people think about you. What do YOU think about you? What do the people who love you for who you are think about you? And most importantly, what does GOD think about you? What does He call you in His Word? These are the voices that you should listen to. The rest is nothing but background noise.

Let God fight your battle. Life might not be easy in every moment. You may need to make important decisions, and sometimes you might not know what to do. If and when these moments come, be still and listen. Let God fight for you, because He’s already won this battle. Some of the trials that we face are simply a test, where God is asking us “Will you keep your faith in Me?” In everything, God is able. And in His timing, the perfect timing, every season will pass. And with each season, God will make you stronger in Him.

With lots of love,

– Your future, teenage self ♡

If you could say anything to your younger self, what would it be? Feel free to share your thoughts in the chat. I’m super excited to hear from you!

Thank you all so much for reading! Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless you all! ♡

Who’s Ready for Highschool? | How to Get Prepared

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When you’re in 8th grade, it can be a lot to think about your future. It’s the last year of middle school, a.k.a. the time in your life where you start thinking about college and what career you want to pursue, all while trying to find out more about yourself and how you are changing. I know that it can seem like a lot sometimes. However, as a soon-to-be-freshman myself, I’m here to tell you that everything will be okay! We just need to get prepared. And here’s how!

1.) Make Sure You Have a Consistent Schedule to Better Suit the Upcoming Changes ~ Highschool is nothing to be afraid of. Still, it’s a new chapter of our lives that requires preparation. And that means a schedule that will better suit the changes. In high school we will have new classes, teachers, peers, schools and our grades begin setting deeper footprints. This means that we need to make sure that we have routines that will give us plenty of time to stay productive during weekdays.

2.) Pay Attention to Academic Areas that Need Improving ~ Most of us have at least one favorite subject. And along with that, there might be some subjects that you feel like you could improve in. Now is the time to put those feelings into action. If we go through the process of getting more comfortable with the subjects that we need help in, we are setting ourselves up for success in the future and in life.

3.) Maintain Good Study Habits ~ One of the biggest differences in high school vs. middle school is the amount of work. High school is when we really start to prepare for our future, so why not start early? Maintaining positive and stable study habits will help prepare us for what’s to come, making the load lighter when high school is in session.

Recommended Post: How to Stay Organized as a Virtual Student

4.) Ask For Help If (and When) You Need It ~ At one point or another, we’ve all had to ask for help, whether it was from God, a parent, a teacher, a friend, or even our communities. And if there’s any stage in our lives that we need to ask for help, it’s probably now. New stages can be exciting, but for others they can be nerve-wracking. So, whenever you need a helping hand to lay on your shoulder during this time of transition, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Asking for assistance is a skill that we will need to use in all stages of our journeys as people and individuals.

5.) Create an Organized Workspace ~ While study habits are important, the only way that we can study effectively is if we have a constant place to do so. When you come home from school (or when you do your work if you’re homeschooled, like me) it makes it much easier to focus when you have an effective study space to get the job done.

6.) Get Your Priorities in Check ~ Prioritizing what we find the most important in our lives is crucial to preparing for grade 9. Peer pressure is just about everywhere in most public schools, so make sure that you are in check with what and whom you should spend your time. High school is all about preparing for adulthood, and while we still have time left before then, making priorities are a must for another successful school year!

7.) Relax~We Got This! ~ No matter what, remember that as long as you give it your all, you’ve got it together! You are capable. You are smart. You will succeed. You are getting better every day. You got this! Don’t forget to say these things to yourself whenever you need some words of encouragement. We can’t overlook mental health! <33

This guide for How to Prepare for Highschool was such a blast to create! I’m super excited for what high school has in store for me, and I hope that now you are, too. Don’t forget that with effort, the willingness to ask for help, positive affirmation, and academic preparation, high school will be smooth-sailing. All we need to do (besides these tips) is relax and enjoy what’s soon to come!

For more amazing content like this, please follow my blog for notifications every time I post another masterpiece.

Thanks for reading! Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! Peace in! ✨

5 Ways to Stay Motivated (Reblog)

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Hey everyone! I hope that you are having an amazing day, night, afternoon, or morning! You know, whether we are trying to do our best at school, get healthier, or just go through life and thrive, we all need to stay motivated. I mean, motivation is what pushes you to keep going, and not give up, even when things get tough. Without motivation (whether it’s from others or yourself), as well as determination, then I’m sure that we would have all given up on at least one or two things, in the past. ✨

This is exactly why I thought that it would be a great idea to discuss 5 Ways to Stay Motivated with you guys! 

So, are you ready to get/stay motivated? Let’s get started! 

  1. Surround yourself with a good support system. ✨

It’s easy to give up when you have a goal if you don’t have anyone to support you. Usually, there is at least one or two people, even if it is God, that will be able to push you to reach your goals. If you do have a person or people like this in your life, then those are the people that you want to stick around. It can make some people feel more secure and confident when they have people that support them to the fullest, even if the group isn’t very large.

2. Put up motivational messages in your room or as your screensaver. ✨

Perhaps you are the type of person that prefers to stay to themselves (which I personally think is a good thing). Then sometimes it’s best to just give yourself a little bit of motivation! Something that I enjoy doing is putting up motivational posters and decorations in my room. I also might add an inspirational quote or message to my screensaver! These are just little every day reminders that can help remind you how capable you are. And, let’s be real, a lot of us could use that reminder, sometimes!

3. Make the journey to your goal fun! ✨

If you often aren’t motivated to do something, and you still have plenty of time to do it, this could be because you simply don’t enjoy it. Whatever your goal is, make sure that you try to make it fun. And sure, I know that doing homework or being on a diet probably aren’t the most enjoyable task. However, making games to help you practice your algebra problems, working with a friend, or giving yourself a sweet reward after you eat your vegetables can make the experience at least a little more enjoyable.

4. Separate your goals into small sections. ✨

It’s a lot harder to be motivated to reach your goals when they are impossible to reach. It is a great idea to separate your goals into small sections or steps. Therefore, they will be easier to hit, and less likely to cause you to give up. For example, while writing my current novel, I try to set a do-able goal for myself (such as 100-250 words per day). This way, I don’t get discouraged, and I can hit my goal without it taking 1,000 years! It’s a win-win!

5. Celebrate your successes and achievements. ✨

Did you just reach one of your goals? Well, celebrate that! You know, a lot of times, we can actually forget that we need to reward ourselves when we actually set a goal for ourselves, then achieve it! Besides, after the hard work that you likely did, you really do deserve it!

…Lol. ✨

Alrighty, everyone! I really hope that you enjoyed these 5 Ways to Stay Motivated! Never forget that whenever you set a goal, try to stay motivated. It will help you push through and reach your goals, even when it’s a struggle! Trust me, you will be happy that you did, in the end! 

Have a happy, healthy, and amazing day, everyone! ✨

Rest Well – Words of Wisdom #4

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Genesis 2:2-3 NIV (New International Version)
2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

The words of wisdom in the Bible hold a lot of meaning. And this section, in particular, stands out to me, a lot.

I find it amazing that even God Himself: the Lord of lords and King of kings, rested on the seventh day. He worked during the first six days–He created the world and everything in the world. And when He was done, He rested.

Now, we notice that the Bible just calls the Sabbath day “the seventh day.” We can conclude that this is technically Saturday, the seventh and last day of the week. While this is important, what I really want you to know is “Sabbath” means a day of rest or absence from work.

We don’t all have the same exact schedule–some people are off of work on Saturday, and others on Sunday. Some factors are simply out of our control. What matters is that when our time allows we take a break from work, and rest. That will likely be a day or two out of the week. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy period of time.

When we get our rest, we aren’t only resting our bodies, but also our minds. If we’re always on the go, then we will eventually get burnt out.

It’s just like how our bodies need sleep everyday–if we don’t get it, they can malfunction. That’s just how God made us.

We need at least one day out of the week as a break from work to regain our energy. As we work, we should put in our absolute best effort. In order to continue that same mindset, we need to take care of ourselves, too.

So it’s okay to take a rest from time to time. When we do our best work: good work, then a break is well deserved.

And if God rested, then we can, and should, too.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! What you think about rest? ❤️

5 Reasons Why You Should Give and Get More Hugs

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When’s the last time someone gave you a warm hug? In fact, when’s the last time you’ve given someone else a loving embrace? I don’t know if you’ve heard about this before, but it is recommended that we all get at least 12 hugs a day. That’s right: at least. And since it’s National Hugging Day, I think it’s the perfect time to talk about warm hugs.

So bring it in as I share 5 Reasons Why You Should Give and Get More Hugs. ✨

1. Hugs can make us happier.

When you get a hug from someone that you know cares about you, you can feel the love in their embrace. Hugging releases a chemical in your brain called oxytocin, which is associated with, you guessed it, happiness. But, I don’t blame our brains for getting happier with a hug: they feel so good!

2. They can help create stronger bonds.

Hugging is not just wrapping your arms around someone; hugging is when you communicate through an embrace. The wonderful thing about a hug is that it can say “I love you,” or “I’m thankful for you,” or “Everything is going to be alright,” without the need for words. It’s a simple action that can have a huge influence on how close we are to our hug buddies. So, if you want to make your close bonds even stronger, try hugs. You might be surprised at how much more solid your relationships, and communication skills, become.

3. They show that we care.

When you wrap your arms around someone else, you can occasionally feel how that one embrace made their day even brighter. Knowing that you were able to put a little extra sunshine in someone else’s life can automatically cause a sense of happiness and the accomplishment of showing kindness.

4. Hugging can help us feel secure and at peace.

As we are embraced and we embrace others, we are giving and getting comfort. There’s nothing like a warm cuddle to make you feel safe. Hugs are known to reduce anxiety and stress because of this. In fact, the word hug comes from the Norwegian word “hugga” which literally means to comfort or console. No wonder why hugs are so pleasant!

5. Hugs are good for the body and soul.

Hugs make our hearts go pitter-patter. I’m not joking. Well..maybe a little bit, lol. But really, though; hugs actually boost the heart, lower blood pressure, strengthen our immune systems, relieve pain, and the list goes on! The sense of happiness and security that our bodies and minds obtain from a hug become present in our spirits just the same. Once our souls are happy, our minds and bodies are likely happy, too.

There are so many great things about hugs: they’re healthy for our bodies, help form stronger bonds, make us happier and feel at peace, and they show those who we love that we care. Spread the love by giving hugs to your family and friends. Oh, and on top of that, hug yourself, too!

It can be easy to want to be loved. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, we have to remember that if we want a little love, we need to give a little love, in return. Don’t forget; even if you hug yourself, try to get at least 12 every single day. You will reap the many positive consequences, if you do. So go ahead and hug it out.

Have a happy, healthy, and blessed day, everyone! Bye!✨

National Winnie-the-Pooh Day | Top 10 Quotes from our Favorite Bear 🍯

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Winnie sure does love his honey. Also, the credits of this GIF, quotes, and characters belong to their rightful owners (including author A. A. Milne and Disney,) not me. Only my writing (the introduction, conclusion and paragraph with my name, Princess Q’Zion, behind it) are my own.

Come, on now. Who doesn’t know about Winnie-the-Pooh. Although the first addition to the popular book series was published all the way back in 1926–that’s nearly 100 years ago–Winnie the Pooh and his friends never fail to put a smile on the faces of people around the world, from toddlers to the elderly.

Winnie is such a lovable, loyal, and charming bear that never fails to tug at our heart strings. And since it’s National Winnie-the-Pooh day, I think it’s a great idea to share the Top 10 Quotes of “Pooh Bear,” and a couple extras from some of his friends.

1. “Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So, today is my favorite day –Winnie-the-Pooh

2. “A hug is always the right size.” –Winnie-the-Pooh

3. “A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.” —Winnie-the-Pooh

4. “Home is the comfiest place to be.” -–Winnie-the-Pooh

5. “You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” -–Winnie-the-Pooh

6. “When all else fails, take a nap” –Winnie-the-Pooh

7. “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh

8. “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” –Winnie-the-Pooh

9. “Oh, bother.” —Winnie the Pooh

10. “I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I have been.” –Winnie-the-Pooh

3 Extras to Make You Smile (from other characters)

Although Winnie is the star of the show, today, I still wanted to share 3 quotes from other familiar and iconic characters. Besides, we all know that Pooh wouldn’t mind sharing the spotlight with those that he loves the most: his friends. — Princess Q’Zion

1. “The things that make me different are the things that make me, me.” –Piglet

2. “The wonderful thing about Tiggers is I’m the only one.” –Tigger

3. “A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference.” – Eeyore

Yessssssss! I’m loving this nostalgia! I hope that you also loved these memorable quotes from Winnie-the-Pooh, and some of his friends that we all know and love.

Comment down below other great quotes from the series (books, movies, etc.) that I didn’t list here. Also, is Winnie-the-Pooh your favorite character? I love Pooh a lot, but Tigger might just be my favorite of them all. What do you think?

Have a great day, everyone! 🍯

The Importance of Mental Wellness + Tips on How to Maintain It

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When is the last time you asked yourself, “How am I doing?”

Read that again.

Usually, people will wait for someone else to ask them that question: “How are you doing?” But every now and again, we need to repeat those exact words to ourselves. Think about it like this: even if someone did ask you that question, how would you know how to honestly answer if you’ve never thought about it, yourself?

Quick yet thoughtful self-checks like this can help you maintain a positive mindset, as well as acknowledge your emotions and need for some extra love and support, if this is the case.

Even though life has its ups and downs, it is more than possible (and fun) to take care of yourself and keep your mentality in a good place.

One of the things that you can do to achieve this is be honest with yourself about what you are feeling. As long as you continue to be proactive, your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

Just in case you want some extra assistance on how to maintain a productive healthy mentality, here are some tips:

  • Learn to value yourself and the things that make you unique.
  • Surround yourself with people who truly love and respect you for who you are.
  • Study the Bible, and gain wisdom from other’s experiences.
  • Make sure your diet includes protein, vitamins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Avoid trying to fill a void with things that aren’t good for your health.
  • Get plenty of sleep (at least 8 hours per day.)

Practicing good mental health is a wonderful form of self care, and not as complicated as some may think. For the most part, all you have to do is practice good habits (self love, healthy diet, good influences, etc.) and your mental health is set up for success!

Have a happy day, everyone! ✨

How to Stay Organized as a Virtual Student

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Something really important to me as a student that does work at home, and has been for 5 years, is organization. When my workspace is organized, I automatically feel more productive and I can remain focused on the tasks at hand. A clean space can also cause for a clean sense of concentration that will make it easier for anyone to study.

The only catch is organization is not an easy task for everyone. If you happen to be one of these people, don’t worry! I’ve got some great tips for you to help you learn how you can stay productive and confident while completing your work.

Choose a designated workspace.

This first point is a big one, and I’ll explain why: If you don’t have one fixed space where you always come to in order to study and get your work completed, it’s easy to loose track of supplies, notebooks, and other items you may need.

When you have a designated space to work, everything is where you left it, therefore making your whole study experience more enjoyable and a lot less of a hassle.

Have a calendar and/or planner handy.

Personally, I have a lot of appointments, club meetings, and live classes that I like to (and sometimes have to) attend for school.

Let. Me. Tell. You. As far as material items go, planners and calendars can be a homeschooler’s best friend. Not only do they easily allow you to document all of your to-dos, but it can also give you a peace of mind: you won’t have to remember everything by yourself. All you’ll have to do is take a look at your calendar or planner.

Take lots of notes. Organized notes.

Note-taking is a great technique if you want to get a good review of the Module or Segment before a test, and they can be extremely productive, as long as they are organized. There may even be note resources that your school provides, so if that’s available, take full advantage of that! In order to create organized notes, take a look at these bonus tips:

  • Separate your binders and notebooks by course. Every course needs a designated notebook.
  • When you do a new lesson, start a new page.
  • Write down lists with bullet points (the dots before each sentence in this list.)
  • Use highlighters to make key points stand out.
  • Organize the text by headings, always making sure to label each page with a title, explaining which lesson it covers.

Create and maintain a routine.

Things can get a little “messy” when you don’t have a routine. Without some type of schedule, there’s no specific time when you need to wake up, do your work, and meet the necessary attendance requirements your school has in place.

It’s best to create a routine where you set an alarm for when you wake up and have a time frame or fixed goal for how long you need to work or how many assignments you will submit every day. I love this method, as not only does it help create productivity in our academic lives, but it can also help us make time for family, friends, clubs, and other extracurricular activities.

Eat breakfast before you start working.

Usually, I aim to wake up 60-90 minutes before I actually start doing my work for the day. I have to clean the beds in my house, plus eat breakfast, all before I “go to school.”

Therefore, waking up a decent (but not too large) amount of time before your work begins will give you time for a nutritious breakfast to get your mind moving and start off the day strong! A good attitude is a HUGE factor in productivity, no matter how or where you learn.

Take breaks.

While a lot of people would guess that homeschoolers don’t actually have to work, I’m sure me and you know otherwise. It’s possible to spend 4-5 hours every day, Monday through Friday, working in order to complete all of our assignments.

In order to prevent fatigue, take at least one 30-minute break every day that you do your work for over 4 hours. It gives you an opportunity to get a healthy lunch, rejuvenating your energy, hence helping get you through the day.

Hopefully, this list of tips was a great help to anyone who works at home and needs some guidance on how to get and stay organized. Remember, as long as you have determination, a good attitude, and good organization, your online education is sure to be successful.

Have a great day, y’all! ✨