asking out a boy (joanne life update)

this year, my entire existence has been dedicated to learning myself. -to developing and growing and living. like most everyone i feel lost, but i am working to change that (or at least come to terms with it).

recently, i have developed a crush on this boy at my school. he is taller and older and has blond hair and a nice smile. i've made up my mind to ask him out.

it was a hard decision to come to. not only are there so many stigmatisms about boys being the ones to initiate relationships, but i wasn't sure if being in a relationship was the right thing for me. hiding away from romantic relationships just doesn't feel authentic, though. it makes me feel stupid - for having these feelings and not doing anything about it.

anyways, this is just to share that : you don't have to be by yourself to find yourself. i promise you that.

taking care of yourself is harder than it seems. but it is always worth it. remember that.

you're strong and unstoppable. act like it.

try new hobbies! make friends! live your life!

giving the benefit of the doubt (WHY?)

i am SO SICK of people pretending to be nonchalant, and heartless. it's horrible and unfair that people have to be in relationships where they are not making the most of their partner's care and instead worrying about how they come off.

especially if you change yourself for your partner - or vice versa.

while it’s important to be cautious and protect yourself from being taken advantage of, giving the benefit of the doubt (and being yourself) can lead to more positive and trusting relationships.

a lot of excuses that people make include not being able to trust after a bad relationship or bad breakup. this is fair, HOWEVER you cannot use this as a tool for the blame game. you must allow yourself to love and be loved.

here's how:

❤️joanne

how to improve your listening skills in lectures

improving your listening skills in lectures can make a big difference in how well you understand and retain information. here are some strategies to help you become a better listener:

do you have any specific challenges you face with listening in lectures?

❤️ nene

image source: pinterest

you, me & new york city?

sometimes you just have to say "i'm too nice for this" and leave

"you're so smart, it's like intimidating"

too full of love to accept the bare minimum

healthy habits for straight a's

healthy habits play a crucial role in academic success. here’s a detailed explanation of how they can help you get straight a’s, along with some examples:

1. balanced diet

a nutritious diet fuels your brain and body, improving cognitive functions like memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. for example, eating a breakfast rich in whole grains, fruits, and proteins can enhance your focus and energy levels throughout the day.

2. regular exercise

physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which can boost your mood and cognitive abilities. exercise also helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact your academic performance. for instance, a daily 30-minute walk or a quick workout session can make a significant difference.

3. adequate sleep

sleep is essential for memory consolidation and overall brain function. lack of sleep can lead to poor concentration, reduced problem-solving skills, and lower academic performance. aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to ensure your brain is well-rested and ready to learn.

4. hydration

staying hydrated is vital for maintaining cognitive functions. dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your brain functioning optimally.

5. stress management

chronic stress can impair your ability to learn and remember information. practicing stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help you stay calm and focused. for example, taking a few minutes each day to meditate can reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

6. healthy social interactions

positive social interactions can boost your mood and provide emotional support, which is important for academic success. engaging in group study sessions or discussing topics with friends can enhance your understanding and retention of the material.

examples of healthy habits:

by integrating these healthy habits into your daily life, you’ll create a strong foundation for academic success and overall well-being.

dual coding

dual coding is a learning strategy that involves using both visual and verbal information to help you understand and remember concepts better. it was developed by allan paivio in 1971. the idea is that by combining words with images, you engage two different channels in your brain, making it easier to process and recall information.

here’s how dual coding can help you get straight a’s:

try incorporating dual coding into your study routine by creating visual aids for your notes or using educational videos that combine visuals with explanations. good luck with your studies!

spaced repetition !

spaced repetition is a powerful study technique that can significantly improve your learning and retention, helping you achieve straight a’s.

what is spaced repetition?

spaced repetition involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. this technique leverages the psychological spacing effect, which suggests that we remember information better when our learning is spread out over time rather than crammed into a single session.

how does it work?

the idea is to review material just before you’re likely to forget it. by doing this, you reinforce your memory and make it stronger each time. here’s a typical schedule for spaced repetition:

benefits of spaced repetition

examples of spaced repetition:

practical tips

by incorporating spaced repetition into your study routine, you can improve your retention, make your study sessions more efficient, and ultimately achieve better grades.

i hope this was helpful! ❤️nene

how can you be so sure about it if you avoid the experience?

hug all your friends

how does active recall work?

active recall is a method of studying where you actively stimulate your memory during the learning process. instead of passively reviewing notes or textbooks, you test yourself on the material, forcing your brain to retrieve information. this process strengthens your memory and enhances your understanding of the subject.

the principle behind active recall is simple: the more you practice retrieving information, the better you become at remembering it. this technique involves:

to love and be loved