Increase Your Focus

Senioritis anyone? I remember my last year of college I had the hardest time focusing. My last 2 semester were not that bad, but I still had to study. I remember talking to my adviser about this who was also my marketing teacher, so we decided to put a presentation together for everyone in the class. I discussed different ways to avoid senioritis and how students can increase their focus. I also recently read an article in Yahoo that had a lot of the same tips. Below are a few of the tips that helped increase my focus the most.

First, I organized my desk or work space. The cleaner it was with the least amount of objects on it, I was able to maintain focus. You are less likely to start playing with something or doodling with colored pens. The second thing I did was scheduled breaks and created goals. That guaranteed that I got the amount I needed done. During my breaks I would grab something to eat or go workout at the University Downs gym. The third thing is I would put my phone away. This eliminated any distractions and helped me save a lot of time.

Do you find these tips useful and how do you increase your focus?

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The Truth About Sleep

So many people think that they can make up sleep on the weekends or that 6 hours is enough a night. Both of these are false statements. I know for me I need to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. This past week I have only been getting 5 to 6 and I am exhausted today. I will definitely not be doing this again. Once in a while it’s okay not to get a full night of rest, but if you do it everyday it can lead to health problems.

I was reading an article this morning on Yahoo! about sleep myths that I think everyone would benefit from.  The first myth is that it’s not good to workout close to when you are going to bed. This is false; it depends on the person. For me, I can workout, go home shower, and fall asleep right away. The second myth is that falling asleep in an afternoon meeting is normal. Feeling slightly sleepy is normal, but if you’re eyes are struggling to stay open then you really needed to get more rest.

The third myth that really stood out to me is it doesn’t matter what time you go to sleep. Studies have proven that people who are night owls are more likely to get depression than an early riser. The article suggest to break this habit, start going to bed 15 minutes earlier in increments to get your body used to sleeping earlier.

What type of sleeper are you? Do you get enough sleep each night?

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Work-drobes

If you are job searching or just started your first job. I have been working for more than 3 years in corporate America and there is nothing worse than when someone wears something inappropriate on the job. If you have to ask yourself more than twice if it’s appropriate, you should probably wear something else. I have seen people come in everything from sweat pants to jeans with holes in the rear.

I have decided to list a few Work-drobe rules that will benefit all the newbies out there.

• Don’t wear shorts that are more than 2 inches above your knees.
• Don’t wear t-shirts that have inappropriate verbiage.
• Don’t wear shirts or dresses that are too low cut. If it’s questionable then put a tank top on underneath.
• Don’t wear your workout clothes.
• Don’t wear your bedroom/house slippers.

I know some of these things may seem common sense, but you will be very surprised. I have seen people wear all of the things that I have listed above. What other Work-drobe “No-No’s” do you have to share?

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Try These Delicious Cupcake Recipes

Cupcake boutiques are popping up everywhere.

I think we really like them because they are so simple: Just cake flour and icing. And you don’t have to be a kid to like them! If you’re searching for some good cupcake recipes, check out these 20 Better Homes and Gardens cupcake ideas, including traditional red velvet cupcakes to tangerine cupcakes with coconut frosting.

Avoid Becoming The Office Complainer

There’s a complainer in every workplace. Still, we can all find ourselves getting into the habit of complaining a bit too much while at the office.

Here are some things that you probably shouldn’t complain about:

Salary — We all want to be paid more. Instead of complaining, why not focus that energy on delivering consistenly good work.

Perks — Instead of complaining about the perks such as catered lunches that you no longer get, make it a point to start an office pot luck. You’ll get a chance ot know your co-workers a lot better.

Personal issues — No one wants to hear about your sad and sordid life during their 9-to-5 when they’re busy working. Save it for the cafeteria or your personal friends.

Get more tips from Shine.

Throw A Party With Summer Cocktails

See Bill Cosby Live

Bill Cosby might be more known by certain generations for the Cosby Show and Jello Pudding Pop commercials, but he’s actually a very talented and funny comedian. If you haven’t seen Cosby perform live, you owe it to yourself to see him on stage, where he does magic without ANY profanity.

That’s definitely a rare breed among comedians these days.

Cosby performs Saturday, June 26 at 8 p.m. at Harrah’s Casino Tunica Event Center in Tunica, Mississippi. It’s a little trip, but worth it to see a comedic legend real, live and up close. Get more information on the Cosby show performance at Harrah’s.

Photo: Wikipedia

Great Gift Ideas For Dad

Love your Dad but swamped for gift ideas this Father’s Day?

Let him know how much you love him with a well-thought out gift on Father’s Day, on Sunday, June 20. If your Dad is into football, get some tickets to a game in the fall. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s one that your Dad will probably appreciate, especially if he’s into sports.

Tickets are still on sale, and you can probably get great seats if you buy tickets now. Alabama takes on San Jose State on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. in Tuscaloosa. Get more Alabama game info.

Pets And The Pool

The weather’s hot and you’re at the pool. What to do with your pet? Your pets and the pool don’t mix all the time. It’s good for them to get in the water, but you have to remember that the pool water is still chlorine.

It’s tempting to let your pet get in the pool to stay cool, but don’t leave them there unsupervised. Practice pool safety, such as gradual introductions to water, rinsing dogs off after swimming, and don’t allow them to drink pool water.

Get more pet safety tips from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Smart Summer Vacation Tips

Spring is getting reading to turn into summer – the perfect time for a getaway.

To make the most of your trip — and save a few bucks in the process — here’s a great vacation tip.

Become an expert — before you go. You might be hundreds of miles from your destination, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be a stranger. Get connected online, before you spend any money on your trip.

Sign up for Google alerts, e-newsletters, travel websites, anything that will help you learn more about the area where you’re planning on traveling. It’s good to learn more bout where you’re going, before you get there. Try sites like www.orbitz.com, www.bing.com, www.kayak.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.travel-ticker.com and www.travelzoo.com.

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