Nerds of Style: The FINALS strut...

Hi loves,

It's been a while since my last post... I have been busy preparing myself to defend my dissertation proposal, and taking care of other work responsibilities. My upcoming proposal defense inspired me to write a post to share some insight with fellow students on how to remain calm and peaceful during final examinations period. These suggestions are accompanied by a lovely fashion spread shot by my BFF Melissa Bernier. In this spread, I am wearing the warmest, comfiest, coziest pieces that are perfect for those long study days...

You can find the outfit credits at the end of this post.

Staying happy through finals

1. Always, always be gentle with yourself, and understand that the more compassion and kindness you have towards yourself the better you will feel to conquer the stress related to finals.

2. You can be gentle towards yourself by telling yourself self-affirming statements. I always like carrying small positive notes/quotes in my backpack and purses. When I feel worried and stressed I take these notes/quotes out and in a heartbeat I regain confidence and trust in myself!

3. Be realistic. There is only so much you can do in one day. Set realistic and achievable goals and objectives. Prioritize them. You will have more chances of achieving more goals and objectives this way, which will then give you a boost in your confidence that you can conquer all your goals!

4. Part of been realistic, also means letting go. I have learned the hard way that worrying over every little detail in your paper or exam only fuels anxiety. Instead, I tell myself, "I have done the very best I could, and I trust that I will get the grade that I deserve for my effort... It's time to let this baby out of the oven and into the world"!

5. Nourish your mind and your body. In simple words, eat, sleep and exercise well! Your body and mind are your temple, and require care. They work together, ALWAYS, and if you mistreat one part, the other part will resent it. This brings me to my next point...

6. Create a routine and set limits. This is related to #3. Choose days and times during the week to focus on your work. For example, for my recent doctoral comprehensive exam I studied three days of the week for 4-5 hours daily. Doing this is more manageable than trying to conquer all in 8 hours. Your brain gets tired, and so does your body, and then you get upset, anxious, and frustrated! Setting a limit, and taking a break from work will let you release your tension and bad energy. Then you can kick start the routine again all refreshed!

7. Last, PRAY or say a MANTRA that will keep you calm, peaceful an positive. Here is my favorite one...

I am a beautiful canary flower, bright like the sunshine. I feel stressed and worried, but the light of God and Mother Nature nourish and sustains me. I know these feelings will go away, because I am a bright and vibrant canary flower always facing the sunshine...