We all know the feeling.  You want to get into shape but just can't get yourself motivated enough to start, or you have a hard time sticking to it.  Trust me, I know.  So, over the years I have discovered some little tricks here and there. Hope something can be of use to you.

Photo by Francesco Gallaroti

  Plan the day before 

By planning the day before, it will be easier for you to convince yourself to go to the gym. Start by getting ready the night before.  Get all of your workout clothes and necessities together.  Pick out a cute outfit, a good water bottle and whatever else you need.

 Prepare your food before 

Make a smoothie and your lunch the night before.  I would recommend that you add your protein powder in the morning though (just shake it up), it gets reaaallly weird if you keep it in the fridge.  If you pack some good food, I believe that it's a great way to be excited about the next day.


Change up your routine 

Most of us know what it feels like to "plateau".  If you don't know what that is, it's when you workout a lot but you don't see any improvements.  The best way to stop this from happening is to change up your workout routine.  Add some new exercises every so often and even try a whole different form of workout.  It also makes things more exciting if you aren't all that into going to the gym or running.  Try swimming, palates, or yoga.  


 Get Inspired

Pinterest/blogs/ weheartit are amazing.  I always get more motivated to workout when I search workout inspiration on social media.  Take the information with a grain of salt.  Sometimes it's helpful other times it's really not good (the thigh gap obsession).

Photo by Ryan McGuire

Set Goals 

 I find this is one of the more challenging but certainly do-able tips.  We as humans, are very goal oriented and many of us perform better when we have a goal in place.  Make long term goals such as reaching a certain weight/ lifting a certain weight/ going up or down a dress size. Make sure that they are truly realistic goals and healthy.  Once you do reach these goals you will feel very accomplished. Also, create some short term goals such as going to the gym so often, joining a new class, running for an extra 5 minutes.. It doesn't have to be a big goal, it can still boost your confidence and motivation to continue.


Be confident with who you are 

  I know how difficult this is.  Many of us seem to think negatively about our bodies, our looks and we often compare ourselves to others.  I have certainly done this.  Try to look at yourself in a more positive light.  Think of something that you like about your body.  For many of us - we can name a bunch of things that we don't like, but we often don't think about the things we do like.  Positivity is a very powerful thing.  So right now - think of something that you like about yourself.


Sticky notes your entire house 

 OK maybe not your entire house but leave some positive notes in places that you will see.  Such as the bathroom mirror, your bedside table and/or your fridge.  It's nice to see these messages. It can give you that little boost that you need.

Photo by Dave Meier

Go workout with your friends 

 I always found that I am more motivated and more willing to go workout if someone is counting on me to go.  Especially if you're struggling with consistently going to the gym - bring a friend.  Motivate each other and help each other out!


Do you have any other tips or anything to add to these? 

Photo by Sarah Babineau

Yes, it's that time of year again... Finals.  It sucks because of the incredible amounts of information that we must learn, memorize and then regurgitate.  On the bright side, summer break is just around the corner! YAY.

As a Senior, I believe that I have had enough experience with finals and writing exams to share with you some tips that I have found most helpful.

First of all, I wish someone had told me earlier that if you have testing anxiety, contact your school student services.  You can arrange various things to make life a lot easier.  I for one write my exams in a separate room from others so I don't get embarrassed if I get panicky.  There are also counsellors who can help you learn new testing taking techniques and help you with breathing techniques and so on.  Don't be afraid or embarrassed of asking for help.

Start studying early.  I will admit that I haven't always been the best at this.  I find that I will concentrate on my first exam and then everything just snowballs because I wasn't concentrating on exam 2 or 3 until the night before.  It's great if you can get into the habit of reviewing your notes everyday, this will make it easier to memorize.  If that's not possible, try picking a day, like sunday, where you review all your material from the previous week.  Also, if you get a few days off before your finals begin, don't forget to review material for the latter exams!

Photo by David Best

Study in groups then study by yourself.  I love and hate group study sessions.  I love it because you help each other really understand the material. It's a good way of figuring out the information.  I hate it because a lot of times people will start to talk about everything but your study material.  What I suggest is that you pick a group of people to study with who you are not great friends with outside of school.  This helps because your sole goal will be studying.  I also suggest that you separate and study by yourself after.  Memorizing is hard but if you read thru the information and than say them over and over again, visualize them, say them out loud, you will start to be able to get things to stick.

The day before the test should be solely for review.  You should have memorized and learnt the material by this point.  I like to get a friend or my parents to quiz me on the information.  By the time you feel comfortable with the information this should be easy.  If you are too busy, or you are still studying by the night before, it's ok.

Make sure that you are eating well, sleeping well and taking care of yourself.  How you feel is incredibly important when it comes to testing.  Especially if you are anxious.  Take walks periodically when you are studying to get some fresh air and to take your mind off of things.

Just keep going.  I know that many people feel like just giving up, or are just winging it.  Try your best.  It's ok if you don't get the best mark in the world.  But once you believe that you did everything that you can with the time and resources that you have, be happy and be proud of yourself.

Good luck on your exams.  Just keep Studying!

Photo by petradr

I love to travel.  It's one of the most exciting things.  We all know how difficult it is to pack - especially when going on long trips.

Small Cross-Body Bag 

These bags are wonderful for travelling.  The bag is small enough to carry your essentials, but not too big that it becomes heavy.  The best part is: you don't scream Tourist!  
Citysafe LS50 Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag - LLbean 75$

As a fourth year university student, I am very busy.  I have little time for myself or any type of fun. Or so I thought... This is a popular issue with students and employees who are trying to get their foot in the door.  You have to deal with due dates, projects, working late, working overtime, and other difficult situations.  It is very stressful.

Photo by Mikhail Pavstyuk

Over the years, I have found myself getting more and more lonely.  I realized that I no longer spoke to my friends, let alone go out.  I had basically become a recluse.  I thought that it was because I was so busy, and never had the time.  In the back of my mind I knew that this wasn't completely true.

Not too long ago, I received the best advice.  This was specifically for school but can be applied to those who work as well.  A professor asks questions on an exam to quiz what you know.  The majority of them do not want you to fail.  But there's more to an exam than just studying.  It's important that you know the style of questions that will be asked.  But most of all, your state of mind, your health is important too.

With all that said.  If we break down an exam into these three parts: what you know, the professors style, and your health.  If you study all the time, you are only working on 1 part of the 3 that are important in succeeding.  When it comes to knowing your professors style of testing, it's just a matter of reviewing past tests and projects.  The third part is important but most of us focus on the other 2.  If you are in a good mindset, confident and happy your grades have been shown to increase.  So, instead of spending your entire days studying and memorizing - relax and take some time for yourself.

Photo by Startup Stock Photos

So what you need to do TODAY is to: Start thinking about your well-being.  Stop working so hard! The benefits do not out way the consequences.

Here are some things that you can do!

1.  Contact a new friend/ old friend and make plans
2.  Try a new hobby! - Blog, knitting, a sport, fitness group?
3.  Get exercising - there are many benefits including producing those happy hormones (endorphins)
4.  De-stress - breathing techniques, taking some me time!
5.  Go outside - The sunshine is a great boost for our moods, and fresh air is great too!

Photo by Bảo-Quân Nguyễn

I wish I was going away for spring break.  If you are one of the lucky people to be going somewhere hot this spring, this article will be great for you.  Perhaps your one of the luckier ones who are already experiencing summer weather.  Well just to let you know, I have been snowed in since sunday (it is now wednesday) and it doesn't look like this storm will be going anywhere any time soon.

So, as you may have noticed, I am dreaming of summer.  If I were going somewhere sunny, wonderful and hot. This is what I would consider my Summers outfit




Pretty Swimsuit 
Whats a spring break vacation without spending time at the beach or the pool! I love Victoria Secrets line of bathing suits.  They have a huge variety of styles and the option to mix and match.

Victoria Secret - Banded Fabulous swimsuit - 50$ 




Sunscreen
Today, we know that sunscreen and sunblock is incredibly important.  Research suggests that it is absolutely necessary for everyone to wear sun protection and to avoid any direct exposure without it. This means you tanning bed and sitting out in the sun for hours tanning using just oil people, stop it! If you really want that natural tan, use a sunscreen spf 30 and a tanning oil on top.  Sunscreen allows some rays to penetrate the skin unlike sunblock that does not.


Hawaiian Tropics - Walmart 10$


Lingerie
A nice set of lingerie can really boost up our confidence and body image.  Why not get a new set to sport during your vacation.  It doesn't have to be for someone else, but it can be.

La Senza -  The Show off - Cheeky Panty & Bra- 28$ & 15$


Dresses
I love wearing dresses during the summer.  I will wear a dress almost every day.  Try a dress with a pattern? Or a colour that you normal do not wear?  It's spring, it's your spring break, why not go bold!

Forever 21 - Dress 24$

Sunglasses
Sunglasses are very important for your eyes.  We all know that UV rays damage our skin, but it will also damage your eyes.  Just imagine what it does to your skin - turning it red and painful.  What do you think is happening to your eyes?  I wouldn't recommend you to bring your favourite and most expensive pair of sunglasses with you since they may get damaged or loss.

Forever 21 - Sunglasses - 7$


Beach Bag
What a beach day without a beach bag.  I love to bring oversized bags that will carry all of my necessities.  These straw bags are fashionable and practical.

Ardene - Large Straw Beach Bag - 19$

Shoes
Again, I wouldn't want to bring my most expensive shoes to the beach yet I want to have nice shoes on.  I like to buy some shoes at places like Ardene where they aren't expensive, look great, and I'm not too worried about damaging them or losing them.

Ardene - Tan leather sandals - 22$

It seems like there are two types of people in the world. Those who are morning people and those who are night owls.  Although this is not completely true, most people are one or the other.  Here's a little bit about me: I am a night owl who loves the sun.  I live for the sunshine and warm weather (as you can tell, I hate winter).  Now that spring is quickly approaching, I convert myself into becoming a morning person to take complete advantage of the sunshine.

I must admit that this isn't an easy task but absolutely possible.  Being a morning person is a very wonderful thing because you are able to do so much more with your days.  With this I will begin to discuss my tips into becoming a morning person.



Night

Make a list & Get ready -  Write a to do list for the next day, sort out your clothes/lunches and anything else that you will need.  This will help keep you organized and reduced the time it takes you to get ready in the morning.

Photo by: Elizabet Domiguez

Go to bed 1 hour early -  By doing this, you will feel a lot more rested and it will help you get out of bed that much earlier.  This may take a little while to get used to it, but trust me, it will make a difference.

Make sure that you are getting enough sleep - Some people need more hours of sleep than others.  I for instance need roughly 10 hours a night. I know, it's a lot.  Find out how much sleep you need to be at your best.

Are you healthy? - There are certain conditions that will affect your sleep.  If you feel as though something is abnormal, make sure to speak with your physician.

Photo by Jonas Nillson Lee

Quality sleep - It's important to get quality sleep to live a healthy life.  If you go to bed really late, you may actually be skipping out on REM sleep (the period of deep sleep responsible for "regenerating" your body).  This occurs for most individuals in the early morning.

Don't go to bed stressed -  Before going to bed, make an effort into reducing your stress levels.  Shut off your computer or other electronic devices.  Do something relaxing like take a bath, read a book, or do some meditation and breathing techniques.


Morning

If you are a coffee junkie - Does the smell of coffee help you wake up? Do you need that cup of joe to get going in the morning? If so, in the morning set your coffee maker to when you wake up.  Just knowing that you have some hot coffee already made and waiting for you can be an incentive to waking up.

Photo by Rodion Kutsaev

Get yourself excited - Is there something fun going on today? Seeing friends, going to a movie? Relaxing date night?  Come up with one thing that you are excited for.  This will motivate you to get up.

Stretch - Get your body ready for the day by doing some light stretching.  This form of exercise will also get your brain working.  It also feels really nice.

Eat a good breakfast -  Get your metabolism started early.  We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so please, do skip it!

Photo by Jan Vasec

Take a shower & use fruit/citrus smelling products - The water will help wake you up.  But another thing that helps me wake up is "morning - floral, fruity, citrus" smelling bath products.  My favourite shampoo for early mornings is Garniers original scent.


I hope that this posts gave you at least one new thing to try! Do you have more tips? Write them in the comments!!

I thought I would create my own tag.  Since spring is just around the corner, I thought it would be most appropriate.  So this tag involves 10 questions.  My set of answers are bellow.

*

1.  What is your favourite tea or coffee flavour?
2.  Favourite outfit for spring?
3.  Favourite springtime book?
4.  Favourite spring nail colour?
5.  Favourite snack?
6.  What would be the perfect spring time day?
7.  Favourite TV show?
8.  Favourite spring hairstyle?
9.  Favourite Starbucks beverage?
10.  Favourite shoe?

My answers..

1.  What is your favourite tea or coffee flavour?

• Davids tea cranberry pear, it's so flavourful and delish. It reminds me of spring because it's not a citrus flavour but it is still fruity. 

2.  Favourite outfit for spring?

• Since where I live it is still too cold to go out in short sleeves during the spring.  I like to wear a pair of jeggings, a t-shirt and I light rain proof jacket with my puma sneakers. 

3.  Favourite springtime book?

• Light romance books or fiction.  I like to read either really happy romance books that are just relaxing. Often times, the majority of books that I am waiting to get are released during the months of march & april.   I love to read books by Cassandra Claire & Rachel Mead

4.  Favourite spring nail colour?

• Nude nail polish or lavender.  I don't like to spend a lot on nail polish so I will stick with Rimmel nail polishes.  They have excellent lasting power. 

5.  Favourite snack?

• Celery & peanut butter. Don't judge - try it.  I found it was so so the first few bites, but let me tell you, I was scrapping for the last bits of peanut butter by the end. It's delicious. 

6.  What would be the perfect spring time day?

• Wake up at around 9, get a great breakfast with lots of fruits and have a good hair day/makeup day.  Go to lunch with a friend, and then go to the park.  By evening, I would like to go to a club & enjoy the rest of the night. 

7.  Favourite TV show?

• Continue watching the Walking Dead & Lost 

8.  Favourite spring hairstyle?

• I love to curl my hair, although my hair is so difficult. (The curls do not last).  I also sport a messy bun every few days. 

9.  Favourite Starbucks beverage?

• I forget what it's called now, but it was like "passion tea lemonade"?

10.  Favourite shoe?

• Good walking shoes.  It's too early for me to wear sandals, so I will sport either my nike's or pumas 

Skincare is something that I am incredibly passionate about.  This is because I feel more confident when my skin is clear. The most important things for your skin is to completely remove your makeup each night and moisturize.

Photo by: David Olkarny

These are my steps to maintaining clear healthy skin: AM

1.  Splash warm water on my face and take a wet soft facecloth to remove any surface pollutants.

2.  Use a small amount of mild face wash.  My favourite brands for face wash are Simple & Aveeno.

3.  Use a generous amount of oil-free moisturizer.  I am currently using the Aveeno Naturals moisturizer.


In the morning it is important to refresh my skin as well as maintain it's moisture.  I don't like to go over board in the morning.

Maintaining clear skin: PM

1.  Use an acne face wash.  My favourite brand is Clean & Clear.  I find that it works well.

2.  Then I will use a face toner because I will occasionally still have some makeup left on my face.  It is incredibly important to remove all traces of makeup before going to bed.

3.  Acne medication often dries out my skin so I must use a more intense moisturizer.  I will either use a nightime face cream such as Nivea, or a face oil like l'Oreal.

This winter I have tried so very hard to not get sick.  As a university student, I really cannot afford any sick days.  Stress is a big contributor in getting sick.  This year I have been able to reduce the number of times I have been sick from previous years.  I have also reduced the length of the cold.

Photo by: Sample Stock Photos

TIP 1 - Vitamin C

-  Make sure that you have sufficient amounts of Vitamin C.  Vitamin C is important for maintaining good health.  As mentioned above, stress is a huge contributor to sickness.  Vitamin C has been found to reduce the impacts of stress on the immune system. It is also known to reduce further progression of a cold into more serious complications such as pneumonia or lung infection.

TIP 2 - Sleep

-  We all know how much sleep really impacts our health.  Make sure to get enough sleep.  If you think that you are becoming sick, go to bed early and you may wake up feeling better.  If you are struggling to fall asleep, look into taking supplements such as melatonin or tart cherry juice (talk to a health care professional beforehand)

TIP 3 - De-Stress

-  This is a common theme in this post.  I always get sick during final exams because of sheer stress.  Try doing exercise to distract your mind and to produce endorphins. I know that usually these stressful times are usually the busiest but make sure that you take care of yourself. Take control of your stress.

TIP 4 - Eat well & hydrate

-  To avoid getting sick, you will want to make sure that you're the healthiest as possible.  Your immune system will function at its' max.  Drinking enough fluids and eating well will do your body wonders.

TIP 5 - Reduce exposure

-  This is something that we all know.  It is important to wash your hands, and avoid touching your face.  Another important thing to do is to sanitize your phone & keyboard & Tablet.  It is highly probable that you are continuously exposing yourself to virus' & bacteria when using these devices.  Clean surfaces such as doorknobs and counters.  Change your bed sheets often, especially if you think you may be getting sick.

Photo by Andre Larrow