How to Switch Off in Your Free Time from School

https://unsplash.com/photos/ix9I7kfMpcc

School can be stressful. There are tests to study for, papers to write, and extracurriculars to participate in. It's important to take some time for yourself and relax so that you can stay healthy and perform your best. But what does that look like and why does it matter? Let’s take a look.

Taking Time Away From Your Studies

Taking time away from your studies and school can be a good thing. It can give you the chance to recharge your batteries and come back to it with fresh ideas and renewed energy. But how exactly can you do this?

1. Do Something That You Enjoy

Take some time for yourself every day to do something that you really enjoy. This can be anything from reading, playing an instrument, or going for a walk outside. Doing something that you enjoy will help reduce stress and improve your mood.

2. Unplug from Technology

We're constantly bombarded with information from social media, TV, and the internet. It can be helpful to take a break from all of the noise and disconnect from technology for a while. Spend some time offline doing something calming, such as reading or spending time with friends or family.

3. Exercise

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your physical health at the same time. Even if you don't have much free time, there are plenty of ways to fit exercise into your schedule. Take a brisk walk around the block during your lunch break, or go for a bike ride on the weekends.

4. Indulge in Your Hobbies

A hobby is something you do in your free time for enjoyment. It is not necessary to have a hobby, but it can be very beneficial to your mental and physical health. It's important to choose a hobby that suits you best and that you enjoy doing—and for you to indulge in it to relax. If you like gaming, why not go for Minecraft survival servers to improve your experience? If you like playing tennis, why not join a weekly doubles game to make it more enjoyable? Then when you come back to studying you’ll feel more refreshed.

5. Get Enough Sleep

It's important to get enough sleep so that your body can recover from the day and prepare for the next one. Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night. If you're having trouble falling asleep, try using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

6. Eat Healthily

Eating nutritious food will help your body function at its best and give you the energy you need to get through the day. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. And don't forget to drink plenty of water!

Switch Off to Succeed

When you're feeling stressed out from school, it's important to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. Try doing something that you enjoy, unplugging from technology, exercising, enjoying your hobbies, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy foods. By taking care of yourself, you'll be able to perform your best both inside and outside of the classroom!

Top Tips to Help You Craft Your First Novel

Writing the Great American Novel has long been the ambition of many, and these days there are more avenues than ever before to explore ways of getting creative writing your novel and getting exposure. However, writing a novel is a huge undertaking and involves a lot of time, effort, and planning, and it’s not for everybody. If you are looking for some of the best ideas to help you craft the ultimate novel you’ve come to the right place.

Of course, there is no guarantee that you will finish your novel or be able to do anything with it once it’s finished. But, for a lot of people the process of writing and completing a novel alone is a huge achievement, and this should be the endgame at this stage. Here are some of the key elements to bear in mind when you are preparing and planning to write your first novel.

Source

It starts with a spark

Every novel ever written has started life as the germ of an idea, and this idea has been expanded upon sometimes over many years. The first thing you need when writing your novel is an idea, no matter how basic that idea may be. Now, it is entirely possible that your original idea will change considerably over the writing process, and this is absolutely fine, but you’ve got to have a strong idea to begin with. So, you should start brainstorming within the genre you want to write about, and try to come up with a great novel idea that you can expand upon.

Make time 

One of the factors that the majority of people who wish to write novels or screenplays, or anything creative, struggle with is finding time to be able to do it. This is particularly true if you are writing on spec, and you’re having to structure your novel writing around a full-time job, and possibly even a family as well. However, this should not discourage you, because every day people are doing this kind of thing, it is simply a case of making the time and prioritizing that which is important to you. For example, you might spend 60 minutes per night watching Netflix; instead that time could be dedicated to your novel. You could also spend time at the weekends or during early mornings bashing out a few hundred words when you get the chance. When you force yourself to make time to do something, it becomes easier to make yourself do it the next time, and the next time, and so on.

Getting creative

Another thing you’re going to need to keep on top of when writing your novel is ensuring that you stay creative as much as possible. This can be challenging, especially when trying to juggle issues like writers block or burn out. Fortunately, there are options like a character backstory generator, as well as software for writing novels, such as Scrivner that can help you hugely when trying to remain creative, get down thoughts and ideas, and help flesh out your story. You have to try to write through the block and get all the bad stuff out before the good stuff can flow, and this is one of the key things that plays a role in helping you get creative. 

Be more productive

One of the biggest challenges you face when it comes to writing your first novel is to be as productive as possible. You have to make sure you are working when you can, and dedicate X number of words per week to the project. There are plenty of productivity hacks you can use that will help you to be more focused, and produce more words when you sit down to write. Staying productive and working when you don’t feel like it is one of the key elements when it comes to writing your first novel, and this is going to be an essential step to master. Doing as much as you can to be as productive as you can could be a game changer, and this is a step that can make the difference between finishing the novel and giving up halfway through. 

There are a lot of things that you need to consider when you are trying to help write your first novel, and this is something you have to make the most of. This is something that you need to work on when you are trying to find the time and creativity to help you write the best possible novel you can.

Unusual But Great Skills To Put On Your CV

For a long time the idea of putting a CV together has perplexed people. Some get it right straight away, and write something impressive enough to catch a hiring manager’s eye. But many people can miss the mark, and for seemingly no reason at all. And that’s something we can tackle here; sometimes a CV just needs a little extra information to make you stand out from the crowd. 

And adding skills you wouldn’t usually think of as useful can be a great way to do just that. So, whether you want to get a new job yourself or you’re helping your college age child get a part time job to supplement their loan, here are some unusual but impactful skills to put on your CV. 

Pexels Image - CC0 Licence

Your Knowledge of Computer Systems

If you’re good with computers, let the whole world know. We live in a technological world like never before, and knowing your way around a computer system will take you far. It’ll certainly put you before any other candidate who forgets to mention they know how to use Microsoft Word! 

So if you know how to use some software, or you’ve built your own PC in the past, note it down on your CV. You’re clearly an analytical thinker who knows how to get hands-on, and you’re not afraid to experiment and try new things. 

Your Skill at Chess

This is a prime example of complex problem solving skills. When you know how to conquer a chess board, it’s clear you can think outside of the box, even when your opponent is putting all kinds of obstacles in your way. So if you were part of the chess club, or you’ve won a competition in the past, it deserves a mention on your professional CV.Indeed, chess is just a good skill to gain overall. If you’re interested in learning how to play, or brushing up your skills, check out sites like Chessville, invest in a set, and read up on the best strategies. You could soon be taking local tournaments by storm! 

Your Love of the Stage

If you’ve been an actor in the past, or you love spending time on a stage and giving a performance, put it in the hobbies section. Having experience in the acting world means you’re most likely a charismatic and confident person, even if you don’t quite feel like it. 

You can clearly speak to the public without losing your place or tripping over your words! And a lot of employers need that kind of skill on their side; even though they’re the boss, they’re not always the best face for presentations at conferences and events. You could be the person they rely on, and all because you’ve got the presence. 

If you need to pack out your CV a little more, why not throw some skills in? Even if they’re unusual, they can still tell a prospective employer a lot about the kind of candidate you are.

Are These Things On Your Italian Bucket List?

It does not matter if you are travelling to Italy for a family vacation or a romantic trip for two; the country's cuisine, culture, and landscapes, as well as the sheer variety of sights and activities it offers, make it a fantastic place to visit. It is impossible to describe this location's enchantment without first-hand involvement adequately. So, gather your belongings, locate your passport, plan your ​​Rome tours and prepare to embark on an adventure to the land of love, pasta, and much more! The following six activities should be on every Italian bucket list.

image

A journey through the Amalfi Coast 

Driving around the winding roads of the Amalfi coast in an open-topped car is the perfect way to take in the breathtaking scenery of what is widely considered one of the most beautiful segments of the coastline in the world. Driving along this Roman-built road never fails to excite because it features a series of dramatic hairpin bends that wind through the beautiful and picturesque villages of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. Additionally, the road passes over secluded bays and deep gorges, which are well-known features of this region.

Sail on Lake Garda

With the ideal northerly wind in the morning and a warm southerly wind in the afternoon, Lake Garda is ideal for spending an entire day out on the water, making it one of the most breathtakingly beautiful lakes in the world. Lake Garda is famous around the world for its exceptional sailing conditions. Around the lake's perimeter are several different centres that provide beginning-level instruction.

Attend a cooking class

While you are in Italy, you should not limit yourself to only eating the country's famous foods like pasta, pizza, tiramisu, and gelato; instead, you should educate yourself on how to prepare these dishes using fresh, regional ingredients and impress your loved ones when you return home. People with varying degrees of expertise in the kitchen, from those who have never cooked to those who have done it many times, can find a location to take a cooking class. It

Hike Mount Vesuvius

In 79 AD, a volcano named Mount Vesuvius was responsible for the destruction of Pompeii. Because it is the only active volcano in continental Europe, climbing to the summit is a fantastic experience that should be on the bucket list of any person who lives in Italy. Hiking is the only way to get to the top of the mountain, but if that is not your thing, you can take a bus to a panoramic terrace halfway up the mountain instead. Just make sure not to look out the window if you fear heights.

Ride a gondola in Venice

Venice has no highways; instead, the city is comprised of miles and miles of waterways and canals. Gondola rides, which are famous worldwide, are the best way to go around the city. It is an experience that can only be had once in a lifetime and is certainly romantic!

How To Choose Age-Appropriate Games For Kids

Image Credit

In an era where children spend a lot of time behind the screen, creating a safe digital environment for them has become essential. According to research, children aged eight and above spend 7.5 hours watching a screen daily for entertainment. They are either watching their favorite shows on TV, on their phone, or playing video games. Whatever they are doing, you have to ensure it is age-appropriate. There are currently many video games available, and below are some tips to help you choose the right ones for your children. 

Choose games based on your child’s favorite cartoon show

This can be one of the easiest strategies to use when you feel at a loss on what game to choose. Children have favorite cartoon characters from the TV shows they spend time watching. So it is advisable to commit time to watch some with your little ones, to understand the content. This way, you will not try too hard to determine if the game version is appropriate for your child to play.

Cartoons like the Dinocore series have game versions that are largely appropriate for kids 5 years and above. In the same way, your toddlers can enjoy games based on the CoComelon cartoon series. This strategy is easy, stress-free, and may even be worth the money spent to purchase them. 

Check the rating on the package

The game rating system primarily defines the age group for which the content is ideal and best suited. In the United States and worldwide, game creators must indicate ratings on their packaging. This is to make it easier for parents or adults who wish to buy such materials for youngsters. Even for games designed for children, age divisions still make things easier for adults.

There are those meant for toddlers (1 – 4 years), kids between 5 to 8 years, 9 to 13, and 13+. The rating system is categorized into the following seven divisions for easier identification. They are Early Childhood (EC), and Everyone over 10 (E10+), Everyone (E). The rest are Teens (T), Mature (M), Rating Pending (RP), and Adults Only (AO). In the children’s gaming industry, these strict categorizations are needed to differentiate what is appropriate for each age group. An example is the 13+ rating indicated on the Magic the Gathering game pack.

Read online reviews about these games

Image Credit

The internet is a reliable tool to employ for this purpose. Whenever you are unsure about the age appropriateness of a game, you can type the name into a search engine like Google. In the result list are reviews that may help in your decision-making process.

In many instances, these reviews are done by parents who have tried and tested these games for their kids. Other platforms like Common Sense Media aim to simplify the entire process for parents and families. Their main work is to provide reviews and ratings for child-focused media and technology. Hopefully, you will use these targeted reviews when looking for age-appropriate games for your kids.

Creating a Safe Digital Environment for Children: How to Protect Them from Harmful Online Content

Did you know that one in three children has been cyberbullied? As a parent, it is vital to create a safe digital environment for your children. They are growing up in a world where technology is a massive part of their lives, and it is important to make sure they are safe online. In this blog post, how to protect your children from harmful online content will be focused on.

1) Keep the computer in a common area:

By keeping the computer in a common area, you can monitor what your children are doing online. Make sure to set limits on screen time and have regular conversations about their online activity.

You should also set limits on how long they can be online each day and have regular conversations with them about what they're doing while they're on the internet. Additionally, it's essential to educate yourself on the dangers of certain websites and content.

2) Use filtering and parental controls:

There are a variety of ways to filter and block content on the internet. You can use your computer's built-in controls, install software that filters content, or use a web service that blocks certain websites, such precautions can be used for school web filtering software.

Parental controls can be used to limit the amount of time your children spend online, as well as what they can do while they're online. For example, you can block access to social networking sites or only allow them to visit specific websites. Additionally, some parental control software can send you reports of your child's online activity, so you can see what they're doing.

Via Pexels

3) Teach your children about cyberbullying and online predators:

Cyberbullying is a growing problem, and it's important to talk to your children about it. Explain what cyberbullying is and how to stay safe from it. It would help if you also taught them about online predators and how to avoid them. Finally, educate yourself on the signs of cyberbullying and online predators so you can be aware of what to look for.

4) Keep communication open:

Make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your children. Talk to them regularly about their online activity and what they do on the internet. Additionally, let them know they can come to you if they ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable online. By keeping communication open, you can help create a safe digital environment for your children. The internet can be an excellent resource for children, but it's important to make sure they are safe while they're online.

In conclusion, technology is ever-changing, and it's crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest trends so you can protect your child. For example, many parents don't know that there are now apps that allow kids to hide their internet activity from parents.

By following the four steps above, you can help create a safe digital environment for your children. Creating a secure digital environment for children is important in today's world. With the proper precautions, you can help your children safe and avoid harmful online content and stay safe while they're online.

Cramped at College? Here’s How to Furnish Your College Dorm

College dorms run the gamut in different styles, from utilitarian boxes to brand-new suites. Depending on where you are in college, you may not be wowed the first time you see your new room in college. However, that should not worry you since most college dorm rooms have the potential to transform into a cozy new home.

For an average college student, money can be a little tight. Therefore, you should be smart and creative if you want to furnish your room using as little money as possible. To do that, below are some tips to help you pick some essential living items like a table and couch: you also need to maximize the available dorm space.

Be creative with the available storage space

Most college dorm rooms are small. It is essential to be creative with your space to save time and energy. Be vertical. Lucky enough, many designer products make the most out of the small, square-footed room with compact pieces and multifunctional pieces like a table and couch for small space.

Using screws and nails on walls is prohibited in most dorm rooms; hence look for adhesives to attach fixtures and large furniture pieces. Search for storage caddies and over-the-door shoe hangers to fit on the free spaces behind the door, bed frame and mini-fridge for cutlery and plate storage.

Shake things up

Before any preparations or skimming through décor ideas, ensure your furniture is exactly where you want it to be. It is better if you are alone in the room; otherwise, coordinate with your roommate and rearrange furniture to a layout that fits both your ideas. Think about the workspace and privacy (you may want to separate the room into two or work side by side).

Online tools can help rearrange and add design touches to the floor based on the current floor plans and dimensions. Remember to allow as much light in the room as possible.

Wall decoration

Wall decoration is another way to show your unique style and personality. Consider a collage or gallery wall (prints, photographs, clippings and/or postcards) to take advantage of the small space. You can hang a beautiful flat weave rug using an adhesive strip to bring out a stylish, luxury look.

There are several ways you can decorate or furnish your college dorm room on a tight budget, like using clipboards to display art, using string lights to hang photos and creating your frames or art out of washi tape. Check your dorm rules and regulation before taking your design effort up a notch.

Do you love plants?

Use your free shelves or adhesive on the wall to support low-maintenance or small succulent plants. You can even look simpler: fake plants will offer that green look and feel without too much responsibility of maintaining and keeping it alive.

Decorating your room with plants and wall art can bring the home feel. It is recommended to leave some white space in your room to avoid feeling crowded. Always check with the housing office before modifying your dorm room.

Useful Skills You Can Learn From Gaming

Image Credit

For many people, playing video games is all about having fun and relaxing. While that is true, video games and gaming, in general, can impact you with several skills you’ll find useful in real life, regardless of your age. Video games can teach important traits and help you learn more about yourself. Experts believe that video games can also help solve real-world problems faster. Many people can attest to solving different real-life issues from the skills they acquired from gaming. So, if you’re an avid gamer, here are some useful skills you could be learning. 

Project management skills

Believe it or not, some video games can help equip you with project management skills. Games that allow you to hone your mental skills like problem-solving, planning, and teamwork can make it easier for you to take up project management responsibilities (of course, you still need formal training in project management). Some organizations can even use games to transfer critical know-how from seasoned project professionals to learners. For example, you can find this skill in retro video games like Pac-Man and Asteroids. And most of these games are available in any retro video game store.  

Strategic planning and critical thinking

Strategic planning is an essential life skill; it shouldn’t be difficult to tell why. From your ability to plan your income or expenditure to navigating a career path, strategic planning is crucial in different aspects of human life. And some video games are designed to help you become better at planning strategically. For example, puzzle video games and strategy games come with well-thought-through gameplays that can stimulate planning and strategy. 

Regarding critical thinking, various studies have shown that video games can help people of all ages develop and improve their ability to think critically and make informed decisions as a result. 

Leadership and perseverance

Some games allow you to take a commanding role and guide a team towards achieving a goal. For example, some games test your ability to build and guide a thriving civilization or lead armies to conquer others. These games may be fun, but they can also teach you a thing or two about essential leadership skills you can apply to real-world situations. 

Gaming also teaches perseverance, especially when you must try many times to complete one goal before moving to another level or meeting a new challenge. And almost everyone knows how important it is to learn how to persevere through the myriad of challenges life serves. 

Teamwork

Video games can also play a massive role in promoting or learning about teamwork. Popular online games like Call of Duty and Fortnite should come to mind when you think of teamwork in video games. These games allow you to team up with other online players to achieve a common objective. This is a valuable skill you’ll need in the real world, even if you consider yourself a lone wolf. Your ability to work with colleagues at work or school can determine how quickly you can achieve set goals and progress in life.

The Best Gifts For The Gaming Enthusiast

Do you have a gaming enthusiast on your holiday shopping list? The following blog will discuss some of the best gifts for the gamer in your life. This blog will have something for them whether they are into PC games, console games, or mobile games.

Photo by JESHOOTS.com

1) A Gaming PC

For the PC gamer, a custom-built gaming PC is the ultimate gift. This can be an expensive gift, but it will be worth it to see the look on their face when they open it up. Make sure to do your research before you build one, as many different components go into a gaming PC.

If you are not interested in building a PC, you can always purchase a pre-built one. Many different companies sell gaming PCs, so make sure to find one that fits your budget.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a gaming PC:

-The type of games they play: Some games require more powerful hardware than others. If they only play casual games, then you can save some money on the hardware. But if they play AAA games, then you will need to spend more money.

- Their budget: As mentioned before, gaming PCs can be expensive. You need to find one that fits their budget and meets their needs.

-The size: Gaming PCs come in all different sizes. You must ensure that you get one that will fit in their room or wherever they plan to put it.

-The warranty: Make sure to get a gaming PC with a good warranty. This way, if anything goes wrong, you can send it back and get it fixed.

2) A Gaming Console

A gaming console is an excellent gift for gaming enthusiasts because it allows them to play all the latest and greatest games. Plus, it's a great way to bond with friends and family members who also enjoy gaming.

A game console is a perfect gift for any gamer. It's a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest games, plus it allows you to bond with other gamers in your life. If you're looking for the ultimate gaming experience, then look no further than a game console.

Whether you're shopping for someone who loves PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, or PC gaming, there's a console out there that's perfect for them. So take your pick and make someone's holiday season a little bit more fun.

3) Drift Games

For the racing game lover, a set of drift games is the perfect way to get their heart pumping. These games are specifically designed to provide an immersive and realistic experience that will leave them feeling like they're on top of the world.

Drift Games come with various tracks and cars to choose from, so they can always find the perfect match for their skillset. Plus, with online multiplayer options available, they can race against friends or family members no matter where they are in the world. It's the gift that keeps on giving!

In conclusion, these are just a few gift ideas that are perfect for the gaming enthusiast in your life. With so many different options available, you're sure to find the ideal present for them. So get out there and start shopping! And most importantly, have fun!

Want To Nail Your Academic Essays? Here’s What To Do

Image Credit

Essays are pretty much an unavoidable part of the academic world. Not only do they improve student learning and performance, but they also contribute to research. But face it, academic essays can be a torturous experience, especially for students. There are deadlines to meet, hours of research to conduct, and probably some supervisors to impress. Regardless of your academic level, there are a few things you can do to nail any academic essay or research paper. Here are some of them. 

Make sure you understand the task

Before you begin your essay, it is important that you clearly understand what’s expected of you. You can conduct excellent research and write a brilliant paper, but if your essay misses the intended goal, you’ve pretty much wasted your time and effort. Sadly, this is a common mistake many students make. So, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification about the topic, writing style, structure, or anything else you’re unsure about regarding your essay before you start. 

Know where and how to research your topic

Believe it or not, research plays a significant role in any academic writing project. If you’re going to produce an impressive paper, you should be ready to spend time doing the needed research. Although research takes time, that in no way means that you should waste too much time on it. A good way to avoid wasting time with research is to know how to research and where to look. Try limiting yourself to websites, books, or research documents focusing on your area of study. To be certain of the information you find, it’s also best to limit your search to authoritative sources. For example, if your essay is science-related, limit yourself to authoritative sources like academic journals, research, and papers from trusted platforms like Nova Science Publishers Inc.

Proofread and edit

Reading over your work at various stages is important before completing it. This way, you can identify mistakes that could affect the entire paper on time. After completing your writing, take the time to read over again and edit your mistakes. Next, proofread to be certain about the facts and statistics used. Reading over your work several times can be draining, and you may be tempted to skip some parts, but don’t. You can also ask a trusted friend, colleague, or teacher to read over and edit your essay for you, as they may identify mistakes you may have overlooked. 

Properly quote academic sources

Don’t forget to use quotations from academic sources and research work to back up any claim or point you make. This approach will help you make stronger arguments, as you’ll have evidence to support them. It also tells your reader that you’re not writing purely from your opinion. However, it’s important to add your judgment and explain things in your own words. So, be measured in how many quotations you use. You don’t want your essay to be a list of quotations from others.