Study Time

Whether you homeschool or simply have homework to do with your kids (or for yourself), there are times where focus and concentration just aren't there.
For us, when I hit a wall with a subject, I have the option of putting it aside and focusing on another topic or activity.

If you are working on a project or under a deadline, you might not have that possibility. So what else can you do?

Personally, I have a whole slew of ideas, tips n tricks. (It's essential to keep my cool around a resistant child or my own mental blocks when my brain shuts down). So here are a few ideas you can try!

-Get up and move. This can work wonders for the mind and body. (It's also a better choice than losing your cool or getting discouraged). Do some stretching. You might even step outside for a walk or a few minutes of fresh air. Think about it...if you're just going to sit there not being productive (wasting time), go do something!

-Change your focus. If I'm writing a scene in my novel that just isn't working, I'll sometimes put it aside and work on a completely different scene. It doesn't have to be a scene I'll keep, but it can open the door to creativity again.  I'll build character profiles, like a family tree with descriptions of as many family members I can dream up, giving my main players more depth. This will actually make my character interactions richer.

- Sometimes a fresh view on the topic can help. If you're studying a chapter that you can't seem to wrap your mind around, go to another one or skip ahead to the wrap-up and see what the author was trying to convey. If you go back and it still makes no sense, google it. Look online for similar content.

-Natural support.  I diffuse or inhale essential oils. Did you know that there are some oils that easily and effectively help relieve stress, and enhance focus and clarity? I've had friends and co-workers reach out, desperate for support in their times of need. (Studying for an interview, job promotion, finals, etc.)
Every single one of them happily shared their success. I love knowing the oils helped. Lemon and peppermint is a great combo, vetiver, or beloved Stress Away are just a few of my choices.

So you see, there are options. Sometimes, getting stress out of the way allows our creative juices to flow, or at least allows oxygen to fill our lungs once again.