Monthly Archives: April 2020

Personal

Relax, it’ll be okay.

(This post is not sponsored.)

Many people tend to struggle when working in an environment where they generally can’t focus, or just aren’t used to doing that task in. And now, with everyone at home working, it’s a bit troubling for those who struggle with that. Working at home can be quite the adjustment if you’re used to a quite office or study space.

When you’re accustomed to a specific atmosphere but then suddenly have to deal with chaos at home, it can be quite the challenge. Whether you have little ones at home, pets(pets are amazing stress relievers too)or just a bountiful amount of distractions; it can get difficult to concentrate. So today I will help you figure out the perfect atmosphere to work and/or study in.

Productivity

It can be hard to be productive when there are so many things to meddle with in your surrounding space. What I recommend is keeping only what is absolutely necessary on your work space. On my desk:

  • Small tech bag – adapters, charging cables, wired earbuds if my Bluetooth doesn’t work, screen wipes, etc.
  • Pen case – 1 metal mechanical pencil, 1 pen, 1 eraser, and 1 small pack of graphite
  • Small Lotion – For dry hands
  • Phone – Only used if necessary

All of this is kept in a drawer on my desk so I don’t keep messing with them, but are located in areas where they can be easily accessed.

The items you need personally are obviously going to be different from mine, and should be tailored to your personal needs. But this is only one part to keeping yourself productive. Surroundings are one thing, but you have to actually keep staying on task. So here are some things that can help contribute to that.

Music

If you’re like me and listen to music while working or studying, then I suggest listening to music that is soft, slow and mellow. What I noticed in the past, is that when I listen to music with a heavy beat, catchy lyrics, and is super pumped up, my brain gets hyped up too. I’ll eventually start losing concentration on my work, and then focus all my senses to the music. So create a playlist that does the exact opposite of that.

Maybe have some smooth jazz going, or soft orchestrals. Not only will this keep you focused, but also keep your mind calm and hushed. If music isn’t really your thing while working, then why not have some nature sounds? There are plenty of apps you can download on any device that plays natural sounds like rain, rushing water, ocean, forests, etc. And there are features you can set on any Amazon Alexa as well, if that is your preference.

The Pomodoro Technique ( thanks Babu Peryiappa)

The “Pomodoro” technique was developed in the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo. Basically, you set a specific time fragment to work in(25 minutes, 30 minutes, whatever you want)after finishing that time frame, you take a break. Before continuing to work for the same amount of time. This goes on in a continuous pattern into you get your task done. Traditionally, time segments are set to 25 minutes for working.

I was made aware of this technique by my uncle(as mentioned in the subtitle)when I was much younger. But I always associated the word “Pomodoro” to tomatoes and pasta. I didn’t find myself using this technique myself until I started high school. Where I have to make a plan on how to execute my time studying, and doing homework and projects. I find it to be extremely beneficial in keeping myself together and organized with my time.

There are several apps that are designed specifically for this purpose that I think are really cool, but just keeping your eye on the clock from time to time also works. Or having a little stopwatch on hand. Because this is benefiting you, and will be fabricated to help you. So do whatever way is best for you. You aren’t obligated to take my advice or anyone else’s. Just do what you are comfortable with and what you think will benefit you. Here are some apps that can help, and hopefully give you a few options if you wanna started this technique yourself:

  • BFT: Bear Focus Timer – Personally, I think this is by far the cutest one out of all of the ones I will be mentioning today. The app features a bear names Tom, Tom is a friendly little bear who will keep track of your time. But he won’t be so friendly when you keep meddling with your phone(his face furrows into a cute lil’ frown)All you have to do is turn your phone face down and start working, if you turn your phone face up and start messing with it, Tom gets a little mad. The app also provides white noise to help you focus.
  • Move On – This app has a very simple and minimalistic interface and is extremely easy to use. So for those of you out there who just want to set their times and breaks, this is the app for you.
  • Forest – This is a very creative way to keep focused and I personally love it for it’s clever way of supporting productivity. As soon as you set your timer, a little tree will start growing in that time. But if you close that app and go to another one, the tree stops growing. If you keep doing this everyday, soon you’ll have a dense forest!
  • Plantie – “Plantie” is a similar app to the previously mentioned one, with simple and appealing graphics. You can collect rewards and choose different plants to grow and unlock.

Device

You should also tailor your device so you have all of the documents and platforms you need the most, in a spot where you can see it right away and click on it. If your device has a dock somewhere on the screen where you can click and drag different things, then it’s a good idea to keep them in that deck. For easy and immediate access.

If you’re just using a search engine, then don’t keep an excessive amount of tabs open. But only the ones you are needing right at that moment. You can always recover the previous tab you had deleted.

As for your device itself, only keep the apps and platforms you need and know you use. And this doesn’t just have to be work/school related. It can be games, or anything really. Just as long as you know you use them then scarcely at all.

I don’t like working in spaces that are cluttered and disorganized. It messes with my productivity and I feel less and less ready to actually work. My mind will often scatter off to wherever there is disorder, and then I feel a little nag in my head urging to clean it. This goes for digital devices too. Don’t let this stop you from working well. Choose a day to clean out your workspace AND your digital devices. Because both can contribute to how distracted you can get.

Lighting

Lighting is just as important as focus and surrounding objects, because you don’t want something that will irritate your eyes or give you a migraine. Have lighting that is comfortable for you. When I’m working at night, I keep on two lamps that radiate a very soft, warm glow that keeps me comfortable. I also keep the brightness low on both my phone and iPad when I’m working. And if dark mode can be enabled into your device, I highly recommend using that in a work setting.

If you are working for long periods at a time, then your eyes will be continuously exposed to a the stark white paper, or a glowing screen. So try lowering any chances of getting a headache in your work session by alleviating everything so your comfortable.

Clothing

Yes. Your physical body is very important as well when you’re working so listen up before you close this tab or skip ahead to the next paragraph.

Wear clothing that brings nothing to you but comfort. Something that makes you feel good and fresh. And it can be just about anything. Pajamas, sweatpants, whatever. Just don’t wear anything that will irritate your skin or make you feel restricted in your own body. The reason behind that is because while you work, your mind will constantly wander back to the fact that some part of your body doesn’t feel as nice as it should. So before you have to go and change in the middle of working or studying, just wear something comfy beforehand so you don’t have to. No one is going to judge you, and you’ll be fully focused while super comfy.

Just don’t fall asleep.

Physical and Mental Wellness

Working is important, but your mind and body are just as important. If not, more. Your mind endures so much each and everyday, information is packed into and thoughts cloud and drift apart. You can feel your mind get congested and that can really affect you physically too. Work shouldn’t go to the extent where you are constantly burned out and not getting a healthy amount of sleep.

You should be taking care of your body by eating a balanced amount of things that you need in order to function properly. Eat all three meals each day. With balanced amounts of fruits, vegetables, carbs, protein, etc. But if you participate in everyday fasting, then eat very well in the meals you do allow yourself to eat. But fasting doesn’t give you an excuse not to drink water. Drink lots of water, fasting or not, humans are like sponges. Without water we are dry and rough, and that’s really bad for your health.

Remember to stay active by doing exercises that are suited to you. Don’t do a rigorous Olympic style workout. Not everyone is an athlete and that is okay. Do the best you can with a workout plan that fits for you. Maybe 10 pushups and 25 crunches. Or a one-hour run or bike ride.

Don’t look at the way other people stay fit and assume it’ll work for you, because they outfitted their activity to work for them.

With all this, we also have to constantly keep in mind that we have to keep ourselves mentally healthy as we do physically. There are many different methods for calming the mind and relieving stress. Like painting or drawing, playing music or just listening to it, writing down your thoughts, spend time with family etc. Anyone can do anything they choose to relieve stress, but meditation really takes it to another level.

I started my first meditation session yesterday with my family. All the lights were turned off, the house engulfed in darkness with the soft lull of an infant night. My dad had found an app called “Oak.” Which is a beautifully designed app that teaches you how to do different styles of mediation, and can help keep track of your meditation. It also provides breathing exercises and keeps track of that too. I highly recommend this for anyone who is a newcomer to actually meditating, like me, or if you’ve been meditating for a while and want an app that can help you keep track of your sessions.

Meditation wasn’t something I thought about doing because I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up with it. That I wouldn’t be able to reach inner peace and the process of clearing my mind. But I was clearly proven wrong last night when the mess of my thoughts melted away until the only thing left was a single mantra. My entire body relaxed and my breath became effortless and steady.

My mind was blank for the first time in my entire life.

I hope these tips could help those of you out there who are having a bit of trouble adjusting to working and/or studying at home, these were all things I learned in the past month when school was shut down. But it doesn’t matter if you’re a student or not. We’re all on the same level here and need to have each other’s back. So please care for others and protect yourself.

Stay healthy, stay safe, stay happy. Also, get lots of sleep and cuddles.

Personal, Writing

An Introvert’s Lament

Last Friday, I had an English assignment where I had to write about my experience amid the global Covid-19 pandemic. As well as my feelings as this takes place worldwide. Our teacher said that we could write this in any written form we wanted(poem, song, narrative, etc.)so I chose to do it in the form of a narrative essay. Documenting my experience and emotions through this difficult time. I wanted to share this with you because what we’re all going through right now is something not a lot of people have experienced in their lifetimes.

This is something I never expected to happen and so many emotions were swirling inside of me that I didn’t know how to filter them. But writing was my best option. And my only option. The pen and paper never give you backlash. They are the tools to help you convey things that are sometimes hard to express with your voice. So this assignment was probably the only thing between me, and me just snapping from how crazy all of this is.

I just wanted to share this with you all because it didn’t feel right to have a piece where my emotions are just raw, with absolutely no filter, and not share it with others who may be struggling with their thoughts on this as well. So please, while you’re reading this, think about how you are feeling.

An Introvert’s Lament

Kanmani Harivenkatesh

English 1

Between the ages of 3 to 10, the prospect of the world being anything but perfect was astonishing to me. That not every human being was kind, that many people don’t sleep safely with their stomachs full and a loving kiss from a dear one lingering on their temple. But as I grew, I experienced the world with eyes wide and my heart pinned to my chest. My mind had grown from these encounters and observations, but hardened my perception of the human race and the world we live and coexist with. 

Of course there’s a multitude of things in the world that reap emotions from me that are fiery and awful, I hate it. But I feel anyway because I don’t have the capability to lie to my own conscience. Some of that hatred is directed towards the harshness that comes with being a teenager in today’s world. Anxiety, social burdens, educational pressures. So much in such early stages of life and yet no one cares to ask, “How are you feeling about all of this?” Life moves too fast and I feel like I’m not catching up fast enough. And yet, here I am now, sitting at my desk with absolutely nothing else to do except write until my wrists give out. There are many things that happened in history that shape our species’s race. But I have never, in my entire life, experienced what we are going through right now globally. 

When the virus started making headlines(I’m not even gonna sugarcoat this because this is the brutal truth)I brushed it off. I thought it would come and pass like so many things in today’s news. But I never thought that it would manifest into what it has become now. I’ve read enough books about statistics to know that in many cases, nothing goes down until it reaches its peak. And in order to cut something off in the middle, you have to take extreme measures. 

This concept was brought into my mind once again on our last few days of school before it was cancelled for a considerable amount of time. Quickly replaced with a stuttered “Distance Learning” that keeps me on my toes and ready to polish off 45+ math problems in twenty minutes flat and turned in. Sure, learning is certainly more relaxed now that we have the opportunity to go at our own paces, but it isn’t the same when there isn’t someone to guide you. 

Hospitals across the country, across the world, have to take double shifts, reuse tools and material, leave themselves without sleep for extremely long periods of time. The stress they are undergoing without buckling under the pressure is something that I will never forget for the rest of my life. And it’s going to be pretty hard to forget the rest of all this too. 

Another emotion I’ve been feeling is frustration and fear. The two mental states that are extremely hard to express for me. And yet that’s the only thing I’ve been feeling everytime I read the news, or keep remembering that life isn’t normal anymore, and it’ll we a while before it actually is again. And the fact that this is completely unpredictable really scares people We don’t know when it will stop, how many people will be affected, and how long this will actually last. These are all questions that I wish with every beat of my heart, had answers. But clearly they haven’t been answered with precise statements yet, so that’s just wonderful. (No, it’s not.)

With this being a new experience for everyone, it’s brought us all together in a way too. That is quite an ironic thing to say considering we are told to distance ourselves from others, but we are in this together because nearly everyone in the entire planet is going through the same thing. Not one country having to fight for themselves, but everyone. Tied together in a way that truly represents the bond we all have. That we are all connected and there for each other even in these distressing times where a little word of comfort can do so much. 

    With the virus cases increasing, so has human kindness. Neighbors offer to buy groceries and leave them on the doorstep, stores and shops delivering food rather than customers coming to purchase them. Everyone is going through this at the same rate. Staying home and cuddling with blankets, or getting work done in their homes rather than an office. Everyone has now immersed themselves into the natural habitat of a full-fledged introvert. Which is certainly a good thing. Not only that, but the decrease in greenhouse gasses going into the atmosphere is healing the wounds left by pollution. Which I never expected to happen since I was too busy worrying myself over the virus. 

    Even with those small notes of happiness, it doesn’t shake the feeling of complete helplessness that I feel each time I see the numbers of virus cases increasing every time I decide to take a look. This essay was a good way for me to let out what I was feeling, but I still need to stoke what’s still bubbling in me every time I remember that I can’t even hug anyone anymore. 

This essay wasn’t too negative, but it wasn’t very sunshine and rainbows either. But we can’t let our dark thoughts flicker and burn. We have to drown them before they consume us whole. That is the most dangerous thing about our minds. They can convince us of horrid things that maybe won’t even happen. But we must stay positive and follow guidelines such as social-distancing and only going out if it’s absolutely necessary.

Let us stay positive and happy. And try to find a way where you can channel your thoughts. Because you are not alone, and never will be. So fall into the embraces of what you go to for comfort. Confide in it, and receive the closure you seek.

Comedy, The Best

The(Insane)Adventures of Blue and Tomato+ April Favorites

Update: Schools out for the rest of the school year.

ლ(¯ロ¯”ლ)

Oh dear god.

Ever since school ended and the “Shelter in Place” order was put out, my time has been consumed by completing work in the morning, and chilling for the rest of the day. “Chilling” meaning binge-watching cooking videos(even though I’m hopeless at cooking)and cleaning my room.

Like, everyday.

Even though it’s always clean.

Hey, I see you judging me. Don’t do that. ｡◕ – ◕｡

Ever since our exceptionally increased time staying indoors(sorry, extroverts), I’ve found myself outdoors longer. Either working with my iPad and keyboard, or just with a cup of tea watching on like a proud general as my siblings wreak havoc into our innocent backyard.

But I’ve also been looking around at the heavy amount of life that surrounds our house.

(And no, I don’t mean the other humans stuffed at home as well. Sorry.)

Birds, squirrels, insects, everything you can imagine that reside in forest-like environments. Everyday is a symphony of chittering birds as golden light filters through the newly sprouting leaves on the trees. Our backyard has become covered with a translucent green canopy that glows with the sun’s touches. Thick puffs of clouds spread across the cobalt sky, so bright that just looking up at the sky distresses your eyes.

But, there are a handful of little critters that seem to be the soul of the natural heartbeat of our backyard.

Blue,

Tomato #1, and Tomato #2.

Oh, and we mustn’t forget The Honorable Sir Peanut.

So, these may sound quite ridiculous. But each name is attached to a creature with a story. Thus the names given are to suit them, and for us to identify our little friends as they come and go through our home as they please.

Lets starts with Blue:

Blue:

  • Species: Bird
  • Type: Blue Jay
  • Likes: Peanuts; terrorizing smaller birds
  • Dislikes: Squirrels
  • Story behind the name: I think it’s quite obvious why “Blue” seemed to be fitting for this particular bird. My dad shall take credit for this highly creative name.

Tomato #1 and #Tomato 2

  • Species: Squirrel
  • Like: Peanuts, bird seeds, gymnastics
  • Dislikes: Birds
  • Story behind the name(s): When we realized these two squirrels had taken a liking to our backyard(and the tons of food and shelter provided)my brother took it up to himself to name these two. I don’t quite understand why tomatoes seemed to be fitting for two squirrels. But I can’t really argue with a stubborn 8 year-old boy.

The Honorable Sir Peanut

  • Species: Caterpillar?
  • Likes: Unknown
  • Dislikes: Unknown
  • Story behind the name: So, a few days back, my brother and I were out on the deck admiring the rain when we saw a little green blob floating right in front of our eyes like magic. Stupefied and curious, we wondered how the little thing could be floating with absolutely nothing supporting it. So out of spite, I hazardously stuck out my hand so it was aligned a foot above the gravity-defying caterpillar. My hand was laid out horizontally in a ninja-like position. And just like a ninja, I chopped my hand in front of the air above the caterpillar. To my shock, the caterpillar disappeared. Most likely pulled along with whatever invisible force(or spider web)that it was attached to. Therefore I did the most logical thing and screamed bloody murder out of panic. I checked all over my clothes and hair for any sign of a little green glob crawling on me. I was still a little shaken even when I found no signs of it finding home in the folds of my jacket. However, I felt bad about how the whole situation turned out. Therefore I gave him the name, The Honorable Sir Peanut, because he is honored for not fighting me and my stupidity. And Peanut, because he was small and cute. Like a peanut. May you live honorably, wherever you are.

Blue and the Tomato Twins(I have no idea if they’re actually related)are always fighting in the spring and summer time. The squirrels are always stretching in unfathomable positions to get bird-seed out of the bird feeders. While simultaneously scaring away smaller birds from that specific bird feeder.

Blue is an angry one who swoops down gracefully before deciding to terrorize the birds who are a bit smaller then him. But they’re a sucker for peanuts and on multiple occasions, wandered into our house searching for peanuts. And sometimes, my dad would lure Blue with a trail of peanuts through the kitchen doorway.

The other animals that come by are snakes(garden snakes not, like, anacondas)my dad found them one day in our side yard, and freed them. Those poor little babies were probably alone and split form their mother. So I was happy that they were with their mother.

There are also little mice who crawl in the corners, crows that seat themselves on the telephone poles, and two pigeons who make it a point to fly as close to me as possible before launching themselves a hairsbreadth away from my head before flying away. But we’ve seen those two pigeons since our days in the apartment complex we used to live in. So it’s kinda like looking at our past before moving into this house. There is also a slick, black, service cat(a cat that comes to your neighborhood to catch and eat mice. Frightening, I know).

The cat comes by every so often to our deck, well, more like under our deck, looking for mice to eat for its next meal. I’ve tried each time to create a connection with it because I love dogs and cats. But this particular cat seems to have a liking to sashay away the moment I turn to greet it. And when it does turn around, it’s emerald green eyes stare into my soul like it’s judging me for coming outside wearing my leggings inside out. Then it swishes it’s tail and turns away. Leaving me wondering if I’ve unknowingly waged a war against all felines.

To be honest, without these creatures wreaking absolute mayhem across our backyard, our home wouldn’t be home. Sure family and friends can make a place be a home. But the little things outside our homes can be just as welcomed as the ones inside. So treat everything with respect, even it can sometimes be irritating. They have just the same amount of will to live as you do. They have every right to live on the same land you do. They are not inferior to the human race and should never be put into any category before our own species.

Our world is going through some difficult times right now, and my last post circulated around the Coronavirus pandemic, but I think I’ve fed you enough of my perspective of it. This half of the post is dedicated to just little things that can help you get through our prolonged stay at home and social-distancing. I know I did this last time, but those were particular apps that cultivated my needs and interests. The difference here is that I will be recommending things that can apply to a vast amount of people and not just myself.

I will try to do something each month on this blog. So today’s would be something like “April Favorites.” I’ll try to do this at least every month.

(NONE OF THIS IS SPONSORED ALL RIGHTS GO TO THE RESPECTFUL OWNERS OF THE FOLLOWING ARCHIVES/LABELS/NAMES)

Apps

  • Tide – Tide is a mindfulness app that is very helpful for productivity, meditation, and sleep. It provides nature sounds for sleep or work. This app also uses the “Pomodoro” method. A timer will be set, and for a specific amount of time you will work, but then once that timer is over, you will take a break for another chunk of time before working again. Personally, I like this method because you can work very well without getting overworked.
  • Quizlet – This is an app that can be used by students and teachers alike. You can create quizzes, flashcards, lessons, etc. Based on whatever it is that you need to study, or need to teach your students. This is extremely helpful if you are a visual or verbal learner. Because you can listen/see the comprehension.
  • Notability – I mentioned this app in my last post but I’ll go into a bit more depth this time. This is quite possibly the best note-taking app I’ve ever used so far. It has a simple interface, but is packed with extremely useful features. For example, you can take audio recordings if you’re in a lecture or meeting. Then you can play back the audio and take notes or touch them up with added detail. I highly recommend this for everyone, but especially students. This has helped me so much for nearly all of my classes.
  • Khan Academy – This is extremely useful if you need extra help practicing something, but you’re struggling academically. Or if you learn something better if someone is teaching it to you. You can search anything in Math, Science, English, History, whatever, and it’ll pop up with so many lessons, videos, and activities to help you with it. This isn’t just an app, but also a website online.
  • Epic! – This is also an app/website, and is great if you have little ones at home. They provide a full selection of popular books for children, with audios as well. Along with a wide array learning videos.

Movies

I tried to do a selection of different genres so you can find the stuff you like.

  • To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
  • The Darkest Minds
  • Gravity
  • Interstellar
  • Cinderella(Disney Live Action)
  • Aladdin(Disney Live Action)
  • Mulan(My favorite movie. I just had to put it in)
  • Avengers(Just watch all of them, there’s no shame)
  • Harry Potter(But please read the book first)

Anime

  • Yuri On Ice – This is an anime about a male Japanese figure skater who is the ace of his country. But finds himself in a long slump when he takes a very low place in a major global competition. Finally, he finds himself wanting to skate again, and love it again. This is a beautiful story with equally gorgeous animation. The music is also incredibly well thought out. This anime has major character development that I admired even before finishing the series.
  • Free! – Free! Is about an extremely talented swimmer who takes on finding his place in competitive swimming again, overcoming darkness in his past, and renewing his love for competing with his friends beside him in the pool lanes. This anime has such an amazing plot and story line, character development is subtle yet so spot on, and the exquisite animation and stylistics just makes me wanna cry. As a former swimmer, I found myself being reacquainted with the pool environment, and the zing of being in a competitive space. This anime has a stunning story and a very deep story that embraces the mental aspects that come to being pressured when you’re especially good at something.
  • Gakuen Babysitters – This anime is super cute and fluffy. About a Ryuichi and his baby brother who live with the dean of a a very high end school after there parents pass away in an accident. This anime follows the days of Ryuichi as he works as a babysitter in the school for the children of teachers who work on his campus.
  • Pokémon – C’mon, you can’t go wrong with Pokémon.

I hope this can give some of you a bit of comfort and something to look forward to when you wake up and are ready to start the day. This is definitely a time where we need to support each other. And words are so powerful right now so please, show your love to those you care about and keep them in your mind in this time when touch is so dangerous. But also take this time to self reflect and care for yourself. We need to keep our physical bodies healthy, but never forget that your emotions are just as important as your heartbeat.