Author: tracydee

Educator and entrepreneur. Millennial living life to its fullest. Growing, learning, and sharing.
Posted in Uncategorized

Weekend Downtime: It’s Important to Recharge

Posted on by tracydee

I’m not even sure I know what weekend downtime looks like. I have been guilty of working 7 days a week on a regular basis in the past. As a full time student with a couple of part-time jobs, it’s hard to justify taking a day off. However, it’s so necessary to recharge your brain and your body.

For the last several weeks, I’ve tried to work no more than 2 hours on Saturday and Sunday. I typically don’t mind working Saturday morning until about noon and then taking the rest of the day off. And Sundays I usually work in the evening to get prepared for the week ahead so it doesn’t feel like too much work.

With the warmer weather approaching, I’d like to create a schedule where I stop work by 5:00pm on Fridays and don’t pick it back up until 8:00am on Monday mornings. I usually teach on Mondays so this means I need to make sure my lessons are done by Fridays and any grading I have to do is also done by Friday.

weekend downtime
Photo by mentatdgt on Pexels.com

Weekend Downtime When I Finish School

As for my schoolwork, it is on me to complete this final paper and graduate in the next 2 months. Perhaps it is a bit of wishful thinking that I can institute this weekend free of work rule now, but I’m going to give it a try starting next weekend. I am going to submit my paper by the end of this weekend to my advisors for their feedback and work diligently throughout the week on all of my part time job tasks.

While I wait for the paper feedback, I will plan my lessons for my class for the next 3 weeks so that I’m ahead. Since most of my work revolves around creating my own schedule, it’s up to me to make sure that I get my tasks completed during the weekday hours.

Here’s to taking back my weekends for relaxation and recharging! And more time for my hobbies such as gardening, art, and reading.

Posted in Relaxation

Weekend Downtime

Posted on by tracydee

I have been guilty of working 7 days a week on a regular basis in the past. As a full time student with a couple of part-time jobs, it’s hard to justify taking a day off. However, it’s so necessary to recharge your brain and your body.

For the last several weeks, I’ve tried to work no more than 2 hours on Saturday and Sunday. I typically don’t mind working Saturday morning until about noon and then taking the rest of the day off. And Sundays I usually work in the evening to get prepared for the week ahead so it doesn’t feel like too much work.

With the warmer weather approaching, I’d like to create a schedule where I stop work by 5:00pm on Fridays and don’t pick it back up until 8:00am on Monday mornings. I usually teach on Mondays so this means I need to make sure my lessons are done by Fridays and any grading I have to do is also done by Friday.

As for my schoolwork, it is on me to complete this final paper and graduate in the next 2 months. Perhaps it is a bit of wishful thinking that I can institute this weekend free of work rule now, but I’m going to give it a try starting next weekend. I am going to submit my paper by the end of this weekend to my advisors for their feedback and work diligently throughout the week on all of my part time job tasks.

While I wait for the paper feedback, I will plan my lessons for my class for the next 3 weeks so that I’m ahead. Since most of my work revolves around creating my own schedule, it’s up to me to make sure that I get my tasks completed during the week day hours.

Here’s to taking back my weekends for relaxation and recharging! And more time for my hobbies such as gardening, art, and reading.

Posted in Uncategorized

So You Want to Work From Your Bed – Let’s Discuss Some Important Tips

Posted on by tracydee

If you work from your bed, here are some things to think about.

work from your bed
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

At the beginning of the pandemic, I’m sure many of us worked from our beds because it was comfy and convenient. If you’re still doing that, it could be taking a toll on you mentally and physically.

If you work from your bed, here are some of the tips I use:

  1. Designate a specific workspace separate from where you sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night and constantly use the computer or scroll through your phone, you may want to consider putting those down and making sure the bed is your sleep zone. For a long time, I didn’t have the luxury of a separate room so I had a tiny desk that I used in my bedroom. Then I used my kitchen table when I had my own one bedroom. Now, I’m fortunate to have an office and it has made a huge difference in my mental capacity to get work done and separate sleep and rest time.
  2. If you do work from your bed, use some sort of support for your laptop like a lap desk. This helps keep it flat and cushions the surface for you underneath. I use this more when I’m on the couch and watching TV in the background if I’m doing any type of mindless work. Some people even prefer to use a laptop tray to hold their work items.
  3. Use a battery-operated alarm clock and put your phone across the room at night. Resist the urge to check your phone for texts or emails when you first wake up in the morning. Most people use their phones as their alarm clock, but a simple switch to another alarm can create that barrier to get your morning started off on the right note.

*Note that links are affiliate links and provide a commission if used.

Posted in Work From Home

Do you work from your bed?

Posted on by tracydee
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

At the beginning of the pandemic I’m sure many of us worked from our bed because it was comfy and convenient. If you’re still doing that, it could be taking a toll on you mentally and physically. Here are some of the tips I use that I tell my friends and students when I’m working with them:

  1. Designate a specific work space separate from where you sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night and constantly use the computer or scroll through your phone, you may want consider putting those down and making sure the bed is your sleep zone. For a long time, I didn’t have the luxury of a separate room so I had a tiny desk that I used in my bedroom. Then I used my kitchen table when I had my own one bedroom. Now, I’m fortunate to have an office and it has made a huge difference in my mental capacity to get work done and separate sleep and rest time.
  2. If you do work in bed, use some sort of support for your laptop like a lap desk. This helps keep it flat and cushions the surface for you underneath. I use this more when I’m on the couch and watching TV in the background if I’m doing any type of mindless work. Some people even prefer to use a laptop tray to hold their work items.
  3. Use a battery operated alarm clock and put your phone across the room at night. Resist the urge to check your phone for texts or emails when you first wake up in the morning. Most people use their phones as their alarm clock, but a simple switch to another alarm can create that barrier to get your morning started off on the right note.

*Note that links are affiliate links and provide a commission if used.

Posted in Manifestation

Utilizing Daily Affirmations to Change Your Life For the Better

Posted on by tracydee

Daily affirmations can change your life. One practice I started several years ago rather inconsistently was listing out what I was grateful for. I found that on the days I started with a thankful heart I was more focused, productive, and positive. Even if I don’t get a chance to write it down, I try to at least think about it each morning and remember all the good things I have going for me.

More recently, I added daily affirmations to this practice. In December 2020, I downloaded an app called I AM and I did pay for the premium version. Now I’m sure I could have found tons of free resources online, but I really do like the app’s layout, design, user interface, and affirmations. It has become a lifesaver in times when I can’t think of affirmations on my own.

Each morning, I scroll through my mix and I write 3-4 affirmations in my journal. If I find myself anxious or stressed I pull them up on my iPad in the app or look at my journal. More recently, I started sharing my affirmations on Tik Tok and letting people know how it is impacting my life.

How Daily Affirmations Have Changed My Life

I truly feel more inspired and at peace with myself since starting to use affirmations. In fact, on the days when I don’t implement them or forget to say them, I can feel a difference. My confidence has grown and I love and believe in myself in ways I didn’t before. I even see the fruits of my affirmations in a dream opportunity now traveling and working with students in new places every day. Even my city apartment is gorgeous. Now I have faith that I can utilize affirmations to manifest the next chapter of my life.

daily affirmations
Photo by Eva Elijas on Pexels.com

Today’s daily affirmations are:

  • My soul is at peace and my body is healthy and beautiful.
  • The key to my future and my life is my mind.
  • I trust the process of love and life.
  • Just breathe and know that everything will be okay.
Posted in Manifestation

Daily Affirmations

Posted on by tracydee

One practice I started several years ago rather inconsistently was listing out what I was grateful for. I found that on the days I started with a thankful heart I was more focused, productive, and positive. If I don’t get a chance to write it down, I try to at least think about it each morning and remember all the good things I have going for me.

More recently, I added daily affirmations to this practice. In December 2020, I downloaded an app called I AM and I did pay for the premium version. Now I’m sure I could have found tons of free resources online, but I really do like the app’s layout, design, user interface, and the affirmations.

Each morning, I scroll through my mix and I write 3-4 affirmations in my journal. If I find myself anxious or stressed I pull them up on my iPad in the app or look at my journal. Today’s affirmations are:

  • My soul is at peace and my body is healthy and beautiful.
  • The key to my future and my life is my mind.
  • I trust the process of love and life.
  • Just breathe and know that everything will be okay.
Posted in Uncategorized

5 Helpful and Quick Time Management Tips To Test Out Today

Posted on by tracydee

Quick time management tips can help you stay focused and on task. I rarely hear people say they’ve got too much time on their hands. It’s often more about the lack of time that frustrates most. We all get the same amount of time in a day and how we use it has important implications for the outcomes of our lives.

Time management is an area of my life where I am constantly looking to improve. I seek ways to plan and be more productive. I used to thrive on being busy thinking that that was a marker of effective time management, when in fact it is not. Now, I seek ways to engage in deep focus and practice self-care to make the most of the time I have. Here are some of the strategies that I use.

5 Quick Time Management Tips

  • Single task. In order to turn my focus to the task at hand, I close out the email tabs, turn off the notifications, and focus on one item of my to do list at a time. Each day I use a template to write tasks for the day.
  • Modified Pomodoro. Google the Pomodoro Method and you’ll find lots of articles and resources. I use it, but sometimes I modify it and use the amount of work time that fits best in my schedule. So instead of 25 minute work chunks, I might do 30 or 45 or even an hour.
quick time management tips
Photo by Andrey Grushnikov on Pexels.com
  • Prioritize. I keep my recurring tasks and upcoming to do items on a program called TickTick. Each day, I use that as my guide to prioritize what needs to be completed. I set aside 15-20 minutes each morning to start my day with prioritizing that way I’m not caught off guard as the day goes on. If something comes up, I can decide if it fits in my priorities or if it can be moved to the next day.
  • Improve technology skills. This is an important time management tip for anyone working from home. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, then finding quicker ways to complete tasks saves time. Time saved by technology can be spent on other priority areas. Utilize the free resources available to brush up on your tech skills such as keyboard shortcuts.
  • Calendar. I use Google calendar to color-code all of my meetings and tasks. I add big projects to my calendar and block off time to complete them. I also use a paper calendar because I still like to have things written down.

Even with a good system in place, time management will always be a struggle. It’s something that you have to continue to work hard at—it’s not something that you should expect to be perfect at right away.

But even though it can be difficult to maintain your focus and your high productivity over the long-term, it is essential to striving towards excellence in all areas of life. Utilize some of these quick time management tips to get you started!

Posted in Personal Skills, Time Management, Work From Home

Time Management Tips

Posted on by tracydee

I rarely hear people say they’ve got too much time on their hands. It’s often more about the lack of time that frustrates most. We all get the same amount of time in a day and how we use it has important implications for the outcomes of our lives.

Time management is an area of my life where I am constantly looking to improve. I seek ways to plan and be more productive. I used to thrive on being busy thinking that that was a marker of effective time management, when in fact it is not. Now, I seek ways to engage in deep focus and practice self care to make the most of the time I have. Here are some of the strategies that I use.

  • Single task. In order to turn my focus to the task at hand, I close out the email tabs, turn off the notifications, and focus on one item of my to do list at a time. Each day I use a template to write tasks for the day.
  • Modified Pomodoro. Google the Pomodoro Method and you’ll find lots of articles and resources. I use it, but sometimes I modify it and use the amount of work time that fits best in my schedule. So instead of 25 minute work chunks, I might do 30 or 45 or even an hour.
  • Prioritize. I keep my recurring tasks and upcoming to do items on a program called TickTick. Each day, I use that as my guide to prioritize what needs to be completed. I set aside 15-20 minutes each morning to start my day with prioritizing that way I’m not caught off guard as the day goes on. If something comes up, I can decide if it fits in my priorities or if it can be moved to the next day.
  • Improve technology skills. This is an important time management tip for anyone working from home. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, then finding quicker ways to complete tasks saves time. Time saved by technology can be spent on other priority areas. Utilize the free resources available to brush up on your tech skills.
  • Calendar. I use Google calendar to color code all of my meetings and tasks. I add big projects to my calendar and block off time to complete them. I also use a paper calendar because I still like to have things written down.

*I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Posted in Uncategorized

7 Amazing Websites for Professional Development

Posted on by tracydee

There are many websites for professional development available out there on the big old world wide web. One thing I’ve been focusing on for the past several years is professional growth and personal learning. I’ve done this through participation in a number of online courses.

Websites for professional development are online platforms that offer a wide range of resources and opportunities to help individuals enhance their skills, knowledge, and overall career growth. These professional development websites offer a convenient and accessible way for individuals to learn new skills, acquire knowledge, and connect with professionals and industry experts.

websites for professional development
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Websites for Professional Development

  • The Science of Well-Being: I took this free course through Coursera last summer. I enjoyed the discussions on building habits and practicing strategies to increase personal wellness. The Science of Well-Being course on Coursera, led by Yale University’s Professor Laurie Santos, delves into the latest findings in the field of happiness and well-being. The course presents a range of topics aimed at boosting one’s happiness, strengthening relationships, and fostering resilience.

    Students will learn practical and evidence-based methods to enhance their well-being, such as gratitude practices, meditation, and mindfulness techniques. This course dispels common misconceptions about happiness and examines the role of thoughts, feelings, and actions on overall well-being. The course is designed to be interactive, encouraging students to apply the concepts learned to their own lives. With its captivating approach and actionable insights, the Science of Well-Being course is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their well-being.
  • Alison.com: I took a free Time Management course on this website as well as a mindfulness course. Alison.com is an online platform that provides opportunities for professional development. With a vast library of courses and certifications, Alison.com offers a convenient and flexible way for individuals to build new skills, enhance their knowledge, and advance their careers.

    The courses on Alison.com are designed to be self-paced, allowing students to learn at their own speed and on their own schedule. They cover a wide range of topics, from business and technology to health and wellness, and are taught by experienced professionals in the field. In addition to the courses, Alison.com also provides interactive quizzes, practical projects, and real-world examples to reinforce the learning experience. With its comprehensive and accessible resources, Alison.com is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their professional development.
  • Google SkillShop: Google has so many amazing free online tutorials and courses that you can take on many topics, making their skillshop one of the best websites for professional development. I took their educational foundations course for online learning. Next, I plan to take their skills course on Google Ads to see how I can use that for my blog.

    Google Skillshop is a training platform for individuals and organizations looking to expand their digital marketing skills. Some of the benefits of using Google Skillshop include:

    – Access to Google’s expertise: Google Skillshop offers courses and certifications developed by Google’s digital marketing experts, providing users with the latest and most comprehensive information on digital marketing.

    – Wide range of courses: Google Skillshop offers courses on a wide range of topics, including Google Ads, Google Analytics, YouTube, and more. Users can choose the courses that best fit their needs and interests.

    -Flexible learning: Google Skillshop provides self-paced learning opportunities, allowing users to study and take exams at their own pace and on their own schedule.

    -Recognition and certifications: Upon completion of a course or certification, users can receive recognition from Google and demonstrate their digital marketing expertise to employers and clients.

    -Resource center: Google Skillshop provides a resource center with a variety of tools and resources to help users stay up-to-date on digital marketing trends and best practices.

    Overall, Google Skillshop offers a comprehensive and convenient platform for individuals and organizations looking to expand their digital marketing skills and stay ahead in the industry.
marketing smartphone internet connection showing Linkedin as one of the websites for professional development
Photo by Bastian Riccardi on Pexels.com
  • LinkedIn Learning: While these courses come with a premium membership, you may be able to gain access through an organization or your company. It is worth asking about partnerships to see what is available for you to take some courses.

    LinkedIn Learning is regarded as one of the most attractive websites for professional development. Its wide range of courses and certifications provides a valuable resource for individuals looking to enhance their skills, knowledge, and career growth. LinkedIn Learning offers courses by industry experts and covers various topics, including business, technology, creative skills, and more. In addition, the platform integrates with LinkedIn, allowing users to showcase their professional development and connect with others in their field. With its comprehensive resources and convenient platform, LinkedIn Learning is considered by many to be one of the best websites for professional development.
  • TED: A platform featuring inspiring talks and videos on various topics, including professional development.
    TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) videos can be used for professional development in several ways:

    – Inspiration: TED videos often feature innovative ideas and thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of topics. By watching these videos, individuals can be inspired to think differently and gain new perspectives on their work and industry.
    – Knowledge acquisition: TED videos are often presented by experts in their field and provide insights and knowledge on diverse topics. Individuals can use these videos to expand their understanding and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field.
    – Skill development: TED videos often provide practical tips and strategies for success in various areas, such as leadership, communication, and innovation. Individuals can use these videos to learn new skills and improve their performance in the workplace.
  • Codecademy: A platform offering interactive coding lessons and projects for web development and data science. I signed up just to learn app development for fun!

    Code Academy is one of the most popular websites for professional development in the field of programming and technology. One of the benefits of using Code Academy for professional development is:

    – Hands-on learning: Code Academy provides interactive lessons that allow users to practice and apply the concepts they have learned. This hands-on approach helps users build practical skills and retain the information they have learned.

    – Wide range of topics: Code Academy covers a wide range of programming languages and technologies, allowing users to choose the areas they want to focus on. Whether someone is looking to start a career in coding or simply improve their skills, Code Academy offers courses and resources to meet their needs.

    – Self-paced learning: Code Academy’s courses and projects can be completed at the user’s own pace, making it a flexible option for individuals who want to fit professional development into their busy schedules.

    – Cost-effective: Many courses and resources offered by Code Academy are free or low-cost, making it an affordable option for individuals looking to improve their skills without breaking the bank.

    Overall, Code Academy offers a convenient and practical way for individuals to enhance their programming skills and advance their careers.
  • edX: A non-profit platform offering online courses from top universities and institutions worldwide.

    EdX is a massive open online course (MOOC) provider that offers a wealth of resources for professional development. Here are a few ways to use EdX for professional development:

    – Take courses: EdX offers courses from top universities and institutions on various topics, including business, technology, and data science. Users can choose courses that align with their interests and career goals.
    – Earn certifications: Many of EdX’s courses offer the opportunity to earn a certificate upon completion. These certifications can be used to demonstrate mastery of a particular skill or subject, which can be valuable for career advancement.
    – Access to top instructors: EdX partners with some of the world’s best universities and institutions so that users can learn from leading experts in their field.
    – Interactive learning: EdX’s courses often include interactive elements, such as quizzes and assignments, to enhance the learning experience and help users retain information.
    – Flexible scheduling: EdX’s courses are self-paced, so users can learn at their own convenience and on their own schedule.
    – By taking advantage of the resources offered by EdX, individuals can expand their knowledge, improve their skills, and advance their careers.

In addition to these online platforms, YouTube has video tutorials for almost anything we want to learn. It’s how I started my Etsy shop, built this website, and started my own YouTube channel. The moral of the story is, keep learning, keep growing, and keep seeking new information!

Posted in Personal Skills

Websites for Personal and Professional Learning

Posted on by tracydee

One thing I’ve been focusing on this past year is professional growth and personal learning. I’ve done this through participation in a number of online courses. There are so many resources out there for us to continue to gain knowledge. I will share some of the places where you can go to take courses on a variety of topics and some of the courses I took.

  1. The Science of Well-Being: I took this free course through Coursera last summer. I enjoyed the discussions on building habits and practicing strategies to increase personal wellness.
  2. Alison.com: I took a free Time Management course on this website as well as a mindfulness course.
  3. Google SkillShop: Google has so many amazing free online tutorials and courses that you can take on lots of topics. I took their educational foundations course for online learning. Next, I plan to take their skills course on Google Ads to see how I can use that for my blog.
  4. LinkedIn Learning: While these courses come with the premium membership, you may be able to gain access through an organization or your company. It is worth asking about partnerships to see what is available for you to take some courses.

In addition to these online platforms, YouTube has video tutorials for almost anything that we want to learn. It’s how I got started with my Etsy shop, building this website, and starting my own YouTube channel. The moral of the story is, keep learning, keep growing, and keep seeking new information!