| How to Stay Awake During School Posted: 01 Mar 2018 04:00 PM PST If you've ever pulled an all nighter or had a bad night of sleep, you know it's difficult to stay awake in class when you're tired. Classrooms can be boring, dark, and your teacher's voice might begin to sound like a lullaby. To keep yourself awake, you can participate in class, come prepared with snacks, and get creative with your strategies. EditParticipating in Class - Sit in the front of the room. You'll be more motivated to stay awake if you know that the teacher can see you. Plus, it'll be easier to pay attention and participate when you're front and center for the lecture. You'll also be near people who are more likely to participate, and the sound of their voices might keep you awake.[1]
- Participate in class discussion. Ask and answer questions and pay attention to the lecture. This will help if you're tired or frustrated with the content of the lecture because you can ask your teacher questions to try to get to the bottom of the problem. Talking will also keep you engaged and alert.[2]
- It might be helpful to make a goal for yourself to answer or ask at least 3 questions per class.[3]
- Try to keep your questions on topic to avoid annoying your teacher. For example, you might say "I didn't understand the last part of the proof. Could you explain it again in more detail?"
- Listen actively to the lesson. Active listening is a great way to force yourself to stay awake because it requires engagement of your mind as well as your body. Even if you don't take notes, practicing active listening can help you keep your eyes open for the length of the lesson.[4]
- To effectively listen to your teacher, you should try to maintain eye contact, face the speaker, pay close attention, visualize what the speaker is saying, ask questions during a pause in the lecture, respond to prompts, and make note of gestures or a tone of voice that portray whether the information might be particularly important.[5]
- Interact with your classmates. Group discussions are a great time to regroup and keep yourself awake. Engage in conversation and contribute meaningful points. Try to sit yourself near people who always volunteer in class and will have a lot to say in discussion.[6]
- Take detailed notes. This is a good way to help you pay attention and stay engaged. Listen closely to the lecture and try to be as detailed as possible. You can use different highlighters and pens to denote different sections, switching colors occasionally to keep your mind alert.[7]
- Some people are visual learners. If that's you, doodle on the page about what you're learning. Mind maps, pictures, and flow charts are all helpful for learning.
- Ask your teacher to turn on the lights. If you know you're going to have a hard time staying awake before class, approach your teacher and ask them if the lights can stay on today. Unless you're watching a movie or reading from a PowerPoint, they're likely to oblige.[8]
- Employ the buddy system to stay awake. Sit by someone who doesn't have problems staying awake in class. Before class starts, ask them if they can poke you or move your chair if you start to fall asleep. Having someone to keep you accountable can make it a little easier to stay awake.
EditStaying Awake with Food and Drinks - Grab a cup of coffee or caffeinated tea before class for a caffeine boost. Especially before a long lecture, a cup of coffee or tea can kick in right when you might start dozing off. If you can, grab a large latte or brew a cup at home and take it in a to-go mug. The caffeine will kick-start your system in no time![9]
- Bring an energy drink for a shorter burst of energy. If you're allowed to have drinks in class, an energy drink like Red Bull might be the solution you need if you don't like coffee. However, if you choose this method, you can expect to have a sugar "crash" later on in the day.[10]
- Energy drinks should be used sparingly because they contain very high amounts of both caffeine and sugar, which can cause you to become more tired over time with continuous use.
- Drink some cold water to keep yourself awake and aware. Come prepared to class with a bottle of cold water. Not only will you be hydrated, but you'll also get a little energy from the chill every time you take a drink. The hydration will keep you alert and can also help you avoid feeling confused and fatigued.[11]
- Eat three healthy meals per day. Whether your class is in the morning, afternoon, or evening, eating three regular, balanced meals per day will help you fight fatigue. The food will give you energy and help you stay awake and alert. You should avoid heavy foods like pasta right before class as they can make you sleepy.[12]
- Your healthy meal should include fruit, vegetables, protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.[13]
- For example, a great pre-class breakfast would be greek yogurt, topped with granola or bran flakes, and berries.
- Pack some snacks for class to keep your energy up. If your teacher allows it, bring a snack to break up the lecture and keep you alert. Snacks can keep your energy levels up and give you something to do instead of thinking about how tired you are.[14]
- Try to pack healthy snacks like nuts, berries, fruit, or vegetables such as baby carrots or celery sticks.
- Don't be too loud with your snacking and try not to draw attention to yourself. Other people might find the noise disruptive.
- Avoid fatty, sugary, or salty foods because they can make you feel more tired.
EditTaking Care of Your Body - Sleep for at least 8 hours each night. Getting enough sleep is the best way to make sure you stay awake in class. For most students, 8 hours is enough sleep to get them through the day, but you might need more depending on your energy levels. Going to bed at the same time every night will train your body to know when it should be sleeping and when it needs to be awake.[15]
- Before you go to sleep, give yourself time to relax and unwind before bed, without phones, homework, or other stressors.
- In combination with regular exercise and healthy eating, getting enough sleep can alleviate most daytime fatigue problems.
- Sit up straight and stretch in your chair. Maintaining good posture can keep you awake and your body alert. You can stretch a little in your chair to help you feel refreshed. Start by rolling your wrists, shoulders, and neck.[16]
- You can make it a challenge to keep yourself from slouching. Every time you notice yourself beginning to slouch, adjust your posture and sit up straight.
- If you have a choice, sit in a chair or desk that is slightly uncomfortable to keep you from slouching.
- Walk around before or after class. Physical activity tells your body that it's not time for sleep just yet. Walk around during breaks, go outside if you're allowed to, and get your blood moving to improve alertness. After you stop moving, you might feel tired again, but it can help for a little bit.[17]
- If you're falling asleep in class, excuse yourself to walk to the bathroom and back. Even a short walk can wake you up.
- Take the stairs on your way to class. It can get your heart rate up and make you feel more alert.
- To avoid feeling tired, try to get 8 hours of sleep before class.
- Take a nap if you have a long break in the middle of your day.
- Don't consume too much caffeine during the day to stay awake. If your heart starts beating fast or you feel nervous and antsy, don't have anymore caffeine.
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| How to Get Your Art Into a Gallery Posted: 01 Mar 2018 08:00 AM PST The art world can be difficult to break into, due to the competition for limited spaces in gallery shows. Getting into a gallery is a great step toward selling your art and feeling more serious as an artist. Competition is fierce, but if you are able to make your work stand out and generate attention, you can get your art into the gallery of your dreams. EditVisiting Galleries and Gaining Exposure - Visit galleries near you. Many galleries are run by curators with specific tastes and a vision for their space. Take a look around each gallery and identify what connects all of the pieces. Speak to the curator if they are present, and ask them what kind of pieces they are looking to add to their collection.[1]
- Developing a positive relationship with the curator and becoming part of the gallery community is a great way to get yourself on their radar, even if your work might not fit their specific gallery. You never know who they might know!
- Go to openings and network. Openings are normally on a set night every week. View and appreciate the art, but sell your own enthusiasm and skill. Approach artists, curators, and spectators to discuss the art being shown and your own art.[2]
- Have your elevator pitch in mind! Keep the discussion of your art short, especially if they don't seem interested in discussing it. Remember you're at someone else's gallery and viewing someone else's work.
- Apply for grants. Grants provide funding for artists to continue working on projects that fit a certain theme. When you apply for grants, you expose yourself to artists and curators who are on judging panels. This will establish you as an artist who takes your work seriously.[3]
- Avoid shows that require an entry fee. These "competitions" are usually fundraisers for the organization or gallery and offer very little in terms of career advancement. It is best to save your money and avoid paying fees to be involved in a show or gallery exhibition. Legitimate galleries make money off of the sale of the art, rather than entrance fees from artists.[4]
- Create an online gallery website. Having an online presence for your work is extremely important. You can invite other local artists, or other artists with similar styles, to showcase art on a website in a digital gallery. Make sure to include the professional contact information of each artist on the website.[5]
- Include only high-quality digital images of your artwork. Once you have digital images of your work, create a website and get a professional email address.
- Join an artist collective gallery. These galleries normally don't take a cut of your work, but require monthly membership fees. Membership will allow you to make many connections and participate in a larger body of work with other artists over a long period of time. You might also have access to group resources and a space to work.[6]
- Becoming a member can be very competitive, so you will likely still need to present your work and artist statement for acceptance.
EditSubmitting Your Art to a Gallery - Check gallery websites for submission policies. It is best not to approach a gallery about submitting your work until you learn their policies. If you can't find the information online, call them to inquire about submission, or ask in person. Follow the guidelines closely to demonstrate that you respect their rules.[7]
- Some galleries do not accept submissions.
- Email a "letter of inquiry" to the galleries of interest to you. Include illustrious examples of your work, a description of your artistic approach, and a link to your artist website. Focus on what you can offer to the gallery, rather than what they can offer you. Many curators like to collect paper documents on artists before they will show their work.[8]
- Include high-quality images of your work as attachments to the email. If they're interested, they'll look through your work and have a copy of it on hand.
- Practice talking about your art. Often, you'll have to sell yourself and your work to a curator in order to get them interested. Practice your elevator pitch and decide what makes your art exciting.[9]
- For example, if you're a painter, you could say "I work with oil on canvas to create representative images of the contemporary, middle-class version of the American Dream. I like to focus on the imagery of capitalism and overabundance."
- Demonstrate how your art is different. Although curators are sometimes interested in specific types of art, they won't want too much of the same thing. Identify how your art fits into a common theme, but stands out due to the craftsmanship, quality of work, perspective, or experience of viewing.[10]
- Evaluate what rate of commission you are comfortable with. If the gallery is interested in your work, they will inform you of their interest. Galleries make money off of the commission of the sale of art. Normally, this can range from 30-60% of the total amount paid for the piece by a collector. Have a percentage in mind, based on the listed value of your art, that you would feel comfortable accepting.[11]
- Keep in mind they are offering you a space to exhibit and sell your work that you would not have otherwise had.
- Sign with a gallery. The gallery will present you with a contract for including your art in their space. Be clear with what you desire, but remember that they are the business owners. Ensure the commission percentage is clearly specified in the contract. [12]
- Thoroughly read any contract you sign, as it may stipulate that you may show and sell work exclusively through that gallery.
- Don't limit yourself to local galleries, search far and wide for the best fit.
- Persistence pays off, you may want to approach the same gallery several times over a few years. Repeat these steps until you are approached by a gallery that shows interest in your work. Find out where the curator lives and 'just so happen to be in the area' one weekend. There are so many different types and styles of art appreciation, someone will admire your work!
- Make the paintings before you sell them.
- Make business cards, flyers, stickers. Self promotion will provide fantastic networking opportunities. Post them into the galleries.
- Travel and physically expose yourself in galleries that are in your area. Visit any place that speaks to you when you walk in, or just talk to the friendly staff. Most of them would love to have a conversation with an aspiring artist.. Even if it has work from Warhol or Hirst in it, if you feel confident in your work and comfortable in the space, submit your work for consideration.
- Dress, speak, and behave professionally. Treat art as your full-time profession, even if it isn't your only job.
- Be prepared for rejection. Everyone gets turned down. Keep trying.
- Watch your budget. Spend as little as possible, but try to maintain a high degree of professionalism.
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| How to Be Proactive Posted: 01 Mar 2018 12:00 AM PST Being proactive means thinking and acting ahead of anticipated events. Not only is it a great method for avoiding more work down the road, it can also be extremely important for averting problems. To be proactive, start taking action, embracing your responsibility, and controlling your responses. By doing things such as anticipating your future and focusing on solutions instead of problems, you'll maintain a happier and more proactive outlook. EditAnticipating and Taking Action - Think about what is likely to happen in your future. By thinking about potential issues that could arise and being aware of possible future changes, you'll be able to plan and act accordingly.[1]
- For example, if you know that you'll be going on vacation soon, start putting aside money now for meals or fun activities to do while on vacation.
- Stay ahead of less-urgent tasks. By taking care of regular day-to-day tasks instead of putting them off, you'll create less stress for yourself while also making sure those small tasks don't turn into a larger problem. A little effort up-front could save you from a larger crisis later.
- Pay particular attention to preventative maintenance, whether that means checking the fluids in your car, restocking your pantry, or setting aside a bit of money in savings each week.
- Prioritize the things that are most important. Having a never-ending list of tasks to complete can be overwhelming, and it's likely to cause you to run from one task to the next without ever actually completing one. Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on the things that are most important and aim for accomplishing those.[2]
- If your to-do list consists of things such as cleaning out the closet, taking the car to get inspected, and reorganizing the bedroom, you should focus on the thing that is most important — getting the car inspected.
- Evaluate your actions to see if they're working. Every once in a while, stop for a minute to reflect on what you've been doing. If you aren't reaching your goals, think about how you could perform tasks more efficiently and come up with a new plan.[3]
- Create a plan, checklist, or routine to accomplish the task.
- Look for steps in the process you can eliminate, consolidate, or shorten.
EditEmbracing Your Responsibility and Influence - Take ownership of your problems. You are the only one who can accomplish your goals and fix your problems. While there are people in your life who will support you, you need to rely on yourself to achieve success. Start taking initiative and embrace the challenge when you run into problems.[4]
- Instead of placing the blame on someone or something else when a problem arises, take ownership of the issue and work towards solving it yourself.
- Focus on what you can control. It's useless to spend time worrying about things that you can't actively change. Use your energy and motivation to work on tackling tasks that you know you can accomplish. This will allow you to get much more done while feeling more positive.[5]
- For example, if you're stressing out about your son's grades at school, you can't make him get good grades. However, you can help him study for tests, make sure he's getting enough sleep, and encourage him to take his grades seriously.
- Set realistic goals for yourself. This is a great way to keep yourself motivated and moving forward. If you set goals that are out of reach, you're setting yourself up for disappointment and are much less likely to be motivated to continue working towards your goal.[6]
- Instead of telling yourself to lose all of your extra weight within a month, set a goal to swim or run a mile each day.
- Participate actively instead of just observing. Proactive people don't sit on the sidelines or just listen to other people's suggestions. Take action and start actively participating, whether it's by providing input during job meetings or coming up with your own plans for family activities.[7]
- Stay consistent. Consistency in how you interact with others, as well as the actions you take for yourself, is very important. Know how much you can handle and take small, consistent steps towards your goals.[8]
- If you make promises you can't keep or set unrealistic expectations, you're going to disappoint yourself as well as others.
- Hold yourself accountable. When it comes to getting things done, you need to hold yourself to the task, making sure you accomplish it in an appropriate amount of time. This means taking responsibility and giving each task a sense of urgency.[9]
- Consider telling someone else all of the things you're hoping to hold yourself accountable for. This person will help you stick to your goals and let you know when you could be doing better.
- Surround yourself with motivated people. To be proactive, you want to spend time with people who will push to you excel and take action. If you're surrounded by driven, motivated people, you'll be more likely to stay motivated as well.[10]
- If you've been spending time with someone who is negative, lazy, or similarly unmotivated, it's time to put some distance between yourself and this person.
EditControlling Your Responses by Being Proactive - Focus on solutions instead of problems. While it can be easy to see problems as overwhelming, negative hurdles, try to change that mindset. Focus on becoming a problem-solver and figure out solutions to problems that you come across.[11]
- If you see problems as things that can be fixed, you'll find it much easier to come up with a solution.
- Communicate calmly in times of anger or distress. If you find yourself getting upset when talking to someone, take a few deep breaths to calm down and refocus. While it can be easy to lash out in anger, it's much better to communicate calmly and effectively.[12]
- You can take deep breaths to calm yourself down during any situation where you're feeling upset, whether communicating with someone or not.
- Avoid jumping to negative conclusions. While it can be easy to make a snap judgment, it's important to get all the information before coming to a conclusion. Maintaining an open outlook will help you think more rationally and come up with better solutions.[13]
- Maybe someone didn't respond to your text message — instead of assuming they just don't want to talk to you, consider that they may be super busy or don't have their phone on them.
- Put yourself in others' shoes for a different viewpoint. If you're having trouble understanding someone's side of things or just want to get a more accurate picture, consider the other person's viewpoint. Empathy will help prevent you from only seeing one side of things.[14]
- For example, if an employee or coworker is always showing up late to work, try to understand why this might be happening. Do they have children that need to be driven to school? Do they have reliable transportation? Try seeing the issue from their viewpoint.
- Do constructive activities when you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Instead of being bogged down by feelings of anxiety or an unhealthy amount of overthinking, try distracting yourself by getting things done. Channeling your energy into completing small tasks will help you feel positive and productive.[15]
- For example, if you can't stop stressing and worrying about whether or not you'll be getting a raise at work, set your mind to simpler tasks, such as fixing up the yard or doing the dishes.
- Talking to people you trust about the things that are worrying you can also be a great way to get some advice while relieving some of your stress.
- Ask yourself what you can learn from your setbacks. If you go through a failure, try to learn from the experience. Think about how you could go about things differently. By turning setbacks into knowledge, you'll always be moving forward.[16]
- Maintain a positive outlook. Not only is a positive outlook important for staying happy and healthy, it's also a key aspect in being proactive. Instead of attaching negative vibes to problems, try to stay positive and see them in a different light.[17]
- When you start thinking negative thoughts, try to stop them as soon as you notice. Replace them with motivational, positive thoughts instead.
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