Saturday, April 4, 2020

Occult Chemistry

Occult ChemistryOccult Chemistry is one of the many great new discoveries for anyone interested in herbal remedies. If you are looking for herbs to include in your herbal remedies, you may want to try out this new class of herbs. These Herbs are quickly becoming one of the hottest selling herbs on the market today. This is due to the fact that they are natural and safe, they are very easy to grow, and can be used in a wide variety of ways that traditional herbs cannot.The ancient and mystical meanings of these herbs go way back in time. Many of the ancient peoples understood the power and mystical healing potential of these plants. It is thought that the people of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China were using these plants to cure and heal them. They knew that when they mixed with different herbs together with water, then they could come up with a concoction that had great medicinal powers. These may have been a type of medicine that is known today as Herbal Medicine.Some of the powers that these plants had come from their similarity to oriental medicine. In ancient times, these plants were used to treat different things. They would use one to relieve another, or they would use them to cleanse themselves of impurities. They would also mix some to make certain other properties that their body required. Using this new Herbal Chemistry, it is no wonder why the Herbalists of the ancient world were still using these plants in their day to day lives.So now that you know what occult chemistry is, let's get back to our Modern Herbalist's beliefs. These herbs are beginning to take over the place of traditional herbs in many forms of medicine. They are used in areas of treatment that traditional herbs can not treat or are unable to do so. This is because these herbs can be grown on any type of soil. They are easy to grow and are very affordable. They also have very potent healing powers.These herbs are slowly becoming a part of the American diet and therapy. Bec ause of this, there are many schools all over the United States teaching people how to make their own Herbal Medicine. Many of these schools have been started by the Ancient Herbalists. By teaching and educating their students, they are helping the modern American people to be well informed about this new knowledge. This knowledge is currently being used in all types of medical procedures.Occult Chemistry may be one of the most potent herbs for you. The mind has no limits, but the body has limitations. Although these herbs will grow anywhere, you can find them in any type of soil. If you are interested in learning more about this type of herbs, it would be best to take the time to read up on it.So what do you think about Occult Chemistry? Is it something that you think you can use? Once you have your own herbal medicine, there is no way that you will ever know just how great of a power these herbs have. If you are serious about using these plants to help yourself or your family, it would be best to give them a try.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Online Estimate Quotients Tutors

Online Estimate Quotients Tutors Estimate quotients are basically to find out the quotient by the different methods. It can be done by simple division method or by the formula, that is, dividend = divisor x quotient + remainder. This formula needs to be applied in consideration to the PEMDAS rule. Some of the expressions may have zero remainder, but it always have definite remainder. This is can be better clarified by taking suitable examples and examples are as follows:- Question 1:- Find the quotient if dividend equals to 20, divisor equals to 3 and remainder is equal to 2 by the suitable means. Solution 1:- Given dividend = 20 Divisor = 3 And remainder = 2 We know that dividend = divisor x quotient + remainder 20 = 3 x quotient + 2 Subtract 2 from both sides of equation, we get 20 - 2 = 3 x quotient + 2 2 18 = 3 x quotient Now to find out the value of quotient, we need to divide both sides by 3 Therefore quotient = 18/3 = 6 Question 2:- Find the quotient if dividend equals to 30, divisor equals to 3 and remainder is equal to 0 by the suitable means. Solution 2:- Given dividend = 30 Divisor = 3 And remainder = 0 We know that dividend = divisor x quotient + remainder 30 = 3 x quotient + 0 30 = 3 x quotient Now to find out the value of quotient, we need to divide both sides by 3 Therefore quotient = 30/3 = 10

Friday, March 6, 2020

4 Ways Parents Can Aid the Early Admissions Process

4 Ways Parents Can Aid the Early Admissions Process The transition from high school to college may be difficult for students, but it can also be a trying time for parents. There is emotional and even financial stress, often accompanied by a feeling of helplessness. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your student get into college. Your role in the early admissions process is especially important. Here are four ways parents can aid the early admissions process and support their teen during this time of transition. 1. Understanding early admissions processes While not all colleges offer early admissions, many do. At these schools, students can choose to apply early, which means they also receive an admissions decision early. In these cases, it may be easier for students to gain acceptance to a school. Early admissions rules and regulations can vary by school, so it will be essential that you check out the specific processes at each school. Your student will also want to work with his or her guidance counselors to make sure everyone is on the same page. Some schools require that you only apply to one early admissions school, some are binding, and some can be declined but only within a deadline. Make sure you and your student have all the facts before making an important decision. 2. Help your student explore colleges Early admissions is a great option for students who are absolutely certain that they want to attend a particular college. As a parent, you can help your student make that decision. Support your child in his or her search for a college. You may help your student arrange campus visits (and transportation to and from them), interviews with professors, and tours of prospective departments. While you dont want to take the lead, offering support to your student can be invaluable during this time. 3. Help your student make a plan for financing education One of the advantages of seeking admission to a number of schools is that it allows your family to compare different financial aid packages. If your student applies early decision, you may miss this opportunity. As a parent, you can help your student by sorting out possible solutions for paying for college, should he or she be admitted. Sit down, outline a number of scenarios, and apply with a financial plan at the ready. 4. Remind your student to focus on his or her current classes For students who are admitted to a college early, focusing on high school can be a bit of a challenge. Hypothetically, your students current grades are good after all, he or she may have already been admitted to a prestigious school by applying early decision. But this also means that your student may feel that his or her senior year is less important. Of course, this isnt true many scholarships are dependent on a students performance over all of his or her years in high school. Plus, some schools may require a student to maintain a certain grade point average all the way through high school. As a parent, help your student combat senioritis by reminding him or her that this year is equally important as those leading up to college admissions. By following these general guidelines, parents can aid the early admissions process for their likely overwhelmed student. Remember that early admissions isnt for everyone in fact, only around 450 schools offer this option. Identify scenarios with your student and determine if it is the best option for your family. Then, offer your support to your student however it is needed. This can feel like a difficult time, but applying early admissions has a wealth of benefits and your stress levels may decrease significantly once your student is in!

CPA Certified Public Accountant

CPA Certified Public Accountant Where Can I Use My CPA Qualification? ChaptersHow Many CPA Exams Are There?Who Should Consider Completing the CPA?If you want to work in the accounting industry, then the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification is one you may have read about.Although not every accountant you meet will be a CPA, if you do meet a CPA, then that means that they are a trained accountant.There are quite a few differences between a CPA and an accountant that has no specific qualifications. The most common differentiators are:Certified or chartered accountants have to meet specific educational and professional experience requirements; andCertified or chartered accountants must pass specific examinations before they can become a certified or chartered accountant â€" accountants with no membership of a professional body often may not have completed any accountancy-specific exams.There are tens of thousands of accountants across the world that hold the title of CPA, so you’d be in good company if you did decide to study this qualificatio n.The CPA is typically associated with the USA, so the designation carries particular weight if you happen to work in the United States, or would like to do so in the future. According to the AICPA’s website, “the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the national professional organization for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the United States.” The AICPA has in excess of 430,000 members.Having the CPA qualification can also be  helpful in your future career. This is because it is well regarded across a broad range of industries. For example, with the CPA you could choose to work in public accounting or in industry. Equally, there are roles for a CPA in the public sector, including roles within the government and not-for-profit organisations.Learn about the benefits of being a chartered accountant in the UK...If you're serious about improving your career prospects in the accounting industry, then the CPA qualification could really be worth researc hing. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, jackmac34, Pixabay)Business Environment and Concepts;Financial Accounting and Reporting; andRegulation.You are given a year and a half (18 months) to complete all the sections. You are deemed to pass a section if you score at least 75 on the exam.There are numerous opportunities to sit the exams throughout the year, with testing windows running quarterly from January to December. For more details on the specific dates for testing windows, it’s best to consult the AICPA’s website.The vast majority of CPA candidates will sit their tests in the United States, but there are a number of international test centres where overseas candidates can sit the exam.For example, if you are a citizen or resident of the United Kingdom, then there are a number of test centres in England, Ireland, Scotland, as well as Germany that you could attend.Given the requirement to score at least 75 on each section in order to pass the exam overall, it's definitely worth spendin g ample time revising and preparing for the exams if you do decide to pursue the CPA as a qualification.Although it may mean that you have to juggle a variety of commitments, whether they relate to your social life, work life, or home life, the best chance you can give yourself to pass the exam is to ensure that you have spent enough time going through and understanding the material.Learn about the ICAEW, an additional chartered accountant qualification...Aside from the examination requirements, it’s worth bearing in mind that a prospective CPA will also have to fulfil education and professional experience requirements, in addition to passing the Uniform CPA Exam.Note that in the case of the CPA, every state and jurisdiction has their own requirements when it comes to professional experience and education, so it’s worth checking what requirements you would have to comply with according to where you are based.It’s very common to have to meet a combination of exam, work experien ce, and education requirements before you can qualify and become a member of a recognised accounting body, and so in that sense the CPA’s membership requirements are very similar to what you may expect if you wanted to become, for example, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) or another similar professional body.Additionally, it is also common to be taught and even examined in areas such as ethics and ethical behaviour  when working towards becoming a chartered accountant.These are especially important should you decide to specialise by becoming a Certified Fraud Examiner...Be prepared to put a lot of work into revising for the Uniform CPA Exam if you dream of passing it in your first sitting. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, mohamed_hassan, Pixabay)Who Should Consider Completing the CPA?If you are looking to pursue a career in accounting, then you may have heard about the CPA qualification.Whether you should undertake the CPA is a question of you r own personal circumstances and where you would like to see your career develop.Where Do You See Your Career Taking You?There are a few key items to note when it comes to the CPA. Firstly, and most importantly, the CPA is an American accountancy qualification. This means that it may not be as suitable for those who would like to work as an accountant in the UK compared to other qualifications, such as the ACA and the ACCA.If, on the other hand, you would like to work in the United States, or know that you will spend a good portion,  or the majority of your working life over there, then it may be worthwhile pursuing the CPA over other qualifications.Generally, the CPA is very highly regarded in the United States, whereas in the UK, having a qualification such as the ACA is likely to be more highly regarded when it comes to proving your skills and advancing your career prospects.The other thing to note is that, while the CPA, ACA, ACCA, and other accountancy qualifications are often associated with just the accountancy profession, the fact is that these qualifications can be helpful in the wider areas of  accounting and business.For instance, individuals working in taxation may also have a CPA or ACA qualification to their name, while others may work in the field of audit. The point to note is that having a qualification such as the CPA is a great way to highlight that you are well-versed in matters relating to accounting, such as accounting standards, but that you are also able to utilise these skills and your credentials within areas aside from pure accounting.What about going a step further; becoming a Certified Financial Analyst?If you would like to work in the United States during your career, then the CPA may be a great qualification for you to pursue. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, TheDigitalArtist, Pixabay)Don't Be Afraid To Ask For AdviceUltimately, the choice of which qualification, if any, to pursue is yours to make. If you do need some further advice, it†™s always a good idea to reach out to someone who is able to provide first-hand experience of the various qualifications on offer and see what their opinion is over whether you should study the CPA.Equally, speaking to someone such as a careers counsellor at your school or university should also give you a chance to talk through your situation and your career aspirations, and hopefully find some clarity over which qualification is right for you.If you do decide to study the CPA or think that it’s something that you’d like to pursue in the future, it may be worthwhile trying to develop the core skills that successfully certified accountants need in their working life.These skills are hugely diverse but can include things such as:Good communication and interpersonal skills;A strong analytical mindset;Knowledge of up-and-coming technologies that might impact the accounting or auditing industry; andAn understanding of what makes businesses tick.You may want to know, for instance, th e benefits of having a CMA qualification...Of course, any future accountant should also ensure that their numerical skills are strong. If you feel like you would like some extra help to get your mathematical knowledge up to scratch, or would like to learn about business studies and economics more generally, then you could reach out to an accounting tutor near me at Superprof for personalised lessons designed to help you achieve the learning outcome you require.Regardless of whether you're currently at school or university, there is a range of Superprof tutors who are able to offer lessons designed to help you understand basic accounting concepts, or develop your numerical ability, at a pace that works for you.You can find tutors based locally by entering your postcode, although it's also easy to find tutors that are happy to offer online-online lessons. You can also narrow down your search by selecting which subjects you would like to hire a tutor for. Lessons can be one to one, alt hough group lessons or workshops are also available, so it’s a case of finding a teaching environment that works for you.Discover now how to put that accounting degree you worked so hard for to work for you!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How to Write a Thank You Letter After an Interview

How to Write a Thank You Letter After an Interview Why You Should (and How to) Write an Interview Thank You Letter ChaptersWhy Write a Letter?Writing an Actual LetterSending a Thank You EmailWhat Not to Write in Your Thank You NoteNervous and uncertain â€" or, we hope, confident and assured, you sailed through your first-ever phone interview. You even made sure to ask the critical question in response to your interviewer’s ‘questions for me?’ query: “Where do we go from here?”For that brilliant question, you got the standard, if temporising answer: “We have several more job candidates to talk to…”.Hiring managers are very good at not giving a glimmer of hope to any interviewee; even the “What are your salary expectations?” question should not be construed as an indication that you will get the job.What your prospective employers are waiting for is your next step. Do you know what it is?  A well-written thank-you note!Studies show that only about a quarter of all job applicants actually send a thank-you letter after their interview.Those who are negligent of that small duty dep rive themselves of a further opportunity to raise their profile and keep their name at the forefront of their interview panel’s considerations.Your Superprof cannot bear for you to miss any opportunity for advancement; that is why we’ve put this article together on the politics of thanking and how it should be done.Forget Miss Manners; this advice with have you covered!You might argue that an interviewer’s job is to conduct interviews of people who sent in applications; therefore it should not be incumbent on you to thank them for doing so.Might we infer by that that you wouldn’t thank a server for bringing your food in a restaurant, a shop clerk for helping you find the very thing you were looking for and your family for lavishing gifts on you for your graduation?Some hardened recipients of such benevolence would insistently aver that, indeed, you should not have to thank people for giving you your due or merely doing their job.However, the majority of us reflect on all of those painstaking thank-you cards our parents made us write after reaping any holiday bounty, to those who thought enough of us to give us a gift. We might consider that early conditioning for a widely-accepted social norm. Handwritten notes have a special style but, if you write one, make sure your handwriting is neat! Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayWhy should thanking a prospective employer be outside of that norm?After all, they hold the key to our possible future employment; treating them in a socially acceptable manner should be par for the course.Far more than merely thanking them for their time, your thank-you note serves you in other ways.Imagine the plight of the hiring manager: desk full of more- or less-well-written resumes and cover letters, scanning each one for signs of potential suitability for the job and compatibility with their corporate culture.Out of possibly hundreds of applications â€" every one of which s/he must read, only a fraction of them might be deemed suitable for further scrutiny.And then, there are the interviews. How many job candidates will s/he talk with? Where do you fall in? Were you the first, somewhere in the middle… dead last?In this whirlwind of information that s/he is subjected to, how can you be sure your name will stand out? A thank-you note is the best way to keep yourself visible amid the storm.It gives you the chance to bring up things you might have forgotten in the interview or expound on a topic the interviewer touched on. It also proves to them that you have taken time to reflect on the interview and have further thoughts you’d like to share.Just do it carefully; consider the ‘what not do to’ segment at the end of this article.Do you have any tips for people working to land their first job?Writing an Actual LetterIn pondering your interview follow-up, why not consider a typed letter? After all, you’ve already typed up your cover letter and curriculum vitae; would printing and sending another letter hurt?Although written letters are more in-line with face to face interviews, nothing says you can’t send such a missive, even if time would argue against it: by the time your intended recipient reads it, you might alread y be on Round Two of the interview process.Still, should you decide that this is the format for your demonstration of courtesy and appreciation, here are a few simple rules to follow:Follow business letter formatting but omit the subject line. Be sure to write your interviewer’s name, not ‘To Whom it may Concern’!Make reference to the position you applied forTouch on a specific aspect of the interview â€" you might expound on an answer you gave, for exampleIndicate again that you have researched the company by reflecting on an aspect of its mission statement or the work done there.Sign off with ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Warm Regards’ rather than ‘For Your Consideration’ or, worse: ‘Cheers’Your letter should not be more than one page long; remember that HR managers are busy and might not have a lot of time to read any correspondence. You should send your letter no later than one day after your interview.Your turn to chime in: what is the best formula for interview-winning cover letters? Make sure you format your post interview thank you email; your interviewer might read it on her phone Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabaySending a Thank You EmailTime and trends are bucking the quaint tradition of mailing letters; these days, communication is all about convenience and speed.In your case, just coming off your phone interview, speed is of the essence.The hiring manager is not waiting for any thank-you letters, emailed or otherwise; it’s quite possible s/he is already talking with the next job applicant by the time you get your thoughts in order and start typing.What do you think the reaction would be if s/he returns to his/her workstation to check email after that interview, and sees your name pop up?An electronic interview thank-you note takes a lot of the guesswork out of drafting a thank-you letter but you should exercise care in your writing and formatting.First, what will you write about, besides phrases that show your appreciation?Hopefully, you followed the adv ice from our ‘How to prepare for a phone interview’ article and took copious notes during your phone interview, especially of what your interviewer said. If so, it is time to put them to work.Review your interview notes to find something specific you said during the interview that could use more clarification, or that you especially liked. For instance, your interviewer might have said something that particularly resonates with you.The first paragraph of your thank-you email should contain ‘Thank you for taking the time to discuss with me aspects of the job I applied for.’ and more in that vein.Your second paragraph should touch on something s/he said: ‘When you said ____, I really couldn’t help but think that this position is perfect for me because _____.’. In other words, draw another connection between yourself and your job.A third paragraph might clarify something you said during the interview or, perhaps, reiterate that you understand something s/he explained to y ou.A ‘Sincerely’ closing and you’re done!Also, discover more about preparing for a phone interview… Whether a hand-written or email thank you, make sure the contents and format are good before sending! Image by Andrian Valeanu from PixabayWhat Not to Write in Your Thank You NoteNow that you’re completely sold on the idea of writing thank-you notes, we throw caution into the mix.1. Less is more: no matter how lofty your ideas, try to keep them concise. Express yourself in short paragraphs, not long-winded dissertations â€" hiring managers have little time to untangle winding, convoluted thoughts.2. Don’t write just because convention says you have to; as always, sincerity is key. A thoughtful follow-up that addresses a specific point or topic discussed in the interview is far more appropriate than a hollow ‘thank you for your time’. It will be better received, too!3. Avoid copying: a common ‘complaint’ of hiring managers who conduct panel interviews is that everyone is treated to the same ‘thank you’. Rather than CC’ing everyone you think might enjoy hearing from y ou, write an original letter to each one. If that seems too much, write either the entire panel one letter or address it only to the lead interviewer.In that same vein, don’t copy a letter you found online and send it!4. Asking for social media connections: It’s a good idea to encourage further contact. It’s a bad idea to do so in your thank-you letter, especially if said media is Facebook or Instagram.Professional sites such as LinkedIn are only marginally better but you still shouldn’t encourage social media connections this early in the hiring process.5. Going over why you think you bombed: a thank-you letter is not the way to wheedle or explain your perceived interview shortcomings. Such tactics smack of the naughty child who swears s/he could be better if only s/he were given another chance â€" and will be received in kind.6. Formatting your thank-you email like a business letter. An email should look like an email, not an electronic business letter. You don’t need to put your contact information, the date, the company’s address or a subject line in the email body.And, as always, proofread before you send. In fact, get a few pairs of eyes on your thank-you letter; you never know what three people might miss that a fourth will catch.Now, discover how you too can have an outstanding resume…

Difference between Miss and Lose - English Lesson via Skype

Difference between Miss and Lose - English Lesson via Skype Lets talk about the difference between Miss and Lose.The verbs MISS and LOSE have several different meanings in English and they can be easily confused.In some languages there are situations where one verb covers them both. But in English they have different meanings, so let’s see what is the difference between miss and lose and how we use them so you can avoid mistakes. Difference between Miss and Lose - Transcript Hi thereThis is Harry and welcome to my English lessons.Today were going to talk to you about the words miss and  lose. M I S S miss and L O S E lose.They are  often confused so Im going to give you  some worked examples which hopefully  will help you understand the meaning.When we use the word miss or the past  format of it missed M I S S E D, we mean  that we are late for some scheduled  event.Or we feel sad or lonely because  somebody isnt near to us or around us.Or we forget about some event.Okay. So  let me give you the examples.  I missed my bus on the way to work this morning. I  was late.We cant say:I lost the bus.Okay.I missed the bus. meaning I got out of bed too late, I spent too much time over breakfast, and when I got to the bus stop the bus had already gone and I was late for work.So I missed the  bus.I missed your birthday.   means I  forgot your birthday. I wasnt late for  it, I forgot it.  I had it written in my  calendar but for some reason I didnt  look at the c alendar and I forgot to  send you a birthday card or I forgot to  ring you or text you and in this way.I  can say:Look, Im really sorry that I  missed your birthday. so not only you were  you late but you forgot about it altogether.If your friend goes away for a few months working to another country or travelling to another country and youre not able to go with them you might send them a text to say:I miss youNow, when they get back you say:Wow thats great  to see you again, I really missed you.  meaning I was lonely without you.Okay. So there are some examples of how we use the word MISS.Lose L O S E  means  that you cannot find something. You put somewhere and youre not  able to locate it. You might find it after a short while  so its only lost temporarily. Or  something that you lose completely. Okay.So let me give you some examples.I lost the football match.  I was playing  against another team, we were hoping to  win so that we could do better in thecompetition but we lost th e game. The game is over, we cannot retrieve the situation, the game is lost.Ive lost my car keys.  I  dont know where they are.  I cant say:Ive missed my car keys.Ive lost my car  keys.  I put them somewhere and I cant  find them. Perhaps theyre on the table.Perhaps theyre in a pocket of a jacket. Somewhere but at the moment they are  lost so I have to look for them.I lost  my place in the queue.I was standing in  a queue waiting to go to the cinema and  then I remembered that I had forgottento bring my wallet so I ran home and  came back and of course the queue was  much bigger so I could say:Oh Ive lost  my place in the queue.  I had to stand at  the back of the queue.  If you lose  anything, its misplaced temporarily as  we talked about the keys or permanently.I dont know what I did with my wallet I  lost it when I was in town.You come home  and you have no wallet, your cards are  gone, you have to cancel them so they are  lost forever. So you have to contact the  bank to cancel all your credit cards  because you lost your wallet. So thats  another more permanent nature than  losing your car keys that you find laterin your jacket pocket. Okay.So thats  hopefully giving you some examples of  the difference between MISS and LOSE  and remember as always join us on  www.englishlessonviaskype.com and subscribe to our  channel.  And remember when you subscribe  to the channel, click the notification  bell so that youll get informed when  theres a new video waiting for you.And we have six online courses now available for you dealing with English grammar and other aspects and youll find the link below.Okay. And we talk to you again soon. Difference between Miss and Lose Don't keep this to yourself, tell the world:

Can Brain Training Exercises Help Your Students

Can Brain Training Exercises Help Your Students Maybe youve heard of brain training and wondered what it is, and if it could benefit your students. Put simply, brain training is working out your brain. Certain mental exercises are very effective at developing cognitive skills. Students can boost their memories, sharpen their focus and concentration levels, increase processing speed, and more. The great news: your students can build their cognitive strength with just a little effort each day. Here are a few simple things to encourage your students to do in class and at home: Try the Pomodoro method. Have students set a timer to work uninterrupted for 25 minutes, then take a break for five. This is a great way to build the attention span. Start with even shorter periods if needed. Develop time management. Believe it or not, building executive functioning skills like time management boosts the brain. Spend a few minutes every class going over your minute-by-minute agenda, and encourage your students to keep detailed schedules and planners. Build the working memory. Develop your students memorization skills and attention span. Card games are a great way to hone these abilities, and students who develop their organizational skills also consistently strengthen their working memory. Have students use tools to streamline daily routines. Checklists, homework charts, and planners are helpful aids for all students and build cognitive abilities like memory and brain speed. The brain is like a muscle that can be strengthened. Help your students do so and you will give them much more than subject-matter knowledge. Youll equip them with skills for life.

?? Three exercises to manage your mental fitness when you feel the exam pressure rising

?? Three exercises to manage your mental fitness when you feel the exam pressure rising Three exercises to manage your mental fitness when you feel the exam pressure rising Preparing for exams is like an athlete preparing for a race â€" it isn’t just about the technical revision, it is also important to look at the whole picture â€" diet, sleep, down time for rest and recuperation, and mental preparation. We know stress can be a good thing â€" it can certainly give an athlete the boost they need to get across the finish line, but like anything too much can be a bad thing and can derail the best efforts and intentions.In this article I will share three things you can do to support your mental health whilst you study, and three steps to take if you feel your stress levels are rising and affecting your ability to study.But before I talk about what you can do to manage your stress, I want to explain what happens in your brain when you are too stressed and why this is important.One brain â€" two mindsThink of yourself as having one brain but two minds - the first part is our intellectual mind (the left pre-frontal cortex). When we are in this part we are p ositive, wise, and will make the best possible decisions at any given time. So obviously this is where we want to be! The second part is our primitive mind (the limbic system) and this is the part that controls our fight or flight response â€" our survival instinct. This part is really useful when we face life or death situations such as facing a wild animal like a tiger, but the thing is we don’t really face many life or death situations anymore. But guess what? Your primitive mind still reacts in the same way. Those pesky negative thoughtsSo say you start thinking about your revision and your mind drifts to negative thoughts â€" you think about all the work you have to do and you don’t know how you are going to get through it, you might think that you’re not smart enough, you’re going to fail, and lots of other negative thoughts like that. Now you start to feel the stress build up. You might notice it â€" that ball of tension in your stomach, your heart rate is increasing, your muscles are tensing, you can’t focus on anything, you can’t sleep, or you get stuck doing unhelpful things like spending too much time on Instagram or Snapchat. Exam Prep â€" it’s coming to get me!This is happening because although your intellectual mind sees the exams as what they really are, your primitive mind sees them as life threatening as a tiger attack! Now all it wants you to do is fight, run away or freeze in the face of this imminent danger, and that usually results in unhelpful behaviours like organising your study plan over and over but not actually doing any study, leaving things to the last minute, or just not being able to focus on anything at all. Another unfortunate thing is if the primitive mind is in control it also reduces our intelligence and our ability to cope with life. Not so great when you’re trying to study for your exams is it?But there are things you can do to keep you in your intellectual mind so you can perform at your best.Three tools t o support your mental healthLike I said at the start, just as an athlete has a whole load of tools in their kit bag to ensure success, you have too. The three main ones are:1. SleepI can’t emphasise this one enough, and this is because during sleep, particularly when we dream, we clear out the stress and anxiety built up during the day. It has been found that even one poor night’s sleep can affect brain function. So if you do anything I would recommend getting on top of this. I like these great tips from Harvard Medical School.2. ExerciseOften when you are studying you think you don’t have time to exercise, or you can put it off for another day, but exercise is so important for three reasons:It releases positive neurotransmitters and hormones (like serotonin, the “feel good” hormone) which make you feel happier, braver and able to cope better with the stresses of life (like exams!).It helps to relax your muscles, and when that happens it sends a message to the mind that it can relax too.It makes you smarter! How? Because when we exercise we grow new neurons and pathways in our brain, and there are reports of students in America increasing their grades by doing regular exercise. One student said he went from getting B’s and C’s to A’s and B’s just by exercising before class every day.How much exercise?Aim for aerobic exercise where you are puffing a bit and find it difficult to talk for about 25-40 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week. If you did some exercise every day that would be a bonus, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself if that seems too much. Even going for a walk for 10 minutes can help boost your mood. 3. Keep doing things you enjoyIt’s very tempting to put on hold all your hobbies, stop seeing friends or doing anything fun whilst you are revising because you don’t have time for it. Obviously it is important to devote adequate time to your revision, but to stop doing all the things you enjoy will have a detrimental effect on your stress levels. Because when we do things we enjoy, we release those positive neurotransmitters that keep us happy, healthy and confident.So fit in some enjoyable activities into your schedule â€"your mind and body will love you for it!Three steps if you feel the Stress buildingSleep, exercise and fun activities support your mental wellbeing, but what do you do if you feel the stress building up and you can’t focus or concentrate? I’m now going to share a process based on my hypnotherapy sessions which can help. Even if you are pretty good at staying focused and on top of things, incorporating this into your daily practice will still benefit you.Ste p 1: Write down positive thoughtsWrite down all the good things that have recently happened or are happening in your life, or all the things you are grateful for. Think of 10 things if you can, and make sure you write them down. It could literally be as small as you enjoyed your walk this morning, or it was great seeing your best friend on the weekend. The reason for this is also based in science â€" if you are thinking about good things you can’t be in your primitive mind because the primitive mind is always negative. I had a client who suffered from panic attacks, and when they felt one coming on they remembered their hypnotherapy sessions and started thinking about all the good things, and it worked! They were able to stop the panic attack. Step 2: Work out the next stepThink about your “To Do” list. What one small thing would make the most difference to your happiness right now? The reason why this question is important because often the stress builds up when there is too much to do, so what can happen is you get stuck and do nothing, or the work you do is ineffective (the headless chicken scenario). It could literally be “open my maths text book to page 7, and start the first example question”. Think about the next step right in front of you, not the end result. Because taking one step at a time will get you working towards achieving your goals.Step 3: Listen to a relaxation/mindfulness meditation Doing this will get your mind into a calm mental state we call “trance”. The reason why this is useful is that it allows access to the subconscious mind, where you have the potential to make powerful positive changes. It also helps to clear the stress out of your system. There are a lot of different Apps or relaxation/meditation downloads to try. Whatever you choose I would recommend it is at least 20 minutes long. I have a free relaxation download which is approx. 30 minutes long. It is focused on reducing stress and increasing confidence, but you will find benefit for whatever you need help with right now. Remember though, just like an athlete you don’t become good at something overnight â€" you have to practice at it. So putting the above into practice on a regular basis will help you deal with your stress and get you thinking positively, acting positively, and performing at your best. Good luck! Author BioTricia Maitland is a Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist practicing in Bath, UK. She also sees clients over Skype. To find out more or to get in touch please go to www.soulstreamhypnotherapy.co.uk

Why your schools 11 initiative should include digital literacy training for your teachers

Why your school’s 11 initiative should include digital literacy training for your teachers Going 1:1 or BYOD? Don’t forget about digital literacy training for your teaching staff. As the world moves further into the twenty-first century, school and district leaders are encountering mounting pressure to realign, rethink and reinvent traditional education practices at their schools in order to meet the needs of today’s students - those ubiquitous digital natives. 1:1 (or BYOD) initiatives are by no means a new phenomenon in our schools and districts. However, while many of our classrooms have been transitioning to a 1:1 initiative over the past few years, many education leaders continue to struggle with planning and implementing successful technology rollouts at their schools. Digital technology is fundamentally changing how teachers teach. Simply giving each student their own device will not magically result in better learning outcomes - unless you also address their teacher’s digital literacies and competencies. And as a school leader, you play a crucial role in guiding your teachers into the digital age. Possessing digital skills and being digitally literate are two markedly different things. And as we see time and time again, without the right teacher training, education initiatives have a tendency to crash and burn. Schools and district leaders who are considering launching or who are currently involved in a 1:1 initiative need to make professional development for their teachers a core component of their rollout plan. As this Edutopia article argues: “While individual educators can develop the skills necessary to help students succeed in the new economy, if that capacity does not spread throughout the school, and if the school lacks the tools needed for teachers to effectively instruct in the digital world, ultimately, students will suffer.” It’s not just about helping your teachers become technically savvy. Laying the groundwork for a successful 1:1 initiative starts with providing the right training for teachers on the effective use of digital tools and technology. Schools and districts need to implement a solid digital literacy training program that empowers their educators to make the successful transition to a technology-rich classroom environment. Digital literacy also needs to be a significant element in this process. As digital tools and technology become more and more standard in classrooms, savvy school and district leaders need to recognize that all their teachers can benefit from effective digital literacy training and work proactively to develop a comprehensive technology support and teacher training program for all teaching staff. As Alan November states, “adding a digital device to the classroom without a fundamental change in the culture of teaching and learning will not lead to significant improvement.” In the end, 1:1 programs can only be as effective as the teachers leading them on a day-to-day basis. Implementing 1:1 technology is simply not enough. Many teachers struggle with their continually evolving role in teaching and using technology in their classrooms as well as how technology is shifting the way their students learn. And without the right digital literacy training, teachers will inevitably struggle with finding meaningful ways to engage students with technology and equip them with the 21st-century skills they will needto be globally competitive citizens. Before teachers can effectively facilitate the use of a new tool or device in their classroom, they need the training to understand how a particular tool can effectively enhance student learning outcomes. Digital literacy training for your teaching staff is an essential to a successful 1:1 digital initiative. Teach Away has partnered with Teachers College, Columbia University, to offer an online digital literacy training program for K-8 teachers. Contact us today to find out about volume pricing for your teacher group, school or district!