Many of us are in crunch-time, finishing final papers and projects or getting ready for exams. I encourage you to be particularly aware of the way that you are talking to yourself. Seriously, you know what I mean.... do you catch yourself saying "there's no way I can get this done" or "I'm a lousy writer" or other negative statements? These kinds of statements can lead you down a road of negativity that will deplete your energy and focus when you need it most. If you hear yourself saying negative things... replace them with positive statements.
A few suggestions:
"I can do this, I just need to take one step at a time."
"I'm always stressed like this before a presentation, it just means that I'm focused."
"I'm a good writer, I've pushed past writer's block before."
You can be your own best encourager -- give it a try!
Cheering for you!
Harriet
I imagine that any dissertation or thesis students reading this may be working over break, but I hope the rest of you will get some time off from work. And even if you are working on the diss or thesis... I hope you can take a day or two.
The Noun Project is an effort to collect the world's visual language in an open-access online library. They currently have about 500 symbols and all are available as free downloads -- good stuff for presentation slides, reports, etc.
Many of us are in crunch-time, finishing final papers and projects or getting ready for exams. I encourage you to be particularly aware of the way that you are talking to yourself. Seriously, you know what I mean.... do you catch yourself saying "there's no way I can get this done" or "I'm a lousy writer" or other negative statements? These kinds of statements can lead you down a road of negativity that will deplete your energy and focus when you need it most. If you hear yourself saying negative things... replace them with positive statements.
Hi All,
Think of someone in your life who has been helpful, ideally someone whose work doesn't often get noticed (the reference librarian, your advisor, a good friend....). Take just a few minutes and write that person a note (email or even.... paper!)... or call her or him. Let this person know that you appreciate all that she or he does for you. 
