There is a learning curve with any new text input interface. To learn how to type quickly on a computer keyboard, most people need time to become accustomed to it, and the same is true for your phone's texting software. You might find that the swiping style is quickest and most reliable, or you may find that you touch type your messages quickest. If there are a few different styles for texting on your phone, you'll likely want to give each a try for at least a couple of days. This way you'll have time to learn the pros and cons for each while getting the hang of the style of input. . To quickly express ideas and thoughts through text, many people use shortened forms of words. Some of these will be evident right off the bat, like the use of the letter "u" to represent the word "you." Others may be less obvious, like the use of "pbb" to indicate "probably." Some common texting shorthand includes...  to/too = 2 for = 4 your/you're = ur are = r be = b be right back = brb talk to you later = ttyl by the way = btw see you later = c u l8r heart/love = <3 oh my god = omg never mind = nvm / nm I don't know = idk ta ta for now = ttfn just kidding = jk best friend forever= bff no problem = np thank you = ty While learning anything new, it can be easy to get discouraged. This can lead you to giving up or trying with halfhearted effort. It may be daunting at first, but texting with your friends and family members regularly will only improve your speed. When you come across a text expression you are unsure of, don't be afraid to ask! Some communities use less common texting expressions that may be confusing. For example, gamers will often use the expression "FTW" (for the win) to express appreciation or admiration.

Summary: Spend time trying the different texting interfaces for your phone. Study texting shorthand Persevere while learning.


Music can influence your mood. If you want to feel calm, listen to music that helps you feel that way. You may want to listen to upbeat music on your way home to bust stress or listen to calming music to feel relaxed. If you’re feeling stressed, listen to music in the background instead of focusing on it. If you need to let your stress out, try singing karaoke. . Especially if you feel exhausted or tense from your day, take a few moments to do some deep breathing. Lengthen your breath by pausing between each inhale and exhale. This can help you feel present, calm, and relaxed. Try inhaling for four seconds, holding it for four seconds, then releasing for four seconds. Scent can induce feelings and help to shift your mood. Try burning a scented candle, using scented body lotion or shower gel, or applying essential oils to your skin.  These scents can help move you into a calm relaxed state fairly quickly. Some relaxing scents include lavender, ylang-ylang, and jasmine. . You might store tension in your body you don’t even know about. Progressive muscle relaxation helps you to release tensions in your body and put your body into a less tense state. This can also help you bring awareness to where you hold tension in your body, especially work tensions.  Try tensing and relaxing each muscle from your toes to your head, one by one. For example, tense your toes for five seconds, then release. Move to your ankles, calves, quads, and up your body.  Create a quiet environment in which to do relaxation exercises, away from distractions and stressors. Don’t try to multi-task while you are doing this exercise. Focus entirely on relaxing and being in the moment. Meditation is a great way to get a reset. Some proven benefits include reducing stress, decreasing anxiety and depression, and slowing the effects of aging in the brain. Start with 3-5 minutes of meditation then build up to 15 or 20 minutes.  There are lots of techniques to try when meditating, including clearing your mind, focusing on a mantra, or focusing on a specific part of your body or your emotions. If you are new to meditation, try starting with guided meditation until you feel confident enough to meditate on your own. You can find guided meditation videos online, or download guided meditation apps for your phone. Whether you attend a yoga class or do poses on your own, yoga can be calming and help you unwind. If you’re looking for a gentle or restorative class, try doing a Hatha yoga or Satyananda class. You might feel refreshed, relaxed, and restored after your class.  If you’re on your own and want to do some relaxing yoga at home, try the cat cow pose, child pose, and savasana to relax and unwind. You don’t have to wait until you leave work to do yoga. Try incorporating some simple seated poses into your daily work routine.  You can even do a few simple seated poses or breathing exercises in your car or on the bus or train as you commute home from work. It’s important to not rely on alcohol as a relaxant to help you unwind as too much alcohol can make you feel worse instead of better. Alcohol can heighten situations and make you feel more anxious!Alcohol isn't metabolized like other foods and drinks. The amount of energy it takes to metabolize large doses of alcohol causes more stress to the body, even if you feel relaxed.

Summary: Listen to music to match your desired mood. Breathe deeply Use aromas to feel calm. Do progressive muscle relaxation Meditate. Do yoga. Don't rely on Alcohol.


If you got assigned a simple worksheet for French class or a few easy math problems for Geometry, lay that work over your notes. Do your homework inconspicuously and quickly, and remember to look up sometimes to make it look like you're taking notes for class. If you're worried about having your homework confiscated, ask your teacher if it's okay to do the homework in their class. Some teachers might only allow this if you've already finished the lesson or work for their class that day. If you have a lot going on in your classes, use boring class time to write a list of things you need to do to clear your mind. Try making a timeline of things to do for an upcoming project or a study schedule for your exams. You can make different lists for each of your classes or just make one longer list for all of your classes and activities.  Making lists can encourage creativity and help get rid of anxiety about upcoming assignments or tests. Keep in mind that you can make lists about pretty much anything. If you want to make a list about your top 10 favorite movies or books, you can! If you feel like you've taken a million notes and just can't pay attention anymore, go back through and review your notes. Highlight important parts, underline information you need to know for a test, and draw pictures of important figures and ideas. When you look back over your notes to study, your doodles and markings can help you remember the information.  This will keep you entertained and engaged with the lesson so you're still doing a bit of studying! You can also draw geometric patterns, circles, or even random shapes in the margins of your notes. Most teachers won't mind a little doodling since it keeps you occupied and you don't disturb the class. Come up with a story about your favorite fictional character, your favorite celebrity, or even yourself! Keep your pen or pencil on the paper and let your thoughts roam free to write a short story. Remember to look up occasionally so that your teacher thinks you're writing notes for class.
Summary: Do easy homework for another class. Jot down a to-do list or a weekly schedule. Use colored pencils or pens to doodle and decorate your notes. Write a short story in your notebook.