In an era where information is abundant, free online learning platforms have truly democratized education. I don't know a single person who doesn't have a digital certification of any sort, stored somewhere deeply on a cloud... Well, online courses are very tempting, offering free access to a wealth of online knowledge and limitless resources. And, in the end, we are all driven by a desire to learn new skills without the financial commitment of traditional offline schooling.

In the past few years, I've immersed myself in various free online learning opportunities. From DSLR photography and English courses to low-key hobbies like crocheting, I've been everywhere on more than one occasion. And I'm finally ready to share my thoughts on the quality, effectiveness, and overall utility of these courses. Care to find out a bit more?

Not all Courses are Created Equally...

You can find a remarkably diverse spectrum of educational experiences in the realm of online learning. They range from more or less well-crafted, high-quality courses from industry professionals to trashy, cash-grabbing ones. And, to find one or two decent courses for free, you'll need to shovel a ton of online crap.

• Solution: Exercise discernment and critically evaluate course content, instructor credentials, and student reviews. Keep in mind that just because your course is on a trustworthy platform like Coursera or Skillshare doesn't automatically mean it is good.

Is it All Just An Illusion of Learning?

It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that simply enrolling in numerous online courses equates to genuine learning. The sheer volume of readily available free content can create a deceptive sense of accomplishment, where the act of clicking "enroll" or passively watching videos becomes a substitute for active engagement and true comprehension. Sometimes it is all the same chewing gum for your brain as a TikTok or YouTube. 

• Solution: So, just think about it and don't rush to start a new one before digesting the previous online enrollment. If you already have a bunch of digital certifications connected to your LinkedIn, maybe a new one is not what you need at the moment.

No Practice, No Effect

And again, let's go back to that smart illusion you fall into, thinking that you are learning, while actually wasting your time. Simply watching videos or reading materials in an online course, no matter how well-structured or informative, often falls short of true learning without active application. You'll need to combine your learning with practice, sometimes going back to repeat the material.

• Solution: Passive consumption of online content can provide a good foundation, but it's the deliberate and consistent application of that knowledge that counts. Enter online communities, apply your skills, and start side projects where you can practice your newly acquired skills. Reread your study prompts to keep everything fresh in your mind. And don't be afraid to continue your education offline as well. It won't be extra.

Are Courses Actually Free?

Some say that free cheese is only in a mousetrap. So, is it true for online courses? This is another important thing to remember: don't fall into the trap of free trials, discount codes, and email newsletters. A bunch of carefully crafted courses won't think twice before selling your private data or putting you through hell before they'll let you off the hook.

• Solution: Don't share your data with shady apps and websites. And try not to install anything extra on your phone and computer. This is a very serious matter.

No Support or Feedback

Last, the biggest con ( in my eyes!) of many free online courses is a lack of valuable feedback and support. Unlike traditional educational settings, real-time interaction with instructors through live sessions or dedicated office hours is typically absent. While some platforms may host discussion forums, the level of instructor involvement can be minimal, leaving learners to navigate challenges and questions largely on their own.

• Solution: Try reaching out to your teacher personally. Many of them leave their personal social media links and emails, which you can use to share your projects and questions. Don't be shy! In the worst case, they won't answer you, and that's it. Another thing you can do is to reach other professionals in the sphere. This can take you a while, but it is better than no feedback at all.

Free Online Learning and Discipline

The coolest thing about a slow-paced, well-picked online learning is the discipline it can give you. You can't succeed, let alone finish a single course, without actually forcing yourself to work a bit. The absence of mandatory schedules and physical classrooms requires you to create your schedule, bullet journal for productivity, and manage your progress. It is kind of cool. You'll also learn a little bit more about yourself. Mainly, that you, as an adult, might not be able to discipline yourself! It is an important revelation on its own, I guess, a so-called free lesson if you will.

Concluding...

IES aka the National Center for Education Statistics shares that the number of students who took distance education courses has drastically increased in the past few years. I would say that my experience with free online learning was a very nuanced one. A very nuanced...Where I could, I tried to actively apply my skills, refreshing my mind with the help of YouTube tutorials. Where it was not possible, the knowledge faded, making the course I took a waste of time. The fault is on me, of course, hence self-discipline, and realistic expectations are in priority here.

• May 13, 2025
• study

My Experience With Free Online Learning: Was It Useful?

In an era where information is abundant, free online learning platforms have truly democratized education. I don't know a single person who doesn't have a digital certification of any sort, stored somewhere deeply on a cloud... Well, online courses are very tempting, offering free access to a wealth of online knowledge and limitless resources. And, in the end, we are all driven by a desire to learn new skills without the financial commitment of traditional offline schooling.

In the past few years, I've immersed myself in various free online learning opportunities. From DSLR photography and English courses to low-key hobbies like crocheting, I've been everywhere on more than one occasion. And I'm finally ready to share my thoughts on the quality, effectiveness, and overall utility of these courses. Care to find out a bit more?

Not all Courses are Created Equally...

You can find a remarkably diverse spectrum of educational experiences in the realm of online learning. They range from more or less well-crafted, high-quality courses from industry professionals to trashy, cash-grabbing ones. And, to find one or two decent courses for free, you'll need to shovel a ton of online crap.

• Solution: Exercise discernment and critically evaluate course content, instructor credentials, and student reviews. Keep in mind that just because your course is on a trustworthy platform like Coursera or Skillshare doesn't automatically mean it is good.

Is it All Just An Illusion of Learning?

It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that simply enrolling in numerous online courses equates to genuine learning. The sheer volume of readily available free content can create a deceptive sense of accomplishment, where the act of clicking "enroll" or passively watching videos becomes a substitute for active engagement and true comprehension. Sometimes it is all the same chewing gum for your brain as a TikTok or YouTube. 

• Solution: So, just think about it and don't rush to start a new one before digesting the previous online enrollment. If you already have a bunch of digital certifications connected to your LinkedIn, maybe a new one is not what you need at the moment.

No Practice, No Effect

And again, let's go back to that smart illusion you fall into, thinking that you are learning, while actually wasting your time. Simply watching videos or reading materials in an online course, no matter how well-structured or informative, often falls short of true learning without active application. You'll need to combine your learning with practice, sometimes going back to repeat the material.

• Solution: Passive consumption of online content can provide a good foundation, but it's the deliberate and consistent application of that knowledge that counts. Enter online communities, apply your skills, and start side projects where you can practice your newly acquired skills. Reread your study prompts to keep everything fresh in your mind. And don't be afraid to continue your education offline as well. It won't be extra.

Are Courses Actually Free?

Some say that free cheese is only in a mousetrap. So, is it true for online courses? This is another important thing to remember: don't fall into the trap of free trials, discount codes, and email newsletters. A bunch of carefully crafted courses won't think twice before selling your private data or putting you through hell before they'll let you off the hook.

• Solution: Don't share your data with shady apps and websites. And try not to install anything extra on your phone and computer. This is a very serious matter.

No Support or Feedback

Last, the biggest con ( in my eyes!) of many free online courses is a lack of valuable feedback and support. Unlike traditional educational settings, real-time interaction with instructors through live sessions or dedicated office hours is typically absent. While some platforms may host discussion forums, the level of instructor involvement can be minimal, leaving learners to navigate challenges and questions largely on their own.

• Solution: Try reaching out to your teacher personally. Many of them leave their personal social media links and emails, which you can use to share your projects and questions. Don't be shy! In the worst case, they won't answer you, and that's it. Another thing you can do is to reach other professionals in the sphere. This can take you a while, but it is better than no feedback at all.

Free Online Learning and Discipline

The coolest thing about a slow-paced, well-picked online learning is the discipline it can give you. You can't succeed, let alone finish a single course, without actually forcing yourself to work a bit. The absence of mandatory schedules and physical classrooms requires you to create your schedule, bullet journal for productivity, and manage your progress. It is kind of cool. You'll also learn a little bit more about yourself. Mainly, that you, as an adult, might not be able to discipline yourself! It is an important revelation on its own, I guess, a so-called free lesson if you will.

Concluding...

IES aka the National Center for Education Statistics shares that the number of students who took distance education courses has drastically increased in the past few years. I would say that my experience with free online learning was a very nuanced one. A very nuanced...Where I could, I tried to actively apply my skills, refreshing my mind with the help of YouTube tutorials. Where it was not possible, the knowledge faded, making the course I took a waste of time. The fault is on me, of course, hence self-discipline, and realistic expectations are in priority here.

Read more »

If your journaling supplies have staged a full-blown rebellion across your desk, you're in the right place! Finding that perfect pen or sticker shouldn't feel like an archaeological dig. Let's ditch the chaos and dive into 10 ingenious ways to neatly organize your journaling materials, transforming your creative space into a haven of calm and inspiration.

10 Ways to Organize Your Materials for Junk, Mixed Media, and Smash Journals

• #1. Tub Organization:

Every journaling enthusiast collects boxes and containers of different sizes and materials. Because we know that these are small, so-called tubs allow us to organize magazine cuts and stickers of the most random sizes in a neat, beautiful way. If you don't like such diversity in your drawers, you can paint these tubs and carefully label them.

• #2. Vertical Junk Storage: 

Do you have a tiered rolling cart? These are so handy in organizing your supplies. Assign each shelf to a different category of your junk materials – pens and markers on one, notebooks and stencils on another, and washi tape and stickers on the bottom. This method keeps everything visible to your eye and mobile.

• #3. Binder Bliss System: 

Okay, these are heavy and a bit bulky, but very useful too. Use a three-ring binder with dividers and clear plastic sleeves for your memorabilia. Store sticker sheets, ephemera, and loose papers in the sleeves, and punch holes in inspiration clippings or printed prompts to keep them organized by category.

• #4. Drawer Divider Dynasty: 

Employ drawer dividers within your desk or storage unit. Mine aren't fancy, just reused paper boxes, which I cut and glued to create a perfect size. You can create designated sections for different types of pens, clips, sticky notes, and other small items. This prevents clutter and makes finding what you need a breeze.

• #4. Repurposed Display Power: 

Give old tiered serving trays or cake stands a new life as organizers for frequently used items. Arrange your stationery, small notebooks, and decorative elements in an aesthetically pleasing and accessible way.

• #5. Washi Wall:

I'm not a big fan of visual clutter, but some like it eye-catching, am I right? So, you can compose a very appealing and comfy wall display for your tiny washi tapes and other tools using a pegboard or a series of thin dowels mounted on the wall. Arrange them by color, size, or pattern for easy selection.

• #6. Portable Project Pouches: 

For on-the-go journaling or specific projects, use zippered pouches or DIY paper pockets to hold all the necessary supplies. This, of course, works only with something flat. Label each pouch with a sticky note or bookmark, mark a name or the type of journals it's intended for.

• #7. Notebook Nook: 

Dedicate a specific shelf or shallow container just for your notebooks and journals. These look so cute and neat on a shelf, I promise! Try to arrange them by size, type (lined, dotted, blank), or date started for a visually organized collection. In the end, aesthetics is one of their main functions.

• #8. Upcycled Jar Jamboree: 

If you are lucky to have enough space on your table, you can reuse pots and jars to organize various materials. Clean out glass jars of various sizes, use acetone to remove sticky labels, and use them to store different categories of small items (paperclips, binder clips, decorative brads, and individual stamps). You can even paint or decorate the jars for added flair!

• #9. Large-sized Container:

This is probably one of the worst methods for visuals, but best for that neat look. Think of it as your all-in-one stop for all things junk! Carefully stick your papers, starting with the largest and moving to the smallest, on top. Such a simple way will allow you to fill in and put away your material for the next journaling session.

• #10. Rotating Carousel: 

Utilize a rotating desk organizer (like those used for office supplies or makeup) to keep frequently used pens, markers, and small tools within easy reach and view. For paper materials and memorabilia, wheel rotation, so that you can rotate through the options.

Concluding...

So, melanfolics, there you have it – 10 fantastic ways to bring order to your journaling universe. Pick the hacks that resonate with your style and space, and watch how a little organization can make a big difference in your journaling flow. Now go forth and create in a beautifully organized environment!

• May 09, 2025
• decor and organization

10 Ways to Neatly Organize Your Journaling Materials

If your journaling supplies have staged a full-blown rebellion across your desk, you're in the right place! Finding that perfect pen or sticker shouldn't feel like an archaeological dig. Let's ditch the chaos and dive into 10 ingenious ways to neatly organize your journaling materials, transforming your creative space into a haven of calm and inspiration.

10 Ways to Organize Your Materials for Junk, Mixed Media, and Smash Journals

• #1. Tub Organization:

Every journaling enthusiast collects boxes and containers of different sizes and materials. Because we know that these are small, so-called tubs allow us to organize magazine cuts and stickers of the most random sizes in a neat, beautiful way. If you don't like such diversity in your drawers, you can paint these tubs and carefully label them.

• #2. Vertical Junk Storage: 

Do you have a tiered rolling cart? These are so handy in organizing your supplies. Assign each shelf to a different category of your junk materials – pens and markers on one, notebooks and stencils on another, and washi tape and stickers on the bottom. This method keeps everything visible to your eye and mobile.

• #3. Binder Bliss System: 

Okay, these are heavy and a bit bulky, but very useful too. Use a three-ring binder with dividers and clear plastic sleeves for your memorabilia. Store sticker sheets, ephemera, and loose papers in the sleeves, and punch holes in inspiration clippings or printed prompts to keep them organized by category.

• #4. Drawer Divider Dynasty: 

Employ drawer dividers within your desk or storage unit. Mine aren't fancy, just reused paper boxes, which I cut and glued to create a perfect size. You can create designated sections for different types of pens, clips, sticky notes, and other small items. This prevents clutter and makes finding what you need a breeze.

• #4. Repurposed Display Power: 

Give old tiered serving trays or cake stands a new life as organizers for frequently used items. Arrange your stationery, small notebooks, and decorative elements in an aesthetically pleasing and accessible way.

• #5. Washi Wall:

I'm not a big fan of visual clutter, but some like it eye-catching, am I right? So, you can compose a very appealing and comfy wall display for your tiny washi tapes and other tools using a pegboard or a series of thin dowels mounted on the wall. Arrange them by color, size, or pattern for easy selection.

• #6. Portable Project Pouches: 

For on-the-go journaling or specific projects, use zippered pouches or DIY paper pockets to hold all the necessary supplies. This, of course, works only with something flat. Label each pouch with a sticky note or bookmark, mark a name or the type of journals it's intended for.

• #7. Notebook Nook: 

Dedicate a specific shelf or shallow container just for your notebooks and journals. These look so cute and neat on a shelf, I promise! Try to arrange them by size, type (lined, dotted, blank), or date started for a visually organized collection. In the end, aesthetics is one of their main functions.

• #8. Upcycled Jar Jamboree: 

If you are lucky to have enough space on your table, you can reuse pots and jars to organize various materials. Clean out glass jars of various sizes, use acetone to remove sticky labels, and use them to store different categories of small items (paperclips, binder clips, decorative brads, and individual stamps). You can even paint or decorate the jars for added flair!

• #9. Large-sized Container:

This is probably one of the worst methods for visuals, but best for that neat look. Think of it as your all-in-one stop for all things junk! Carefully stick your papers, starting with the largest and moving to the smallest, on top. Such a simple way will allow you to fill in and put away your material for the next journaling session.

• #10. Rotating Carousel: 

Utilize a rotating desk organizer (like those used for office supplies or makeup) to keep frequently used pens, markers, and small tools within easy reach and view. For paper materials and memorabilia, wheel rotation, so that you can rotate through the options.

Concluding...

So, melanfolics, there you have it – 10 fantastic ways to bring order to your journaling universe. Pick the hacks that resonate with your style and space, and watch how a little organization can make a big difference in your journaling flow. Now go forth and create in a beautifully organized environment!

Read more »

All photos: Berna

Are you tired of wading through piles of crunched papers, searching for misplaced notes? We've all been there at times, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of "stuff" in the study area. It is even worse if you don't actually have a separate study space, but are trying to learn in your bedroom, living room, or dining area. Well, take a look at these super simple and very effective organization hacks that cut through the excess, helping you to organize your space for a focused learning process.

• #1. Time Blocking with Purpose: 

Don't just block out your study time; instead, try to assign specific tasks to each block. Instead of "Study Math," try "Work on Calculus Chapter 3 practice problems" from 2 PM to 3 PM. This adds intention and makes it easier to stay on track. If you feel that your mind wanders away, take a short break and continue on the subject.

• #2. The Two-Minute Rule for Tasks: 

If a learning-related task takes less than two minutes (e.g., filing a note, adding a vocabulary word to your flashcards, sending a quick email to a study partner), do it immediately; don't prolong the suffering! This prevents small tasks from piling up and creating mental clutter that you will eventually feel too overwhelmed to organize.

• #3. Designated Learning Zone: 

Create a specific physical space dedicated solely to learning. I promise you it is possible, even if you have the smallest room or apartment. Studying space could be literally our chair, a small corner in the room, your desk, or sofa. Keeping this area free of distractions and associated with focused work helps your brain switch into "learning mode" when you're there. And don't use this space for leisure activities! Train your brain to focus here, not searching for fun.

• #4. Digital Detox During Study Sessions: 

Turn off all of your notifications on the phone and computer, or ideally, put your phone in another room. And, I meant it! Consider using website blockers to prevent yourself from wandering to social media or other distracting sites if you can't keep your mind off distractions. A focused environment free of any digital clutter is key to your concentration.

• #5. Regular "Brain Dumps" and Task Lists: 

At the end of a study session or the beginning of a day, jot down all the learning-related tasks, ideas, or worries swirling in your head. This "brain dump" clears mental space and allows you to create a prioritized to-do list for your next focused learning blocks.

5 Immediate Actions to Take When You Notice Your Mind Wandering

It's frustrating when your mind decides to take a vacation mid-study session! Happens to me all the time. I can't even count how many times I got distracted while writing this blog post. Here are some fast techniques to rein it back in and boost your concentration while learning:

• The Gentle Nudge: The moment you realize your thoughts have drifted, gently acknowledge it without judgment. Then, try to quickly bring your focus back to the subject. Think of it like gently redirecting a wandering puppy. This little technique helps me every time.

• Anchor It: Pick a specific detail on the page or screen (a word, a diagram, a heading) and consciously focus on it for a few seconds. This can help ground you back in the learning process.

• The Deep Breath: Take one or two slow, deep breaths. This can calm your nervous system and help you refocus. A quick inhale through the nose, hold for a moment, and a slow exhale through the mouth can work wonders.

• Change Your Sensory Input (Briefly): If you're reading, try saying the sentence out loud. If you're listening, jot down a quick note in your bullet journal study tracker. Engaging a different sense can sometimes snap your attention back.

• The 5-Second Rule: When you catch yourself drifting, tell yourself "in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, focus!" and immediately redirect your attention. This creates a sense of urgency.

Concluding...

Of course, the journey to a decluttered study is an ongoing process; it seems like there is no final point, just a constant movement toward the goal. Still, these five hacks will surely provide you with a powerful starting point. By consciously choosing what to keep and what to let go of, you will create a perfect study space that supports your process, rather than compromise you. Try slowly embracing the very basic principles, adapting them to your own style, and experience the liberating feeling of a clean, organized, and positive study environment.

• May 06, 2025
• decor and organization

5 Organization Hacks for Focused Learning I Swear By! (+ Concentration Techniques)

All photos: Berna

Are you tired of wading through piles of crunched papers, searching for misplaced notes? We've all been there at times, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of "stuff" in the study area. It is even worse if you don't actually have a separate study space, but are trying to learn in your bedroom, living room, or dining area. Well, take a look at these super simple and very effective organization hacks that cut through the excess, helping you to organize your space for a focused learning process.

• #1. Time Blocking with Purpose: 

Don't just block out your study time; instead, try to assign specific tasks to each block. Instead of "Study Math," try "Work on Calculus Chapter 3 practice problems" from 2 PM to 3 PM. This adds intention and makes it easier to stay on track. If you feel that your mind wanders away, take a short break and continue on the subject.

• #2. The Two-Minute Rule for Tasks: 

If a learning-related task takes less than two minutes (e.g., filing a note, adding a vocabulary word to your flashcards, sending a quick email to a study partner), do it immediately; don't prolong the suffering! This prevents small tasks from piling up and creating mental clutter that you will eventually feel too overwhelmed to organize.

• #3. Designated Learning Zone: 

Create a specific physical space dedicated solely to learning. I promise you it is possible, even if you have the smallest room or apartment. Studying space could be literally our chair, a small corner in the room, your desk, or sofa. Keeping this area free of distractions and associated with focused work helps your brain switch into "learning mode" when you're there. And don't use this space for leisure activities! Train your brain to focus here, not searching for fun.

• #4. Digital Detox During Study Sessions: 

Turn off all of your notifications on the phone and computer, or ideally, put your phone in another room. And, I meant it! Consider using website blockers to prevent yourself from wandering to social media or other distracting sites if you can't keep your mind off distractions. A focused environment free of any digital clutter is key to your concentration.

• #5. Regular "Brain Dumps" and Task Lists: 

At the end of a study session or the beginning of a day, jot down all the learning-related tasks, ideas, or worries swirling in your head. This "brain dump" clears mental space and allows you to create a prioritized to-do list for your next focused learning blocks.

5 Immediate Actions to Take When You Notice Your Mind Wandering

It's frustrating when your mind decides to take a vacation mid-study session! Happens to me all the time. I can't even count how many times I got distracted while writing this blog post. Here are some fast techniques to rein it back in and boost your concentration while learning:

• The Gentle Nudge: The moment you realize your thoughts have drifted, gently acknowledge it without judgment. Then, try to quickly bring your focus back to the subject. Think of it like gently redirecting a wandering puppy. This little technique helps me every time.

• Anchor It: Pick a specific detail on the page or screen (a word, a diagram, a heading) and consciously focus on it for a few seconds. This can help ground you back in the learning process.

• The Deep Breath: Take one or two slow, deep breaths. This can calm your nervous system and help you refocus. A quick inhale through the nose, hold for a moment, and a slow exhale through the mouth can work wonders.

• Change Your Sensory Input (Briefly): If you're reading, try saying the sentence out loud. If you're listening, jot down a quick note in your bullet journal study tracker. Engaging a different sense can sometimes snap your attention back.

• The 5-Second Rule: When you catch yourself drifting, tell yourself "in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, focus!" and immediately redirect your attention. This creates a sense of urgency.

Concluding...

Of course, the journey to a decluttered study is an ongoing process; it seems like there is no final point, just a constant movement toward the goal. Still, these five hacks will surely provide you with a powerful starting point. By consciously choosing what to keep and what to let go of, you will create a perfect study space that supports your process, rather than compromise you. Try slowly embracing the very basic principles, adapting them to your own style, and experience the liberating feeling of a clean, organized, and positive study environment.

Read more »