Tips to help you study like a pro

This post is meant to help all of you who find it hard to learn for final exams or test papers. The following suggestions helped me learn easier and I'm hoping you'll find them helpful as well.

1. Find your own pace
And don't get panicked when someone is telling you how easy they learn or how great they do it. Don't even insist on doing what they do if it doesn't feel good for you. For example, I learn easier during nightime ( and write better) but that doesn't mean you'll also learn easier during the nightime. It means you have to find your own pace...So read my list and try out my suggestions but if they don't help, let them go and try other means of learning until you find a combination that suits you.

2. Find a good learning spot
Oh, I can't stress this enough. A quiet, comfortable spot to learn is extemely important. You might think: "Aw, I can learn anywhere." and I won't disagree with you at all, but you'll learn easier if you find a comfortable, (you won't waste time twisting and turning to be comfortable) quiet ( no distractions from your focus) spot to learn.

3. Clear your mind
Before you go studying take care of all the things that bug you or might distrutpt your attention. If you can't take care of all of them and you are worried you might forget some of them, just write them down. That way you can focus on learning and you won't forget the things you have to take care of because they'll be on a piece of paper.

4. Get accustomed
Go through everything you have to learn before starting to learn. Get familiar with the concepts and the methods of that subject. It will be harder in the beginning to focus since you won't be accustomed to the words and the concepts of the subject but if you focus for a while and read it through it will be a great help.

5.  Read it out loud
Reading and repeating out loud helped me greatly. Sometimes it seems as if you have it all right inside your mind but when you open up your mouth to speak or to write down what you've learned... blank... nothing, nada comes to mind. At least it happened to me, I don't know about you. Everybody has a different way of learning so you might not find it necessary but you can use it anytime to check and see if you actually remember what you've learned.

6.  Gist ideas
Memorize the gist ideas and learn how to express yourself about the details of the lesson that aren't really that necessary. Don't waste time memorizing all sort of things that won't help you later on in life, learn the gist ideas and impovise (well, not neccesarily, unless it is a subject you can easily improvise.) If not, read those details several times and try to remember the idea of the whole section. Wrap it up!

7.  Split it up in sections
After you got the idea of what the subject in matter is all about split the lesson/material into sections and learn section after section.

8.  Write it down
Write down again what you are supposed to learn. It is a case of practice, and I find it pretty effective. Writing down what you are supposed to learn and paying attention to what you write is a sort of repetition.

9.  Debate 
I find it easier to learn if I talk about it. It doesn't have to be just a debate, you can also study with a friend or have conversations with people who know the things you are supposed to learn.

10. Look for connections
Between the lessons or material that you are learning right now and what you've learned in the past that might connect. If for example you can't remember some concepts or words try making a song out of them, or a funny poem or anything else that works for you. Let's say you want to remember the notes of the treble clef lines in music, keep in mind this: Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge which stands for E, G, B, D, F.

11. Think of real life examples
This is in my opinion, the best way to learn. Schools can give you a load of theoretical stuff to remember that you'll forget most likely after the exam/test paper. If it's pure theoretical, it's going to be really hard to remember it, but if it relates to certain events in real life - that makes the most of a difference.

12. Use colored markers
If you have a good visual memory and you are a visual learner. I use colored markers to decide the importance of notions. For the titles I use a color, for the gist ideas I use another colored marker and so on. And btw, I chose the importance of the marker's color based on the colors I like. So, for gist ideas I use green - because I really like the way it looks.

13. Study in periods of 20-50 mins and take breaks
Well, this depends once again on you. Maybe you can learn it all at once and you would lose your focus by taking breaks so often. But take breaks when you feel the need to. Go take a walk, take a shower, go buy yourself some healthy snacks to help you focus further....which brings us to my next suggestions ->

14. Healthy snacks
Snacks are not necessarily a bad thing as long as they are healthy. Get some fruits next to you, some peanuts and carrot sticks. They'll help you get energized and study better.

15. Reward yourself
Oh, this is my favorite part! You should always reward yourself for what you've acomplished. Therefore, if you spend several hours learning, reward yourself for it - you deserve it! This reward can be anything from a box of your favorite chocolate to a day of doing absolutly nothing or a whole day doing what you want/like.

Your turn. Any learning tips you could share? 

Haven season 3 finale impression

If you don't know about Syfy's "Haven" series make sure you get the dvd's or check it next time is on TV. The story caught my attention from the very first episode, the opening theme tickled my interest. To begin with, the song is great for a mystery strange small town and the images are very suggestive in a way you don't know what's up with them but you know you want to find out everything about it. The role play is great, the actors blend in greater than I would've expected. It's the way they look, talk and behave that fits their character's profile like a glove.

I witnessed amazed as the whole story turned into a different direction in an amazing way. In the beginning of the series the story is about Audrey Parker, a FBI agent that is sent into a small town to investigate the death of an escaped federal prisoner local to the town. Something fishy goes on from the very first day but it's quite subliminal and not a lot of accent on it so it was perfect to stir my attention and keep me hooked on the series. 

From that point on strange things start happening in Haven, and Audrey quits her job as an FBI agent to help the citizens of Haven cope with the "troubles". The whole idea of the "troubles" and the "troubled ones" appealed to me, especially when you get those in a small town when nothing big is supposed to happen - but I just love the cliché of weird things going on in small towns. I guess small towns do have a certain charm to them. The series is great, I definitely recommend it. 

Now if you already seen the first and second season I'm sorry for being so long, I just want to convince more people it is a must watch series. Here I go with my impressions of the Season 3 finale (SPOILER ALERT) 

AMAZING! A definite 5/5 star.

There was so much info flooding me in the last episode that I had to take small breaks from the movie from time to time just to connect everything I've seen so far. Sometimes the connections formed that fast that I could almost hear a click in my mind. The whole Duke and Nate - which were supposed to fight each other and hate each other working together to save Audrey was great. One more thing I liked was the way the screen writers connected the bolt gun killer with the skin walker and then with Audrey's son, well not directly with her son but trough her son's wife. I also witnessed delighted as Vince and Dave started revealing their secrets. I couldn't wait for them to start speaking...I was sure there was more to them than the movie showed us in the beginning of the series. There was always that something about them, the looks they gave each other whenever Audrey suspected something. It felt so good to see what they are hiding and I must say, there were some things I didn't see coming. 

The barn idea was great, I had a thing for it since it first appeared in an earlier episode so I was pleased to see it appear once again and have so much meaning to it. One more thing that surprised me in a pleasant way was to see Audrey's kid and see who his father is. 

Now, the thing that really took me by surprise was the ending. I was ready for Audrey to get in the barn, quite sad but I've seen it coming...but I didn't see Nate doing everything in his power to stop it like that. Including shooting Audrey's formal boss, the thing really made me raise and eyebrow and definitely took me by surprise. I also didn't expect Jordan to shoot Nate - I mean come on, I get it you want a trouble free Haven... but you loved the guy right? And I didn't expect Duke to get in the barn to save Audrey... not to mention to see the barn disappear while he was trying to rescue Audrey.

But... what really made it so great was how the meteorites keep hitting Haven even thou Audrey was still inside the barn and supposedly that was stopping the troubles. It really left me wondering what will happen, so I can barely wait to see the next season. I mean yeah, you just messed up the natural flow of life, bad things are bound to happen... 

So, I give a big round of applause to the screen writers, the producer and the actors. Great work, it's good to finally see some mystery series coming from the Syfy channel. Congrats! 

How to solve your problems easier

When it comes to problems everybody has a strategy of their own regarding how to overcome that problem. From doing what you never thought you would to running away from facing the problem, there is a vast palette of available choices to help you cope with your problems. This article will come in aid to the brave hearts that decide to face their problems and do everything in their power to deal with the problem once and for all.  

1. Define your problem

Before you start getting anxious about your problems define what's really bothering you, what really makes it a problem. In some cases, it is really easy to spot the problem but other times it might get tricky.

2. Accept the problem

Fighting with the problem you are facing is the worst thing you can always do. Don't focus all your energy to fight off something you can't stand. Use all of your energy and focus to find a way to make things better.

3. Try to see the bigger picture

Ever heard of the idiom "The devil is in the details"? Most of the times we worry too much about the details of the problem. Sometimes, you just need to back up a bit and try to see the bigger picture.

4. Focus on the solution, not the problem

Don't spend the majority of your time focusing on the problem... that is a big no no. Focus on the solutions, on the ways to make things better. I find the 80/20 rule quite effective when it comes to this. It says you should use 80 percent of your time finding solutions and only 20 percent to worry and complain about it.  

5. Take your mind off it

Usually, when we deal with a problem it'll haunt our mind 24/7. An important step while dealing with your problems is to take a break from the constant thinking about it. Take a walk, watch a movie, dance, meditate, go to a party, read a book, do anything that will help you get your mind off the problem. When you think about it constantly you get trapped in the pattern you are thinking about. If, however you take a break from constantly worrying, you're mind will relax and be able to think "outside the box".  

6. Write down each possibility

Instead of thinking about it over and over again and obsessing on the scenarios inside your mind, write down each possibility of getting out of your problem. Don't think about how you could do it like this but really don't want to, cause it'll trigger other reactions and so on when writing down the possibilities. Just write them down, even the ones you think are less likely to be chosen. You never know... maybe you'll find you're way out of it by mixing the available choices.

7. Seek the silver lining
Ever noticed how after dealing with a problem you become wiser? Problems do bring a load of pain and anxiety with them of course, but they'll also help you grow and develop. I've become who I am today because of all the problems I had to deal with. That's where my vast experience comes from, that's how I got resilient and those problems helped me see how much poetry means to me. So, keep in mind at all times "Every cloud has a silver lining to it." 

8. Attitude

Your attitude should be positive. No matter how big the problem is, you got to be stronger and have a positive outcome about the situation you are facing right now. I've noticed it's easier for me to find solutions to my problems and deal with them if I keep a positive outcome. Always keep in mind: The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.

Your turn. Was this helpful? 

How to overcome your fears

Fears have been passed down to us from our ancestors. During those times fearing potential danger such as huge animals ready to devour you was well reasoned but today, we fear so many things. Fear has a benefit on our body, it makes our body realize it is in danger and therefore focuses only on how to keep it alive. Which is great, if you really are in immediate danger. But lately we tend to overreact with this fearing. I mean we fear needles, ghost, darkness, evil powers, spiders, snakes, heights, cockroaches, water, enclosed spaces, tunnels, bridges, social rejection, failure, examinations and my all time favorite public speaking. These types of fear make your mind think it is endangered and therefore consume a lot of essential energy to help you make it through. That is wasted energy, your body needed it to work properly. 

Here are some tips to help you overcome your fears:

1. Get more information about it 

Most of the times we fear the unknown. We grew fond of certainties. I personally believe fears are just lack of knowledge. Your fear of darkness it's not really the fear of darkness, it's the lack of light that could reveal what's hidden in the darkness that scares you. Most likely, the images you make inside your mind of what could hide in the darkness scare you. If, for example you fear snakes try to get as much info on them as possible. Look for the types of snakes that are around your area and their behavior. Maybe the snakes you've seen around aren't even poisonous.  

2. Know that you are not alone 

There are a lot of people that have fears. Frankly, I think everybody fears something, so try asking around. Ask your close friends or family (or look it up on the Internet)  about their fears and what helped them get over them. They may give you some precious advices that'll help you as well.

3. Imagine your way out of it

You can also visualize the situation you fear. If, for example you have the fear of talking in public, you can close your eyes, relax, and imagine the way you would like things to go. Take in as many details as possible, the people around you, the way you are dressed, the tone of your voice and their reaction. Visualize it until you calm down completely, until you are satisfied with the outcome.

4. Deal with one fear at a time

I know you probably have multiple fears and you want to get rid of all of them, but you don't have to deal with all of them at the same time. Deal with one fear at a time, and take as much time as you need to get over it. 

5. Write it down

I once read about this technique in a book. You'll need a pen, a lot of time and a lot of paper. Take your time away from distractions and write down on little sheets of paper everything you fear. And I'm talking not just: I fear snakes, or I fear public speaking. Write down EVERYTHING you fear. For eg: You might fear rejection, you might have a fear of losing your job, or your wife/husband. You may fear you'll get fat, you'll be bold one day or even you'll get really sick. There are plenty of fears running around in our head. After you note all of them throw the sheets in the fire, one at a time. As you see the sheet burning say "I am free from the fear of...". Repeat this exercise every day for a week or until you feel you don't have that fear anymore.

6. Face it

I got rid of my speaking in public fear by just facing it. Of course, I stammered in the beginning but I didn't let that take me down. You need to be aware of the fact that fears won't just disappear, you have to deal with them, and give yourself time to grow out of them. 

7. Laugh in its face

One thing I found extremely inspiring in the Harry Potter series was the concept of the Boggart. A boggart is an amortal shape-shifting creature that takes on the form of the viewer's worst fear. The charm used to combat a boggart was Riddikulus.The correct way to perform the charm is to push past the fear, and concentrate on something that will make the boggart look amusing. The charm does not, in fact, repel a boggart; it just forces it to assume a shape that the caster will find comical, inspiring laughter, which will defeat a boggart (read more about it here ). I think that's a great example of dealing with your fears. Ridicule them, look at your fears from a different point of view. Make them look pathetic and funny; you'll most likely stop being afraid of that. 

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The magic button — Make Everything OK

You know those days when so many things go wrong that you just wish there was a way to fix all of your problems. Well, how would it be if one day, we could just press a button on our keyboard and make everything okay? Forget all about your problems. This buttons promises to do something for you to make everything okay. Just press the button and see if it really makes things okay for you. It makes me smile every time I do it so that alone makes me feel more okay. 
The magic button — Make Everything OK

Things to try in the New Year

The New Year, as always comes with new resolutions, and with it the promise you are going to do something about it unlike last year. One secret to the whole resolution thing is to write it down, make sure you memorize all the things you want to do and put the list somewhere you won't forget about it. Take it out a couple of days before the year's end and check all the things you realized out of all that you planned (hopefully, the whole list). 

Here are some of my suggestions of what you should try in the new year:

1. Find your passion

Go after that something you always wanted, give your dream a chance. And before of that, in case you didn't find out yet what's your passion, go figure it out. If you need any help I'll be more than glad to help, just let me know and I'll write a post on that.

2. Be kind
Remember a gesture of kindness doesn't have to be that big, it can be a small thank you or a have a nice day said to someone. Apologize to someone you hurt or help someone that could really use some help. Sometimes, just a smile can make someone's day. Kindness - It only takes a moment.

3. Smile more
So maybe things aren't exactly great in your life right now, maybe you are stressed or going through some really rough times... but you have a power deep inside you. The power to choose happiness - it all depends on you. Things will eventually get better, until then... don't miss the chance to smile. I once read, quote: "If you want to feel happy, try smiling".   

4. Gratitude
Even if you don't have all the things you wished for, you still have some of the things you really wanted, plus the things you usually take for granted - like your health, your five senses, your family and friends. Remember, some people don't have half as much as you do.

5. Poetry
Try writing poetry, why not? It doesn't have to rhyme, it doesn't have to sound Shakespearian... write your own poem, how you feel it. Just give it a try. Maybe you'll discover writing poetry really helps you cope with things and then fortunately you'll write on... and then again, maybe it'll be just a one time thing. But it'll be a great memory, that I'm sure of.

6. Laugh more
Yeah, I know... things happen. But let it be. Surprise the disappointments waiting to crawl into your mind with laughter. Laugh, laugh with all your heart and with no regrets. And don't restrain your laugh just because "it's childish" or "stupid", or even worse "because your laugh is too loud". There is no such thing as a wrong laugh. Um... well actually it is - the one that is fake. But as long as you laugh with all your heart I'm sure you have a wonderful, contagious laugh. 

7. Exercise 
Exercising is really good for your health. It helps you keep in shape, it improves your stamina, immunity, your mood and your sex life. How many more reasons do you need to start exercising? Try doing it constantly, as in once or twice every week. 

8. Spend more time with family and friends
Admit it, sometimes it's just more comfortable to be a couch potato instead of getting up and going to visit your relatives. Sometimes we tend to choose the easy path. Spend more time with you family and friends... it'll definitely be worth it. 

9. Overcome your fears
Fears make your mind think it's in danger and therefore act upon it: your heart beat gets very fast (sometimes it can even feel irregular), you sweat more, feel dizzy, have a hard time concentrating, the breathing gets very fast and superficial, your stomach is churning or your bowels feel loose, the muscles feel weak and you can't concentrate on anything, you can't eat, your mouth may be dry, and/or you may even experience hot and cold sweats.   
When you feel afraid your mind sends messages to your body to get ready to respond to an emergency. It increases the blood flow to the muscles, increases your blood sugar and makes your mind focus on the thing that's frightening you. That's really not good unless you are actually dealing with a life threatening experience. But if that's not the case, and you are afraid of things such as... I'll lose my job, I won't be able to pay the bills, my husband is going to leave me, something bad is going to happen because I read it in the horoscope, then it's a unnecessary body reaction that's going to harm you in the end. 

10. Read more
Books have a certain magic to them that movies or games don't. The book, when you really like it, becomes an alternative reality, it can become your world to escape to. And there is a certain spark to the way the story unfolds. Call me old fashioned but there's nothing like the smell of a new book and the feeling you get just by turning the pages. Not to mention how ... when you read a book... there's nothing but you and the book, no commercials, no need to check the mail... just you and the little universe in the pages of that book. 

11. Love more
I once read "Hate is easy. Love takes courage." It is so easy to criticize and blame others for how they don't treat you the way you expect them to treat you, but it's hard to admit and see how much they could love you in their own way... or the small things they did for you and you took for granted. Holding grudges is really easy, but seeing the good side of people takes patience, time, energy and courage. Try loving more, it'll make you feel better and it'll have a good impact on your over all health. 

12. Try new things
Try doing something you never did before. Try mountain climbing or learning foreign languages like Japanese. Try buying yourself a couple of clothes you wouldn't ever buy and wear them. Try seeing yes to all the opportunities that come your way a week.  

13. Keep an open mind

It's really safe to have your concepts and rules and live by them. But try hearing the other side of the story, try to consider things from a different point of view. Try to understand the point of view of others when they talk about something you already have a firm opinion of. 

14. Do something you haven't done in a long time 

Eat ice cream, jump the rope, or do something you used to do when you were a kid or something you just used to do but got overwhelmed by other stuff and didn't do it anymore. 

15. Garden

Why not? try planting some flowers and tending the garden.

16. Get rid of the clothes you don't wear
I'm quite sure there are a couple of clothes you didn't wear in the past year. Guess what? You won't wear them this year either. Admit it, and make room for new clothes.

17. Get rid of the waste in your soul
You know the feelings I'm talking about. Get rid of them, they are only holding you back and hurting you.

18. Give more
And I'm not talking about material possessions, give more love, more time and more reasons to smile. Give more tenderness, affection and support.

19. No technology day

Have a No technology day. Yeah, you read right, a day when you don't watch TV, don't check your facebook/twitter account, no mails and no phones. Just try to have a day without technology, fill your day with outdoor activities (jog, feed the ducks, go to a picnic) and creative indoor activities (writing, reading, painting, dancing, singing). 

20. Learn how to do something useful

Like knitting or replacing a socket, like preparing dinner or how to fix your computer. Anything that you count on others to do and you could just as well do it on your own.  

21. Keep a diary

And try writing only good stuff in it. Scientists discovered that keeping a diary makes you smarter. 

22. Appreciation

Maybe people don't do the things you want them to do for you the way you want them to. But, maybe they really worked their ass off to do those things for you. Appreciate the intention. 

23. Check the list
Get the list when it's getting close to the end of the year and check the things you've accomplished. Celebrate by taking yourself out on a very well deserved meal. Feel proud of yourself even if you only did one thing out of everything you planned. There's still time to do the other things, at least you've accomplished one. 

You're turn. Was this helpful? Is there anything else that should to be on the list? 
 

Tips to help you write your first book

While I was struggling to write my own book I gathered some experience that helped me write easier. Of course, I also came across a couple of tips for writing a book over the Internet that helped me a lot as well. I made a mix of these advices plus the things I had to figure out on my own, hoping that they'll help you just as much as they helped me in writing your first book (hopefully even further).

1. Read as much as you can

Each writer has its own way of writing, each one of them brings an unique flavor to their masterpiece. Read as much as possible so you'll be able to see more writing styles than you already know. Figure out what you like about a writer, what feels right for you and focus your writing on that style. I'm not saying do what the others writers do. Figure out what sparks your attention in the way they write and work with that. If, for example, you like the way a writer describes the nature in his book, or the amount of details he puts into his characters, do so as well. Don't use his words to describe your characters, use your own, but describe them as best as you can. I didn't read that many books, but the ones I read really helped me shape my writer's profile. I figured out what I like and what makes me feel comfortable to write about and that really helped my flow.

2. Make a map

Well, not literally. Draw a map of your book inside your head and note some main ideas down as well. Don't focus too much on the details, just the main events of the book. Try to figure out where your book is heading, it'll be ten times easier. I had a hard time doing the map in the beginning but once I caught the grip on it, I could never let it go. Thinking back, I don't know how I managed to write even as little as I did before figuring out the map to my book. The map will help you more than you can imagine. Just try it. 

3. Just write

If you're always waiting for inspiration to hit you it may take it a while. Sometimes (most of the times) you just have to stir its attention. Just sit down and write. There were quite a lot of times when I had not idea of what to write and I didn't feel like writing but I tried this exercise and after 5, 10 sometimes even 20 minutes of writing a sentence that I would delete and rewrite I got my writing mojo on and became unstoppable.  

4. Don't mind the chaos

Don't worry if you don't know how the book begins but know how the book ends. Or if you have some of the middle part of the book in mind. Throw away every word you've ever heard on how things should be done a certain way. Embrace your individuality, embrace your talent. If you know how you're book is going to end - great! Write the ending. It'll slowly unfold the story, it'll help you shape your characters. You can even get creative and write a book from the ending to the beginning, it all depends on you. Just write. Whatever you have in mind. Even if it's just one phrase or one word. Write it down. 

5. Brainstorm

There are great brainstorming exercises to help you. I figured out one that helped me the best. It goes on like this: Leave the typewriter, computer, anything, take a piece of paper and a pen and go out somewhere you usually enjoy yourself. It can be a park, coffee shop, bookstore or really anyplace you feel good. Try to relax and write down everything that comes to mind. Write down each thought until there's nothing left. Don't stress too much thou, the point is to keep calm and set your thoughts free so they won't bug you anymore and others will find their way in. After you exhausted all of your thoughts take a break, after which revise the words you wrote on paper. Try to find connection between them and between them and the book. See if any of those stir your attention and give you ideas for the book.    

6. Keep an eye open

You never know what can inspire you. It's all a matter of how you perceive things. Writers see what others overlook sometimes. Make the most of each moment and try to see more than just what it is.

7. Take a break

Sometimes you just need to take a break. Don't worry too much if you can't write for a while. Understand is normal to go through things like this. Give yourself time to breath and wait, inspiration will eventually come back around. 

8. Exercise

Exercising as often as possible will help not only your body but your mind as well. "Mens sana in corpore sano" sounds familiar doesn't it?  A healthy mind allows you to enjoy your life, the environment, and the people in it. It's much easier to be creative, to cope with difficult times and keep an open mind if your mind is healthy. And one way of keeping your mind healthy is exercising as often as possible. Which brings us to another method of keeping a healthy mind.

9. Meditate

Meditation is also a great way of improving your mental health. What I love most about meditation is the state it puts me in, the whole cozy feeling and the experience. I also noticed it's easier for me to write after I meditate. You should at least try it.   

10. Enthusiasm

Remember how enthusiastic you were when you first decided to write your book? Keep that enthusiasm with you at all times. Enthusiasm will help you feel better and more confident, which will make it easier to write.

11. Relax

Don't stress yourself if the book is not done by the time you wanted it to, or if it doesn't seem as good as you thought it would. Give it time to become what you want it... and take your time with it. I also suggest you don't set a deadline for the book. Yes, you could set an approximate date when you'll like to see the book done, but if it won't turn out to be done at that time don't stress it. Don't expect too much and too fast. Constantly invest time and creativity into it.

12. Ask for help

Ask for friends or loved ones to look over your book and tell you what it's great about it and what could be reconsidered. You can also ask them to help you figure out how a particular event should unfold, or they could help you figure out a story for one of your characters. Just make sure you ask the people whom you trust.

Now it's your turn. Was this helpful? And was there something else that helped you through the journey of writing your own book?  

Ten downsides of phone conversations

It's practically impossible seeing yourself without a mobile phone in this technology age - the cell phone became so attached to us, extraterrestrials might see it as another body part of ours. The phones really did come a long way and brought a whole deal of advantages to them but just like everything else there are disadvantages to them as well. From personal experience I can give you my list of ten reasons why avoiding talking over the phone may be better:

1. Lack of privacy

Talking over the phone while in a crowded place such as on the bus/train/restaurant, in your office (in case you share it with others) or even in a room with other people, makes you say bye bye to your privacy. The others will hear perfectly what you have to say. Well, I guess you can find your way around it by making up a secret language with the one you're talking to, so you could send only coded messages.

2. Lack of body language

The wonderful advantage that you have over someone by being able to decode the messages his/her body is sending is no longer available while talking over the phone. It's much harder to know how the other one reacts to what you say if you're only counting on what you hear them say. Psychologists say that over 90% of all human communication is non verbal, so you'll be losing the opportunity to "see" everything the other one has to say.

3. Background noises

The cars are honking, the kids are crying, two people are arguing, there is music around you or around the other person you are talking over the phone with. Background noises affected nine out of ten of my conversations. 

4. Everybody is tougher over the phone

It's much easier to demand what you want over the phone and stand up for yourself like never before. Let's not forget how powerful slamming the phone while the other one was talking can make you feel. That's good... when it's about you. But don't you just hate it when someone that is usually super shy and really not that bothered by what you say becomes a knight in shinning armor coming back at each and every one of your words... then slams the phone in the middle of your conversation? 

5. The formalities

Oh, I just hate the long opening talk over the phone... and the formalities. On a face to face basis, you can smoothly go from a: "Hi, how you doing?" to a..." so I wanted to tell you this." Over the phone it has to be: "Hello! It's me Rachel. How are you doing? Are you busy or something? Oh no, I just wanted to talk to you." (wait for the other person to talk to someone else that interrupted him/her) "No, this is not a new phone number. I don't know why you didn't have it in the phone memory. Aw, yeah, my phone sometimes does that as well. Yes, you should probably change it. Aha, aha...(listening to blabbering about mobile phones) aha... So what I was saying? Aw, nothing. I'm going to start right now, of course if you have the time. If not we can just meet somewhere and talk about it." 

6. The awkward goodbyes

If you meet with someone on the street after a nice casual talk, you say goodbye or whatever and you just move ahead. With the phone... you have your conversation and then when you're about to hang up, you enter the long awkward goodbyes state. You probably are already familiar with the: "Um... so, take good care of you." "Yeah, you too." "Okay so bye." "Bye. Have a nice day." "Yes, thanks for calling." "Aha. No problem." "Okay." "OK."

7. Cell phones are not good for your health

Various studies on whether the cell phones affect or not our health have come up with mixed results. Some studies suggest a link between exposure to radiation from cell phones and an increased risk of acoustic neuroma (a tumor of the nerve connecting the ear to the brain). Of course, there is the other side that says it's not scientifically proven that cell phones affect your health and it's all just myths.

There is quite an interesting book on the subject of this which I recommend, it's called “Disconnect: The Truth about Cell Phone Radiation, What the Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect Your Family” by toxicologist and epidemiologist Devra Davis. In her book, Devra connects cell phones with a variety of health problems.

8. Running into others while talking over the phone

Don't you just hate it when you're having a conversation that requires all of your undivided attention over the phone and just as you struggle to focus... a friend or a relative bumps into you. Aw, and they underestimate the conversation you are having over the phone so they start asking question of their own and struggle for your attention.

9. Not paying attention to anything surrounding you might turn into a disaster

There were times when I tripped and fell off because I was talking over the phone or writing a message. I also probably missed seeing a lot great deal of things because I was too busy fidgeting with my phone. 

10. The battery issue

Let's not forget the moments of suspense when you know you are about to hear something important and the battery decides it's time to die on you. Or those times you really need to call someone but you can't because your battery is low and will not allow you to make any other calls than emergency.  

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