As we go through the seasons, March sees the arrival of spring and a time of dramatic change. The trees start to blossom and the colourful flowers begin to return. This could also coincide with a fresh start for some of our own self-care habits. From a small bud, a flower emerges, and this is likened to a small habit turning into a life change. We don't always need to make wholesale spectacular adjustments; it's sometimes the seemingly insignificant actions that make the biggest differences.

Of course, there are many tools to help with this on the Future Toolbox website. Go to: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk , and why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Sometimes it can be really hard to get motivated and upbeat about doing all those things on your to-do list. Whether you're a student studying or revising or at work with a list of tasks to do in your job, some of them won't be exciting and others will be quite daunting.

If you can create a strategy to help tackle the easy to do actions, it could give you a little bit of momentum to tackle the scarier stuff. Try creating micro-habits to best use your time and become more effective on a daily basis.

There are many tools on the Future Toolbox website. Go to: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk and why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

After a busy, noisy festive period, it can be quite normal to feel a bit flat and think, what next? We've had a bombardment of expectation to eat loads, spend loads and party loads and suddenly, we're told to get fit, lose weight and spend more on the next event like January Sales, Valentines Day and then Easter. January can also be a difficult time to get motivated as the winter months seem to be dragging on.

By taking time to switch off your mind, it will help you to silence some of these pressures and focus on short and long term goals plus great habits for the year ahead. A quiet mind allows self-care and compassion.

To help you on your way, you can also download the free reflective thinking bundle with this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/reflective-thinking-bundle/.

Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Christmas and New Year can sometimes be a bit full on. There's so much to plan, prepare and organise from buying presents to getting a new outfit to finishing stuff at school, college or work before taking some time off. Then of course, every advert encourages us to spend more, eat more and party more as we go in search of the so-called perfect Christmas. This can bring a mixed bag of emotions.

A good thing to do is to set realistic expectations and take a moment to step back, relax and enjoy this time of year. Set aside some time to reflect on the year gone by and then create some exciting plans for the year ahead.

To help you on your way, you can also download the free reflective thinking bundle with this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/reflective-thinking-bundle/.

Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Whether it's work, study or family, there's always the chance that our busy lives can hit stress on a daily basis. Add in financial pressures and the constant bombardment of adverts trying to get us to spend money that we perhaps don't have. So, what do you do? You reach out to your bestie but end up encountering friend drama. It can all get a bit too much. If only there was a magic wand!

There are many simple things we can do such as taking a pause, taking a breath and taking stock, which can take away the pressure and allow you to relax and think clearly. Breathing exercises and mindfulness, do they work? Absolutely! Listen in to find out how a few simple adjustments can go a long way.

You can also download the free reflective thinking bundle with this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/reflective-thinking-bundle/.

Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

October really waves goodbye to summer, as the darker (and colder) nights draw in. It's a time of year when sometimes we can feel a little sad as the weather has changed and there's less daylight. However, autumn can be magical as the colour of the leaves on the trees changes as they fall to the ground, creating beauty in the wonder of nature.

Many students in education will be well into their first term and many will have had new ideas to perhaps make some changes. Sadly, some will have fallen off the wagon and, well, may feel defeated. That happens to adults too! After a refreshing summer break, those good intentions have disappeared as they're back in the grind.

It's time to put aside any woes you may be feeling and think of the small, positive changes you could make to look after yourself both physically and mentally. 

Some tools that can help! Follow the Three Questions of Direction to start you on a path to finding these possibilities. You can even take this a step further with The Magic Steps to Goal Setting programme, available on this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/magic-steps-to-goal-setting/

You can also download the free reflective thinking bundle with this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/reflective-thinking-bundle/.

Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

In September, there are also a number ot theme days including Read a Book Day, National Quiet Day, National Doodle Day, UK Savings Week and even Talk Like a Pirate Day. These all tie in with thinking about what new habits you could create in your study, work and home life.

Reading has a number of benefits linked to knowledge and positive mental health, and taking time out to be quiet will help you relax away from the stresses of life. Doodling is an important part of our Smarten Your Study programme, and financial literacy is a necessary life skill for all ages. Talking like a pirate, well, that's just fun. Listen in to find out how it can be a benefit to your everyday life.

Take a look at our comprehensive Smarten Your Study bundle on our website: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/smarten-your-study-bundle/

Also, follow the Three Questions of Direction to start you on a path to finding these possibilities. You can even take this a step further with The Magic Steps to Goal Setting programme, available on this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/magic-steps-to-goal-setting/

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website.

You can also download the free reflective thinking bundle with this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/reflective-thinking-bundle/.

Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

National Opportunity Day is upon us, and this is a day shedding light on the possible opportunities beyond the traditional routes. Whether this be in education, a career or simply a life event, there are infinite possibilities available to us. By opening your mind and tuning in your possibility radar, they become easier to spot.

Also, follow the Three Questions of Direction to start you on a path to finding these possibilities. You can even take this a step further with The Magic Steps to Goal Setting programme, available on this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/magic-steps-to-goal-setting/

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website.

You can also download the free reflective thinking bundle with this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/reflective-thinking-bundle/.

Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Sometimes we get hung up on making sure we get our plan right the first time, but that doesn't have to be the case. Top businesses will come up with a draft plan before they sign a legal agreement or launch a new project, so why not do this with your life? Start to think of ideas of what you want to achieve next, what positive habits you could create and how you can create some calm in your life.

In the past episode, we also talked about using reflective thinking to help you focus on what went well and what perhaps needs some improvement. This goes hand in hand with creating your draft plan going forward by reflecting on the past. 

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website.

You can also download the free reflective thinking bundle with this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/reflective-thinking-bundle/.

To access the Magic Steps to Goal Setting, go to this link: https://www.futuretoolbox.co.uk/product/magic-steps-to-goal-setting/

Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Reflective thinking is a really powerful exercise which helps you to focus on what went well and what perhaps needs some improvement. It can be really difficult to do this when your mind is full of information in a busy life, whether you're a student who's been studying or an adult who's been flat out at work. Rest time will help to clear your mind and give you clarity to think about what you actually want next.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free reflective thinking bundle. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Now that summer has officially started, there are loads of things you can do to enjoy the longer days and lighter evenings, hopefully in the better weather. It doesn't have to be an around-the-world cruise either; there are many free and simple things to do right on your doorstep.

Warning, there may be some reminiscing from the summers of the past, too. Use them to inspire you as we talk about the importance of self-care.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free self-care tracker tool. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Metamorphosis is quite scientific and is likened to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, and we follow this principle throughout our lives. We go from being a baby, to a toddler, then a child, a teen, a young adult and then...well, an adult. We also go through education to independent learning or into a job, a career, or even a business. You also take on new challenges and experience tough moments that have a deep impact on life. 

Jules and Mark have gone through metamorphosis at the Future Toolbox, transitioning from freelance speaking to writing and hosting their own programmes and then creating a social enterprise. They also decided to become authors, athletes, artists, musicians, travel and many other exciting pursuits.

Think about how you can use metamorphosis to take your life on a path to your destination.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free Magic Goal Setting tool. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

If you're a student in education, studying for exams is really hard, but studying little and often is better than cramming all in one go. Now, students may argue that they don't always enjoy studying at school, but study momentum is a key component to exam success. However, momentum doesn't have to only apply to things you don't enjoy, it can be for fun and exciting goals too.

This applies to how Jules and Mark have achieved many of their goals, including publishing their books. Writing 500 words a day is easier than 70,000 in one hit. Likewise, they learn Spanish for at least 10 minutes a day, which gives them new words and phrases.

Find out how to start gaining your momentum towards your goal, create positive habits and achieve amazing things.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free Eis Matrix Planner tool. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

We all get overwhelmed at certain points in our lives. You could be a student with a busy study schedule leading up to exams or maybe an adult trying to juggle work, family and life pressures. Sometimes it can all get a little too much.

Think of overwhelm as a glass of water. Once the glass is full, it's impossible to pour any more liquid into it and it's going to overflow. Every drop of water could be a task, a pressure or a commitment in your life and, one more of these could cause you to overflow. Let's explore ways to reduce the stresses of life and live each day on a calmer basis.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free self-care tracker. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

A milestone traditionally was a stone at the side of the road that would tell you how far you had to go to get to the next major town or city. Nowadays, they're tracks in which we recognise things in life. It could be a goal to hit a number of something (like 100 podcasts), or it could be a streak of how many days you learn or achieve something. Mark ran 100 half marathons, and Jules is on a learning streak on her Spanish language app.

Find out how to hit milestones, track your progress toward your success goals, and create some life memories on the journey.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free self-care tracker. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

There's an age old phrase that says, 'If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail!'. Indeed, to effectively achieve any outcome, then you need to have a plan in place, carry out the action and of course, stay on track. Also, planning helps to ensure that you get things done and it relieves stress.

Whether you're studying for an exam, running a marathon or simply trying to eat healthier, planning and self-discipline are key to achieving your goals.  

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free self-care tracker. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

The 2nd of April is National Autism Day in the UK. People with autism face many barriers and discrimination across many sectors, including health and social care systems, education and employment. This also extends to other neurodiverse conditions including ADHD and brain injury.

This episode explores the importance of becoming more aware of the spectrum and how we are all on it somewhere. Becoming aware will help our society to become more inclusive.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free self-care tracker. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Learning sometimes has a negative stigma attached to it because of the rigid education system putting students under pressure to memorise facts and pass exams. This makes teens break into a cold sweat and adults run a mile when they hear the word 'learning'. However, personal development is exactly what it suggests! It's about you and your personal growth. The more you grow, the more fulfilling life becomes.  

So be brave and open your mind to different ways to enjoy learning and progressing towards your goals. Create a vision for a life on your own terms and explore ways to learn to do the things you love.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free self-care tracker. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

This episode is recorded as we 'March' forward into spring (in the month of March), and it's National Careers Week. For many teens, it's a good time to start looking at some ideas and options for the future. However, if you're an adult, it could also be a time to assess your options. If you can be paid to do something that you love doing, it makes your career really fulfilling.

Of course, creating a vision for a life on your own terms doesn't just have to be about work; it includes hobbies and past-times, too. Be brave, open your mind and start exploring those ideas now.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free self-care tracker. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Some people may laugh at the idea of sleep training. It's something you do without really having to think about. However, focusing on some daily habits can really help you to get better sleep and, ultimately, have more energy for the following day. Higher energy means better productivity and better mood.

This is also something that has been key to Mark in his brain injury recovery and how to manage chronic fatigue, which is a major common side effect.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. You can download the free self-care tracker. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Yes, the year is already a month old and the winter weather is still upon us. At times, it can feel difficult to get motivated. However, it's time to look at ways to boost your well-being. Why not explore ways to increase your exercise for that much-needed endorphin boost? How about making sure you take some time for yourself to do your favourite hobby or even look at trying something new? Think about a big goal you'd like to achieve and craft a plan to make it happen.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

The 20th January is called 'Blue Monday' and is supposed to be the saddest day of the year. Why? Is it a myth? Find out why we're 'expected' to feel sad at this time of year. In truth, it's made up, and it's your choice to be positive or negative, and you can achieve the growth mindset if you look for alternatives to feeling fed up and downbeat.

Look forward to what you love doing, where your passion lies and what makes your heart sing. And then formulate a plan to implement this into your daily routine.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Unfortunately, around 90% of New Year's resolutions fail by the end of January, and that's for many reasons. The goal could be too big or unrealistic or motivation and optimism drops very quickly after it's made. Most of all, some of us actually lack the belief that we can actually achieve the goal in the first place.

By getting into the right mindset will help you to overcome the obstacles and challenges that may get in the way or even hold you back. Find out how your determination can remain strong and how you can take small steps forward by consistent positive thinking.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website, and why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Wow, what a year 2024 was at the Future Toolbox! From helping community projects to award ceremonies, their business is an intergral part of Jules and Mark's lives. They also learned new talents in music and sports, things they'd only dreamed of before.

The little wins are as important as the big wins, so take a look back at the last year and think about what you've achieved. Think about what's made you happy, fulfilled and proud. Think about what makes your heart sing and use that as a platform for more of the same in 2025.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website, and why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

There's not long to go until Christmas and, for some, the excitement will be building. However, for others, it may not always be the case. Socialising can be difficult in busy and noisy environments, and then there's the pressure to create the so-called perfect Christmas. This can lead to a lot of stress and financial pressure at a time that is supposed to be full of cheer.

By taking time to access and plan your build up to this period can make it easier to really enjoy the festivities.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website, and why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Not everyone knows exactly what they want to do, and life doesn't always go to plan. Perhaps you haven't figured things out yet, or you might feel that life is a bit flat, and that's OK. It can be hard to know where to begin. Find your why (a.k.a. your purpose). Reflect on the things that you enjoy and your hobbies and interests and, don't be afraid to try something new.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website, and why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed? This is also available on Amazon.

Learn how to embrace your own individual uniqueness, accept and celebrate yourself and how you use your strengths and flaws to dazzle and grow in confidence.  Be yourself, everyone else is taken!

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website and, why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

At this time of year, the clocks go back and many people can struggle with the change in weather, as the dark and cold sets in. It can affect well-being and mood. This is perhaps a good time to reset and think about some new ideas to brighten your days and lift your spirits this season.

For more tools, visit the Future Toolbox Website and, why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

Life is always going to throw up challenges and obstacles, and some will be bigger than others. Whether it's a daily stressor or a life-changing adversity, the key is how you respond to it. Employing a positive mindset will help you to move forward and find ways to conquer life's curveballs.

Mark suffered a brain injury in a freak accident, and 18 months later, Jules was diagnosed with breast cancer. They were determined not to let these adversities own them long-term. Hear more of their story in this episode.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

You can also read more of their personal story in their book What The Hell Just Happened, also available on Amazon.

Whether it's a friendship in the classroom, at work, or in a social group or perhaps someone who can offer you a life-changing opportunity, the more conversations you have, the more a well-rounded person you will become. By talking and being inquisitive, you never know what doors may open for you and what lifelong friendships can be forged. 

Not all connections are formally planned; in fact, many come from unrelated, chance meetings in a relaxed environment. so be on the lookout for those positive people; you never know where a conversation may lead you to.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

Whether you're a student in education, a teen starting a new job or an adult in business, we constantly have to work towards completing tasks and, at times, have to become our best selves. Your mindset, or state, will affect your behaviour and actions, and ultimately, that influences your result and outcome. Notice how it starts with the mindset? If you can use positive language and thoughts from the off, you're going to start getting ahead on your journey to the goal.

All of this can be used for fun as well. Jules and Mark have both used these techniques to learn how to play padel tennis and become musicians in the past year. The message is to never stop learning.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and, teens, get a copy of the Study Skills book Smarten Your Study? This is also available on Amazon. We also have, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed, which is the Z to A of Life. 

Many students up and down the country will be beginning a new academic year, and adults will be fondly looking back at their summer break, as they return to work perhaps. Autumn is approaching and it's always a good time to embrace the opportunity to plan ahead. A new school year or being refreshed from a summer break means the chance to look at exactly what you want to achieve.

It's better to do this now than to procrastinate and leave it until it's too late. Otherwise, that leads to unnecessary stress and panic. So, it's time to create a schedule and stick to it for a simpler and more organised life ahead.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Study Skills book Smarten Your Study? This is also available on Amazon. The Future Toolbox also has a simple programme called, Smarten Your Study. Click here for more details.

Many students will be receiving their school results, graduates will have graduated, and adults will be thinking of a much-needed break. No matter what your results are in education or life, it's time to switch off and look after yourself. You deserve a break!

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

A previous episode, E for Exercise, also covers some of the topics from this latest offering, and there are more Self-care Secrets in S for Self-care.

7th August is National Opportunity Day and is dedicated to shedding light on all the possible opportunities beyond the traditional route. Whether you're in education, working full time, running a business or a parent at home, exciting opportunities will be out there waiting for you.

From setting up the Future Toolbox to emigrating to Lanzarote, Jules and Mark have made some bold decisions in life and have never regretted them. Also, an opportunity can be created from a crisis, such as Mark's injury 12 years ago, but they've since created Brain or Shine to help others affected by brain injury.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

Interviews are nerve-wracking experiences! Whether it's your first or hundredth interview, the process doesn't necessarily get easier. It could be for a job, college placement, university course or even to win some new business. However, with planning and preparation, you will put yourself in the best position to get a positive decision from a decision maker.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

You may also want to listen to some previous episodes J for Job Applications and B for Building Your Brand for more tips. Also, have a watch of How to Really Mess Up an Interview on our YouTube channel, and learn from the mistakes others have made.

Reflection is about being critical, a teeny bit unemotional and focusing on the good, not just the bad. And, when we say unemotional, it's alright to feel proud about what you have accomplished. In fact, we encourage it.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

Also, you can begin to journal by grabbing your copy of Create Your Bullet Journal: or Bujo for Short, also in the shop and on Amazon.

Whether you're leaving education with limited experience or perhaps looking for a new opportunity, knowing where to start looking for a job can be a real mission. There are many platforms where jobs are advertised, plus there's the good old-fashioned (and extremely effective) word of mouth. Let's find out how to make this process a little easier.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

A brand is a recognisable name, logo or style for a product or service. See a big letter 'K'? That's Kellogg's! The big, yellow 'M'? Yes, we all know who the 'golden arches' belong to. Even the Future Toolbox has Milo too! We are all in the age of influencers, content creators and online artists. So, a brand isn't just for a business or a product, the brand can be you.

But we're not saying that you need a million followers on Instagram to create a successful personal brand. It's about standing out in work, job interviews, university applications, business, and more personal, local areas.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

In previous episodes, we've talked about the key components, which include sleep, diet and exercise. Let's now take a look at some of those small, last-minute daily actions that can help you over the finish line, whether you're sitting an exam or taking on a big life challenge.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Study Skills book, Smarten Your Study. This is also available on Amazon. The Future Toolbox also has a simple programme called, Smarten Your Study. Click here for more details.

Exam season can be overwhelming, and it can be one of those times when it feels like everyone has high expectations of you. The world is flooded with results-based activities. Get the top grades with 100%, be the best in your sports team or climb the career ladder and be number one at work. On the other hand, perhaps you expect to fail miserably and, in this case, need to work harder to achieve results. Both attitudes are unhelpful and can be self-destructive, so instead, create realistic goals to work towards based on what you need, and can do.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Study Skills book, Smarten Your Study. This is also available on Amazon. The Future Toolbox also has a simple programme called, Smarten Your Study. Click here for more details.

We're just about to approach exam season where hundreds and thousands of students will be in the last few weeks of their revision. It's quite a stressful time for everyone involved and it's time to take a look at how to make those final preparations for the big day.

H.A.I.R. is a way to help your memory. No, we're not talking about a trip to a salon, we're talking about an acronym that will revolutionise your learning. Insert that into some fabulous tools that include mind mapping, the story method, mnemonics and chunking and you could be on a winner to getting the result you want. And, if you haven't even begun to revise yet, it may not be too late.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Study Skills book, Smarten Your Study. This is also available on Amazon. The Future Toolbox also has a simple programme called, Smarten Your Study. Click here for more details.

Self-expression could be through words, choices or actions. How we share and express ourselves to the world, is key to creating the basis of our personality and can provide the foundation for our futures. Self-expression is also very important to help you to feel more understood and in harmony with the people close to you. 

Also, head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. 

Jules and Mark also learnt the power of self-expression through writing their own stories and sharing how to overcome adversities and live life on their own terms. You can read more in What The Hell Just Happened? and Half Man, Half Marathon, which are available on the shop link on the website. Otherwise, visit their Amazon author profile here.

Jules and Mark have worked with teens and young adults for many years, as well as those who are sitting adult learning exams. They've seen all approaches to study, from the unprepared, the procrastinators and those who have a really good plan and are sticking to it. One thing is for sure: working towards an exam, qualification or even learning a new skill can bring on academic stress. It's natural to feel slightly stressed, worried or even anxious, but let's find out how to make sure this doesn't affect your end result.

Also, head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. If you know a teen who is approaching academic exams, why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Study Skills book Smarten Your Study? This is also available on Amazon. The Future Toolbox also has a simple programme called, Smarten Your Study. Click here for more details.

March also recognises two significant awareness campaigns. Firstly, it's Brain Injury Awareness Month - a dedicated time to spread knowledge and advocate the people affected by brain injury. Secondly, we also have Neurodiversity Celebration Week, allowing us to recognise the diversity of the mind.

As many of our regular listeners know, Mark suffered a brain injury in a freak accident and he and Jules have to live with daily challenges surrounding this condition. They delve into the similarities between these challenges between brain injury survivors and the neurodiverse community.

You can find out more about their project, Brain or Shine, on the website www.brainorshine.com.

Also, head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon. 

Although 7th March is World Book Day, reading every day can offer so many excellent benefits. It can help improve your literacy, your knowledge, expand your imagination and, most of all, give your brain a good memory workout. Also, find out the simple formula of how to write a book in world record time*.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon. 

You can also visit the Kennedy Authors website, www.kennedyauthors.co.uk and find Jules and Mark's Amazon author profile here.

* please note, this world record may not be official (hehe)

Self-care is about looking after yourself both physically and mentally. The idea of making time for yourself sounds good, but let's face it, are there enough hours in the day? Our mids are conditioned to be busy in today's world but, believe it or not, you're never too busy for a bit of self-care. In fact, incorporating a bit of self-care into your day might actually dial down the stress, improve your patience and help you stay focused.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon. The Future Toolbox also has a simple programme called, The Magic Steps to Goal Setting. Click here for more details.

Don't panic! That's a phrase we hear a lot, but what's your emotional response to that? Probably to panic some more. Don't worry, the due date isn't until next week... Keep calm, it's just an exam... Relax, you can't change anything now.

We face countless situations every day that we don't want to be in. It's only natural for our fight or flight response to kick in and sometimes, make us want to run away. 

Emotional resilience is the mental strength to understand how you feel and how to stay in control. You might feel panicked, but your mind can acknowledge what has happened and allow you to focus on the task instead.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. If you know a teen who is about to face exams, why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Study Skills book, Smarten Your Study. This is also available on Amazon. The Future Toolbox also has a simple programme called, Smarten Your Study. Click here for more details.

Please note, that in 2024, the Z to A podcast will be published on a fortnightly basis and will wrap around our new Brain or Shine podcast and blogs. You will also see an increase in more easily accessible online tools via the new look Future Toolbox website when it arrives.

Yes, it's a bold claim to suggest that studying can be fun but, first off, it starts with your mindset. Many teens will be going through the stress of memorising facts to pass exams and adults have painful memories of this process from their school days. However, the learning journey is one to be embraced and enjoyed.

At the Future Toolbox, you can find out how to discover different learning styles and how to activate your brain to become an effective learner. Whether you prefer visual, auditory or kinesthetic learning, you can master the technique of combining all three to enhance your learning journey.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Study Skills book, Smarten Your Study. This is also available on Amazon. The Future Toolbox also has a simple programme called, Smarten Your Study. Click here for more details.

Please note, that in 2024, the Z to A podcast will be published on a fortnightly basis and will wrap around our new Brain or Shine podcast and blogs. You will also see an increase in more easily accessible online tools via the new look Future Toolbox website when it arrives.

New years resolutions, do they really work? The majority of people set them with good intentions but then fall off the wagon very quickly with many falling by the wayside before the first week is out. Why? Because they are not goals! A goal is a well-defined plan with steps to achieve it. 

In this episode, discover the three questions of directions and find out how to set that solid goal in stone and then you can set to work on fulfilling your dreams.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon. The Future Toolbox also has a simple programme called, The Magic Steps to Goal Setting. Click here for more details.

Please note, that in 2024, the Z to A podcast will be published on a fortnightly basis and will wrap around our new Brain or Shine podcast and blogs. You will also see an increase in more easily accessible online tools via the new look Future Toolbox website when it arrives.

It's been an eventful year at the Future Toolbox, filled with lots of in-person workshops, school visits and speaking at conferences. We've also covered a wide range of topics in these podcast episodes and blogs, all linking to the Z to A of Life Skills book. Future Toolbox CIC was also a finalist at the FSB East Midlands Community Awards and winner of the Midlands Start-Up Awards, One to Watch category.

Onto 2024 and there are some exciting plans to increase neurodiverse support and continue to grow the Brain or Shine project. The best way to keep an eye on the latest news as it unfolds is to subscribe to the fortnightly newsletter by visiting the website.

Head over to the Future Toolbox website for more tools, at www.futuretoolbox.co.uk. Why not stop by the shop and get a copy of the Z to A of Life Skills book, Don't Get Your Neck Tattooed. This is also available on Amazon.

Please note, in 2024, the Z to A podcast will be published on a fortnightly basis and will wrap around our new Brain or Shine podcast and blogs. You will also see an increase in more easily accessible online tools via the new look Future Toolbox website when it arrives.