Genome Biology - Learning the Biology of Your Body

Genome Biology - Learning the Biology of Your BodyAs children age, they need a biology crash course, so they can learn how the cells in our bodies work. Don't know a lot about biology? Here's a good resource for beginners.Scientists and researchers have spent centuries trying to understand our own biology, and most of their efforts were centered on understanding how human bodily cells work. When we talk about learning how human cells work, this is the process by which hormones, neurotransmitters, and other chemical substances are produced, excreted, and carried around by our cells.This form of the science is basic bodily cells of humans. Think of the 'green leaf' when you look at that. That's all biology is, more of a process to produce chemicals from compounds that occur naturally.The second version of biology, we need to be familiar with is the cellular level. A cellular level is where the DNA, or genetic information, which controls how your cells work, is controlled. At the cellul ar level, biologists are interested in the way genetic information is produced, carried, and used in our bodies. This is the level that anyone interested in learning about cellular level biology needs to know.To learn how the cells work at the cellular level, you need to learn about the electron transport chain. There are hundreds of ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, transporters. There are three types of these transporters, known as ATP-sensitive, ATP-inhibitory, and AMP-activated. The ATP-sensitive ATP transporters have higher binding affinity for ATP, while the AMP-activated ones will form ATP through the other ones.Now, it's important to know about proteins. The proteins are really a way to store, and make changes to in the system, ina very simple way. A protein is a piece of DNA, and it is stored in a protein complex. When you're trying to learn about proteins, you should know that they are actually responsible for most of the genetic information that is passed from one generatio n to the next.The last of the three cell types that you need to know about is the endocytic. When a cell divides, the cell also divides in the endocytic phase. Endocytosis is a process where an endocytic cell has a transporter that they use to send and retrieve one cell division.

Guitar Lessons Near Me The Best Guitar Courses Across the UK

Guitar Lessons Near Me The Best Guitar Courses Across the UK Find Britain's Best Guitar Classes Here ChaptersLearning to Play Guitar in the UKLearn the Guitar in LondonFind Guitar Tuition in BirminghamThe Best Guitar Courses and Classes in ManchesterJoin a Guitar School in LeedsGet Yourself a Guitar Teacher in GlasgowThe guitar, quite simply, is a wonderful instrument. Thanks, essentially, to the way the history of music has gone, the guitar has become one of the most common and most versatile means of making music all over the contemporary world. You’ll find it in every genre and style of music â€" from blues and jazz to folk, hip-hop, classical, metal, and pop â€" and you’ll even find it in the bedrooms and on the walls of people who have never given music a thought in their life. The guitar is iconic â€" iconic and ubiquitous.A Caution for the Beginner Guitar PlayerThis can be both a blessing and a curse for those seeking to learn how to play the guitar. A curse because, firstly, as a lot of people know a couple of chords, a lot of people think they can teach the instrument. Watch out, then, for the less good teacher.Secondly, the market is saturated with terrible instruments that don’t really do what they are supposed to do: namely, to support a budding guitarist to become the best musician that he or she can. A second lesson, then: choose an instrument wisely as if your guitar isn’t playable, you’re never going to want to tune up and play those riffs, licks, and chord progressions.However, remember, the ubiquity of guitars and guitarists is also a blessing. The UK, to be honest, is full of very good and very professional musicians, who are experienced in teaching and experienced in making, recording, and performing music. If you choose to start learning to play the guitar, you will be welcomed into a huge community of very lovely and supportive people. You’ll also have plenty of role models to look up to.There are tremendous, multidimensional benefits to learning how to sing or play a musical instrument. It  is a holistic activity which takes  the participant  on an emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual journey.  Some specific reasons to learn music are that it:-elevates moodenables self-expressionsharpens the sensesconnects you with your emotions, your humanity and your fellow humansdevelops exquisite  coordinationrequires  personal skills such as perseverance, organisation, determination, discipline…provides endless social outletsrelieves stressincreases memory capacityprovides a sense of achievementputs you in contact with cultural historyand more… PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teach er 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLearning to Play Guitar in the UKAnyway, without further ado, we have compiled a list of the best options â€" for beginners, intermediate players, and advanced musicians â€" to learn the guitar across the UK. The big cities have a wealth of opportunities, for listening to live music, for taking your very first guitar lesson, or for progressing further in your musicianship. Whatever your age or your preferred musical styles, and whatever you want to get out of your instrument, you’ll find the place to achieve those goals right here.Dive in, tune-up, and we’ll have you strumming along to your favourite guitar songs or jamming with your mates in no time at all. Pay attention, because you will find links to in-depth articles on each city in each section. Let’s go!The electric guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world.Learn the Guitar in London London is a great place to learn anything, boasting as it does world-class facilities in nearly every field. For music, you’ll find some of the most prestigious educational institutions on the planet, live music venues to take your breath away, shops selling all of the gear you could possibly imagine, and some of the most patients, dedicated, and professional teachers on the planet â€" for people of any age.Let’s take a closer look at what the big city can offer for learning guitar â€" from the electric guitar to the acoustic, the classical guitar, the banjo, the ukulele, and even the mandolin.Found out more about guitar lessons in London in our dedicated article!Get Your Kids Playing the GuitarIf you are the parents of young, musically enthusiastic children, London is a fantastic place to be.The Greenwich Music School, for example, is a musical education centre famous for its attention to the younger musicians of London â€" with classes offered to kids as young as three. Here, the wee ones will make a racket, learn the fundamental aspects of rhythm, and have a lot of fun in group playing.For the older kids, in this charity based in Greenwich and Charlton, you’ll find instrument-specific music lessons â€" including the guitar â€" as well as ensembles and individual classes. (Adults can learn here too!)Further and Higher Guitar EducationAs we know, London has some of the most well-regarded music schools and conservatoires in the UK and in the world. The Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama are probably the best known and, in you attend these schools, you can be sure that your musicianship will flourish.Other options, which aren’t as academically prestigious, but which will nonetheless prepare you for a professional career in the music industry, include the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance and Tech Music School. These offer full-time diplomas and degrees in music production, music business, or music tech, as well as in musical instruments. You will probably be studying more contemporary music than classical if that’s what you’d prefer.It’s worth pointing out that these institutions are not designed for beginners. They are, rather, intended for careers in music.A Pick of the Best Guitar TutorsFor everyone else living in London looking for more casual lessons in guitar playing, the options are almost impossible to account for in their entirety â€" and they change depending on where exactly you live.If you live in north London, you might want to try the City Academy London, which offers professional teaching in hundreds of different arts courses. For those slap-bang in the centre, the London Guitar Institute might work well. For everyone else, Hawi Gondwe’s Guitar Lessons London might be a great place to start â€" as they have tutors across the city willing to travel to you.And for those with specific interests, the Cecil Sharp House offers dedicated folk guitar classes, whilst Flamenco Express provides â€" you guessed it â€" classes in flamenco guitar.The bass may look similar to a guitar, but it's role is very different! PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsFind Guitar Tuition in BirminghamBirmingham is another city in which you can hardly walk ten minutes without bumping into a guitar instructor. Depending on your location, the options will vary a little. However, there are plenty of tutors willing to travel to your home â€" and you may want to have a look at the options available on Superprof (there are twenty-one guitar tutors that use the site in Birmingham alone!).Find a dedicated article on guitar lessons in Birmingham on our site too!Some of Birmingham’s Top TutorsThere are prestigious guitar tutors available in every corner of Birmingham â€" you just need to know where to look. And if private tuition is your thing, you might find this the best option.Zaid Crowe, Steve Layton Guitar, and Rockstar Guitar Tuition are all companies in Birmingham offering private tuition, in their private home studios, at your own place, or over Skype. Each will design their lessons around your needs and preferred styles of music (that’s the benefit of private tuition!) and will guide you through academic grades if you would like, or else will show you everything from chord work, improvisation, and ear training.Take a Guitar Exam in BirminghamIf music exams are what you want to do â€" something recommended for those who want to keep track of their progression and achievements â€" you may want to find a music school endorsed by the exam boards themselves.The Progress Music Academy, in the heart of town, is a good option for this â€" if you want to play more contemporary than classical â€" as they are the only registered Trinity Rock and Pop exam centre in the city. The Academy itself can train you towards these exams.Otherwise, you could try the Birmingham Music School which, endorsed by the instrument brand, Yahama, provides training towards graded examinations too.Fun Guitar Classes for Adults and KidsOtherwise, what else? For kids, the Strings Club promises an enjoyable musical experience. Aimed at children between the ages of four and eleven, the Club runs musical holiday camps. This is both a great learning opportunity for your children and a reliable place for their supervision when you are at work.For adults, the Birmingham Adult Education Service runs evening classes at beginner a nd intermediate levels. Whilst you won’t get a qualification, they do provide innovative teaching methods â€" in which you are encouraged to record yourself playing and produce your own textbook. So, it’s not only the kids that can have fun.The Best Guitar Courses and Classes in ManchesterThe UK’s home of all things cool â€" and the secret musical capital of England â€" Manchester has an awful lot to offer in terms of music education. With an array of super-qualified private tutors and a host of music schools for casual learning or professional or academic qualifications, you’re not going to be let down by the opportunities available.Find out more in our article on guitar lessons in Manchester!Guitar Professionals in ManchesterThe city is home to lots of performing and recording musicians who double up as teachers in their spare time. As such, they are often supremely competent, with heaps of experience teaching as well as playing in the real world. Michael Woodward, Adam Sm ithson, Michael Banfield, and Andy Rees are all DBS-registered guitar tutors who run their own guitar teaching businesses in the city. Whilst some only work from their home studios, others are willing to travel. You’ll probably find, in honesty, that you are more likely to enjoy your lessons if it is not a nightmare to get back and forth from lessons. You can also find plenty of guitar tutors (thirty-six, to be precise!) in Manchester on Superprof, the tutoring platform that connects students to tutors.Join a Social Guitar ClassIf learning in a group is more your thing, check out Maunder’s School of Popular Music, a school teaching guitar, piano, drums, singing, as well as music theory. They offer private lessons or group classes, and there is a fun thing where you can attend a band workshop with those with whom you most like making music.The Manchester Guitar Academy, a school run by academic musicians, runs one-to-one lessons and musical ensembles. They strongly encourage regu lar performances, which is an essential part of the musician’s art.Learn the guitar and join a band!Join a Guitar School in LeedsYes, Leeds is a city known for its considerable output of edgy indie bands. But almost more importantly â€" for our purposes here at least â€" it boasts a broad variety of music schools, for both academic and recreational learning. There are some nice local initiatives and some quite prestigious music schools too, so whatever your flavour, the city’s got you covered.Check out our article on guitar lessons in Leeds for more!Flamenco Guitar, in Spanish … Anyone?The breadth of Leeds’s musical education scene will be apparent to any local. But if you want to learn something quite specific there is the opportunity to do that too. As an example, Leeds’s Instituto Cervantes â€" the global organisation for the promotion of Spanish culture â€" runs flamenco guitar classes. You can also take them in Spanish, so to practise a second language whilst you’re doing it.Classes and Courses for All AgesIf that’s not quite your cup of tea, you can try Roundhay Music, a not-for-profit organisation offering lessons in lots of different instruments and lots of different musical styles. They run ensembles and group workshops as well as individual classes and in-school sessions. They are a real asset to their community.Otherwise, the North Leeds Music Centre might be a little more convenient. With students ranging from the age of five to eighty, the Saturday morning workshops are a wonder to behold.Get Yourself a Guitar Teacher in GlasgowIf Manchester wasn’t in the picture, Glasgow would have the highest number of gigs per capita in the UK. But, as the biggest city in Scotland, there is no better place to learn guitar than here. From dedicated and diverse music teachers to proper Scottish folk music, you can literally learn anything you want.Our guide to guitar lessons in Glasgow might be helpful for you too!Glasgow’s Guitar TeachersFrom t he Glasgow Guitar Studio in the Southside to Fraser Murray in the West End, Glasgow is full of individual teachers qualified to teach you the guitar. Wendy Leckerman of the Glasgow Guitar Studio has taught for over thirty years, and she specialises in children’s education. If you’re more of a metalhead, try Frets on Fire, a dedicated rock and metal guitar education organisation.Otherwise, try Superprof, where you can find nearly thirty guitar tutors in Glasgow!Playing Traditional and LocalGWF is a standard-bearer for traditional Scottish music education in Glasgow. If you want to play at ceilidhs, or if you want to be able to play music without looking at the notation, this might be the place for you, as they combine age-old teaching methods with ensemble playing and a lot of fun.

Where Can I Retrieve My SAT Scores

Where Can I Retrieve My SAT Scores 0SHARESShare Before preparing for college admissions, you need to take the SAT test and qualify it to get admission into the college of your choice. Whether you take the ACT or SAT test in high school then ACT score ranges from 1-36 and SAT score will range from 600-2400. The format of the SAT is changing quite a bit in the last decades. Hence the score you have received in 80’s would now be scaled differently. To find your SAT score, you can try out collegeboard.com, however, they do not keep score for long years. You can even ask for your school authority to get transcripts and ensure them that you are looking forward to get your SAT scores. If you are taking the online test preparation program then you can seek help from online tutoring authorities to retrieve your SAT score. Collegeboard.com can help you in following ways: You can view results summary You can have an understanding of your scores You can get score detail in each section View your essay You can compare scores among your peers Here, you can find simplified demystified and customized breakdown of your result numbers. You can find out how you did relative to other test-takers and get tools finding you fit to the colleges and help finding out possible careers based on your SAT performance. If you have not successfully qualified SAT test then seek help from online tutoring services. Ask for any subject tutoring like Math online tutoring, English tutoring, and Science online tutoring from professional online tutor. [starbox id=admin]

Automatic Factoring Online Tutoring - Maths Online Tutors

Automatic Factoring Online Tutoring - Maths Online Tutors Factoring is a very important and most commonly used method in Algebra to simplify any given expression or equation. In the method of factoring, a constant or a variable which is common in all the given terms of the expression or equation is pulled out as a common factor. This simplifies the given expression and hence it is called automatic factoring. Example 1: Factor the given algebraic expression: 2x3 + 6x 10x4. Given algebraic expression: 2x3 + 6x 10x4 In the above given expression, the three terms consist numbers such as 2, 6, 10. These three numbers are multiples of 2; hence 2 is a common factor for all the three terms. Similarly, x is a common factor for the three terms in the given expression! Hence we get: 2x(x2 + 3 5x3) So the factored form of the given expression,2x3 + 6x 10x4 = 2x(x2 + 3 5x3) Example 2: Factor the given algebraic expression: 5y5 + 10y4 5y3 + 15y2 Given algebraic expression: 5y5 + 10y2 5y3 + 15y2 In the above given expression, the four terms consist numbers such as 5, 10, 5, 15. These four numbers are multiples of 5; hence 5 is a common factor for all the four terms. Similarly, y2 is a common factor for the four terms in the given expression! Hence we get: 5y2 (y3 + 2y2 y + 3) So the factored form of the given expression is: 5y5 + 10y4 5y3 + 15y2 = 5y2(y3 + 2y2 y + 3)

How to Find the Best Online Tutoring Services

How to Find the Best Online Tutoring Services 0SHARESShare Today’s education system has taken lots of advantages of high speed affordable internet services. Lots of online tutoring services offer result oriented tutoring through innovative teaching methodology and creative resources. Let’s see what are they and how it results into best  online tutoring  services Flexibility: Call based tutoring sessions Available round the clock to support students for homework help, assignments and test preparation Student can contact your tutor or customer support immediately when need arises Convenient: Online tutoring is available right at your home Parent feel relaxed chauffeuring their kids Student can schedule tutoring session in their convenient time Student feel free asking questions which they hesitate to ask in school classroom Informed Parents: Parents remain informed about the teaching pattern Unlike a physical classroom, parents can remain present anytime in online session Parent can access audio/video recorded online tutoring sessions anytime Parent can view detailed progress report of their child online Secured Tutoring: Ensure that recorded sessions are kept confidential None of the tutoring authority have access to student’s detailed account information Qualified Tutors: Ensure tutors registered with online tutoring service are qualified, experienced and skilled Hiring online tutoring with efficient tutors will definitely give more value than you pay Subjects: Choose online tutoring service that covers many subjects at all grade levels Try to use single service for all your academic work Availing single tutoring service will standardize your learning as well as  save money and time on academic help Accreditation: Use online tutoring services who are accredited to your country or state curriculum Ensure that you study only relevant learning that complement your school education Pricing: Online tutoring gives lot of cost benefits Save money on travelling to your local tuition class Save cost on one-to-one personalized online tutoring than what you pay to personal tutor Compare above features, quality of tutoring against pricing to find out the most reasonable and best  online  tutoring services. Rest assure your research on these parameters will definitely land to the best online tutoring service. [starbox id=admin]

4 Tips for a Strong Common App

4 Tips for a Strong Common App The following piece was written by Linda Abraham. Linda has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand is the President and Founder of Accepted.com. College applicants have you looked at your calendar today? Its already NOVEMBER! Its time to crack down, get serious, and crank out one uncommonly great Common Application. The following four tips will help you manage your apps over the next few weeks: 1. Give yourself time Well-crafted, thoughtful essaysdont just pop into existence on the eve of your deadline. Rather, they require time and attention usually in the form of multiple drafts and careful revision. The 500 words in your Common App personal statement allow you to showcase your personality and talents, and if your college doesnt request an additional essay, then those 500 words are your sole opportunity to do so. Dont rush this important process. Start now and give yourself time to polish your gem. 2.Think how others will view your application Once youve filled out your applications forms and boxes and have a good working draft of your personal statement, its time to step back and think about how the college adcom will view your data. Are all of your test scores and transcripts accurate? Are your job descriptions and extracurricular activities clear? Have you focused on achievements and not just on descriptions of responsibilities? Is your personal statement interesting and persuasive? Have you made effective use of examples? Does it provide key information about who you are? 3. Proofread, proofread, proofread! You may think youre done with your application once youve ensured that all sections are filled out and that all data is accurate. But is your personal statement well-written? Have you checked your grammar and spelling? You need to edit all sections of your application, with a strong focus on your personal statement. Read your essay aloud to listen for errors that your eyes may have missed. Ask a teacher or parent to review your writing. View the final document to ensure proper formatting. 4. Submit before the dinger Submitting your application may take more time than you realize, so waiting until the very last minute is not wise. Leave yourself time to troubleshoot as well as to avoid last minute panic and missing the deadline. Browsers crash. Servers overload. Technical glitches beyond your control happen (especially this year when the Common App website and healthcare.gov have something in common: bugs). Submit early. VisitAccepted.comor find them onFacebookandTwitter. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Huntington Learning Center Curriculum Now Fully Aligned with Common Core State Standards

Huntington Learning Center Curriculum Now Fully Aligned with Common Core State Standards Huntington Learning Center Curriculum Now Fully Aligned with Common Core State Standards Throughout our 36-year history, Huntington Learning Center has stayed in tune with the needs of our students. As American education has evolved and changedfrom standards-based education reform evolving throughout the 1980s and 1990s to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 making waves in the 2000sHuntington has adjusted its curriculum as appropriate in order to ensure our students receive the tutoring support they need to be successful students. Today, Huntington remains at the forefront when it comes to supplemental education. Three years ago, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Initiative was introduced, and those standards have since been adopted and implemented by schools and school districts in most states. We too have aligned with the CCSS in all of our academic, SAT/ACT and other preparatory programs. And in December 2013, our curriculum implementation was complete. What does this mean for the families we serve? It means that Huntington stands ready to help students meet the challenges of these new, more rigorous educational standards. As schools curricula and assessment testing evolve, students will need help that extends beyond the type of support they may have needed previously. Huntington is prepared and excited to embrace those challenges together. Here are several ways Huntington has adjusted its curriculum and operations to prepare for tutoring and test prep in the Common Core era: Updated math curriculum and skill matrices that adhere to CCSS mathematics standards. Updated reading/writing curriculum that adheres to CCSS English-language arts standards. Trained Huntington teachers who understand how the Common Core State Standards impact teachers, schools and teaching strategies and are prepared to teach to the more rigorous standards. A refined focus on college and career readiness throughout Huntingtons programs. A greater emphasis throughout Huntingtons programs on key CCSS objectives, including better problem solving, enhanced critical thinking, etc. As always, Huntington is dedicated to delivering the best possible education to our students and today, that means helping students navigate the significant changes taking place at their schools and in their classrooms. For questions about Huntingtons CCSS-aligned curriculum, visit Huntingtonhelps.com.

English Grammar Than v. That

English Grammar Than v. That A common problem we see in our English classes, especially for speakers of Latin languages like Spanish or French, is confusion between than or that. In Latin languages, they are usually the same word, like que in Spanish, but in English we split them into two words for two ideas.Than is always used for comparing two things. You cannot substitute that for than in a comparative sentence.It is better that I thought. This is a common mistake. The correct sentence is: It is better than I thought.That is a relative clause used to connect and add more information.For example:She took the test that was hard. Which test did she take? The hard test.That is also a demonstrative pronoun. It replaces the object in the sentence.Example:Rock climbing is hard. Yes, that was hard. In this sentence that replaces rock climbing.That is also a subordinating conjunction. It is used when connecting a two-clause sentence.Example:It is better that we go.  The first clause is we go; the second clause or res ult clause is: It is better. In this case you can also use if, but if gives the sentence a different meaning because it is a conditional and means that we arent 100 percent sure the results of the clause.Finally, that can also be used as an adverb.Example: The test wasnt that bad.Ok, so that should answer most of your questions about that v. than. Let us know if you have more! Varaskkar Its explained pretty good. Thanks!

Desk Items You Need to Stay Happy and Healthy This Winter

Desk Items You Need to Stay Happy and Healthy This Winter Image via Isorepublic.com Warm tea Tea is the perfect winter drink. Hot tea will be so comforting after coming in from the snow, as it will help your insides warm up. At least for me, tea helps a lot! The great thing about tea is that there is a wide variety of teas. You can try different types of tea until you find one you like; you are bound to like at least one. If you’d prefer sweeter tea, you can sweeten your tea with some honey or sugar. For those who don’t like coffee, tea with caffeine (like chai or black tea) can also be a good “pick me up” when you’re tired in the morning. In addition to being delicious, certain teas have health benefits, too, like probiotics (good bacteria). Because of all these benefits, I suggest you have some tea at your desk this winter. Water In addition to tea, you should also have a water bottle (preferably a reusable one!) on your desk. Most people do not drink enough water each day, and being dehydrated in the winter is not good at all. If you don’t have water at your desk, it will be easy for you to forget to drink as you go about your day. Before you know it, it’s time to go back home, and you haven’t had any water! This is not good. But, having water easily accessible at your desk will make it easier for you to sip on it throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated, because when you can see the water bottle, you will be reminded to drink every so often. For that reason, I would encourage you to keep water at your desk. This applies not just during the winter, but year round, too. Healthy snacks Am I the only one who gets hungry throughout the day and needs just a little snack to tide me over until lunch or dinner? That’s why I like to keep healthy snacks near my desk to keep my stomach from growling as I wait for lunchtime. Specifically, I like to keep snacks like fruit, nuts, and granola bars. These snacks are easy to store, they are not awfully loud/crunchy when you eat them, and they are not awfully scented either (that’s why I do not bring oranges to work, even though I love them). Having easy access to healthy snacks will keep you from reaching for sugary snacks, like candy or cookies, which tend to be abundant in my workplace during the holiday season. Healthier snacks will also do a better job at keeping you full until your next meal. Eating sugary snacks will cause you to get hungry again sooner. That’s why you should keep healthy snacks at your desk all throughout the year, but definitely during the winter season. Infographic by Alyssa Laffitte Hand sanitizer and wipes Unfortunately, winter is the beginning of cold and flu season. The last thing you need during the winter is to get sick. But the good news is that you can prevent yourself from catching the flu or a cold if you keep your hands and your workstation clean. Prevention is your best defense. Keep hand sanitizer at your desk (or at least in your bag), and use it religiously, every time before you eat. Of course, it’s always better to actually wash your hands with soap and water if you have easy access to a sink. But sometimes you can’t access a sink, and hand sanitizer is significantly better than nothing. At your desk, you can also keep cleaning wipes that will kill bacteria and viruses like the flu and the common cold. Use these wipes to sanitize your workspace once you finish for the day. Taking measures such as sanitizing your hands and workspace will prevent you from getting sick during peak cold and flu season. You will thank yourself when you make it through the season without getting sick! A box of tissues Similarly, you should have a box of tissues by your desk during the winter. At least for me, I find that my nose gets especially runny when it’s cold, even if I’m not sick. So I really like keeping a box of tissues nearby my workspace. It will also be nice to have if one of your co-workers gets sick, since you can offer them a couple of your tissues. For bonus points, get yourself the expensive tissues with lotion, as they are much more comfortable on your nose. Even if you don’t get sick, having a box of tissues by your side is always a good idea. If you don’t need it, someone else might. It’s better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have it, especially in the winter. Cold medicine Continuing on the topic of staying healthy this winter, you should keep some cold medicine in a drawer at your desk. Again, this is something that’s better to have and not need, than to need and not have. You shouldn’t get sick if you are proactive about protecting yourself (as I mentioned earlier in this article), but if you do end up getting sick, you will be thankful to already have medicine on hand. You won’t have to run to the pharmacy, out in the cold when you already feel under the weather. Save yourself the trouble and a trip to the pharmacy by keeping a stock of cold medicine in the drawer during the winter months. Earmuff headphones When I was shopping for new winter gear on Amazon, I found this amazing invention: earmuff headphones! These headphones are a great way to keep your ears warm while still enjoying your music. These headphones are cheap, and they will provide you with warmth and the ability to still listen to music as you walk in the cold weather. I would definitely recommend a pair of these headphones! A clock (that you have already adjusted to reflect the new time) Daylight savings time ends in the winter, so it might be hard to keep track of the time, especially the first few weeks after the change happens. For that reason, I think it’s a good idea to keep a clock at your desk as you adjust to the new time. Once the change does happen, be sure to change your clock so that it reflects the correct time. At least for me, having a clock in an easily visible place helps me keep track of the time, and get used to the time change after daylight savings time ends. Of course, the same thing applies when daylight savings time starts again in the spring. A heated blanket This might seem excessive, but having a heated blanket at your desk is very comforting during the winter. It will feel just like a towel that is fresh out of the dryer. When it’s freezing outside, it is so nice to be able to wrap yourself in a warm blanket. You can get one at Amazon, Walmart, or Target for a low price. Just remember to have an extra set of batteries in case the ones in your blanket run out! A light sweater Of course, a sweater is a necessity for winter. However, I would recommend keeping a light sweater at your desk. Your workplace should be heated, so you won’t need to wear your heavier winter coat while you’re inside the building. Still, you might get a little bit chilly while you’re indoors. A light sweater would be the perfect solution to this problem. It’s not too warm like your winter jacket (save that for when you go outside!), but it will keep you from getting cold as you work inside. Plus, a light sweater should not take up so much space at your desk. Comfortable, warm shoes or socks If your workplace allows it, I would also recommend that you keep a pair of comfortable shoes by your desk during the winter. Comfortable shoes will make you feel cozy and warm during a cold winter or fall, rather than having to wear chunky snow boots in the office all day. Even wearing simple fuzzy socks underneath your shoes will make you feel a little bit better when it’s snowing outside. At least for me, a southern girl who’s currently living in the northeast, fuzzy socks and comfortable shoes make winter a little more bearable, as I get a short break from wearing thick socks and snow boots. For that reason, I suggest you bring a pair of comfortable shoes or socks to keep at your desk during the winter, if you are allowed to. Image via Isorepublic.com Desk lamp (preferably with extras) There are less daylight hours in the fall and winter, and it has been scientifically proven that it’s bad for your eyes to work in the dark. For that reason, I would recommend you buy a small desk lamp to give you some extra light during these cold months. The extra light will prevent eye strain. As a bonus, you can even get a desk lamp that has an electrical outlet, so you can plug in your computer and phone as you work, or one that has a place to keep your writing utensils. (I have one that has both: an outlet and a place to store my pens, and it is extremely convenient! I can easily organize my pens and pencils. Also, my short computer charger is not a problem, since I can plug it in directly into my desk lamp!) You can get a desk lamp with those features at a store like Target or Ikea for a good price. Having a desk lamp, especially one with extra features, will make your life much easier this winter when you have to work late into the night (when, during a Connecticut winter, means 6PM). Your eyes will appreciate the additional light! It can be hard to come into work when it’s cold outside. But there are certain things you can have at your desk that will make your life slightly easier. For example, hydrating yourself with water or warm tea will be good for you during the winter. Also, it would be a good idea to keep things that will prevent you from getting sick, since winter is peak cold and flu season. Keeping hand sanitizer, tissues, and cold medicine will be helpful to keep you from getting sick, and are nice to have in case you do. Additionally, you can keep comfortable clothes and shoes at your desk. You don’t want to wear clunky, ugly snow boots around the office all day. Keeping a pair of flats in one of your desk drawers will solve this problem. Of course, if your workplace allows, fuzzy socks are preferable. The same goes for jackets; your winter coat is too heavy to wear indoors. A light jacket will be great if there is a draft in the office. Accessories like earmuff headphones and heated blankets will make you even more comfortable in the office. A clock will help you keep track of the time once daylight savings time ends and it gets darker much earlier in the day. Finally, a desk lamp with extras will reduce the strain on your eyes as you continue to work after the sun has set. Having these small things at your desk will make it easier to be productive in the winter.