It’s that time of the semester. A few of us are all done with midterms, just waiting for fall break to roll around, while some still have a more midterms to go and even more eager for the break to get here. Now is the essential time to know how to destress and keep yourself in good spirits, even if you're worrying about what that exam grade is. There are a bunch of little things you can do that won’t take a considerable chunk out of your time, or your wallet, and will leave you better off in the long run.
The easiest thing you can do - go outside for a little. Take a walk around the Horseshoe, sit on the grass and watch the plethora of dogs run around. Find a nearby park and be a kid again. Take a minute on the swing set or go across the monkey bars. It’s a simple bit of exercise which will get your heart pumping and release endorphins. Like Elle Woods says, "you just can’t be upset when you’ve got a bunch of endorphins running through you."
Been at the computer for an hour or two? Stop. Pick up that novel or magazine you’ve been meaning to read and go through it for about thirty or forty minutes. Not only will that give you a minute to destress from a long period of work, but also helps keeps your eyes in good working order, since the computer screens tend to secretely damage your retinas.
Eat your favorite sweet - a brownie, ice cream, white chocolate covered pretzels. It doesn’t matter. Giving yourself a bit of treat will make all the work just a bit more worth it. Don’t go overboard on the munching but certainly eat enough to lift your spirits.
Rearrange your room! - Sometimes a change of pace can make you feel all the better. It may open up space, help you find something you’ve lost, or just give you a new view. Again, getting up and moving around instead sitting at your desk will do you lots of good.
Are you stuck on an essay and you just can’t seem to get over that concluding paragraph stump? I completely understand. Don’t try and force it. Go out with a group of friends for a while and then come back to it. Even if it’s just for dinner, getting away from the writing may dislodge that blockage. When you come back, you’ll be relaxed and the words will flow a lot easier.
Now, if you’re just too stressed out to deal with anyone, how about you pull out that Season 4 DVD of Supernatural or the Gilmore Girls and watch your favorite episode. Watching a TV show or movie you enjoy gives you the time to drain the stress from your body and send you back into stress free bliss. Even better, pick something you know will make you laugh. Laughter is the best medicine; at least for stress-filled work afternoons.
Make a craft - it’s as easy as getting some thread and beads and making a necklace for one of your friends. Make a bracelet saying 'you can do it!' to wear until your tests are over to give you a boost of positivity when you’re feeling down and out. You could just as easily take a piece of paper from your printer and do some origami. A lot of it is really easy and working on something like that will keep your mind working while relaxing it at the same time.
Now, here’s something a little bit more innovative. Not quite the normal distressing activities but incredibly effective nonetheless. It’s a glitter jar.
Now, stay with me here. Follow this recipe:
- 1 jar – with a lid that you can close really tightly
- 1/10 vegetable oil
- 9/10 water
- Glitter
- Food coloring
- Anything else shiny
All you do is mix the water and oil together, add a few drops of coloring, and then drop in all the glitter and shiny things that you want to go in there. Now, when you’re feeling stressed out and you just can’t take it anymore, grab your jar, shake it up and just sit there and watch the glitter settle. You could even wait until the oil and water separates I suppose. Just sit and watch and wait and take a moment where you’re doing nothing at all. It doesn’t take long but I’m sure that as the glitter settles your worries will too.
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Bringing about Armageddon can be Dangerous - Do Not Attempt
Written by Carman Fowler
Good Omens - a cult classic, like those movies, books and albums from the other side of the 90's that have millions of followers, but yet the name is not yet common knowledge. No more I say! This book deserves the title of classic, just like any novel by Jane Austen or Ernest Hemingway.
Good Omens is not a religious book. It’s the story of the apocalypse, the coming of the Anti-Christ, the great last war. But nothing goes the way it needs to for Adam, the unknowing, and unwilling, Anti-Christ, to bring all that about.
Adam isn’t the main character though. That title would jointly fall to the characters of Aziraphale and Crowley, an angel and demon respectfully, that have been around since Adam and Eve were in Eden. They don’t want the world to end. They’ve grown pretty attached to it.
So they try and stop the Apocalypse.
Some feat, right? Well, they’re not the only ones who’re trying to do the same thing. There’s also a witch guided by her ancestor who’s been dead for centuries and the hapless witch hunter trying to catch her. Even Adam, who without knowing it is bringing about the Apocalypse, is quite against all of it. He’s a nice kid. He got mixed up and went to the wrong family when he was born and grew up with a set of strong morals. He wants the world to stay just as it is too.
You see all those fantastic characters I’m talking about? They're so wonderfully fleshed out that you could swear this was an autobiography not a work of fiction. There’s the massive amount of humor, on every page there’s something to make you laugh out loud. Literally. Trust me. I’ve experienced it. And don’t worry about the authors being British; they’ve left us Americans footnotes to help us through some of the jokes written for the people on the other side of the Atlantic.
As for the humor, they are making fun of different parts of the Christian religion, but not spitefully. They’re doing it from a place of love and understanding of the Bible with its nuances. It’s just little things about the Bible and the Christian religion that any practitioner, or not, can get a laugh at. I mean Satan speaking to Crowley through the voice of Freddie Mercury? What’s not to love?
Gaiman announced earlier this year that the series is to play on BBC in the upcoming year, no exact date as of yet. There are also no words as of yet towards its premiere date in the United States, though considering the normal period of time it takes, it should only be a couple months later than its British premiere.
So, start hitting the books! It’s a good and easy read that’ll give you something to laugh about after that hard test you just took. Relax, get a cup of coffee and enjoy the wonders that are the writing of the masterminds Gaiman and Pratchett.
Image Source: http://www.neilgaiman.com/works/Books/Good%20Omens/ed/141/
Many people are reluctant to travel abroad for multiple reasons ranging from expenses to lack of desire. But is the lack of desire stemming from the fear of “missing out at USC?” It is true that your college years are the most important and memorable, but why wouldn’t you want to enhance those memories traveling to a destination of your dreams?
Fitness: How to Get That Winter Workout Bod
Written by Tilden Brighton
As the semester comes to a close, it becomes increasingly difficult to find time to work out when finals are the only thing that inhabit your mind. For those of you who fear sitting around countless hours full of anxiety and stress leading to packing on pounds, don’t fear, there’s hope! If you allow yourself a 30-40 minute study break per day, you can work out in the comfort of your own home or an easily accessible gym with these helpful tips:
Contrary to popular belief, there are many college students who have a predisposition that they will find their “true love” at college. Hearing stories of their parents meeting as undergrads or friends who have found their carbon copy during their school years puts a subconscious mental strain on the college brain.
Most students mask the thought of wanting to find Mr. or Mrs. Right in front of their peers, but it can't be argued that the thought hasn't passed through almost every student’s mind. If you are a firm believer that the right person is awaiting you in school, here are some things to keep in mind when you think someone may actually show potential:
- Remember to stay true to who you are. Pretending to be someone you aren't with hopes of impressing somebody is only masking your real personality. You will find the right person doing the things YOU like to do.
- Be happy with where you are presently. If you are overwhelmed with past relationship memories, schoolwork or any other personal issues, and think focusing on making a relationship with someone will drive those feelings away, you’re wrong. All it does is build up more emotion you don’t need. A relationship should be an added bonus to your life, not a stress factor.
- Everybody has flaws, including YOU. It comes down to a matter of which flaws you can tolerate and which you cannot. Be aware of the double standard; criticism not only comes from you, but can also be directed your way. As long as you and your significant other can compromise and accept each others' pet peeves, you'll be fine.
- Remember the “Golden Rule” we learned as children; treat others the way you would like to be treated. In terms of relationships, the person you want to invest your admiration in must treat you with the same respect that you entrust in them. A strong relationship has equal dedication coming from both sides.
Keep in mind that all relationships are different, but every person deserves the best with what they are willing to offer. As cliché as it is, listen to your heart. If you don’t feel happiness in a department that is important to you, be strong enough to let go. There are more opportunities out of college, don’t lose hope. Settle for the best, not less.
Image Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com
Where Healthy Food Options Are Hiding On Campus
Written by Tilden Brighton
Unfortunately, there is a limited amount of healthy options in Russell House for students trying to avoid the infamous “Freshman 15.” For those of you that find it difficult to choose something appetizing that isn’t coated in grease or butter on campus, here are some suggestions:
On the main floor, the salad bar and sushi cases for leafy lovers can satisfy a vegetarian craving. If you would rather go with something a little more filling, the Horseshoe Deli offers plenty of sandwich options that you can custom order to fit your appetite. If a fruity option is what you’re searching for, Freshens offers several smoothies that include boosters of your choice, ranging from Focus to Energy.
Although the upstairs can appear to be a fast food paradise, there are healthy options hiding amongst the fluorescent Burger King and Chick-Fil-A signs. Santorini’s gives students the cultural option of Greek salads and entrees, including grilled chicken wraps, pita chips with hummus and steamed vegetables. Over at Einstein Bagels, flat bread and lower calorie sandwiches can also prove to be satisfying meals.
If you happen to live off campus, enjoy cooking and have access to a kitchen with an oven or stove, I recommend you check out this site for simple, quick dishes and this link for the more advanced chef. Sally Kerr-Dineen, a culinary artist and mother of two college students, created these sites for beginners and more advanced cuisiniers. Her inspiration stemmed from wanting to teach her children simple recipes so they would not go off to school and be left to survive on fast food. These recipes are sure to spice up your kitchen and your palate, and may even have you expanding your culinary talent.
Image Source: asianweek.com
Fitness Myth-busters: Workout Faux Pas That Aren't So Tragic
Written by Genelle Williams
Walk into Strom Thurmond Fitness Center and you’ll see students and faculty on all different machines, determined to stay in shape. As we all know, it is not easy to follow a strict schedule at the gym, and when we do go, it’s common to practice improper workout techniques. Some mistakes include working out while wearing makeup, working out on an empty stomach and not stretching before cardio. These faux pas are considered unhealthy but new studies show that these practices don’t damage the body as much as we have believed them to.
Starting With a Clean Slate
For ladies trying to keep their bodies toned, squeezing in a visit to the gym amidst classes, meetings and a social life can be difficult. That’s why some women workout with full makeup on, even if they are going to sweat it off. Any dermatologist or health professional will say this is bad because, not only can foundation clog the pores, but physical activity increases the risk of breakouts because pores are more exposed. While it is beneficial to remove makeup prior to working out, this is unrealistic with a busy college lifestyle. Think of it this way, it is far better to exercise for 45 minutes in full makeup than to not exercise at all due to fearing the sudden appearance of a pimple. As long as you wash your face after the workout, you should be fine.
Stretching
Another gym myth is the danger of not stretching before exercising, especially running. Stretching warms up the muscles and increases flexibility to reduce the chance of cramping. Some people, including me, skip “warming up” in favor of claiming a treadmill before they’re all taken. According to some doctors, stretching before running won’t prevent injury, but it won’t cause it either. If you know your leg might cramp up without stretching prior to exercise, by all means do your routine, but if you don’t feel like warming up, it isn’t a problem.
Eating Right
When it comes to meals and exercise, there are two food trends that could damage your workout. Working out after eating a full meal or working out on an empty stomach could cause cramping or symptoms of illness. Nutritionists recommend quality carbohydrates, lean protein, heart-healthy fats and fluids prior to working out. Light meals or protein bars are the best option before participating in physical activity.
Making the effort to exercise regularly is a huge step towards a healthy lifestyle. There’s no such thing as a perfect workout so as long as you’re getting some form of physical activity, minor mistakes won’t affect your stride.
Image Sources: hellodaughter.tumblr.com, fitnessmember.com, angrytrainerfitness.com, gymaddicts.com
