Stress me out more and see what happens...

As a college student I think it is normal to be stressed out a little but for me dealing with that stress is a whole other ball of wax. I tried to manage my time by writing down my daily to do list and checking things off; I tried taking some me time; and I tried to work hard and then take a break. I failed until I realized exercise helps. After I started exercising and/or walking more I felt less stressed out.

Right now is the perfect time to get out and move! To incorporate exercise into your daily life, walk somewhere you would normally drive, park farther away from building entrances, or join a workout class.

stress: effects on the body
sensitivity to stress (pdf)
exercise to reduce stress

the bigger picture

Poster by V

You might not care if what you do on Saturday night makes you sick on Sunday, and your roommates might not care that there are people around until 3 AM, but what about the things that can't speak? What about everything else around you that is affected by what you do?

A 12 pack may not seem like a big deal, but when several are bought every weekend in your apartment complex alone, the numbers add up.

• The average person has the opportunity to recycle more than 25,000 cans in a lifetime. (National Recycling Coalition)
• Recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to operate a TV for 3 hours. (Eco-Cycle)
  

Think about the bigger picture. And even if your roommates don't care that they can't sleep because the party is too loud, shouldn't you?

NightOwl

Source: Trash Facts

The Season of Giving

It always seems that during the holidays people are a little more generous and a little more patient. But now it's January, why not continue the season of giving?

I've gotten involved with several volunteer organizations this year, and have found that they are more rewarding than any other activity I've participated in. Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, and little things like babysitting at church during services really make a difference. Getting involved and helping people just because you want to makes everything else you do in your life more meaningful.

Find little ways to get involved at your school or in your community. It means much more to the people you help than you can imagine. Most communities or counties have a volunteer center with hundreds of opportunities and college campuses host many non-profit events.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." -Winston Churchill

See you in the AM...

NightOwl

Back to Reality

We've been back to school for 3 weeks now and already the overwhelming feeling that I'm falling behind makes it even harder to focus. But this past weekend I had a chance to take a step back, and remember that there is more out there than the college bubble I live in.

I attended Dance Marathon (JustMe mentioned it) on Saturday and had a blast taking a break from the daily grind. Dance Marathon is a 15 hour celebration that raises money for a local children's hospital and Children's Miracle Network. What makes it so special is that we get to spend the day with the children our money benefits.

These children and their families have gone through more than most of us can imagine, yet they have more enthusiasm and hope for life than anyone I have met. It's amazing to come back year after year and see the huge strides the kids have made, physically and emotionally, and know that I helped them get there. I'm feeling more motivated than ever and ready to tackle my To Do list!

www.dm.stuorg.iastate.edu