Early Spring

What a lovely weekend - the sun shining, the warm spring breeze, the sounds of the birds chirping, the smooth movement of the canal. We can skip winter, right?

After a horrible cold two days of winter at the end of last week I thought it would be the end of any sight of the sun, but the weekend took me by surprise. I thought it was absolutely lovely. This also boosted my mood and encouraged me to get a little sun and go out and enjoy myself.

November seems to be just one of those months that many students dread, but the weather can have a huge impact on how you feel. I felt great. I felt much more inclined to do what I needed to do -school wise - so that I could go out on Sunday and enjoy the nice weather. Everyone was out on Sunday enjoying the nice weather.

I took advantage of this nice weather but being physically active. I went for a run. I always find myself not having enough time to exercise. The biggest excuse of my life and I'm sure others can agree. It's hard to stay active in the winter, especially in your first year thus the "Freshman 15." If you don't know the freshman 15 refers to the expected 15 pounds a student will gain in their first year. Nobody wants it, but hey it happens. The best thing you can do is try and be the most active and healthiest you can be. We all go to Oasis (after-hours dining service) after hours to grab that late night pizza or snack. Though, not all of us are inclined to go and work it all off after we've done so. It's understandable. I'm guilty.

After my enjoyable run in the sun I decided to sit in the sun and reflect. I think reflection is a good way to ease your mind and relax and take focus on accomplishments, deadlines and to-dos. It's also a de-stresser because you give yourself the opportunity to step away from the "right-now" and look at everything from a more rounded perspective. I started thinking about my upcoming deadlines and the little bits and pieces I need to put together in order to stay ahead and build on the stages of my work so that by the time the deadline rolls around I'll have everything completed with satisfaction. It's hard to do this when you have 3 deadlines in a matter of two days, but you learn through early-preparation and through organizing your time with practice that it soon becomes natural to you.

I have my final midterm on tomorrow, Tuesday, and I spent the rest of the day in the Glebe studying. I find that when I study in a busy atmosphere everyone is working so I feel more inclined to hit the books. I prefer cafes or bookstores because it's quiet, but the conversations of others gives a smooth rhythm of sound rather than bothersome noise. Some people ask how I do it and not get distracted. I answer by telling them it's become a habit. Everyone has there way of studying. I also incorporated classical jazz to my study sessions when I'm at home so it's not dead silent and there are no words for me to follow and get distracted by. Personally, I can't see how some listen to loud music that they'd listen to at a party or club because I would get distracted easily. However, when I'm at home I usually study in silence so I have nothing but my work to focus on.

Advice of the day: I thought I'd include this for fun since I believe everyone learns something new everyday even if you've already learned it, some how, some way, it is reinforced and may even be considered.

Today in my First-Year-Seminar - Stress, Coping and Well-being - We watched a clip on "stress" and the physical, cognitive and emotional effects it has on human beings. Stress is a huge factor in our lives it can be positive or negative, permanent or temporary, extreme or mild and so on. This clip looked at certain people who suffered from extreme stress and being a first-year student with many stresses I was very attentive to what they had to say.

1. DON'T feel guilty for taking a break from your work. You are NOT lazy, you are NOT unproductive and you are NOT wrong to do so. Breaks, even if they are for a few minutes, can benefit you greatly because your brain and body have time to recharge.

2. Get enough sleep!! Don't think that because you're putting more hours in in the after-hours that you'll be more productive or do better. It's not the answer. We know we'll have a few nights here and there where the all-nighter is unavoidable but it doesn't and shouldn't be every night.

3. Exercise. It's good for stress, it's good for your emotions and it's good for your overall well being. Even a walk outside in the fresh air is a good stress reducer.

4. Be PROUD of yourself. Never underestimate your abilities, but don't expect to be great at everything! You will fall sometimes, but as long as you are proud of yourself you'll always be able to pick yourself back up!

Hope this advice helps in your upcoming months, in your years at university and your life in general!