Life Lesson #243

You know what's really funny? Laughter is a natural medicine that can reduce stress, fight infection, and reduce pain. It can also help you stay healthy in multiple other ways and make life more enjoyable. So why have I labeled this post "Life Lesson #243"? Well I'll tell you. We live in a culture that values hard work, idealizes stress, and emphasizes negativity. Advice that should come before all else, is brushed off and devalued. I'm going to change that right now: Laugh, joke around, don't take everything so seriously.

I know life can be tough at times. I also know that "stress" is nearly synonymous with "college". But guess what, before you know it, the books, exams, papers, and drama will come to an end. Stop worrying about the little things. When you're feeling down, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Watch a funny video clip, listen to some stand up comedy, or simply do something you love to do! Laughter releases anger, stress, guilt, and anxiety...it boosts the immune system and stimulates endorphins that cause positive brain chemistry.

For the rest of this semester, keep working hard, but let go of the little things that bring you down. Smile at strangers, don't be afraid to laugh. And most of all, celebrate the joy in life!

All good things,
Kasandra Brown
Study Skills Coordinator

Monday March First.

I must say, there are not many calendrical events that I like more than when the first of the month is also the beginning of a new week. It feels like I've been presented with a clean slate on which to start fresh and improve myself. This morning, I was drinking my Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut Tea and thinking about my goals for March. Suddenly I noticed the quote printed on the little piece of paper at the end of my tea bag. It told me to "unite with your own higher self and create a friendship."
The insight of this quote propelled me to consider the relationship I have with myself. I asked, "Self, am I friends with you?" And before you start to think I'm crazy and like to have conversations with my self-I should point out that I am indeed a bit crazy, but then, who isn't? Back to my point, I challenge you to ask your own self this question. Do you treat yourself like you would a friend? Do you encourage yourself in times of sadness, hardship, and/or stress? Do you celebrate your successes and find joy in spending time with yourself?
I found that in general, me and myself are pretty tight. But there are aspects of our friendship that I want to improve. Sometimes I'm too hard on myself, I take my own limitations for granted and don't do enough encouraging. We all have a strong inner spirit, this month, I challenge you to befriend this spirit and love yourself as you do the other people in your life.
With academic stress building around midterms and the countless other engagements you probably have, there will never be a better time to get to know yourself and always remember the advice Ralph Waldo Emerson gives us, "insist upon yourself. Be original."

Have a beautiful month of March, enjoy the coming Springtime weather, and try to strengthen that bond between you and you.

Kasandra Brown
Study Skills Coordinator

Welcome to February.

Hello everyone, happy February!

I'd like to start this post off with a quote from author and syndicated cartoonist Ashleigh Brilliant who says, "My life has a superb cast but I can't figure out the plot." Have you ever wondered about life's purpose? Or about what the whole point is? I would like to argue that the answer to these questions doesn't really matter, and the more time we spend trying to find the solution, the more of life we let pass us by.

Coming to college is a huge life experience. No matter what stage you're at in your academic career, chances are you're still trying to figure out exactly what you want out of life and your future. You're probably still trying to find yourself and at times worry about how others view you. The University is so extremely large and the number of activites, sports, and various opportunities for you to immerse yourself in are innumerable. Sometimes, in the process of trying to find yourself, you lose yourself. I want to stress how important it is for all of us to be true to who we are. Fill your time with self-reflection, physical activity, studying, and that superb cast that accepts you for the wonderful person you are. As cheesy as it may sound, let your inner light shine-it'll make the world a brighter place.

Peace, happiness, and...warmth,
Kasandra Brown

Study Skills Coordinator