Time to de-Stress

"I'm stressed out!"

This is a favorite phrase among many college students. In fact, I remember clearly how often I used to say it to myself and others when I was a college student. Perhaps I was "stressed out", but what really does that mean? For me, it usually meant one of two things: that I was involved in too many activities - and I had no 'me' time., or I was stuck needed to make a decision whether to do one thing or another, and I was having difficulties deciding. As I think back on the times when I was "stressed out", those two major reasons come to mind.

What can we do to de-stress? Each person de-stresses differently. It is important for every individual to decide what works for them and adapt it to fit their lifestyle. There are plenty of ways to destress, some healthy and some unhealthy. Hopefully, the healthy activities are those that are chosen.

Below are a few ideas that may be of use for you:

Ever done a relaxation breathing exercise? Head over to www.coolkarma.com and check out their 10 minute breathing exercises. Best yet - it's free! Find a comfortable spot to lay down and follow the video to (hopefully) soothe your body and thoughts.

Perhaps a Stress Management Analysis would help you determine what is effective for you individually.

Books are an amazing way to take you away from reality but yet can help find answers for real problems as well. My favorite book that helps me take one thing at a time is So Few of Me by Peter H. Reynolds. A true genius at connecting to real-life issues. Check out his book at Amazon, or his website http://peterhreynolds.com

If you are feeling crafty, making a stress ball may be beneficial.

Ever tried yoga?

Have more ideas for de-stressing? Share them!

Roles, Relationships & Realism

Relationships take work. I don't think anyone can deny that.
Think of all the roles you have in your life - child, parent, friend, significant other, student, mentor, sibling, roommate, coworker, etc. Each role you have has a unique relationship with another person. For example, your relationship with your coworker is probably more formal than that relationship you have with your roommate. Choose one relationship that is meaningful to you (meaning, you want to continue to maintain it). What would help that relationship grow?

What can YOU do to enhance the relationship (think realistically, here).

With my siblings, our relationship would be much deeper if I were to open up and engage with them what struggles I were facing. Discussing my frustrations isn't easy, but it would definitely enhance our connection. When they upset me, I need to tell them, instead of simply absorbing my feelings. The next time I see 2 of my siblings will be this weekend. I am motivated to speak honestly and open to them. Our relationship can only be strengthened if I am motivated to open up and communicate honestly.

Share on your blog your specific situation. List one goal that you will work towards achieving next time you are with that person.

Yoga

Ever taken part in a yoga class?? Or, perhaps, you've tried it on the Wii fit? Today we're replacing class with yoga.

Check out: http://www.yogajournal.com/ for more information or tips for your life.

Check later for additional videos or clips from our yoga experience!

Eating Disorders - not a thing of the past

When I was in high school, eating disorders were focused on somewhat heavily. Every time a classmate wasn't eating as was thought they should, someone would wonder. In a small school, word got around fast. Most concerns weren't valid - they were simply someone trying to stir up gossip. However, eating disorders aren't something to toy around with, and they aren't just a fad that begins and ends in high school. Recently, a student at our college was found dead of complications stemming from earlier struggles with anorexia. This news was (and continues to be) shocking and saddening for the campus, community, and family and friends of this student.

As future counselors, what can you do to increase awareness of eating disorders? What steps can you take to ensure you are setting a good example for others? And, lastly, if you are struggling yourself, where can you go to receive help so something similar doesn't happen to you?

No class, but higher expectations

No class for a week! It may be a dream come true for some of you - but stressful for others, too. Although we aren't having class, we still have assignments due. It is my hope that you are able to spend quality time working on these projects. They are tough to do in class - but finding time to meet outside of class is difficult as well.

Do I expect to much? No, I think expectations aren't high enough sometimes. However, students really should have the real "say" in where the expectations are. Hopefully each one of them knows what they can achieve at this point in their career. Can they push themselves even higher? That's for them to decide. I am not a Jillian Michaels, I don't push that hard. Perhaps, though, results would be of better quality if I were. However, that's not who I am right now.
Push yourselves harder and grow deeper - in ways you had only dreamed of before. How do you get to be a successful counselor {insert career goal}? By being the best PERSON you can be.

Use this class as an opportunity to find out who you really are. Then choose whether to accept that person or challenge that person to change. That's what this class is for.

growING...

My original idea to exercise more seems to be a thought of the past...the WAY past. I haven't nearly enough time to think about exercising....and now that it is cold, my thoughts are near to dead. (However, I do clearly remember one morning I did 10 minutes of hula hooping on the Wii Fit. I love that game.)

Personally, I have so many goals in life - perhaps, dreams is a better word - but it doesn't seem that there is enough time or energy or money to complete those. I have made tiny bits of progress..but my biggest progression has been to stop and think about the goals I have. Organization has seemed to help, and will continue to help my achievement of personal growth goals.

An unconventional idol

"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are."
-Kurt Cobain

In college, one of my part time jobs was to tutor a young male who was struggling in school. He was also in trouble with the law, but that was not my area of expertise. He had been into some trouble and had an interesting lifestyle. He, nevertheless, had some interesting and nontraditional idols. Kurt Cobain was one of his idols. Each week we met at the library, and after he finished his homework, he was able to look for some books to read to pass the time. One of his favorites was Kurt's life story. It was uncomfortable for me to hear praise for him when I had known of different parts of his lifestyle.

This story doesn't have a lot to do with the quote, just that whenever I hear of Kurt Cobain I think of my young mentee. Perhaps, though, had I known about this quote back then, I would have been more motivated to encourage learning about Kurt Cobain.

This quote has had significant importance on my life - and will continue to. It is something that I am able to repeat to myself regularly. It is too easy in this world to get wrapped up in someone else's life and "wish" for something else.

What can YOU be proud of? Who are YOU? Those are important questions to look at - and answer - without having any reservations.

Thanks, Kurt, for providing good in the midst of trouble.