Cut the Crap

Sometimes I feel I am surrounded by crap.

Of course I don’t mean literally, but my room does get a little cluttered now and then. I tend to throw clothes around, leave out old papers, empty cups, and the list goes on. I consider myself a very clean person, but sometimes my room just does not reflect that. Sometimes I even hold onto unnecessary junk I don’t need.  Now don’t get me wrong this is not an episode of Hoarders, but just a case of a mildly stressful life that led to an unclean room.

The bottom line here is that an unclean room can definitely add to your stress level, and just leave you with a feeling of irritation. You feel overwhelmed in the midst of disorder and clutter. So the solution is to just keep a clean room, and be consistent about it.

So just picking up after yourself, putting things back in its place, throwing away trash, and keeping a tidy desk can restore a sense of order, and that YOU are in control of your life (and not your stuff).  Getting rid of unnecessary junk can also give you a sense of relief  & freedom, allowing more space to work with and productivity to take place.

It’s a simple, healthy habit that can make a big difference.

Lee Price is an awesome photographer. Some of his other works are little risque, but definitely an interesting art. Check it out:

http://www.leepricestudio.com/index.html

Fight Stress with a Change of Attitude

Stress is a horrible feeling. We’ve all been there. Multiple tests a week, study groups to meet up with, job interviews to attend, and on top of that maintain a social life. Again, as a college student, I am stressed just about every week during a school semester.

Stress can rob you of your energy, make life experiences less enjoyable, and in extreme cases it can cause illnesses.

How Stress Hurts

There are many ways to manage stress like eating right, getting a proper amount of sleep, and exercising. However, when it comes down you can rid stress when you just approach life’s struggles with the right attitude.

1. Acceptance

When I’m stressed I constantly over analyze social situations that have gone wrong and past romantic relationships that don’t need any analyzing at all! For this very reason, it is important to accept that we do not know all the answers to these challenging questions that rack our brains. Just know, that there is only so much can do, and thinking about it will not change anything. So, don’t stress it you’re just making it harder for yourself. Take one day at a time.

2. Time for Yourself

Dedicate an hour of free time (depending on your schedule) for something you enjoy doing. It can be simple too! Maybe you like sleeping, watching tv, or talking on the phone. This will give your body time to heal & replenish from a busy day.

3. Keep Goals on Your Mind

Though you have a busy schedule, don’t forget what you are truly passionate about in life. For example, if you have a goal to study abroad, keep it in mind and push your life in that direction. Don’t stress that it needs to be accomplished immediately, but gradually work towards this life goal. Stress is more manageable when you realize your passions are the light at the end of a tunnel.

4. Cut Back

Stressed about money? Don’t spend too much. Are you in a unhealthy relationship? Break up. Are you trying to get involved in too many clubs/organizations? If you have to, drop an activity in order to reach more important dreams that you have for yourself. Be reasonable & don’t bite off more than you can chew.

5. Listen to Music

Personally, this is what I do. Whenever I feel stressed or down, music always picks me right back up. One of my favorite stress relieving bands is Sigur Ros. Give it a listen

Social Anxiety & Partying

As a college student, you probably interact with a lot of people everyday. Whether if be in classes, passing people by on campus, ordering food at a dining hall, talking to professors, printing out papers at the library etc. However, you probably engage in more social interactions with these people on the weekends. That’s right, I’m going there. A typical weekend for a college student involves alcohol, a group of strangers, and a social setting, otherwise known as a partying.

I’m not going to go to much into detail about actual partying, but I want to discuss the social aspect of it, the different type of people that you will find, and more importantly tips on how to overcome some social anxiety.

For some, meeting people can sometimes be a stressful situation. Not knowing what to talk about, feeling self-conscious about yourself, and all that jazz. It is not uncommon to get nervous or anxious while in a social situation. Typically at a party, alcohol is involved in a social situation which we all know can lower your inhibitions, and seems like it can reduce social anxiety. You seem to be a “more confident” you, and can talk about anything in the world. More about alcohol and its effects can be found here: Advice about Alcohol

However, do not rely on alcohol to solve all your social anxiety problems! Here are some helpful tips I found that can help you work to become a more confident person who can engage in day to day interactions.

• Developing a habit of eating with your close relative or friend in a public setting can help you a lot in improving your social interactions.
• Being first to say hello or making an eye contact while greeting others can also work well.
• Giving someone a compliment or preparing for conversing like reading newspapers in order to find an interesting issue or story to discuss.
• Focusing on improving your personal qualities which you like most apart from being an introvert can be helpful for you to manage well in several social interactions.

More about Improving Social Anxiety Disorders

Don’t think you are the only one that suffers from a little social awkwardness. We all go through it! Some of us are just more practiced than others. This is an example of typical people you will find at a party:

First things first: Self-Confidence

When you think of a successful life you probably think of making a lot of money, having a good job, being in love with your significant other, living in a nice house, traveling, kids, marriage, and ultimately being happy. I know as a college student, that this is what I think life should be like in about 5-6 years. However, success doesn’t just come out of no where. Self-confidence is the key to success. You want to have success? Well you have to be self-confident. You want to have confidence? Well you have to be happy with yourself, and this where I will begin. It all starts with you.

Here are 5 tips to help boost the average college student’s self-confidence:

1. Seek Wisdom of Others

Have a heart to heart conversation with your parents, an older sibling, a family friend, or just someone you trust. Tell them your goals in life, ask them for advice, identify your problems, insecurities, and fears. Most likely, they have gone through the same things that you have gone through, and they can help! Once you find the source of your problem you must understand it, and come to terms with it. Accept who you are and what you are capable of. Here is an article I found that gives more in depth information on self-acceptance

2. Join Clubs, Organizations, or a JOB.

Specifically speaking to college students, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus. You can rush for a fraternity or sorority. You can join volunteer organizations. You can join clubs that pertain to your major. Depending on your school, there are different organizations, but research and find out what’s going on around you! Organizations are constantly on the look out for people to join.Joining an organization is not only be a healthy way to spend your time, but you can meet friends, gain connections, and beef up your resume! It also gives you a sense of self-accomplishment that you are doing something productive & fun which can raise your self-confidence.  If you don’t feel like being a part of a club, then consider working a part-time job. Just like joining an organization you can meet friends, gain connections, experience, and most importantly make money. This will give you a sense of accomplishment.

3. Focus on your Strengths 

So your not good at everything. That’s life. We have things we are good at, and things that will completely suck at. W’ere not perfect, so don’t be a perfectionist. Focus on activities that interest you, and your good at. Whether it’s sports, art, baking, reading etc. When you do something you are passionate about, you just feel good about it,unique,  and accomplished. So stick to it.

4. Listen to Inspiring Music 

As ridiculous as this sounds, there is a sort of comfort that you get when you listen to music that pumps you up, inspires you, or just strikes some sort of emotion in you. Listening to other people tell their stories through their lyrics and music is relatable. Knowing that other people are going through some of the same problems that you are going through too is comforting. Just know that you are not going through this alone, so let that motivate you.

5. Exercise 

It is a proven fact that when exercising, your body releases endorphins that improve your mental health. Not only will you physically feel better, but it could improve your mood and stress levels. Getting out and doing something is the ultimate goal here. Exercise is a healthy way to set goals and reach them. If you don’t believe me, you can read more here: Psychological Benefits of Exercise

The main point of all of these tips is to get out and do something. In order to be self-confident, you’re going to have to make mistakes and learn from them. So don’t be afraid to make the first step.