2008 Woodie Awards
Hello motivation, goodbye stress!
Allison Poehlman, Staff Writer
Issue date: 2/22/06 Section: Student Life
The dilemma that most all students have probably encountered quite a few times in their student careers: Trying to stay motivated, especially under stress.
"It's only the fourth week into school and everything is already too hectic," Sonoma State junior Kristina Smith said.
Even if you don't feel overwhelmed now, you are bound to feel that way soon. So, let's practice taking a long, deep breath. Really, do it! How do you feel? You're probably wondering why you just took that fresh breath of air, but ask yourself, what was I thinking about in those two or three seconds? You were most likely thinking about the inhale and exhale of that deep breath you just took. Not about your ex-boyfriend or girlfriend, not about your job, and not about that test that's coming up in biology. You just forgot about everything that has been stressful in your life, even if it was just for a few moments.
As a full time student, you are now successfully on your way to becoming less stressed and more motivated in your life. So, sit back, relax, and learn how to improve your life with simple techniques that have worked for people around the world.
First things first, the next time you see someone you don't know, smile at them. You'll be amazed at how people react to such small acts of kindness. Not only will you make someone's day, but you will feel good inside for making someone else feel better. Imagine our campus with more smiling faces and friendlier students, wouldn't going to school be that much less of a drag? Just one smile is motivation in itself.
Secondly, look at the people with whom you surround yourself. These people should be encouraging, positive, dependable, and loveable. It is impossible to motivate yourself when your friends or family members are constantly whining, being negative or sitting around doing nothing with their life. The last thing you want to do after a long, frenzied day at work or school is go home to a house full of pessimism. If you find yourself in this position, talk a walk, go on a bike ride, read a book unrelated to school or write in a journal. Don't forget that you need to take time for yourself sometimes. It's okay to go to the gym alone or go sit in Starbucks by yourself. No one is watching you and no one is judging you; no one gives a damn. In fact, even if they are looking at you, they're probably admiring your independence and confidence.
"It's only the fourth week into school and everything is already too hectic," Sonoma State junior Kristina Smith said.
Even if you don't feel overwhelmed now, you are bound to feel that way soon. So, let's practice taking a long, deep breath. Really, do it! How do you feel? You're probably wondering why you just took that fresh breath of air, but ask yourself, what was I thinking about in those two or three seconds? You were most likely thinking about the inhale and exhale of that deep breath you just took. Not about your ex-boyfriend or girlfriend, not about your job, and not about that test that's coming up in biology. You just forgot about everything that has been stressful in your life, even if it was just for a few moments.
As a full time student, you are now successfully on your way to becoming less stressed and more motivated in your life. So, sit back, relax, and learn how to improve your life with simple techniques that have worked for people around the world.
First things first, the next time you see someone you don't know, smile at them. You'll be amazed at how people react to such small acts of kindness. Not only will you make someone's day, but you will feel good inside for making someone else feel better. Imagine our campus with more smiling faces and friendlier students, wouldn't going to school be that much less of a drag? Just one smile is motivation in itself.
Secondly, look at the people with whom you surround yourself. These people should be encouraging, positive, dependable, and loveable. It is impossible to motivate yourself when your friends or family members are constantly whining, being negative or sitting around doing nothing with their life. The last thing you want to do after a long, frenzied day at work or school is go home to a house full of pessimism. If you find yourself in this position, talk a walk, go on a bike ride, read a book unrelated to school or write in a journal. Don't forget that you need to take time for yourself sometimes. It's okay to go to the gym alone or go sit in Starbucks by yourself. No one is watching you and no one is judging you; no one gives a damn. In fact, even if they are looking at you, they're probably admiring your independence and confidence.