Finals are almost done and winter break is almost here. The month break that we have will be a good time for you to recharge, catch up, and experience. It will be a much needed break for everyone.

Some of you may feel the lack of energy and enthusiasm. Take some time over the break to really relax and unwind because college can be very stressful. You deserve to sleep in and do absolutely nothing for a couple days. It will help beat the end of the semester burn out feeling. A few days to recharge will be just what the doctor ordered!

Once you feel fresh and motivated, catch up on the things you feel you have neglected during the semester. Go ahead and start drafting that resume that you’ve wanted to start. Start looking for internships. Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read. Get back into physical fitness if you haven’t been. Its really a good time to get back on track and do the things you’ve been missing out on.

Last but not least…Get out and experience! Make use of the month of freedom. Use this winter break to travel if you can. It doesn’t have to be far, just anywhere that interests you. Day trips are really nice ways to get out of the house. Hit the ski slopes and carve the mountain. Visit your local movie theater and see the new films. Go out with friends and family and just have a good time, you’ve earned it.

By the time the spring semester arrives, you should feel ready to tackle your course work. Use this time to rejuvenate and have a great time. Push through these last few days of school and then have a wonderful winter break!

I just read an article written by sociologists from University of Maryland about the difference between happy and unhappy people. They concluded that unhappy people tend to watch more television than happy people, who tend to read and socialize more.

“TV doesn’t really seem to satisfy people over the long haul the way that social involvement or reading a newspaper does,” says University of Maryland sociologist John P. Robinson, the study co-author and a pioneer in time use studies. “It’s more passive and may provide escape - especially when the news is as depressing as the economy itself.”

I know personally when I tell people that I pick up a book occasionally I get weird looks. I get people questioning why I choose to read when I could watch TV. I had a friend in high school who read all the time and people would make fun of him. Its like the world makes reading look less cool nowadays.

From the General Social Survey, the researchers found that self-described very happy people were more socially active, attended more religious services, voted more and read more newspapers. By contrast, unhappy people watched significantly more television in their spare time.

I know when I talk to and meet new people I find it easier to smile everyday. Being social is a something that may force you to come out of your comfort zone but at the same time it could boost your happiness.  Read, Be Social, Be Happy!

Source:
http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/sociss/release.cfm?ArticleID=1789

Be Loud, Be Proud… My english teacher would always say that when a student wouldn’t speak up. I realized that she wasn’t saying that solely because she couldn’t hear us, it was because she wants us to speak with confidence also.

In some of your classes you will witness a student raise their hand for a question or to answer one a teacher asks. And you notice that many just aren’t audible.  I can’t count how many times the professor had to say ” Huh?! Can you repeat yourself?” I just want to shout out what my english teacher used to say- Be Loud, Be Proud. If you think you have the answer to the professor’s question you should speak like you are 100% confident,  even if you aren’t. This is essential to all areas of your life, especially when you are interviewing for a job.

Confidence is an emotion. Your voice is instrumental in sounding confident and knowledgeable. People may believe you are uncertain and may not accept what you say if you don’t sound confident. Think about buying a car from someone who mumbles through the description of the car.  Next time you start to speak timidly remember, Be Loud, Be Proud!