Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!

As my last semester of college is coming to an end quicly, (3 more weeks!), my brain and body aren't quite on the same page anymore.  I feel exhausted, tired, want to do homeowork but cannot find the time, distracted, and definitely feeling the pressure! Stress can be a good thing in the right situations but, if it's bringing anxiety on and other issues into your life, then it's time to do something about it.  

I know for me, for the last few weeks I have up at school, to help aleviate some of the pressure and stress that I'm feeling, I'm going to try a few things to help me get into a "push-to-the-finish" kind of attitude.  If you're feeling stressed out too, you should try these tips to help reduce the pressure. 

1. Physical Activity/Exercise-is the most important of these tips- it will help reduce stress and make you feel refreshed.
2. Stretching/meditating- Stretching is said to be calming and relaxing.  Even if you're not working out, get up from doing your homework for a break and just stretch/meditate for 10 minutes, and go back to it.
3. Go outside!-Sometimes you just need to get away from the situation you're in for a few minutes. Taking a 5-10 minute walk outside will wake up your senses and give your mind a break from all the hard work you're doing.
4. Listening to music- Music breaks can be very relaxing and could help take your mind off of whatever you may be worrying about, and can help put you in a better mood.
5. Eating a healthy snack- Taking a healthy snack break is definitley beneficial because you'll be getting important nutrients to help cognitive function.

I got your Back!

As I sit here at my desk, I can feel my back aching, and I began to reflect on how long I usually am sitting at a desk during the week, and I realized that it is almost every day that I am sitting for more than 5-6 hours a day at my desk (2 hours for class or more, and 2-3 hours+ for homework). That's around 25-30 hours/week when I am sitting somewhere in an uncomfortable position.  I know when I sit at my desk I slightly slouch, and I'm hunched over leaning towards my computer.  Sometimes I'll catch myself and try to straighten my back up and shoulders but this is also a bit uncomfortable too. 

From this, I noticed that this is probably true for most teens-adults; we sit and then later complain that we have back aches and are sore; especially in the lower back area.  

Well, if you're like me and can't manage to decrease time from sitting at your desk, we need to increase our time working on strengthening our backs!  Back strength is so important especially as we get older, and our bodies become more prone to injury.  A strong conditioned back can withstand more stress, and therefore wouldn't give you as many back aches and pains from sitting at your desk all week. Most of the back exercises you will find will also help with your abs, and that is because your abs and your back are all a part of your core, and having a stronger core will help to reduce injuries, and back pain. 

Some exercises you could do at home are : Supermans, Hip Bridge, Side Planks, Back extensions, Dumbbell Pullover(medicine ball), and Seated row with resistance bands.

Physical Activity taught me about Life!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share with you a little bit about why I think it's important for us as educators to inspire the younger generation to get involved in sports or some type of activity as they grow up. I grew up playing tons of sports all the way through highschool, and my family are the ones that really got me involved.  They showed me just through playing, or taking me to games, or helping me practice a sport in the back yard,  that it is important to be a part of something bigger than myself. They taught me that it would help build character, help build relationships with people working towards the same goal, help build teamwork, and problem solving skills, and that it would teach me to strive for something, anything. I fell in love with it, and it became a passion of mine.  Even if it wasn't for one sport, it was for all of them, and I was not the greatest, and now I realize, that it wasn't important to be the greatest at it, it was important because it taught me about life.  This is what we want to strive to do for the younger generation; give them multiple opportunites just to get out there and play, and hopefully they pick these life skills up along the way. 

First Blog:Breakfast

Hey guys!  This will be my first blog of many on my site! For my first blog I want to start off with  a favorite topic of mine; Breakfast food!  Breakfast as you may already know, is the most important meal of the day.  For me, it's what kick starts my morning, and gets me fueled and ready for my busy days.  Here are a few reasons why you should make time to eat breakfast: 1.) It will improve cognitive function- it restores your glucose levels which is an important carb that is needed for your brain to function.  2.) It can improve memory and concentration levels. 3.) It can lower your stress levels . 4.) It can also help to improve your behavior and grades.  So, make sure you start your morning off right and enjoy a little breakfast, it could change your entire day!