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Staying positive and staying warm

Positivity amid the cold weather

Let’s be honest — I think everyone is tired of this cold weather.  Who wouldn’t like to be outside in 75 degree weather wearing shorts and sandals right now?  I know I sure wouldn’t mind.  Whether we like it or not though, this Kansas weather is beyond the realm of our control.  From the bone-chilling morning temperatures that bring snow to the warm sun that shines five minutes later, our best bet is to accept it and try not to let the weather bring us down.

I’ll be the first to admit that I do enjoy change.  New semesters that bring different classes, a haircut, or even a change to the background picture on my phone give me a new, fresh feeling.  Why not look at the weather the same way?  After all, not everyone here at Bethel comes from an area where he or she can indulge in the luxury of four seasons a year (or sometimes a day).  As someone who likes change, I’m always ready for a new season to arrive.  Back in October, I couldn’t wait for the snow to come, just for a change of scenery.  It was something new and exciting that I hadn’t seen in a year.  So even though I wake up in the morning and dread walking to class in the freezing temperature, I can rest assured knowing that spring is well on its way.  It will surely come in its due time, just like winter did.

By the time next fall rolls around, I’ll be wishing the snow was back on the ground again.  So instead of being bitter about the even more bitter temperatures, let’s enjoy the rest of the winter season while we can.  That way, when the leaves on the trees do decide to come back, we will enjoy the fresh smell of spring and the mornings we can finally go out without coats that much more.  –Kiley Varney

Stress Buster Tips

Today is reading day, which is the day before finals start in which we have no classes and can study and prepare for our finals. It’s crazy to think that this time of the year is already here. To help relieve some of the stress of finals, I find it helpful to remember some easy ways to reduce stress to get me through studying and through finals week.

Five tips  to reduce stress courtesy of  the Huffington post article : “23 Scientifically-Backed Ways to Reduce Stress Right Now”

1. Progressive Relaxation – I have actually used this before and it has been very helpful. You start at your head and move all the way to your toes, tensing and then releasing/relaxing each muscle group. Once the body is fully relaxed, it is supposed to help relax your mind too.

2. Breathe Deep – Yes, sometimes it can be as simple as that!  It has been proven that taking deep breaths lower cortisol levels which helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

3. Listen to Music  – There has been research showing music can help relieve stress by triggering biochemical stress reducers. Another good reason for me to listen to music!

4. Exercise – If you need a brain break from all your studying or work, go exercise! Research says that post-exercise endorphin rush is a good way to sharply reduce stress.

5. Take a Nap If you aren’t feeling exercise for a brain break, try taking a power nap instead! This also has been shown to reduce cortisol levels which aids in stress relief. This tip will definitely come in handy for me personally!

So whether you are like me and studying for finals, or in the education field and rushing to get everything done before the end of the school year, or just having a stressful time in work or in general, remember these easy tips to reduce stress and stay tuned for some more stress-reducing tips!

 

 

Stressed?

Are big projects stressing you out? Is your job or work getting to be a little too much for you to handle?

Just take a look at these….

 

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There.. feel better?

When I am stressed and need a brain break I look up cute animal pictures. Somehow cute pictures of animals always helps bring down my stress:). A lot of due dates for big projects are coming up for myself and I know for some of my friends as well. So de-stress by going to look at these adorable animals and more like them to get yourself through those due dates or those stressful parts of your job!

Good resources to find cute animal pictures:

www.attackofthecute.com

@CuteEmergency on Twitter

Or just google “cute animal pictures” 🙂

New School Year, New Faces, New Beginnings

Every new school year starts off with the opportunities for new beginnings, new experiences, and new encounters. This year, is the same. Already, we have almost been back in the groove of things for a month now. We have had our regular beginning traditions that Bethel has, various sporting events well under way, and unfamiliar faces are starting to turn familiar. I am one of those “new” faces that started out unfamiliar.

I am a transfer student to Bethel, from Butler Community College. So far, I have enjoyed every second here at Bethel, and would like to thank all of you that I have had the chance to get to know, for making me feel welcome. I was blown away at my orientation at how nice everybody seemed. I figured it was just because those people had to be there, you know like those people that are staff and get paid to be nice to strangers. But then after classes started, I realized everyone was nice. At least, everyone that I have encountered so far.

So, a little bit about me, that way if we haven’t met yet, I won’t be so unfamiliar. My name is Mallory. I am considered a sophomore and a junior, so I classify myself as a “Junmore” and I have found several people here at Bethel that fit that description as well. It should be a legitimate class I think.

I live in Wichita, and was born and raised there. I have two children, Emma who is 6, and Luke who is 3. If you see me at the football games, chances are I will have them in tow. They are a lot of fun, and are very friendly, so don’t be afraid to come say hi to them. If they bite, I apologize, but hey, at least they have had their shots and are up to date! (seriously….just kidding on the biting part) I do not fit the definition of a “Traditional student”.

I graduated from Wichita High School North in 2005, and started at Butler as a Psychology major. Then I met the father of my children, here at Bethel. I was currently dating a different Bethel student at the time I met my children’s father….anyway…that’s a boring story, and then this so called thing of life happened. I put school on hold, and went to being a mom. It was after Michael and I broke up that I realized I needed to get back in school. The rest is history, and here I am today, now a nursing major with a psychology minor. (Couldn’t quite give up the psychology completely)

I am looking forward to see what new faces I will encounter, and what new beginnings this year has in store for me. Already, a new beginning is this blog. I have never blogged before, but jumped at the chance to when I heard about the position. I am more than excited to be Bethel’s new blogger. I plan to have lots of exciting blogs so stay tuned!

Mallory