Decompression Session Archives | 返字心頭 110+ years in education. 50,000 alumni across the globe. Infinite opportunities. Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:25:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Decompression Session Archives | 返字心頭 32 32 Decompression Session: 7 DIY Home Spa Tips /blog/diy-home-spa-tips Tue, 09 May 2023 16:38:24 +0000 /?p=6513 Woman relaxing on the couch while doing a facial.

Ready to relax? Heres how to create your own spa to self-pamper without spending big or leaving home.

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Woman relaxing on the couch while doing a facial.

In this Decompression Session, weve created an easy list of 7 steps to create your own day spa at home. We all deserve to self-indulge, but massage appointments and facials are expensive and require planning. Instead, get yourself set up to stress-down in the comfort of your own home. Anyone can have their own little oasis.

Well talk about how to set the mood, items youll need, and how to set up your space so you can have an off-the-cuff unwinding session whenever you need one.

1. Set Your Spa Space

Everyones home is different, so where you choose to locate your DIY spa will depend on your rooms and layout. One obvious choice is the bathroom because you may want to do your spa time in the tub. This is also optimal because the bathroom is typically a small space where its easy to enclose. But because most bathrooms are on the smaller side, this is also a limitation if youll want to spread out.

If youre going to use a room youre in a lot, like your bedroom or the living room, choose a section of it to be your dedicated spa space. You want to be transported, so transform a section of the room for privacy and peace.

If you choose a larger room, delineate your spa space. If you have a curtain or divider, great, but if not, face yourself in a direction that clears your field of vision of anything that stresses you out. Make sure your computer is out of view, for example. Silence your phone and place it out of reach. Even just setting up a blanket and placing a candle nearby will have a space-creating effect.

2. Make Your Spa Playlist

Day spas all have a familiar vibe, and it starts with music. New Age instrumentals are a go-to for a relaxation mood soundtrack, but there are many different types of easy listening you can opt for. Think ambient sounds over familiar tunes, and melodic over percussive. You dont even have to go with music white noise and nature sounds are all excellent sonic background to use in creating your own personal sound bath.

For tried-and-true meditative music, we love Music for Airports by Brian Eno, or the repetitive piano solos of Philip Glass. But you can also opt for recordings of whale song, waterfalls, Gregorian chants, or even thunderstorms whatever brings you peace.

How much you curate your audio experience is up to you. If you want to take the easy route, you can simply search spa music online or on your music app. But you can also create your own playlist of songs to move you through a relaxed state. If you want to create a 30- or 60-minute experience, pick something with brighter tones or a little liveliness for the end of the playlist to ease you back into reality and wake you up back into your body.

3. Ohm Your Aroma

Now that youve got your soundscape settled, figure out your smell-scape. A soothing smell can take you away . Much like your playlist, you can choose a smell with known relaxing qualities like lavender, or you can make it personal by choosing a scent you associate with nostalgia. For example, choose a forest-scented candle if you grew up in the Northeast and have fond memories of the smell of pines.

How you permeate and perfume your spa is also your choice. You can choose candles, which have the dual benefit of soft light (more on lighting below). They come in almost any scent you can think of, from flowers to birthday cake. If you want a headier ambience, you can invest in some incense or an essential oil diffuser. Or go natural actual flowers, herbs, or plants can add essence, or sachets of potpourri.

Whatever you choose, a good rule of thumb is to keep it relatively subtle. A strong smell might overwhelm your experience and distract you from disappearing into full relaxation. Another thing to avoid is too many different competing smells. If youre using a bath bomb or scented lotions, try to use candles or oils that complement them. You can experiment with your aromas until you find the right mix all part of the fun of home spa creation.

4. Find Your Light (or Dark)

Obviously, you want soft lighting for your home spa. Since youre at home, you might mostly have lighting that is practical and too bright for home spa purposes. If your switches dont have built-in dimmers, you can just supplement your spa with its own lighting.

We already mentioned candles, and one or two lighted wicks might be all you need for your home spa. The movement and shadow of a and wont over-light your space. Another option is simple natural light. Theres no reason your spa time cant be a daytime experience, and indirect sunlight is lovely, revitalizing, and free.

If you want to invest in some pro-level spa lighting, there are a range of products available, from infrared-light therapy lamps to color-changing mood cubes. Or, if you want to try no lighting, theres always the sensory deprivation option complete darkness. This requires little more than turning off the lights and closing the blinds. (Get blackout curtains if you really want to go for it.) Just make sure your setup is safe so you wont trip over anything in the dark.

5. Make a Grocery Run

A trip to your local supermarket has everything you need for your home spa perishables. From DIY face masks to a refreshing spa beverage, stock your fridge with a few essentials. If you decide to become an expert, you can find lots of recipes online for face peels, hair masks, and the like. Weve just listed a few ideas below to get you started:

  • Cucumber Water: All you need is a cucumber and some filtered water. Slice the cucumber and float the disks in water overnight in the fridge. Place a glass next to your bath or mat, and save a few disks for your eyelids.
  • Egg White Face Mask: Just one ingredient, thats it. Separate, whisk until frothy, and apply. Then leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse, and then call all your friends to tell them youve got egg on your face.
  • Bath Salts: All you really need is epsom salt, an inexpensive ingredient you can find at most grocery stores. Just add a cup to the tub and soak. If you want to get fancy, you can find recipes to add ingredients for additional aroma and body benefits.

These are just a few of the easiest DIY treatments. Check online for more recipes and ideas.

6. DIY Massage Tools and Techniques

Heres where you might want to do a little self-educating and invest in a couple of basics so you can work out the knots on your own. An inexpensive yoga mat and foam roller are worthwhile investments. To get the most out of your massage and make sure youre doing it correctly, find a good online video tutorial. (Search foam roller tutorial for a bunch of options.)

Feel free to play the video tutorial as you roll out your back, or just memorize the steps and do it peacefully to your playlist. You can also do very simple, like lying on your back with your neck at rest and holding your knees, which helps release your lower back.

If you dont want to move at all, download or stream a body-scan meditation to guide you through a mindfulness exercise from head to toe. You might want to turn the thermostat up a degree or two before you begin a prone exercise, or get under a lightweight blanket, since your body temperature may drop slightly in a resting state.

7. Take Your Spa with You

Now that youve got your basic home spa setup, you should be able to relax at home. But since you dont need much, and most of it is portable, you can pack your spa and take it with you if you travel or want to keep it on hand for a quick chillout anywhere you can find a private space. Enjoy the peace, and namaste!

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Decompression Session: Mind Games to Keep You Sharp & Stress-Free /blog/mind-exercises-for-students Mon, 20 Mar 2023 21:08:49 +0000 /?p=5160

Want to play a mind game? Learn some innovative and easy ways to stimulate and destress your brain for mental wellness.

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In this Decompression Session, weve compiled some off-the-beaten-path ideas for mind gamesthe good kind! Some of these games are designed to reduce stress, others to build mental acuity in a fun way.

At minimum, they are all enjoyable activities that you can have in your wellness arsenal for when you need them. Think of them less as brain teasers and more as brain pleasers. There are no chores or mental gymnastics hereno heavy lifting for the cranial muscle. You do enough of that already! But these are all productive and healthy ways to release your stress or unleash your creativityor both!

And, because were WCU, well include a little science for each. Here are some ways to give your brain a little playtime:

Get an Adult Coloring Book

Adult coloring books became a thing several years back, and the trend has staying power. And why not? Coloring isnt just fun it has , like mindfulness and stress relief. When youre coloring, your mind is focused on the visual task and puts other nagging thoughts and worries to the side. Its a satisfying creative activity that anyone can do, so if youre one of those people who says, I cant draw, good newsno artistic skill is required.

Want to take it a step further? Pick a page with objects that are familiar, and use the wrong colors for them. Color an apple purple, a tree blue, or a fire engine gray. Inverting the way your mind has something memorized (e.g., colors, habits, objects) . Plus, youll have your own Picasso-esque opus to show for it.

Play a Solo Board Game or Puzzle

We typically think of games as a group activity, but there are many you can play by yourself. You can choose a game that requires some concentration or one that feels more mindless. The good news is both types of games are mindful.

Puzzle games that exercise your reasoning and logic are made fun by the emotional reward of winning. Many types of puzzle games are already on your radar. Sudoku, crosswords, and mazes rank among the most common, but theres no shortage of number- and word-game types, so you can mix it up if you want to go off-the-beaten-puzzle.

For something more visual, jigsaw puzzles are an obvious match, but you can also find pattern-finding and shape-solving games that will engage your eyes, fingers, and brain. Most of these come in different levels of difficulty, so if youre looking for a snack-sized task you can choose an easy one, or you can start a more difficult puzzle and complete it in installments.

Want something a little more gamified? Buy yourself a board game for one. Single-player board games come in lots of genressolve a mystery, build a world, choose your own adventure. Board games are designed to be fun, and theyll keep you engaged with a story-based goal.

You can find digital versions of many games and puzzles online, but we recommend you invest in the IRL versions. Give the blue screen a rest and interact with something tactile. , exercising this critical part of the brain communication system.

Build a Model of Something You Love

We love this option for someone who wants the satisfaction of a longer project that can be achieved in small increments. The other great thing about building a model is that you dont have to be a train enthusiast to get into it. There is an almost endless variety of model themes and scales to choose from.

Always wanted to visit France? Get a model kit of Notre Dame and bring the iconic Parisian landmark to you. Love to nerd out on Star Wars? Theres a Millennium Falcon kit for that. If you dont want the additional mess of modeling glue, just buy a large Lego kit and start there.

The best thing about building models is the brain loves it. . Were wired to derive pleasure from building something tangible, so crafting a Rube Goldberg device or a miniature Craftsman cabin is great for your mental health.

Stare Into Negative Space

Ever heard the expression turn a negative into a positive? All you need is your eyes. The term negative space refers to the space around an object. Youve probably seen drawings that create a dual image by using the negative space, like the that shows both a vase and the profile of two faces, depending on what you choose to look for.

Looking for negative space involves a higher-level cognitive recognition. Next time you stare off into space, choose an object in the middle distance, and then refocus our eyes on the space around it. This might seem odd at first, because our minds are trained to focus on solid objects, for very practical reasons, like not walking into coffee tables. But what about the space that object occupies? What about the space you occupy? Pretty soon youre seeing your world in a different way.

In fact, drawing negative space is a training technique often used in art schools. So if you want to take it a step further, grab a pencil and sheet of paper and draw the space around something, and then watch the object emerge. Its more challenging than you think, but over time, you might find you get an even more accurate drawing by rendering it according to the negative space.

Lets Play Again

Most of the mind games above are worth repeating. Some of them will be completed over a longer period of time, and others may be quick exercises that you enjoy enough to return to again and again. Feel free to find (or invent) your own brain activities to keep things interesting!

Continue reading our Decompression Session posts for more health tips for students.

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Decompression Session: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome /blog/how-to-deal-with-imposter-syndrome Wed, 25 Jan 2023 02:05:00 +0000 https://live-wcu-wp.pantheonsite.io/?p=4273 Decompression Session Imposter Syndrome

Feeling overcome with self-doubt? You may be the victim of imposter syndrome. Find out how to overcome imposter syndrome in school and in life.

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Decompression Session Imposter Syndrome

You know the feeling. That little voice in your head that tells you that youre not enough, that you dont deserve your success, that youre an imposterand its only a matter of time until everyone figures it out.

Sound familiar? Most of us will suffer a crisis of confidence at one time or another, but periods of self-doubt take many forms and have many causes. One of them is imposter syndrome.

What is imposter syndrome? Its that nagging feeling that our successes are unearned and despite our achievements, were not actually the real deal. Its not a good feeling, and it can get in the way of your ability to enjoy your victories, and even keep you from pursuing new one.

Ironically, imposter syndrome is often of an ability or accomplishment such as getting a promotion or an award, and its particularly common among high achievers. Its an intruder, coming to steal your momentdont let it!

We have some tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome (in college, at work, in relationships, or anywhere) and embrace your confidence. But first, lets look at a few interesting facts about imposter syndrome, including some high-profile syndrome-sufferers, and some actual imposters from history.

Celebrities with Imposter Syndrome

Maybe finding out some of your heroes and some of our national treasures have confessed to imposter syndrome will help you understand its the syndrome, not you, thats the fraud. Below is just a short list of who thought they werent enough:

  • Serena Williams
  • David Bowie
  • Maya Angelou
  • Sonia Sotomayor
  • Tom Hanks
  • Lady Gaga

Do a little of your own research and youll find the list goes on and on. Most of us will find at least one (if not all) of those listed above is anything but an imposter. So next time you feel like youve succeeded in spite of yourself, remember that youre in good companysome of the most prolific and innovative individuals among us have felt the same and continued to do great things anyway.

Famous Frauds: Real-Life Imposters

In contrast, lets think about what a true imposter is, because they do exist. The bona fide con men and con women, frauds and hucksters, notorious pretenders with stolen identities. (We think youll find you identify more with the list above than this one.)

  • : Also known as Anna Sorokin, Delvey posed as a wealthy heiress and socialite and conned hotels, banks, and friends out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Her story inspired the Netflix series
  • : This trickster successfully pretended to be a doctor, lawyer, and airline pilot before he was finally caught by the FBI. His autobiography was the inspiration for the Steven Spielberg film
  • : This imposter claimed to be Anastasia, the daughter of the assassinated Tzar Nicholas, after the Russian Revolution. DNA testing proved otherwise after her death.
  • : A deft impersonator, Chadwick adopted many false identities in her lifetime, including claiming to be Andrew Carnegies daughter, to swindle banks for money.

There are many more throughout history. As you can see, theres a big difference between dishonesty and self-doubt.

4 Tips to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Now that you know more about the history of imposter syndrome, and have a few names to attach to the concept, lets talk a little about how you can conquer your own self-doubt and reclaim the confidence youve so rightly earned. Weve compiled four tactics to get you there:

1. Talk About Yourself to Yourself

Talking to yourself and referring to yourself in the third person arent typically conversation techniques to aspire to, but it turns out both can help you talk down some unwanted imposter syndrome.

Youve probably seen a character in a movie or TV show look in the mirror and say something along the lines of: Im good enough, Im smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me! While this might play well for laughs, it turns out it actually works. Research shows that to yourself, and in the third person (instead of Im good enough, try Amy is good enough) is an effective way to regulate your own thoughts about yourself.

Tell yourself what you need to hear! And while youre at it, let yourself know your hair looks great today, too.

2. List Your Good Qualities (or Qualifications)

Much like speaking aloud to yourself, you deserve or have earned your success is a proven model for reframing your self-assessment.

Take the example of a job offer. You want the job, and they want you, and suddenly youre filled with fear that youre not up to it. Put all those nagging feelings about being underqualified to the side for a moment and write down 10 reasons you are qualified (maybe even overqualified) for the position. Feel free to stray from the greatest hits of your resume here, though theyll probably make an appearance. Im always thinking two steps ahead can go right alongside Three years experience.

You can also make other kinds of lists as an exercise in self-confidence. Keep a running list of your achievements, large and small. Keep a journal and write down one thing youve accomplished that day. Go back and read it often.

3. See Yourself Through Someone Elses Eyes

Instead of doubting yourself from the inside, appreciate yourself from someone elses point of view. Think about it: If you have imposter syndrome, that means you think youve fooled everyone else into thinking something youre not.

Consider it. Do you think the people around you are so easily hoodwinked? That recruiter, who has interviewed hundreds, if not thousands, of peopledo you think they dont have a keen eye for talent? Your mentor who served as your referencedo you think theyre a terrible judge of character? What about your professor who gave you that A on your latest essaydo you think theyre also a fraud?

Think about the people whom you respect, who respect you in return and respect their opinion of you. If they think youre worthy, you probably are.

4. Turn Your Self-Doubt Into Self-Drive

Want truly get a handle on imposter syndrome? Turn it on its head and make it your inner motivational speaker. Instead of hearing, Im not good enough, hear I can do even better. Turn self-doubt into self-improvement.

Worried youre not qualified for the job? Become overqualified by seeking out the latest research or developments in your line of work. Concerned that you arent as smart as people think you are? Get even smarter by committing to read a book each month. Feel like you didnt deserve that grade on your exam? Put that knowledge to work in the real world and prove you know your stuff.

Conquer Your Inner Imposter and Go Forth and Prosper!

Instead of letting the syndrome hold you back, use it to push you forward. Outwit it, beat it at its own game, and then watch yourself achieve even more.

In the meantime, congratulations on all youve achieved! Your successes are hard-earned and your talents will take you far.

Youre good enough. Youre smart enough. And gosh darn it, people like you.

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Decompression Session: 5 Ways to Zen Your Study Space /blog/five-ways-to-zen-your-study-space Thu, 22 Dec 2022 18:21:02 +0000 /blog/?p=2496 Woman studying on laptop at home.

Stressed at your desk? This Decompression Session teaches you how to create a study space that taps your inner calm and clarity. Read these study space tips!

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Woman studying on laptop at home.

When youre a student, your study area is a sacred space. Studying nursing is a challenging pursuit requiring focus and disciplinebut there are ways to make your study time more pleasant or and even inviting.

Why not work in a place that makes you feel clear-minded and comfortable? Why not Zen your space? No purchase necessary (okay maybe a few small, inexpensive supplies). Creating an environment where you can settle in, calm down, temporarily block out the world and focus may only take a few adjustments to your current setup.

We put together five simple study space tips to transform the area you might associate with stress into your own private study oasis. And since youre a student nurse with a scientific sensibility, we explain why each tip is rooted in science and cultural tradition.

1. Feng Shui

Feng shui is a Chinese tradition dating back to ancient times, conceived as the art of creating harmony with your environment. According to feng shui, your desk is a commanding object: an object of special importance that . Therefore, its placement and the arrangement of other furniture and objects around it will have an effect on your career pursuitswhich of course includes studyaccording to feng shui.

You can take your feng shui as far as you want, but at a minimum, position your desk so you can see the door, but at an indirect angle. Feng shui also recommends decluttering and removing any objects that interrupt the flow of your space. Some of the basics of feng shui-ing your space include cleanliness, clear lines of sight, and the integration of decor to highlight the vertical lines in your study area.

2. Aromatherapy

A pleasant scent always adds atmosphere to a room, but there are some that are particularly good for your workspace. May we suggest rosemary? This herb has romance and a literary legacy as a boon to memoryyou need only pick up a copy of Hamlet and flip to act IV, scene V to read theres rosemary; thats for remembrance.

Want some science to back it up? One study confirmed that , as subjects who were exposed to rosemary performed significantly better on a memory test against subjects exposed to lavender.

There are other aromas that can calm or invigorate you as you learn, and even enhance your productivity. Citrus scents can , cinnamon has been , and peppermint has been proven to lengthen attention span in medical students. Luckily, its easy to find candles and essential oils in almost any scent; or you can fill a bowl with cut lemons, fresh rosemary, cinnamon sticks, or just chew some peppermint gum.

3. Ambient Music

Music can be a powerful mood enhancer, and even a great motivator. Music at a gamma frequency (40 Hz) in particular . The specific music that activates you is very much according to taste, but science shows instrumental music works best for study, because you wont be distracted by lyrics.

Its up to you what type of instrumental soundtrack you want for your study time. Classical music is an obvious choice, but if youre not feeling orchestral, you can find contemporary ambient music to put on a playlist. Check out Brian Enos

If you find even ambient or classical music distracting, consider investing in a sound machine and simply play white noise, which has been studied and .

4. Get a Plant!

A houseplant isnt just a lively addition to any spaceits a friend to your productivity. First of all, the color green, because of its low wavelength, promotes a calm and focused mind, .

In addition to being (typically) green, houseplants may improve both productivity and happiness. One demonstrated a 12% increase in response time in subjects working near houseplants. And according to the , supported by numerous studies, humans experience a connection with houseplants that creates positive emotions.

If you want to combine efforts, see tip number two and consider a rosemary or peppermint plant. One popular option is a that is meant to bring you good fortune. Dont forget to apply water and sunlight to keep your plant as happy as it makes you.

5. Post Your Mantra

Even if youre not a meditator, pick a mantra. Or call it a motto. Or maxim. Or battle cry.

Whatever you choose to call it, they should be your words to live by. Mantras have , derived from the perceived power of the primordial intonation Om. But feel free to take a modern approach. Find something self-affirming and inspiringsomething that when you think or say it to yourself, it moves you. Then write it down and give it a place of honor in your study space. Have it engraved on a placard or just put it up on a Post-It.

However you choose to display it, it will personalize your space and literally imprint it with the energy you seek. Then anytime you feel defeated, unmotivated, or even just want to center yourself, its there to tell you what you need to hear.

Thats it! Just five easy and cheap tips to Zen your study area. Follow these steps to make your desk not just your workspace, but your happy place.

For another post on how to keep your study space and study habits organized for maximum productivity, check out our Study Buddy post on 5 Lessons for Good Study Hygiene.

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Decompression Session: How to Build Happiness Kit to Manage School Stress /blog/how-to-build-a-happiness-kit-to-manage-school-stress Thu, 17 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000 /blog/?p=2127 Happy woman opening box.

Need a mood lift? Create your own personalized care package, or Happiness Kit, to open when school stress or anything else gets you down.

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Happy woman opening box.

You can box wine, but can you box happiness? We say yes. Hear us out.

The 返字心頭 Decompression Session series is all about managing the stress of being a student, and that includes finding healthy, delightful, manageable, and even productive ways to boost your morale when school gets you down. To that end, we thought wed recommend putting together what we call a Happiness Kit.

Who doesnt love a care package? Maybe youve sent one, maybe youve received one. But have you ever assembled one for yourself? Thats the idea. Take a box, or a backpack, or even a small drawer and fill it with small delights you can dip into when you need a lift.

Even if youre not feeling low, getting a little pre-packaged endorphin rush is a great way to break up your study session, combat boredom, or remind yourself that you deserve to treat yourself.

Heres a list of ideas to pull from, but we encourage you to think of your own

Your Favorite Movie

Most of us dont buy a lot of DVDs these days, but maybe make an exception for this one (or invest in a digital copy). Whats that movie you never get sick of watching? Pick something funny or nostalgic. Here are a few WCU staff picks for movies that really hold their happiness value: When Harry Met Sally, Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail, Friday, The Princess Bride.

A Gift Card

For many (if not most) students, moneys tight, and retail therapy isnt a regular option. Going online to buy yourself something pretty (or funny, or cool, or useful) is a delicacy. So, invest what you can ($100, $50, even $25) for a little future splurge, in the form of a gift card. It can be a to your favorite store, or just a prepaid credit card that you can spend on anything. Stick it in your kit and when the time comes, treat it like free money. And if it will make you happier to get yourself something practical (think a decent piece of cookware or a cooling pillowcase), thats okay, too.

An Unopened Letter

There are two ways to do this one, and one of those ways requires some outside participation. Ask someone close to you to write you a letter. It doesnt have to be a high-pressure assignmentit can be as simple as a short hello, a remember when, or even just a silly sketch. You can also do this for yourself. Next time you have an odd thought, jot it down, or write your future self a little affirmation. Whether youre the author or not, seal it and address it to yourself. Then put it in your kit and open it down the road.

Something Delicious

Relatively non-perishable, obviously. You know what you like. If youre a candy fiend, keep a bag of sour gummies, a box of malted milk balls, some pop rockswhatevers your favorite sweet treatfor an indulgent munch when you need it. If salty is more your thing, some microwave popcorn or spicy cheese puffs are good options. Or you can stow away a beverage like a single glass bottle of grape soda, or even a bottled cocktail. Your kit, your palate.

A Treasured Photo

Nowadays most of our memories are digitized, but theres just something about holding a photo that brings it back. Either pick one out of your online album and print it or, better yet, ask a family member or old friend if they have an old-school pic you can have as a keepsake. Maybe its a polaroid of you and your bestie as small children, or your parents wedding photo. Nostalgia is a great escape from the pressures of the present.

A Found Object

We all pick up shells at the beach or interesting rocks on hikes. Start keeping an eye out for an artifact when youre out and about. Something from nature is good (dont remove anything youre not supposed to from a protected area), but you can also take home any little thing you discover in your travels an odd postcard, a discarded toy, a lucky penny. You never know what youll come across.

Something to Play With

Include a tangible object: a simple toy or game you can use as a solo diversion. We love a timeless plaything: a deck of cards, a Jacobs ladder, a yo-yo, a mini jigsaw puzzle. Ideally this is a very simple pleasure and something you can interact with physically without having to think too hard. Youll be surprised how much fun you can have with something as simple as a rubber bouncy ball.

These are just a few ideas. Swap in your own fun stuff or add to this over time. Just making your happiness kit is an act of self-appreciation and a reminder that you deserve an emotional reward, for any reason whatsoever. Its fine to be in a bad moodhealthy evenbut if you decide youd rather have a little happy time, youll always know where to find it.

Want to share some happiness with fellow WCU students? Come hang out with us on and !

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Decompression Session: 5 Beneficial Foods by Body Part /blog/decompression-session-5-beneficial-foods-by-body-part Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:09:27 +0000 /blog/?p=1776 Young woman eating a salad

Learn about delicious, versatile, unexpected foods that nourish your body, from your eyes to your bones.

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Young woman eating a salad

Our List of Truly Good Eats to Nourish You Piece by Piece

Our latest food-themed Decompression Session takes a look at some foods that can benefit your body, part by part. Attention to nutrition is essential to your overall health thats not breaking news and its easy to neglect good eating when you get busy with your studies or long work shifts. We find it fascinating that certain foods have benefits that target specific body parts and organs. .

Some of these foods have already gotten their share of publicity (carrots are good for your eyes; milk is good for your bones), but what about some other options when youre not in the mood for crudit辿 or breakfast cereal?

To help you show your body some focused love, we at 返字心頭 picked out a few lesser-known foods that can help your body maintain its health and even help prevent disease or the effects of environment and aging. These sustenances have substance!

Eyes: Egg Yolks

Want to keep your peepers in good health? An omelet or a benedict can help! Thats because egg yolks () contain that is thought to combat macular degeneration the thinning of the part of your retina responsible for clear vision.

Ideas to Make a Meal Out of It:

  • Western omelet
  • Cobb salad
  • Egg-salad sandwich
  • Migas
  • Quiche

Ears: Artichokes

For a food to maintain your hearing, consider the delicious artichoke, which is rich in magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can constrict the blood vessels in your ear, depriving them of oxygen, while research has shown can provide protection from high decibels that can damage your hearing function. Sound good?

Ideas to Make a Meal Out of It:

  • Grilled artichoke
  • Spinach-artichoke dip
  • Add to a salad
  • Artichoke bruschetta
  • Cream pasta with artichoke

Bones: Sweet Potatoes

The fact that dairy promotes good bone health is common knowledge, but its not the only edible thats good for skeletal wellness. Sweet potatoes are potassium packed, so a little orange mash goes a long way. , and its found in many foods including tomato products, in case youre more in the mood for spaghetti.

Ideas to Make a Meal Out of It:

  • Mashed sweet potatoes
  • Sweet potato pie
  • Baked (sweet) potato
  • Sweet potato soup
  • Sweet potato toast

Skin: Brazil Nuts

Supplement your lotions, exfoliants, and creams with an actual supplement: selenium. This mineral isnt just good for a healthy glow its an antioxidant that . Brazil nuts have lots of it and are a tasty companion to your favorite salad.

Ideas to Make a Meal Out of It:

  • Brazil nut butter (or milk, or cheese)
  • Add to a salad
  • Toasted Brazil Nuts
  • Dark chocolate-covered Brazil nuts
  • Brazil nut banana bread

Breasts: Kimchi

Treasure your chest! Breast cancer affects every gender, not just women, and fermented foods contain . We chose kimchi because its a foodie favorite that adds some unexpected tang to your meal, but you can also find some helpful fermentation in .

Ideas to Make a Meal Out of It:

  • Solo snack
  • Kimchi and eggs
  • Add to rice
  • Add to a stew

We could go on and we have! Check out some more Decompression Sessions about eating for wellness, balance, and focus. We have articles on comfort foods that reduce stress, foods that soothe, and more!

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Decompression Session: Eye Exercises for Students /blog/diy-eye-exercises-for-students Thu, 22 Sep 2022 17:24:47 +0000 /blog/?p=1675 Woman with strained eyes at laptop

Learn three easy eye exercises to combat fatigue and strain from studying and screen time in our latest Decompression Session post.

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Woman with strained eyes at laptop

Welcome (or welcome back) to the 返字心頭 Decompression Session series, in which we focus on wellness and mindfulness, and share lesser-known tips and tricks on everything from healthy study habits to practical sleep science. In this session, were talking about your eyes: you know, those two miraculous messengers of visual information that are so essential to successful study and work.

There are lots of . By necessity, and largely due to a world where technology and electronics tend to demand much of our ocular attention, our eyes can get overworked. Whether you stare at a computer screen all day for work, or stay up squinting over textbooks at night, or do anything else that requires strict focus at length, youre bound to experience eye fatigue and strain.

Make sure you keep your regular vision checkups with your optometrist, but in between, here are a few things you can do to pamper your peepers:

Focus Pocus: Pencil Pushups

This DIY eye exercise was designed as a supportive therapy for and other that make it difficult for both eyes to work together in bifocular function. With this diagnosis, doctors often prescribe bifocal lenses or other treatments. But even if you dont have a diagnosed vision disorder, you can still try this simple exercise to give your dual focus vision a quick workout.

Heres how to self-administer the at home:

  1. Hold a pencil at arms length, straight ahead, with the point facing upward.
  2. Focus your eyes on the number embossed on the pencil shaft.
  3. Slowly draw the pencil toward your eyes, maintaining your point of focus.
  4. As soon as you begin to see two pencils, withdraw the pencil back to arms length.
  5. Repeat several times.

If you experience any typical CI symptoms headaches, difficulty reading or concentrating, double vision (diplopia), loss of place on the page, squinting or closing one eye regularly or acutely, see your eye doctor for in-office treatment.

Eye Strain: Palming

This holistic practice is a yoga technique sometimes called The Bates Technique. Think of it as eye-targeted sensory deprivation. By blocking out all light and giving your eyes a comforting, warming experience, this exercise is great for both mindfulness and eye health. It is meant to and encourage circulation of . According to Bates Method expert , the darkness relaxes the ciliary muscles, retina and optic nerves.

Heres how to palm:

  1. Sit comfortably or lie down.
  2. Rub your hands together to generate natural heat in your palms.
  3. Cup your hands and place them comfortably over closed eyes, with enough room to blink.
  4. Relax, release, breathe and enjoy.

Palming may also provide auxiliary benefits like better sleep (which is also great for the eyes). Do it as often as you want, for as long as you like. Consider allocating one of your study breaks for palming, after youve been staring at a book or a screen at length.

Agility Ability: Figure Eights

A little activity goes a long way. For this exercise, you let your guys skate in the shape of a smooth . This might feel a little awkward, or herky-jerky, and thats fine. Were accustomed to keeping our focus in one place and often straight ahead.

  • Sit comfortably.
  • Choose a spot on the floor at least a few feet away from you.
  • Relax your eyes and trace a figure-eight shape for 30 seconds.
  • Switch directions.

These are just three options that you can easily fit in between study sessions or on a work break. Your eyes show you the world so show them some love! Your eyes will feel better before you can blink (well, almost).

If youd like more tips on rest, rejuvenation, nutrition, and sleep to support your studies, keep reading our Decompression Session blog series.

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Decompression Session: How Music Helps with Studying, Stress, and Wellness /blog/decompression-session-how-music-helps-with-studying-stress-and-wellness Tue, 30 Aug 2022 16:15:54 +0000 /blog/?p=1527 Man listening to music on headphones

Find out how the right music can help you thrive, sleep, and boost your mood. Create a wellness playlist!

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Man listening to music on headphones

Creating a Wellness Playlist

Listen carefully. No really, theres self-care in what you listen to. Music therapy is an evidence-based wellness technique that requires only your ears and a playlist, and isnt pseudoscience its evidence-based. Which songs can help move your mood in the right direction is determined by a number of quantifiable and science-based factors, like beats per minute, but its also contingent upon taste. A song you dislike isnt going to focus or relax you if you dont enjoy it, so dont force the smooth jazz if youre more of a Chopin fan (hey, that rhymes!).

Music has been shown to cause a dopamine release in the listener, and while dopamine is most commonly associated with feelings of euphoria, its also tied to . All of these are positive effects, but if youre seeking a particular mood swing, you can make an educated choice. While some music therapy might seem intuitive, some recommendations might surprise you. To help you get your playlist started, weve picked a few songs to try, and offered some science on why they often work.

Relaxation: Consciously Calm

If you want to relax but not doze off, songs with approximately 60 beats per minute (bpm) can synchronize with your brain. This encourages alpha brainwaves for an alert but easy state.

  • Chopin: Nocturne in E Flat Major Op. 9 No. 2
  • Natalie Cole: This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)
  • Death Cab for Cutie: Grapevine Fires

Memory: The Mozart Effect

For study, make something classical your first stop. The so-called Mozart Effect has been somewhat debunked due to inconclusive research, but studies have indicated that orchestral music may benefit recall. in particular played the same classical music for subjects during study and then repeated that song during sleep. Students who used this method performed almost twice as well as their peers in the control group.

  • Vivaldi: Mandolin Concerto in C Major
  • Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G Minor
  • Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake Op. 20 Act II No. 10

Sleep: Tune In & Turn In

Remember the beats-per-minute guideline for alert relaxation? This comes with a delta brainwave, which differs from the alpha brainwave mentioned above. Choose calming music of 60 bpm or fewer and dont expect to doze immediately. It may take while in a sleep-ready posture to achieve drift-off.

  • Bjork: Utopia
  • Erik Satie: 3 Gymnopedies No. 2
  • Prokoviev: Romeo and Juliet Op. 64

Advanced Technique: The Iso Principle

Compiling your playlists above is an enjoyable and effective way to use music as therapy, but if you are trying to move from one strong mood into another, try this technique utilized by some : The Iso Principle. This is used to move from one (undesired) mood into another (desired) emotional state. You need to change the station, but its slightly more nuanced than that.

Simply put, you start with a song that matches your current mood, lets say anger. Choose a song that matches where you are emotionally, then follow that with something slightly less aggro. Keep going, moving each song choice incrementally from the mood youre in toward the mood youre trying to achieve lets say calm.

This is just an overview of a few ways to decompress as needed, but theres a lot of available about using music as mental and physical medicine. Whether you want to combat stress, enhance your focus, or shift your mood, music can be a powerful tool for well-being and psychological fitness. Basically, youre just using music to retune. Heres to your instrumental health!

This post was brought to you by the music and wellness lovers at 返字心頭. For more Decompression Sessions and other health insights, visit the Health Tips section of our blog.

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Decompression Session: Invest in Rest /blog/decompression-session-invest-in-rest Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:47:04 +0000 /blog/?p=1320

Weve compiled a list of recommended investments so you can get your rest. Outfit your bed and bedside for some high quality shut-eye.

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Restless? Maybe we can help.

We get it: A new mattress and box spring are expensive. So are high thread-count sheets and down pillows. If youre on a tight budget, these might seem like luxuries that arent on the top of your shopping list. Maybe they should be.

Why? We spend an average of . We squander another seven years trying to sleep. Thats 33 years (again, on average) spent on slumberalmost a third of a hundred-year lifespan. By way of comparison, we spend about four-and-a-half years eating, and well bet dollars to donuts youre spending more money on food than your sleep cycle.  We know sleep doesnt taste as good as a Cuban sandwich from El Cochinito, were just saying dont depriotize bedtime in favor of mealtime.

Okay, now lets look at how much else you lose when you lose sleep. can unleash a cascade of negative effects on your body and mind: stress response, circadian rhythms, immunity, emotions and mood, somatic pain, metabolism, cognitive function, memory, and more. In short, sleep deprivation also deprives you of overall quality of life. Long term, sleep deficits can lead to more alarming health outcomes like cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and even colorectal cancer.

Unfortunately for some of us, sleep doesnt always come easy. But the numbers and factors make a compelling case not to skimp when youre budgeting for slumber. Get your best chance to rise and shine. Heres a starter list of sleep needs to get you comfortably to the land of nod:

1. The Almighty Mattress

Your mattress is far and away your most important partner in achieving reliable, quality sleep. Its also the most expensive. The can be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars (big ticket mattresses can sell in the tens of thousands, but well leave those out of the conversation for now). You should replace a mattress every 6-8 years. So lets say you go high-end and splurge on a $3000 mattress, and replace it in six years. Thats $500 a year, or a little over a dollar a night. Would you pay a dollar a night for a good nights sleep? Of course, you dont have to spend that much, but remember this is about your quality of life. And youre worth every penny.

2. Pillow Talk

Your pillow is a close second to your mattress in terms of importance, and is very much a matter of taste. Some people might like a firmer pillow, others a down pillow that practically dissolves beneath your head. If youve got neck or back problems, you might need something more orthopedic. Most people know how they sleep, and its easy to rated to give you the best comfort and support. Just dont keep using that pillow from childhood thats been flattened into a pancake.

3. Noises Off (or On)

This ones especially for light sleepers whose sleep can be interrupted by noisy neighbors or sounds from the street. At this point, white noise is a misnomer, because many noise machines offer a sound spectrum (pink noise and brown noise are both common calming noise colors). A is a small investment that many sleepers swear byyou can find one easily for as little as $20, sometimes less. And most offer alternatives to the standard static: You can doze to anything from thunderstorms to whalesong to a sound replica of the womb. Even if youre not a light sleeper, sleep sounds can help your mind move on from rushing thoughts to lull you to sleep.

4. Compression Blankets

Compression, weighted, or gravity blankets are available in a range of prices, and you dont have to spend much for one that can deliver sleep benefits. is used widely to treat anxiety, famously developed by Temple Grandin to calm animals, and also therapeutic for humans. Considered, applied pressure, in this case weight, can relax the nervous system and create a sense of calm that can help you soften into sleep, and stay there. Plus, many of these blankets come in cool or warm constructions, so you can choose a temperature that fits your sleep needs.

These are just four investments you can make to tune your body and mind for a good nights sleep. Consult your budget, shop around, and order up some zzzzs.

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Decompression Session: Anxiety Triage /blog/decompression-session-anxiety-triage Fri, 24 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/decompression-session-anxiety-triage

Acute anxiety grounding techniques: Our latest Decompression Session.

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Feeling panicked?

It might sound like a conflict in terms, but sometimes finding calm feels like an emergency. Youre not likely to be running from a bear, but you might be running from a looming deadline or a dreaded phone call and your physiological response can be very similar.

Maybe youve put off your usual sanity checks: meditation, exercise, or (perhaps worst of all) sleep. Maybe your attention to study is taking needed attention away from personal relationships, or the other way around. Whatevers causing you anxiety, its no fun. Compartmentalization has its place, and is even sometimes a healthy coping technique, but a temporary one. Let emotional pressure build up over time unaddressed and you might find yourself in an anxiety mudslide.

If you find yourself in acute fear, youre often not sure what to do. All you know is youve let things spiral out of control and youre paralyzed. Its hard to figure out how to get your center of gravity back on your own, especially if youre overcome by fears. If you dont have time to book a retreat, and taking personal time is off the table, here are a few quick fixes that might help:

Grounding Techniques for Runaway Anxiety

Okay. Youre having acute anxiety or a panic attack. Theyre different, but theyre both at best uncomfortable and at worst, incapacitating. Even if youve had a panic or anxiety attack in the past, suffering through it isnt your only solution. If youve never had one it can feel even more terrifying. Here are some grounding techniques recommended to quickly bring yourself back to a sense of sanity:

5-4-3-2-1

If you feel outside of your body, use your five senses to bring you back. is simple: Start with one sense and use it five different ways: Look at five things wherever you are (a picture, a waste bin, a doorknob, whatever catches your eye). Dont rush it, take a moment to really register each object. Speak it out loud if that helps. Then move to another sense (the order doesnt matter). Touch four things. Smell three things. Listen for two things. Taste one thing (this one might be best for last, since you might need to get up for a snack).

Dont Pace

Pacing is a common instinct when anxiety, fear, or even depression get the best of us. The clinical term is psychomotor agitation and this is one occasion to consider ignoring your instincts. Why? Because pacing is your body trying to distract you from whatever internal conflict or sensation is bothering you its not a real solution. Instead, try to identify exactly whats affecting you and either sit with it or, if you must drum your fingers or bounce your knee, or pace, do so with focus on whats at stake and remind yourself that this, too, is surmountable.

Play a Game of Trivia

If youve ever played Categories with friends, this is the same thing, but the solo version. Pick a category you like and know a little bit about: dog breeds, fruits, colors, sports dealers choice! But keep it simple; something that makes you think but not too hard. Name as many as you can, out loud or in your head. Then, if you need to, pick another. Category, rinse, repeat.

Tell a Friend

Acute anxiety can be a very lonely feeling, and just knowing that someone else is aware of what youre going through can be a huge help. It might also help you realize that you truly are not alone: up to , and the numbers are much higher for anxiety. What youre going through is normal. Tell or call a friend.

Anxiety Aftercare

Once your anxiety ebbs (and it will) remind yourself that fear is a biological expression, nothing more or less. Dont force yourself right back into the cause immediately. Take a walk, meditate, make a call, or eat a snack to put something between you and a traumatic emotional episode. Then deal with whatevers causing you distress directly, once youre grounded and ready.

PS: Did you know? Combatting anxiety starts with staying on top of your health. 返字心頭 offers all of our active students free access to , a health coaching app to help you form and sustain healthy habits that can support you in times of stress.

Need immediate help? If youre having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, contact the national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

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