Four Ways to Save Time

Oh where does the time go?! At this point in the semester people seem to be constantly trying to figure out how they can possibly fit all the things they have to do into one already packed schedule. Well, I've done some brainstorming and interviewed some people that I'd consider professional time-savers and this is what we came up with...

1. Use an hour-by-hour planner. These things are so helpful. It takes some getting use to, but scheduling out your day is a great way to keep from not being able to account for lost hours. First, block off the set appointments such as class, work, or meetings, then fill in the gaps with other responsibilities like homework. I even jot down times that I have planned to go out with friends. The organization makes life so much less hectic!

2. The Do-It-Now principle. This is wisdom that I should really put into affect in my own life. The idea is that for every time you catch yourself making that mental note of "Oh, I really need to do that," do it right then! If you need to remember to make a call or print something off, take a minute and do it while you have it on your mind. This relieves the burdensome list of to-do's hanging heavily over your head.

3. Grouping. This saves so much time. When you need to visit some place to get something done, take care of all possible errands that will need to be taken care of at this particular place all at once. If you need to print an assignment, check out a book, and get some studying done, do it all in one trip to the library. This also goes for Wal-mart. If you've got several items to pick up, do your best to have a list handy so that you can check everything off at once. Running back and forth can be a major time consumer.

4. Try making a chart. This is a great way to prioritize. Make out a chart of what you need to do and divide each into columns from most to least important. Get the most important items out of the way first, obviously. Then go on through the chart as such, making sure that you are using your time wisely. This prevents the natural procrastination of doing major projects after you've done all the fun stuff. Once the tasks are done, you suddenly have freedom to enjoy the other things left to do...or at least freedom to be less stressed about it.

Five Components of Our Health

So I had to learn about this in my Concepts of Fitness class, but it ended up being pretty interesting. It’s neat to see how these factors affect us in our everyday lives. These are real health components that really make up our state of being. Would you consider yourself healthy in all of these areas?

1. Physical Health-This one is sort of obvious. Basically, if you don’t take care of you body it will respond negatively. Compromising proper care of yourself results in the body functioning poorly and exhibiting what we call symptoms of illnesses or disease. So when you get sick, it is because your physical health is not up to par.

2. Mental Health- I find this so interesting. Mental health depends on the person being able to respond well to major life changes. In the hard situations, such as dealing with death or family divorce, a mentally healthy person can identify the difficulty without falling apart. It is so important to maintain a good standing of mental health, being sure that your thoughts and feelings are remaining at healthy levels.

3. Social Health- I can’t believe this is recognized by a health book. Research actually proves that an essential to overall health is having deep, loving relationships with others. Learning good communication skills and keeping close to a group of caring individuals, such as family and friends, directly relates to being a socially healthy person.

4. Intellectual Health- This isn’t exactly referring to being a genius in the classroom. To be intellectually healthy, you must have a proper grasp on suggested thought processes like problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking. It is important to be able to have good understanding of information throughout normal daily activity that will positively affect others as well as yourself.

5. Spiritual Health- Keep in mind that this information comes from a well researched, published text book. According to the authors, the belief of and relationship with God gives a sense of inner peace and healthy harmony to the person. This also results from developing involvement in arts and nature as well as serving others. Having such values and beliefs create spiritual health that ties directly into our overall state of health.

So, what do you think? Are your health components well balanced?

Six Ways to Keep it Cheap

It’s about that time in the semester when we begin to realize that being a college student isn’t exactly cheap. All the “a few dollars here, a few dollars there” are really piling up. Here are some ideas for saving a little cash by simply having some self-discipline.

1. Buy groceries. This is where the mini-fridge that you brought with you comes in handy. Especially if your meal plan doesn’t cover seven days a week. Eating out really adds up to a costly expense. I suggest buying some snack foods for the hours when the caf is closed at and some substantial meals for weekends, such as soups or sandwiches. Resist that late-night pizza and save by eating in your room every now and then.

2. When you do eat out, be careful of how much you are spending! Make a limit for yourself and stick to it. Try ordering water instead of a soft drink, it’s way better for you and it’ll knock a couple bucks of off your ticket every time.

3. Don’t be afraid of generic! Seriously, off-brands work just as well when it comes to those items that you can’t avoid buying every couple weeks such as shampoo, soap, and toilet paper. There is so much offered for several dollars cheaper just because it isn’t name brand.

4. Take advantage of those sales! Keep an eye out for specials at any kind of store and jump when you see a good one. Don’t just buy because it’s on sale either though. And this goes for restaurants too. Use your ASU discount when accepted and be listening and watching for any upcoming deals they have.

5. This one can be a toughie: Resist the urge to shop. I know, I know this sounds crazy, especially for girls, but oh the difference it will make to your bank account! Learn the art of window shopping and treat yourself only on occasion. In the long run, you’ll end up with way more savings and way less unneeded junk.

6. Don’t waste anything! Save leftovers for later, use the backs of paper, reuse plastic cups and plates, and use Wal-mart sacks as bags as often as possible. Be creative and you’ll be surprised how less often you are in need of buying replenishments of this and that.

Three Random Rants

1. So, if you take a look at our 2008-2009 planners you will notice something missing right around finals this semester. Dead Day. Or as the planner refers to it in the spring, Study Day. The so-loved day before finals, a day of freedom before a week of hardcore exams. Normally, the day is spent either cramming for the upcoming tests, or enjoying a last gathering with friends before people leave for Christmas Break. Then follows the celebrated late night breakfast in the Caf where we indulge in a supply of delicious breakfast food at 11:00 at night. Whose idea was it to get rid of this appreciated day this semester?

2. “Howl Yes,” Really? This ridiculously cheesy expression now graces Jonesboro on signs and posters. If you ask me, it is a lot more offensive than anything having to do with Indians. Not that the expression itself is vulgar at all, I just think it’s a little juvenile. They seem to be attempting to take this Red Wolf thing to fierce and intimidating levels, which I support and understand, but will “Howl Yes” really threaten anyone or just become laughable?

3. So Information and Technology Services released our new Astate website last week. In the words of my History teacher, “It’s great if all you want to do is buy a t-shirt, but not if you want it to function for purposes at an actual school.” I’m afraid I agree. Has anyone else gotten lost on this site yet? It seems far more geared toward bragging on ASU’s features in order to receive more applicants, but as for those of us who actually need to access our information, it’s not very convenient. Aren’t we the ones who really need the site in the first place?

So it’s all a little negative, I know, but I reserve my right to rant! Besides, if I didn’t love Arkansas State, I wouldn’t be here. Still, no reason not to express my concerned opinion!

Eight Study Tips

Here come the exams! It’s about that time in the semester. All the teachers decide to give the first tests and they always seem to fall right in the same week. This can be more than frustrating and the epitome of stressful. There’s not a whole lot we can do to prevent or avoid this, but there’s a few tips we can practice to make the studying a bit easier…

1. First off, schedule in a time to actually do the studying. In my experience, students are expert procrastinators. So, plan it out, write it down, and abide by the schedule so that you are sure to get plenty of study time in to start with.
2. For me, it’s all about the environment. If I’m in my dorm, it’s straight to facebook, email, phone, or naps all prioritized before the studying. So I recommend the library. The individual study rooms are great, distraction-free zones. It stays fairly quiet, and most of the people there are in the same boat as you, needing to study, so you won’t be as tempted to go off and start chatting.
3. It can also be really helpful to listen to music while studying. A low background noise can keep you from going completely crazy or just keep you focused in the midst of distraction. Plus, the familiar tunes can be soothing when the learning is becoming stressful.
4. Sometimes it can be really beneficial to adopt a study partner or even a small group. Admittedly, this can get distracting and become more hanging out than studying, but if focused on the task at hand, it can be a huge help to have someone there to ask you questions or help you understand the material.
5. Some good tools to use are flash cards and study guides. If your test requires memorization, try out those flash cards! They are so helpful and effective. And as for other general studying, I recommend using some sort of study guide. Either provided by the instructor, or one you’ve created from notes or the book yourself, this is such an efficient way to get that material from the paper and into your brain.
6.Be sure to take breaks! I’m sure this one won’t take too much convincing. Every couple of hours, spend 15 or 20 doing something else. Get away from the desk or screen and walk around or go grab a bite to eat and get some air. Then, back to work!
7.Speaking of eating, snacks are one of my favorite parts of studying. It’s a good excuse to munch late at night too. Also…coffee! This one is a lifesaver. Both give that little necessary burst of energy when your cram session starts becoming a nice bedtime story.
8.Quiz yourself! Once you’ve gotten all the information generally stored away in your mind, use a bland study guide or something to ask yourself some of the anticipated test questions. Plus, if you pass your own quiz you can free yourself from the confined studying without fear of failing the exam once your in class.

So repeat steps 1-8 as needed and study hard! …..Or at least enough to pass.

Six Ways to Keep a Clean Dorm amidst a Busy Schedule

1. Have a day a week set aside for cleaning. I know, I know. It’s not really something you want to pencil in, but having a designated day will keep you on schedule and eliminate much procrastination. Just take an hour or so to wipe the counters, scrub the toilet, and sweep the floor. Come time to move out, it makes all the difference.
2. Do your laundry at night. I’ve found it helpful to begin washing clothes late on a weeknight, while doing homework or studying. Chances are you’re up anyway so why not take advantage of the 24 hour laundry rooms while they are not quite as busy as those hectic Sunday afternoons.
3. Designate a different roommate to take out the trash every two or three days. Even try assigning particular weekdays for each to hold the responsibility. Typically, if all roommates agree to keep up their end of the bargain, the plan makes for a garbage-free, stench eliminated area.
4. Pick up a little as you go. I know this sounds improbable, but truly if you keep the majority of this and that where this and that belong, then come time to clean, it won’t be such a dreadful ordeal. Just begin by trying to make sure all laundry actually lands in the hamper and all trash stays in the waste basket for a few days. Bet you it will make a huge difference!
5. Every time you buy groceries, take a minute to discard any empty boxes or expired food, as well as throwing out old cold or frozen items in the mini-fridge. It usually runs hand-in-hand that about the time you find yourself running low on supplies is about the time the last batch is ready to go. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than mixing up the new milk and the old milk because you failed to check that date on the bottle.
6. Invest in a self-timed air freshener. These things are a life-saver. I recommend the antibacterial ones, so that aside from just smelling clean, the air in your room really is getting cleaned. They run on their own so no hassling with remembering spray. Plus, if your place smells sanitary, this will generally motivate you to keep everything else tidy too.

Seven Helpful ASU Services

1. Career Services- If you are looking for a part-time or full-time job on or off-campus, this site can get you set up with information on who’s hiring and holding interviews, then gives you the contact information of the employer so that you can get in touch with them. This is how I got my first job in college. (http://careers.astate.edu)

2. Tutoring- Forget your pride, this really does help! If you are struggling a little in class one week, or on a particular assignment, you can take advantage of these resources. Tutors in math, writing, science, and languages offer free assistance to students seeking a little help. (http://univcollege.astate.edu/advising/Tutoring/)

3. Health Service- The Student Health Center comes in really handy around cold season or when you can’t figure out why your foot hurts, but also can’t really afford a visit to the hospital or doctor. They offer treatments, exams, immunizations, etc. and won’t cost a fortune.

(http://healthcare.astate.edu/)

4. Disability Services - This resource is helpful, not only for students with severe disability. These services also provide assistance if you tend to get unbearably anxious before tests or finals. They even offer demonstrations for students who aren’t quite caught up to understanding the latest technology with computers. (http://disability.astate.edu/services.html)

5. Information and Technology Services - I’m seriously so impressed with these guys. ITS provides extremely beneficial help with any technology you are trying to access on campus, including your own. I especially love the Frequently Asked Questions page on their site which breaks down all kinds of questions in the case of trouble.(http://its.astate.edu/faq/)

6. Counseling Services - Even if all it is only stress, we all could use some help sorting out our thoughts or issues now and then. This service is a great and free support that can be extremely helpful during finals, or just any tough times that we all know come and go. I highly recommend this resource. (http://counseling.astate.edu/ )

7. UPD - Who knew the University Police Department was here to help? Until researching, I had no idea how much service they offer, aside from just writing tickets. They offer unlocking for the clumsy ones of us who lock our keys in the car, also boosts, campus escorts, engraving of valuable personal items, and fingerprinting. Some of these services are offered freely and or 24hrs a day. I think I may have to try some of these out… (http://police.astate.edu/Pages/services.htm)

Eight Don'ts for Your Semester

We are officially back in the swing of things. Two weeks down and the back-to-school excitement is fading. So as we take a look ahead at what’s to come this semester, there’s some things we ought to avoid…

1. Don’t get caught up in the college life and stay up till 4a.m. every night. Sleep is precious in college and it’ll catch up to you….in class.

2. Don’t keep to yourself and your friends! Your peers are interesting too. Get to know them! They say you make friends in college that you’ll have for life.

3. Don’t procrastinate everything to the last minute. Especially homework. I’m not saying lock yourself in your room to study every night, believe me. But you also don’t want it all piling up and coming back to haunt you.

4. Don’t over busy yourself! It’s easy to plan a thousand things to do, plus schedule in class, studying, and work. However, there are only 24 hours in a day and breathing ought to be accounted for.

5. Don’t intentionally avoid all campus events. Enjoy the school spirit and howl like the Red Wolf you are! Go to a game or two, attend a couple of the events in front of the Union, wear your school colors proudly, have some fun.

6. Don’t live in the caf! Trust me, I’d know. There’s nothing like wasting away the day chatting with friends and munching on unlimited cereal and coffee, but there’s a world out there! Or a campus at least. Plus, that freshman fifteen catches up quick.

7. Don’t be afraid to talk to your teachers. This is something I have to remind myself. If you're struggling or behind or confused in a class, ask them. Chances are they won’t bite. They probably want to help you. And sometimes it makes all the difference.

8. Don’t give up and drop out! Yes, college can be hard. But you are paying to be here. And persevering through can be so rewarding. So when you want to just give up and go home…don’t.

Five Reasons to Read the Herald

So, twice a week you see this black and white folded paper all over campus. You see a few people reading it as you make your way through your daily routine and wonder what it is that has them so interested. You glance at the headlines and pictures in passing and make a mental note to pick it up later and check out just what this is all about. Then after your last class of the day you pass a newsstand and pick it up. In red letters across the top of the page you read “The Herald.” So now, why read any further?
1. Your school paper is written and published by your peers! Peers who are dedicated to researching and writing what ASU students want to read. From News to Opinions to Campus to Sports, the Herald is for you.
2. It’s the most proficient resource to getting the most important news on campus! Timely, relevant topics are chosen so that the university is updated on foremost significant matters.
3. Find out what your peers are thinking! Reporters fill their articles with specific quotes from fellow students to relay how they feel about key issues on campus.
4. The photos show you what’s going on! Qualified photographers are hired to assure needed visuals to stories, giving illustration to pertinent and interesting information.
5. Get your mind out there! Each aspect of the Herald guarantees useful facts and fascinating updates that, as young adults, we ought to take the responsibility to discover. And it’s enjoyable!