October and November can be a very stressful time here at UBC and, on top of that, the rainy weather doesn’t exactly help with mood. Sometimes, the stress can get very overwhelming, but here are a few tips to help you stay positive and productive in this rainy time!

1. Pace yourself!

• It’s really easy to get caught in that cycle of studying too much, feeling more stressed because your concentration level isn’t what you want it to be and, therefore, become more stressed. Yes, midterms and exams are right around the corner, but ensuring your own personal mental and physical health needs to come first. If you’re not feeling great, it will impact your work ethic. In order to help with the stress, find a way that will work for you to ensure you get everything accomplished by still taking care of yourself.

o   Here are some tips on how to pace yourself:

i.         Make a schedule. Write in, for every hour of the day, what times you’ll be in class and what times you’ll be doing everything else. If you know how much time will be taken up with cooking, cleaning, class, homework, and studying, you can also schedule some personal time like watching your favorite show. By doing this, you don’t have to feel guilty about taking some “me” time.

ii.         Remember that you are human and need basic things. For instance: sleep, food, and social time. It’s probably a good idea to not have too much of those things, because yes, that midterm is right around the corner and you need to study, just remember that you need those social times as well.

iii.         When you’ve accomplished what you need to in order to be prepared for this test and/or paper and/ or assignment, take a well deserved break! Let the information sink in, and then look it over later. It is unproductive to read the same thing over and over again in one sitting. So take a step away, sleep on it, and then go back to it!

2. Work in Clean and Tidy Spaces

• If your room/ study space is cluttered, your mind will be as well! Take some time to tidy up before studying, or go to the Library. Untidy spaces can also encourage procrastination because cleaning your space may override your desire to study and you might take time to do that instead of focusing on the work that needs to be done.

3. Eat right and Exercise!

• If you keep yourself healthy, you’ll feel better and will have more energy to keep your mind alert. Keep your regular exercise schedule in tact, if you have one, and stay active. Exercise is a great way to battle stress so if exercise isn’t directly incorporated in your lifestyle, that’s totally fine, perhaps simply break pout that colorful umbrella and walk to the Library. That will give you some time to think about things other than the midterm or assignment, and when you have to sit and study for long periods of time, you will probably feel better at the beginning of that long devotion to studying.

4. Happiness is Important!

• Continue to do things that make you happy! Even though you have a lot going on, and it’s raining, make sure you schedule in time for watching that movie, seeing those friends, knitting that scarf, playing that instrument, or whatever else you enjoy doing. Midterms and assignments are tough to get through and need time devoted to them, but you are not a machine and spending time doing what you love will, in the end, help you be more productive.

These are just some of my own personal tips, and they may not work for everyone, but perhaps take time to reflect on your own lifestyle and what works for you to battle stress before taking on your next assignment.

Also, remember, UBC has many resources in Irving K barber and other faculties to help with studying, stress, and other concerns you may have, and if you need them, be sure to check them out!

Hope this helps!

Blog Post by Maddie Johnson.

Ask yourself this question: “Could there be a better time for me to starting living a healthy and active lifestyle than right now?” The answer is the same for whoever you might be, for there is NEVER a better time than the present to discover that a healthy lifestyle is one of the fundamental keys happiness. Regardless of your current fitness level, in spite of past New-Year’s resolutions abandoned, your time here in UBC Residence is the perfect opportunity to improve you fitness and promote a healthier lifestyle. Everyone has their own preferred methods of exercise… maybe one of the ideas below might appeal to you. 

UBC Rec Centre: The home to numerous instructor classes, drop-in sports, a well-furnished gym and a bouldering cave for the climbing enthusiast, UBC’s Rec Centre is one of the places to start in your pursuit of a more active lifestyle. Swing by and play basketball with some friends, burn-off stress in the gym or rediscover a passion for dance, martial arts, or any of the other programs available.

UBC Aquatic Centre: Swimming is another great form of exercise, as well as great life skill. Drop by during certain times and entry is free with your Student ID card. Check out their website for an updated calendar and schedule.

UBC Wreck Beach Stairs: Although many dread the winding staircase leading from NW Marine Drive to the beach below, it can serve as the perfect “StairMaster” for the highly motivated. Enjoy the burn of climbing up and down 473 steps while appreciating UBC’s glorious view of the surrounding ocean.

Pacific Spirit Park: Located near Westbrook Village, Spirit Park is only a short jog away from campus. It has an amazing amount beautiful trails that are great for walkers, bikers and runners alike. Maps are posted all along the way to guide the unwary traveler, and the park itself makes for an awesome get-away from the hustle and bustle of campus life.

Hopefully these exercise ideas spark your interest; there is no time like the present to make a change for a healthier lifestyle.

Best of luck!

Evan Warner

Imagine a glass half-filled with water. How would you describe it?

An optimist says it is half full while a pessimist says it is half empty.

The beginning of a new term is almost like a new beginning! Many of you are mid-way through your programmes, some of you are looking forward to graduate and find a job, and some are at the cusp, deciding what to do next. As the readings and assignment deadlines start sneaking up to you, it is important to stay positive!

Have you heard of the tale of two frogs[i]? Two frogs fell into a huge barrel containing milk.

One of the frogs, the pessimist, swam around the barrel, saw that the sides of the barrel were too high, decided that it was hopeless and stopped swimming. Soon, he drowned.

The other frog, the optimist, swam around the barrel, saw that the sides of the barrel were too high, but decided to keep kicking anyway. All night he kicked, he kicked even as he tired, and he kicked as the clock ticked. And slowly, the milk thickened into butter. The frog then jumped out of the barrel and went home!

So, how to think positive? Remember to count your blessings! Keep track of your achievements and celebrate them! One of my favourite posters[ii] goes:

Say to yourself every morning:

Today is going to be a great day,

I can handle more than I think I can!

Things don’t get better by worrying about them,

I can be satisfied if I try to do my best!

There’s always something to be happy about!

I’m going to make someone happy today!

It’s not good to be down,

Life’s great! Make the most of it!

But when you are stuck, or need help, remember that there are many resources to help you: in Rez and outside.

• Speak with your RA!
• Check out this toolkit from the UBC Learning Commons: http://learningcommons.ubc.ca/student-toolkits-2/
• Search UBC Library website (http://library.ubc.ca) for relevant subject guides
• Speak with your Faculty and TAs during their office hours
• If you are an international student, and need help, consult an Advisor at the International House!

[i] A folk tale that appears in many versions. This particular version is from the author’s childhood.

[ii] Quote as is from the poster – author unknown.

Consent Week will take place throughout the week of October 6^th-10^th2014. Join The SASC every day at the SUB South Side Lounge (by Starbucks and the Cafeteria) from 11am-3pm to chat about consent with our enthusiastic Outreach team, purchase Got Consent? Clothing, contribute to our community mural on consent, and watch our new Got Consent? video!

Other events include:

– Got Consent? workshop on Wednesday, October 8 from 11-1:30, email sascprog@ams.ubc.ca to register.

– Mike Domitrz presents an engaging  discussion titled “Can I kiss You? on October 7^th, 2014 at 7pm Totem Park Ballroom.

– Get in Bed with Hillel event on Monday October 6^th at 5.30pm-7pm in the Hillel House lounge.

Garbage, recycling and composting in Vancouver, sort it out!

Our daily consumption and habits produce lots of garbage and since we are a big community, you can imagine the amount of debris we dispose of. However, did you know that you can contribute to reduce this amount by properly sorting out your garbage (garbage/recycling/compost)?

It differs from one country to another, but here are some of Vancouver’s regulations concerning waste disposal.

Recycling:

On campus, you will most likely have two different bins; one for paper products and one for plastic, cans or glass products. Here are some items which fit these categories:

Paper products: paper, paper containers (e.g. pizza box), cardboards, paper cups, newspaper, toilet paper rolls, eggs carton, etc.

Plastic, cans or glass products: Milk container, soda cans, Pringles’ container, coffee cups and lids, ice cream container, aluminum container, cans, glass container, aerosol cans, light bulbs, etc.

Compost :

If you use a plastic bag to gather your compost, it is important to not put it in the compost too. Instead, you could use newspapers or some compostable nets. Also, you can easily clean and deodorize your compost bin using water and baking soda.

What goes in: cooked food waste, raw fruits, paper towels and napkins, bones, eggshells, dairy products, compostable plates and utensils, coffee grounds, tea bags, hair, etc.

Garbage:

Anything that you couldn’t fit into previous categories will most likely end up here. However, if you have unusual wastes such as electronics or batteries to dispose of, please check UBC’s sustainability website to inquire about the proper ways of disposal of such items.

What goes in: plastic bags, Styrofoam, non-recyclable cutlery, waxed paper, etc.

How to reduce your waste imprint?

-When you go grocery shopping you can buy reusable and washable nets for your vegetables and fruits instead of using plastic bags all the time. Same idea for grocery or any shopping bags, use reusable ones or even your backpack.

-Stop buying plastic bottles and buy a reusable water bottle (why not buy a cute one with a cat on it or a cool one with the UBC logo on it?).

-Plan your meals in advance (make a list) to avoid unnecessary wastes and to save money!

-Reuse old readings prints to take notes and save money!

Finally, do not hesitate to share your advices and tricks with your friends to create a ripple effect which encourage a smart and efficient lifestyle!

Sources:

http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/what-goes-in-recycling-bins.aspx

http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/recycling-waste/sort-it-out/what-goes-where

http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/recycling-waste/what-you-can-do

You can make a difference

Although summer may have come to an end, there is still plenty of time left to try some of Vancouver’s best outdoor activities!

1)  Outdoor Net Sports

One of the best ways to enjoy the sunny weather! The outdoor tennis courts and volleyball nets at Kitsilano beach are free for the public to use, so why not take advantage of that?

2)  Hiking

This is a great way to get in touch with nature, get some fresh air, tan, and burn some calories. Try walking the seawall or a trail in Pacific Spirit Park if you’re looking for a more leisurely activity, or the Grouse Grind if you’re looking for a challenge!

3)  Boot Camps or Running Group

If you’re not that into sports, but want to get fit, boot camps and running groups are great options! Boot camps are held both indoors and outdoors, and running groups are always outdoors.

4)  Kayaking and Paddle Boarding

For a fun and easy beach-day activity, try kayaking or paddle boarding! You can rent a kayak or paddle board at Kits beach or English bay and paddle along the coast line. This is a great way to relax and admire Vancouver’s beauty from a different perspective.

5)  Exploring the Stanley Park Seawall

Walk, jog, bike, or even rollerblade around the 10km seawall. You can also explre some of the trails winding through the interior of the park. Try some of the restaurants and visit the Vancouver Aquarium!

Source: vancitybuzz