We could all use some more sleep

You should get some sleep, and then some more. All college students have undoubtedly experienced sleep deprivation, and for many, including myself, it starts to become a way of life.

Using Yik Yak, an anonymous social media app, I gauged the opinion of users within a 1.5 mile radius of the University of Florida.

As nights become shorter, your sleep deficit worsens. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, sleep loss negatively affects the mind and body, degrading your overall sense of well-being.

I want to take control of this vicious cycle, and to help you do the same. Here is some advice that turned up in my search for a better system:

The non-profit helpguide.org suggests resisting “after-dinner drowsiness.” The website suggests a regular schedule for going to bed and waking up. Have you ever taken a nap that ended way later than it should have? Helpguide suggests getting involved in a simple task like washing the dishes to boost your energy.

I’ve experienced this strange phenomenon of feeling like my body is running on an empty tank, only to be rejuvenated after simply standing up.

Once we have a grip on our sleep schedule, we can begin to focus on quality of sleep.

Exposure to light decreases the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that causes drowsiness. For this reason, it becomes harder to sleep after staring at a computer screen or television before bed.

I use a free program called f.lux to adapt my computer screen’s brightness and color to the time of day. You just input your location and the software does the rest.

I also use an app on my iPhone called Sleep Machine, “a professional ambient sound and white noise player that helps you sleep or relax,” according to the developer’s website. The free version offers 12 sounds that can be played up to three at a time; including wind, rain, a clock or fan.

Taking control of your sleep schedule is often a daunting task, but there is plenty of information on the internet to get you on track – hopefully I’ve helped you take the first few steps.

Save Money While Helping to Save the Environment

Most of us would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard the term “Going Green.” But what does that really mean? We’ve been taught since elementary school to reduce, reuse and recycle. We also know not to leave the water running, litter or use too much paper.

And those are all legitimate practices, but it turns out there are lots of tips that are just as easy as they are cost-effective (all of which I plan to start using in my life).

Camille Mekwinski, an environmental engineering senior at the University of florida and Sustainable UF intern said, “A lot of times, environmentally sustainable behaviors are cheaper.”

I’m passionate about recycling, not efficient, but passionate nonetheless.

The following examples were found on the WorldWatch Institute’s website:

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)

Switch from regular fluorescent light bulbs to Energy Star qualified CFLs (the seal of approval can be found on qualified packaging), they last longer and use 75% less energy, according to energystar.gov.

According to a USA.gov article, “. . . switching all the light bulbs in a home from conventional incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs could save about $40 over the life of the bulb.”

‘Vampire Energy’

Appliances are always using energy, even when turned off (which is usually more of a standby mode). You can use a smart power strip instead of constantly unplugging appliances – saving energy and money. Smart strips sense when a product is not being used and stops the flow of electricity.

Cold Cleaning

According to WorldWatch, “As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.”

I will switch to the cold setting on my washing machine, but I’ll still be using the hottest dryer setting to combat the risk of germs.

Slow the Flow

I recently moved into a new apartment and the shower head was pushing out water with alarming force – sensitive body parts were at risk. Wanting to decrease the pressure, a lot, I came across low-flow shower heads. They conserve water and fuel used by your heater, once again saving energy and money.

I got mine here for less than $11; its like a nice rain shower but you can find a different one to fit your preferred water pressure.

You can also look for aerators that attach to your sinks and work under the same concept.

Say No to Bottled Water

According to an article from duke.edu, “. . . it can be concluded that bottled and tap water can be equally ‘healthy’ in terms of calcium and magnesium content, depending on where you live.”

Let’s talk money. I have been paying $1.99 for 2.5 gallons of Publix brand Drinking Water, when 1,000 gallons of tap water is about $2, according to a report by the Office of Water.

I’ve always been wary about drinking from the tap, but if its no less healthy than bottled water, and I could attach a filter to ease my mind anyway, then why not?

“Just because you’re buying it from the store doesn’t mean its better,” Mekwinski said.

And a couple more quick tips to keep in mind, courtesy of Sustainable UF:

• Buy products made in America, they leave a smaller carbon footprint during transportation.
• Use candles made from soy, a renewable resource.
• Look for products with a certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) on the packaging.

Ending the Counterproductive Cycle of Procrastination

An article from 2007 cites a research project that links technological temptations to procrastination; causing decreased finances, health and happiness.

College students today have more temptations than ever before, and are often highly skilled procrastinators – pulling homework and projects together at the last possible moment. I’m certainly guilty of this habit, but I’ve found that saving tasks for later often comes at a price.

Waiting until the last minute has caused me to miss deadlines, forget about assignments and fall behind. Days, weeks and months blur together when living on the edge. Why not take control in the present to reduce stress in the future?

According to an article by the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning, “. . . procrastination is often a self-protection strategy for students,” and, “We avoid doing work to avoid our abilities being judged.”

The article also states that procrastinators work hard to complete tasks in the end, and therefor aren’t necessarily lazy. I consider myself to be a motivated, driven individual; it confused me when I would dig myself into a hole of uncompleted work. It now seems possible that I’ve been protecting myself from results that don’t meet my expectations.

So what can we do to break the cycle of procrastination?

Referring back to the article once more:

• Manage time in a way that dissolves tasks into controllable portions – rigid lists can be discouraging. Don’t forget to set aside time to enjoy yourself once the work is completed.
• Identify positive goals for yourself, and look at tasks as a way to accomplish those goals. Producing results for yourself, and not the perceived expectations of others, can lead to a more satisfying lifestyle.
• Dive into your classes by relating work to your interests and asking questions, thus increasing motivation and understanding.

John Wooden, an american basketball player and coach, once said, “Never mistake activity for achievement.”

The James Clear blog promotes a similar sentiment using different wording in an article called “The Mistake Smart People Make: Being in Motion Vs. Taking Action.” The article defines activity as a task that yields a result, whereas motion is fruitless busy-work.

I often catch myself in motion, washing dishes or organizing paperwork, when I should be actively completing schoolwork. Reflect on the ways you can use the above tips to increase activity and satisfaction in your life.

Inspirational Quotes and How to Embrace Them

I’ll be providing you with a dose of inspiration in the form of quotes, and some tips on how to apply the essence of those quotes to your life.

All quotes were found using Quote Investigator, a blog that investigates the origins of quotes, because I’m always wary about who really said what.

‘A man may do an immense deal of good, if he does not care who gets the credit’

According to Quote Investigator, this first appeared in the diary of Father Strickland, a Jesuit priest, in 1863.

The non-profit website Freerice won’t make you a well-known charity figure, but it can be used to contribute real food to those in need. The United Nations World Food Programme donates ten grains of rice for every question you answer correctly. Take Father Strickland’s words to heart and do some good – you might even learn something!

‘Genius is one percent inspiration and and 99 percent perspiration’

This quote has been found in slightly different forms throughout history, but the one featuring these specific percentages was attributed to Thomas Edison in an Idaho newspaper during 1901.

People are often inspired by their role models; Feeling Success is a website that provides an insightful glimpse into the lives of successful people in a variety of careers.

‘In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes’

The earliest version of this quote was attributed to Andy Warhol in a Time magazine article from october 13, 1967.

It’s easy to get carried away and upload the entirety of our lives to the internet, but maybe after trying Take This Lollipop, an “Interactive Live Action Facebook Connect experience”, you’ll think twice about what personal information you make available to the public.

Youtube Videos to Pass the Time

Most people have felt like there aren’t enough hours in the day, but would it really matter if there were?

After completing daily responsibilities, people sometimes find they don’t have the motivation to do anything with their free time. A blanket of fatigue often draws me to the couch and the ol’ bucket list is set aside for a tomorrow that never comes.

Youtube has been a faithful companion through these not-so-trying times. I’ve decided to put off learning the didjeridoo and compile a list of my three favorite Youtube channels, with examples.

Load ’em up, and unwind!

Good Mythical Morning

This is a daily talk show (except for weekends) hosted by Rhett and Link that covers every topic under the sun. The first episode I saw featured the duo eating ghost peppers and I’ve considered myself a fan, aka mythical beast, ever since. The content is entertaining and safe to watch around whatever company you may be with. The hosts have been friends since the first grade and their natural chemistry is easy to smile about. Considering hundreds of episodes have amassed over 450 million views, you’ll surely find something to enjoy.

Ghost pepper video (and a recent followup challenge):

If your eyes are tired, Rhett and Link also host a weekly audio podcast.

Source

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The Jimmy Kimmel Live channel is less suitable for watching around sensitive company. The videos consist of clips from the late-night show on ABC, and content geared toward the YouTube community. In an Esquire Magazine feature, Kimmel refers to himself as a broadcaster rather than an entertainer; he lets the videos take care of the entertainment aspect of his show.

The “celebrities Read Mean Tweets” bit is self-explanatory.

The Jimmy Kimmel show is also well-known for its “Pedestrian Question” segment. If the person being interviewed doesn’t know the answer to a question they’ll often try to make one up.

Vice News

Laughing is a great way to relax; a New York Times article on the study of laughter said that laughing causes the release of feel-good endorphins.

After you’re able to unwind with the above YouTube channels, why not switch gears and learn something new?

Vice News is “an international news channel created by and for a connected generation” according to their channel description. Their videos include ongoing updates from reporters on the scene of current news events, and short informational pieces about a wide range of topics.

Journalist Simon Ostrovsky is featured in a series of videos called “Russian Roulette in Ukraine” – The videos stopped for a period of time when he was kidnapped and then released days later.

This video is slightly longer than eight minutes and provides a glimpse into the life of wealthy Russian oligarch Sergey Veremeenko.

Hack Your Living Space

In the previous post we looked at ideas to simplify our kitchen from Lifehack. However, life hacks – intended to make our lives easier – can be found from a vast collection of sources on the internet.

College students, commonly faced with a small living space and limited time, could benefit from anything that simplifies daily routines. I sifted through about a hundred hacks and picked three that may help save space and time within your apartment or dorm.

I tested these hacks and liked them so much that they’re now apart of my daily routine. Also, none of the necessary items cost me more than $2.

Mug Eggs

People who skip breakfast often consume more sugar and less fruits and vegetables compared to breakfast-eaters, according to an article on the Institute of Food Technologists’ website.

What if after getting dressed you only have three minutes before leaving to class? No problem, all you need is the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of milk
• Two eggs
• Your favorite ingredients (I chose jalapeños; cheese also works well)

Mix all your ingredients in a mug and microwave for 45 seconds.

Mix the ingredients once more and microwave for another 45 seconds.

This uncommon method may be lightning fast, but you lose no quality in the result. The mug also makes this a very portable meal.

Source

Clip Your Cables

Hunger needs aside, a cram session of homework or studying is inevitable. A cluttered desk can lead to confusion and frustration; the solution is binder clips.

Simply squeeze the binder clip’s metal piece off, insert a wire, reattach the metal piece and attach the clip to your workstation. Binder clips are made in a range of sizes and chances are there is one that will fit your table.

Now you can use needed wires while the rest are kept in one convenient location.

Source
(The website is Dutch, but the photo is self explanatory)

One remote, One Battery

Congratulations, your daily responsibilities are coming to an end and its time for a Netflix binge. Unfortunately your remote is dead and you only have one good battery left.

You can use that single battery and a paperclip to form a complete circuit. This is a temporary solution to save your leisure time.

It doesn’t matter what the paperclip looks like after you bend it, just make sure it’s touching both metal ends that would usually be in contact with the battery.

Source

Start thinking smarter, not harder. Look for common items that can be used to hack your way into a better routine.

Welcome to the College Coffeehouse

No, I haven’t figured out a way to materialize coffee through the screen on your device (give it time). But much like a beloved cup of coffee, this blog serves to take the edge off collegiate life. People from just about every walk of life have been gathering at coffeehouses to discuss novel ideas throughout history.

Inspired by coffeehouse culture, I’m utilizing a variety of sources to consolidate tips and tricks for college students across the country.

I found the proceeding ideas in this post from Lifehack, a popular blog that tells you how to ‘streamline your life’, according to the book “Blogging and Other Social Media.” The blog offers a variety of tips and tutorials – from avoiding scams, to creating a CIA inspired survival kit.

Today we’ll focus on simplifying the kitchen. The act of eating in some form or another is a necessity for all living things, and unless you are lucky enough to have an unlimited meal plan, staying fed can be a struggle.

No-spill Pasta

This tip applies to anything cooked with boiling water, and not to fulfill stereotypes but, I come from an Italian heritage and eat plenty of pasta. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ll start a pot of boiling water and turn around to finally do some dishes, when suddenly I hear a violent gurgling behind me. I don’t know if its caused by too much heat or water, but that water boiled right out of the pot – transforming my stove-top into a steaming puddle of water and olive oil.

I couldn’t be happier to say that those days are over. Simply place a wooden spoon across the top of your boiling pot and set your mind at ease.

Wine – Under Construction

I’m also fond of wine, but sometimes the corkscrew gets lost in my disaster of a kitchen. Nothing compliments binge watching “The Office” on Netflix like a glass, or two, of cabernet sauvignon.

Make do with nothing more than a hammer and nail. Lightly tap a nail into the cork and pry it out using the hammer’s claw (apparently hammers have multiple parts with names).

Amazing, Magnificent Microwave

Fun fact: the microwave oven was invented after an accidental discovery by Percy Spencer in 1945. Thanks to spencer I can insert a plate of muddled shapes and colors into a big metal box, and pull out a hot dinner of mashed potatoes and and salisbury steak – all in less than five minutes.

Pizza is synonymous with college. Combat chewy crust by placing a cup containing minimal water in the microwave when reheating leftovers.

No matter what’s being heating, its never a fun surprise when the top of you food is steaming and the inside is as cold as the fridge you got it from. Lifehack suggests leaving the center of your plate empty for even-heating.