The greatest conflicts are not between two people but between one person and her/himself."
--Unknown
Try to remember that each human being is trying for the same thing you are-to be happy and at ease. Don’t demonize those you don’t like.
“Peace starts within each of us. When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us.” Dalai Lama
If you are having difficulty, try to address it immediately. Don’t tell yourself it is “no big deal.” Talk with the person you have an issue with. If you are unsuccessful in resolving the problem, you can talk to your RA or the residence staff.
This site has tips for living with roommates.
http://www.iamnext.com/people/rmatedorm.html
Monday, October 22, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Feeling the squeeeeeze
Mid-terms! Major assignments! Group projects! Presentations!
You are now hitting the half-way mark of your semester. Are you starting to have some doubts about your ability to succeed in your post secondary education? There are lots of supports at the College to help you reach your goals
Fear not because fear just is not a helpful emotion at this point. A little stress isn't bad if it is the good kind of stress that motivates you to decide you can skip a TV show or two and maybe reduce the party commitments a little.
Fear itself though, creates a whole series of reactions in your body and brain which do not create an ideal internal situation for clarity of mind!
A few disappointing test results, a bad mark on an assignment? It happens to lots of students. Your best strategy at this point is not to linger and brood on what cannot be changed. Give yourself and your friends some pep talks and move forward. Take good care of yourself and your friends. Make each other good meals. Encourage each other to take time for the gym or a walk. Remind each other to get some sleep. Set up some study group times to encourage each other in staying focused and committed to your goals.
A mind that is anxious or full of fear does not learn easily. Relax your mind. Check out YouTube where you can type in "relaxation" and you will see many options for 5 min, 10 min or half hour relaxations. Or try out the relaxation/meditation every Tuesday and Thursday from 12-12:30 in room 2L26.
If you are finding you really do not understand some of your class work or feel unable to get yourself on track don't forget you have a student success mentor who can help support you and get you ON TRAK. You can book appointment time through Jodie in the Student Success Hub just above the computer lab.
The mentors also offer workshops on time management,coping with stress and notetaking. Check out the workshops remaining for this semester.
October 29 Student Success: Making It Work
4:00 pm in Room 2H16
November 5 Student Success: Making It Work
4:00 pm in Room 2H16
6:30 pm in Rez Common Room
November 12 Student Success: Surviving The Crunch
4:00 pm in Room 2H16
6:30 pm in Rez Common Room
Remember you are not alone here at the college. There are many supports to help you to succeed. We have counselors and a mental health nurse. You can make appointments with them as well through Jodie in the Student Success Hub.
Take a couple of deep breaths, roll your shoulders and let them drop. Another couple of deep breaths and reeeeelax your mind, feed it good food, give it some restful sleep, take it out for some fresh air. It will respond by learning with more ease and allowing you a feeling of peacefulness rather than stress.
You are now hitting the half-way mark of your semester. Are you starting to have some doubts about your ability to succeed in your post secondary education? There are lots of supports at the College to help you reach your goals
Fear not because fear just is not a helpful emotion at this point. A little stress isn't bad if it is the good kind of stress that motivates you to decide you can skip a TV show or two and maybe reduce the party commitments a little.
Fear itself though, creates a whole series of reactions in your body and brain which do not create an ideal internal situation for clarity of mind!
A few disappointing test results, a bad mark on an assignment? It happens to lots of students. Your best strategy at this point is not to linger and brood on what cannot be changed. Give yourself and your friends some pep talks and move forward. Take good care of yourself and your friends. Make each other good meals. Encourage each other to take time for the gym or a walk. Remind each other to get some sleep. Set up some study group times to encourage each other in staying focused and committed to your goals.
A mind that is anxious or full of fear does not learn easily. Relax your mind. Check out YouTube where you can type in "relaxation" and you will see many options for 5 min, 10 min or half hour relaxations. Or try out the relaxation/meditation every Tuesday and Thursday from 12-12:30 in room 2L26.
If you are finding you really do not understand some of your class work or feel unable to get yourself on track don't forget you have a student success mentor who can help support you and get you ON TRAK. You can book appointment time through Jodie in the Student Success Hub just above the computer lab.
The mentors also offer workshops on time management,coping with stress and notetaking. Check out the workshops remaining for this semester.
October 29 Student Success: Making It Work
4:00 pm in Room 2H16
November 5 Student Success: Making It Work
4:00 pm in Room 2H16
6:30 pm in Rez Common Room
November 12 Student Success: Surviving The Crunch
4:00 pm in Room 2H16
6:30 pm in Rez Common Room
Remember you are not alone here at the college. There are many supports to help you to succeed. We have counselors and a mental health nurse. You can make appointments with them as well through Jodie in the Student Success Hub.
Take a couple of deep breaths, roll your shoulders and let them drop. Another couple of deep breaths and reeeeelax your mind, feed it good food, give it some restful sleep, take it out for some fresh air. It will respond by learning with more ease and allowing you a feeling of peacefulness rather than stress.
Health Sexuality
I think it may be a sad comment on the state of our evolution that when we talk about healthy sexuality we usually mean how to avoid sickness and even death.
Healthy sexuality is more than protecting yourself from disease and pregnancy. These in themselves are extremely important issues. Also of great importance is developing an understanding of your own sexuality,how you function emotionally and knowing how to experience one of the great pleasures of our humanness without ignorance and shame.
Young students can be particularly vulnerable to unpleasant or even traumatic sexual experiences due to the use of alcohol and other substances. Using puts you at risk of making choices you would not usually make. Just a few moments of poor choice can create a lifetime of consequences. You also miss the exquisite experience when you are not fully present due to altered consciousness.
This website offers a really interesting discussion of the many facets of sexuality exploring more than just sexual feelings and sexual intercourse. It speaks to issues of body image, sensuality and how we view ourselves in our gender roles.
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/lessonplans/circlesofsexuality3.htm
Loyalist College is a Rainbow positive college. Rainbow community includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two-spirited and any other alternative you can think of as well as their allies. We have a weekly drop in group and an on-line Rainbow Message Board. For access info to either connect with Valerie in Mind and Wellness Services in the Student Hub or email her at vgeen@loyalistc.on.ca
This is a great site with quizzes, virtual scenarios and the sex-fu challenge (a video game that challenges your sex knowledge)
The site offers a demo on using condoms as well as info on how to make a dental dam out of a condom. It has loads of other useful, up-to-date, down to earth, real life info.
www.sexualityandu.ca
Specifically addressing gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, trans, queer, etc.
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/glbtq.htm
Healthy sexuality is more than protecting yourself from disease and pregnancy. These in themselves are extremely important issues. Also of great importance is developing an understanding of your own sexuality,how you function emotionally and knowing how to experience one of the great pleasures of our humanness without ignorance and shame.
Young students can be particularly vulnerable to unpleasant or even traumatic sexual experiences due to the use of alcohol and other substances. Using puts you at risk of making choices you would not usually make. Just a few moments of poor choice can create a lifetime of consequences. You also miss the exquisite experience when you are not fully present due to altered consciousness.
This website offers a really interesting discussion of the many facets of sexuality exploring more than just sexual feelings and sexual intercourse. It speaks to issues of body image, sensuality and how we view ourselves in our gender roles.
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/lessonplans/circlesofsexuality3.htm
Loyalist College is a Rainbow positive college. Rainbow community includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two-spirited and any other alternative you can think of as well as their allies. We have a weekly drop in group and an on-line Rainbow Message Board. For access info to either connect with Valerie in Mind and Wellness Services in the Student Hub or email her at vgeen@loyalistc.on.ca
This is a great site with quizzes, virtual scenarios and the sex-fu challenge (a video game that challenges your sex knowledge)
The site offers a demo on using condoms as well as info on how to make a dental dam out of a condom. It has loads of other useful, up-to-date, down to earth, real life info.
www.sexualityandu.ca
Specifically addressing gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, trans, queer, etc.
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/glbtq.htm
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Sleep. Who Needs It?
There are so many more interesting things to do with your time than sleep, right? You have classes and assignments and tests. Maybe you have a job as well. You've got to spend some time with friends and have some fun; and staying fit takes some time too. Now, when exactly is there time for this sleep business?
Our culture in general has a sleep debt. Your poor human body unfortunately is not going to let you get away with so little sleep for long. As you get further into the school year, you may notice you have a shorter fuse? Get irritated by very small annoyances? Can't seem to focus for long? Reach for sugary treats of coffee more often to give you a quick boost? Can't get those assignments done as easily as you did before?
Sleep is one of most basic human needs for reeenergizing. Sleeping and eating disorders are becoming more prevalent among college age students.
Most college students fall short when it comes to getting enough sleep. Sleep is a powerful tool for maintaining balance. Sleep deprivation can hurt academic performance and increase stress. Sleep requirements vary for each individual but studies show college students need more than 8 hours/night! No kidding.
Learn to say NO. You won’t be able to do everything. And after a while nothing you do brings you any real satisfaction if you feel a constant sense of fatigue.
I heard a student in the halls last week calling out to a friend as they headed home for the weekend "And don't forget to get some sleep!" What a great friend. We all need those words ringing in our heads reminding us.
You will find some great tips at this site on how to develop some good sleep habits.
http://www.behavioraltech.com/downloads/sleepProtocol.pdf
http://www.yogasite.com/sleep.htm
Look in the sleep and wellness section on this site.
http://www.mala.ca/mariners/mental.htm#Sleep%20and%20Wellness
Our culture in general has a sleep debt. Your poor human body unfortunately is not going to let you get away with so little sleep for long. As you get further into the school year, you may notice you have a shorter fuse? Get irritated by very small annoyances? Can't seem to focus for long? Reach for sugary treats of coffee more often to give you a quick boost? Can't get those assignments done as easily as you did before?
Sleep is one of most basic human needs for reeenergizing. Sleeping and eating disorders are becoming more prevalent among college age students.
Most college students fall short when it comes to getting enough sleep. Sleep is a powerful tool for maintaining balance. Sleep deprivation can hurt academic performance and increase stress. Sleep requirements vary for each individual but studies show college students need more than 8 hours/night! No kidding.
Learn to say NO. You won’t be able to do everything. And after a while nothing you do brings you any real satisfaction if you feel a constant sense of fatigue.
I heard a student in the halls last week calling out to a friend as they headed home for the weekend "And don't forget to get some sleep!" What a great friend. We all need those words ringing in our heads reminding us.
You will find some great tips at this site on how to develop some good sleep habits.
http://www.behavioraltech.com/downloads/sleepProtocol.pdf
http://www.yogasite.com/sleep.htm
Look in the sleep and wellness section on this site.
http://www.mala.ca/mariners/mental.htm#Sleep%20and%20Wellness
Friday, October 5, 2007
Brain Holidays
Recently a lot of scientific research has been done on meditation. Following are just some of the benefits research has confirmed:
1. A relaxed, calm state of mind becomes a learned response when practiced continuously over time. Imagine remaining calm in any situation!
2. A large percentage of doctor office visits and counselling appointments are related to stress. Meditation is one of the best tools for coping with stress.
3. It increases concentration and focus ability
Meditation instruction and practice is available to any student at Loyalist on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Rm 1L26 from 12-12:30. Drop in and try it out.
This site has a wealth of information specifically directed toward college students. You will find sections on all aspects of health – mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. It speaks about the negative emotions most common to college students and gives tips on how to deal with them.
http://www.mala.ca/mariners/HomePage.htm
1. A relaxed, calm state of mind becomes a learned response when practiced continuously over time. Imagine remaining calm in any situation!
2. A large percentage of doctor office visits and counselling appointments are related to stress. Meditation is one of the best tools for coping with stress.
3. It increases concentration and focus ability
Meditation instruction and practice is available to any student at Loyalist on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Rm 1L26 from 12-12:30. Drop in and try it out.
This site has a wealth of information specifically directed toward college students. You will find sections on all aspects of health – mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. It speaks about the negative emotions most common to college students and gives tips on how to deal with them.
http://www.mala.ca/mariners/HomePage.htm
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
MAD Student Society
Mad Students Society (MSS) is an organization run by and for students. MSS was created to provide peer support, advocacy and self-empowerment for students experiencing "mental health" issues in post-secondary institutions. You can check them out at the following website.
http://www.madstudentsociety.com/
Whether you have a diagnosed mental illness or whether you just wonder if there is something "just not quite right," it is a good idea for all college students to have some information about mental illness. This is the age group where problems of this kind can start to show up and students often have misconceptions about what mental illness is. They think it can't happen to them.
Recently Margaret Trudeau,the former wife of Pierre Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada from 1968-1979)spoke in Belleville. She did not believe that she had a mental illness for many years and spoke of the poor decisions and choices she made; the suffering she put herself and loved ones through and her great delight in being well now and being able to encourage others to seek help. She told the audience that she is often called courageous to be so public about what is often seen as a shameful illness. Margaret Trudeau said she did not feel like it took courage; she just felt so happy to finally understand she had an illness that could be treated and she wanted to encourage anyone who is struggling to at least ask for help and get assessed.
Check out the posters around the school. “Face Mental Illness” features ordinary people who are out of the closet about their mental illness – face the reality of mental illness by learning more about it.
“Too few Canadians know about the burden of mental illness on our society, and too few sufferers seek help when they need it. Mental Illness Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness of the level of mental illness in Canada; to reduce negative stigma about mental illness amongst the general population and health care professionals…” MIAW
Mental Illness can happen to anyone, at any age. The World Health Organization says it is 4th in the top 10 disabilities world wide. One of the best strategies to prevent illness of any kind is making a commitment to yourself –Maintain balance with basic self care. A healthy diet, adequate sleep, physical activity, relaxation and a good support network of family and friends.
Some people view mental illness from a biomedical model; seeing it as a result of genetics and neurochemistry. Others view it from a psychosocial perspective; linking it to “life events.”
Both points of view have validity and however you view it, the stats are significant enough to suggest everyone will be touched by it in some way over their life – be it a family member, loved one, friend, co-worker or self.
This web site features the stories of the people you see in the “Face Mental Illness” posters around the school. The website also has lots of information on mental illness and the impact it has on individuals, families and communities.
http://www.miaw-ssmm.ca/
Some great sites for information on mental illnesses.
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/index.asp
http://www.mooddisorders.on.ca/
http://www.camh.net/
This site is a good site for holistic information specific to depression. It also has a discussion group moderated by health professionals.
http://www.depressioncenter.net/
http://www.madstudentsociety.com/
Whether you have a diagnosed mental illness or whether you just wonder if there is something "just not quite right," it is a good idea for all college students to have some information about mental illness. This is the age group where problems of this kind can start to show up and students often have misconceptions about what mental illness is. They think it can't happen to them.
Recently Margaret Trudeau,the former wife of Pierre Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada from 1968-1979)spoke in Belleville. She did not believe that she had a mental illness for many years and spoke of the poor decisions and choices she made; the suffering she put herself and loved ones through and her great delight in being well now and being able to encourage others to seek help. She told the audience that she is often called courageous to be so public about what is often seen as a shameful illness. Margaret Trudeau said she did not feel like it took courage; she just felt so happy to finally understand she had an illness that could be treated and she wanted to encourage anyone who is struggling to at least ask for help and get assessed.
Check out the posters around the school. “Face Mental Illness” features ordinary people who are out of the closet about their mental illness – face the reality of mental illness by learning more about it.
“Too few Canadians know about the burden of mental illness on our society, and too few sufferers seek help when they need it. Mental Illness Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness of the level of mental illness in Canada; to reduce negative stigma about mental illness amongst the general population and health care professionals…” MIAW
Mental Illness can happen to anyone, at any age. The World Health Organization says it is 4th in the top 10 disabilities world wide. One of the best strategies to prevent illness of any kind is making a commitment to yourself –Maintain balance with basic self care. A healthy diet, adequate sleep, physical activity, relaxation and a good support network of family and friends.
Some people view mental illness from a biomedical model; seeing it as a result of genetics and neurochemistry. Others view it from a psychosocial perspective; linking it to “life events.”
Both points of view have validity and however you view it, the stats are significant enough to suggest everyone will be touched by it in some way over their life – be it a family member, loved one, friend, co-worker or self.
This web site features the stories of the people you see in the “Face Mental Illness” posters around the school. The website also has lots of information on mental illness and the impact it has on individuals, families and communities.
http://www.miaw-ssmm.ca/
Some great sites for information on mental illnesses.
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/index.asp
http://www.mooddisorders.on.ca/
http://www.camh.net/
This site is a good site for holistic information specific to depression. It also has a discussion group moderated by health professionals.
http://www.depressioncenter.net/
Party SMARTS
At last -you are totally your own boss at this point in your life –open to all possibilities. Making responsible choices about all the new possibilities will set standards for the rest of your life.
Use of any substance is going to be totally up to you. Some students use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to deal with stress. When you are finished drinking or smoking you are still stressed – you haven’t really dealt with the stress. As well, if you are using substances to deal with stress, you miss the opportunity to develop your own personal coping skills.
Some students use alcohol and drugs to feel more at ease in social situations. Again, if you don’t balance your use, you aren’t developing social skills, you are developing drug skills.
Binge drinking puts you at risk. (Binging is defined as 5 or more drinks in one session.) Every year students who thought it would never happen to them end up with alcohol poisoning. You are particularly at risk when you play drinking games.
Party smart and avoid binge drinking. Be creative – party drug and alcohol free. What a concept!
Learn to say NO. Don’t be led by the herd mentality. Be clear with yourself about making your own choices. No one makes you do anything at this point in your life. You are free to choose and free to be responsible for yourself.
Some party smart tips and info:
1) Go out with a group of friends you trust and have clear agreements about making sure everyone gets home safely.
2) Those most at risk for assault are those who are getting drunk frequently. Talk to a friend if you are concerned about their behavior. Encourage them to see one of the counsellors here at Loyalist.
3) Females and males have different notions about what they want when they are being "sexual." Females may be ok with kissing and some "making out" whereas males may feel this means they have permission for full sexual intercourse. It is important to know that whether you are male or female, you have the right to say "NO" at any point. Even if you have indicated you are ready for a full sexual encounter, you can say NO at any point. This is not bizzare behavior, nor is it "being a tease." This is adult, responsible behavior and people who call you names for the choices you make or make you feel ashamed do not have your best interests in their heart. This is not a person you want to be intimate with!
4) Alcohol and other drugs alter your awareness levels; that is why you use them, right? You want a break from your usual state of mind. Fine. Just remember that this is not a state in which you want to have a sexual encounter.
At this website choose "substance use" from the list of topics on the left and then choose "frequently asked questions (FAQs)" on the right for interesting facts on drugs and alcohol.
http://www.canadianhealthnetwork.ca/
This site offer some good tips for “drinking smarts.”
http://www.mta.ca/departments/sss/personal/booze.html
Use of any substance is going to be totally up to you. Some students use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to deal with stress. When you are finished drinking or smoking you are still stressed – you haven’t really dealt with the stress. As well, if you are using substances to deal with stress, you miss the opportunity to develop your own personal coping skills.
Some students use alcohol and drugs to feel more at ease in social situations. Again, if you don’t balance your use, you aren’t developing social skills, you are developing drug skills.
Binge drinking puts you at risk. (Binging is defined as 5 or more drinks in one session.) Every year students who thought it would never happen to them end up with alcohol poisoning. You are particularly at risk when you play drinking games.
Party smart and avoid binge drinking. Be creative – party drug and alcohol free. What a concept!
Learn to say NO. Don’t be led by the herd mentality. Be clear with yourself about making your own choices. No one makes you do anything at this point in your life. You are free to choose and free to be responsible for yourself.
Some party smart tips and info:
1) Go out with a group of friends you trust and have clear agreements about making sure everyone gets home safely.
2) Those most at risk for assault are those who are getting drunk frequently. Talk to a friend if you are concerned about their behavior. Encourage them to see one of the counsellors here at Loyalist.
3) Females and males have different notions about what they want when they are being "sexual." Females may be ok with kissing and some "making out" whereas males may feel this means they have permission for full sexual intercourse. It is important to know that whether you are male or female, you have the right to say "NO" at any point. Even if you have indicated you are ready for a full sexual encounter, you can say NO at any point. This is not bizzare behavior, nor is it "being a tease." This is adult, responsible behavior and people who call you names for the choices you make or make you feel ashamed do not have your best interests in their heart. This is not a person you want to be intimate with!
4) Alcohol and other drugs alter your awareness levels; that is why you use them, right? You want a break from your usual state of mind. Fine. Just remember that this is not a state in which you want to have a sexual encounter.
At this website choose "substance use" from the list of topics on the left and then choose "frequently asked questions (FAQs)" on the right for interesting facts on drugs and alcohol.
http://www.canadianhealthnetwork.ca/
This site offer some good tips for “drinking smarts.”
http://www.mta.ca/departments/sss/personal/booze.html
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