Friday, November 26, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Exerpt from "Everything You Think You Know About Beating Stress Is Wrong"
Yesterday's Wisdom
Express your feelings
Today's Smart Strategy
Keep it to yourself
In our tell-all, Oprah-fied culture, we've come to believe that sharing our feelings is the only way to deal with life's struggles. But just the opposite is often true. "We've long thought that talking about problems is always better, but there's also evidence suggesting that this coping style doesn't work for everybody," explains Karin Coifman, PhD, an assistant professor of clinical psychology at Kent State University. Dr. Coifman and colleagues looked at how people whose spouse or child had just died coped with their loss. They learned that many of the subjects who avoided thinking or talking about their sadness—a style psychologists call repressive coping—had fewer short-term health problems, such as sore throats, diarrhea, and shortness of breath, as well as a lower incidence of long-term psychological problems. What's more, they returned to their everyday lives more quickly than those who dwelled upon their grief.
"There's a lot to be said for getting on with the business of living," says Dr. Coifman. "People who talk endlessly about their problems are actually the ones at greater risk of depression." In fact, researchers at the University of Missouri, Columbia, found that participants who repeatedly expressed their sadness or disappointment were more likely to develop depression and anxiety. That doesn't mean you should just suck it up when something bad happens. While you shouldn't deny yourself natural grieving moments, learning to direct your attention away from the stressor is a powerful coping mechanism. So after experiencing that initial burst of tears, turn to something positive—check in on a friend or rearrange your furniture. It's an important skill to look beyond the bad—we wouldn't survive as a species otherwise, Dr. Coifman adds.
By Daryn Eller, Prevention
Express your feelings
Today's Smart Strategy
Keep it to yourself
In our tell-all, Oprah-fied culture, we've come to believe that sharing our feelings is the only way to deal with life's struggles. But just the opposite is often true. "We've long thought that talking about problems is always better, but there's also evidence suggesting that this coping style doesn't work for everybody," explains Karin Coifman, PhD, an assistant professor of clinical psychology at Kent State University. Dr. Coifman and colleagues looked at how people whose spouse or child had just died coped with their loss. They learned that many of the subjects who avoided thinking or talking about their sadness—a style psychologists call repressive coping—had fewer short-term health problems, such as sore throats, diarrhea, and shortness of breath, as well as a lower incidence of long-term psychological problems. What's more, they returned to their everyday lives more quickly than those who dwelled upon their grief.
"There's a lot to be said for getting on with the business of living," says Dr. Coifman. "People who talk endlessly about their problems are actually the ones at greater risk of depression." In fact, researchers at the University of Missouri, Columbia, found that participants who repeatedly expressed their sadness or disappointment were more likely to develop depression and anxiety. That doesn't mean you should just suck it up when something bad happens. While you shouldn't deny yourself natural grieving moments, learning to direct your attention away from the stressor is a powerful coping mechanism. So after experiencing that initial burst of tears, turn to something positive—check in on a friend or rearrange your furniture. It's an important skill to look beyond the bad—we wouldn't survive as a species otherwise, Dr. Coifman adds.
By Daryn Eller, Prevention
Dilemnas and facing reality...
I've always been idealistic, but I've also become more bolder and impulsive since coming to college. I have been able to dream bigger because I'm on my own now and I don't have my sister's practicality or my family to bring me back to reality.
So I declared myself a double major, studying Japanese and art. It's what I personally and selfishly enjoy doing. My parents don't know yet because I haven't told them. I figured that they'd find out when I graduate and it would be too late then.
I knew I had to be careful in my selection of classes - trying to fit both of my major requirements will make my schedule tight. However, I've planned it out so that it just fits. But I found out I was wrong after my adviser's meeting this past Thursday.
I thought the 4 classes I take studying abroad will equal to 4 credits, but the 2 language classes I'm required to take actually count as 1 credit, making that a total of only 3 credits. I was 1 credit short of graduating on time.
So I knew I had to take 5 classes one semester. I thought selfishly and worried about whether I could handle the increased workload. I worried about being a super senior and not graduating with my friends.
I didn't realize until today that I don't have the luxury to even think any of this.
My parents don't even know I'm taking art in the first place.
They would not pay an extra $2000 for me to study art.
And I won't be able to afford it myself.
I may be forced to drop it.
So I declared myself a double major, studying Japanese and art. It's what I personally and selfishly enjoy doing. My parents don't know yet because I haven't told them. I figured that they'd find out when I graduate and it would be too late then.
I knew I had to be careful in my selection of classes - trying to fit both of my major requirements will make my schedule tight. However, I've planned it out so that it just fits. But I found out I was wrong after my adviser's meeting this past Thursday.
I thought the 4 classes I take studying abroad will equal to 4 credits, but the 2 language classes I'm required to take actually count as 1 credit, making that a total of only 3 credits. I was 1 credit short of graduating on time.
So I knew I had to take 5 classes one semester. I thought selfishly and worried about whether I could handle the increased workload. I worried about being a super senior and not graduating with my friends.
I didn't realize until today that I don't have the luxury to even think any of this.
My parents don't even know I'm taking art in the first place.
They would not pay an extra $2000 for me to study art.
And I won't be able to afford it myself.
I may be forced to drop it.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Too much excitement in one day...
...and I'm not even at the concert yet.
I'm not even in Las Vegas yet!
Everyone goes through these phases when they've been obsessed with a certain artist for a period of time. When I was in elementary school, it was the Backstreet Boys (I never stopped loving them actually...) In middle school, I was incredibly obsessed with w-inds.. And although I swore that my love will last forever, it never did.
None of my previous loves have lasted as long as it did for Dong Bang Shin Gi/Tohoshinki/TVXQ - I've been a fan for seven years.
The five member group is no longer, but I've always refused to listen to those who tell me this, choosing to believe in their motto, "Always keep the faith." They've had legal problems with their Korean company, SM Entertainment. The group separated, with Junsu, Yuchun, and Jaejoong forming a new three-member group JYJ. They then had legal problems with their Japanese company, Avex.
I kept telling me that all of the shit happening is "temporary." Is it really?
When I found out that they were going to do a U.S. tour, I couldn't believe it. My friends and spent long hours talking about it - their management kept changing tour dates and places. Nothing was set. We may have to skip classes. We are poor college students. If we're doing this, we need to book our flights, rent a hotel room, buy the tickets. There was just so much to take into consideration.
My biggest worry in the beginning was money. I had just paid more than $500 in bills. I broke my laptop. I dropped another couple hundred for my San Francisco flight this winter, plus other flights flying to and from Hawaii and Oregon.
But a new laptop will have to wait.
I needed to go.
This may be my last chance ever to see them live since they may no longer be able to perform in Korea or Japan.
It started from planning an easy train ride from Salem to Seattle to a short flight San Francisco. When they canceled both Seattle and San Francisco stops, we looked at the next two viable options: home and Las Vegas. We didn't want to go home~ that would be ridiculous. What would our parents say? Then the Hawaii stop was canceled five days before the concert took place.
Initially, I was afraid to tell my older sister about our crazy and daring plans. To my surprise, she is spending big bucks to join us in Las Vegas! :)
Today was emotionally distressing! My heart wouldn't stop pounding since noon today. There was news of the entire tour being possibly canceled because JYJ was not able to secure working visas, and then news that they were going to ahead with the concert and pay for it themselves.
I felt so touched and proud to be their fan because they show us such great love. <3
At the same time, I had slight panic attacks because I didn't know what this change meant - the complimentary concert meant that tickets already purchased will be refunded. Will we get to keep our seats? Will we have to fight for our seats? Since the official site stated that it will be on a first-come-first-serve basis, will we be competing with others who didn't even buy a ticket? It sounds messy, chaotic, and unfair.
I was on my toes all day.
I felt like I lost ten pounds from mental stress.
I had a terribly rough day at work.
It was also that time of month, which probably heightened my emotional instability.
I was on the verge of tears.
(Drama is gross, but I can't help being a girl. FAWK.)
But I contacted Planet Hollywood this afternoon and Chelsie called Ticketmaster.
WE WERE ABLE TO SECURE EVEN BETTER SEATS!!!
YES, YES, YES!!!
I'M GOING TO LAS VEGAS, BABY!!!
I'm a happy girl. ^____^
I'm not even in Las Vegas yet!
Everyone goes through these phases when they've been obsessed with a certain artist for a period of time. When I was in elementary school, it was the Backstreet Boys (I never stopped loving them actually...) In middle school, I was incredibly obsessed with w-inds.. And although I swore that my love will last forever, it never did.
None of my previous loves have lasted as long as it did for Dong Bang Shin Gi/Tohoshinki/TVXQ - I've been a fan for seven years.
The five member group is no longer, but I've always refused to listen to those who tell me this, choosing to believe in their motto, "Always keep the faith." They've had legal problems with their Korean company, SM Entertainment. The group separated, with Junsu, Yuchun, and Jaejoong forming a new three-member group JYJ. They then had legal problems with their Japanese company, Avex.
I kept telling me that all of the shit happening is "temporary." Is it really?
When I found out that they were going to do a U.S. tour, I couldn't believe it. My friends and spent long hours talking about it - their management kept changing tour dates and places. Nothing was set. We may have to skip classes. We are poor college students. If we're doing this, we need to book our flights, rent a hotel room, buy the tickets. There was just so much to take into consideration.
My biggest worry in the beginning was money. I had just paid more than $500 in bills. I broke my laptop. I dropped another couple hundred for my San Francisco flight this winter, plus other flights flying to and from Hawaii and Oregon.
But a new laptop will have to wait.
I needed to go.
This may be my last chance ever to see them live since they may no longer be able to perform in Korea or Japan.
It started from planning an easy train ride from Salem to Seattle to a short flight San Francisco. When they canceled both Seattle and San Francisco stops, we looked at the next two viable options: home and Las Vegas. We didn't want to go home~ that would be ridiculous. What would our parents say? Then the Hawaii stop was canceled five days before the concert took place.
Initially, I was afraid to tell my older sister about our crazy and daring plans. To my surprise, she is spending big bucks to join us in Las Vegas! :)
Today was emotionally distressing! My heart wouldn't stop pounding since noon today. There was news of the entire tour being possibly canceled because JYJ was not able to secure working visas, and then news that they were going to ahead with the concert and pay for it themselves.
I felt so touched and proud to be their fan because they show us such great love. <3
At the same time, I had slight panic attacks because I didn't know what this change meant - the complimentary concert meant that tickets already purchased will be refunded. Will we get to keep our seats? Will we have to fight for our seats? Since the official site stated that it will be on a first-come-first-serve basis, will we be competing with others who didn't even buy a ticket? It sounds messy, chaotic, and unfair.
I was on my toes all day.
I felt like I lost ten pounds from mental stress.
I had a terribly rough day at work.
It was also that time of month, which probably heightened my emotional instability.
I was on the verge of tears.
(Drama is gross, but I can't help being a girl. FAWK.)
But I contacted Planet Hollywood this afternoon and Chelsie called Ticketmaster.
YES, YES, YES!!!
I'M GOING TO LAS VEGAS, BABY!!!
I'm a happy girl. ^____^
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I am a walking accident.
I bumped my head three times today.
And now my wrist is bleeding profusely from a big cut.
It was also hard to scrub or wash my hair because of my poor bruised head!
And now my wrist is bleeding profusely from a big cut.
It was also hard to scrub or wash my hair because of my poor bruised head!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Cold!!!
This morning, I burnt my hand with hot tea. But it was the first time I was okay with it because I thought that at least if my hand was on fire, they wouldn't be freezing in the cold.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
He taught me something...
You will meet all kinds of people going to a liberal arts college.
Coming here has definitely opened up my small mind.
I feel repetitive, but I can never stress this enough.
I'm a hypocrite in the way that I hate people who judge and make assumptions about others.
I didn't like the idea of people forming ideas about me that may not be true.
But I realize that it is an inevitable part of human nature to judge others.
Perhaps they are instinct from cavemen times?
Everyone likes to think that they are open minded, but appearances does count for something. It's what the eye sees first.
Having said all this, I just wanted to express how touched I felt tonight by someone who I've always felt a little uneasy around. I didn't know why he made me feel uncomfortable, but there is something a little...off about him. You will know it when you meet him. My friends make faces when I ask if they know him. He's different.
But he is really nice to me. We have the same birthday and the same double majors. After that, we could not be more different. I know he smokes. I know he parties. I know he does drugs. (But wait- doesn't almost everyone in college?) He's constantly laughing at me. (It makes me feel terrible to say this...since when did it become suspicious when people laugh all the time? What a world we live in!)
We have art history class and he wanted to study together.
I didn't take this too seriously and I almost didn't go.
But I'm so glad I did.
I was fifteen minutes late and he was standing out there in the cold, waiting for me.
When I came closer, I told him, "It's freezing!
You could have gone inside the library...Oh, did you want to smoke?"
He replied, "No, I didn't smoke because I knew I was meeting you."
People laughed when they saw us sitting at a table, saying that they never expected to ever see him in a library. He usually studied in the Kaneko Atrium. Then I realized he went out of his way for a ten minute walk over the tough sky bridge (that everyone hates) just to study with me when he could have stayed in Kaneko. (...on top of that, I made him wait...)
I was taken aback because I didn't expect this. I don't think I was mean, but I've never treated him particularly well. But he was very accepting of me, even though he knows what I think of him. He apologized at the end of our study session, saying that he couldn't help me when I've helped him so much. But he didn't realize that I did learn something. He was the bigger person.
P.S. I posted three entries in one day, but all three are completely unrelated. They are all about different people and different thoughts at different times. :)
Coming here has definitely opened up my small mind.
I feel repetitive, but I can never stress this enough.
I'm a hypocrite in the way that I hate people who judge and make assumptions about others.
I didn't like the idea of people forming ideas about me that may not be true.
But I realize that it is an inevitable part of human nature to judge others.
Perhaps they are instinct from cavemen times?
Everyone likes to think that they are open minded, but appearances does count for something. It's what the eye sees first.
Having said all this, I just wanted to express how touched I felt tonight by someone who I've always felt a little uneasy around. I didn't know why he made me feel uncomfortable, but there is something a little...off about him. You will know it when you meet him. My friends make faces when I ask if they know him. He's different.
But he is really nice to me. We have the same birthday and the same double majors. After that, we could not be more different. I know he smokes. I know he parties. I know he does drugs. (But wait- doesn't almost everyone in college?) He's constantly laughing at me. (It makes me feel terrible to say this...since when did it become suspicious when people laugh all the time? What a world we live in!)
We have art history class and he wanted to study together.
I didn't take this too seriously and I almost didn't go.
But I'm so glad I did.
I was fifteen minutes late and he was standing out there in the cold, waiting for me.
When I came closer, I told him, "It's freezing!
You could have gone inside the library...Oh, did you want to smoke?"
He replied, "No, I didn't smoke because I knew I was meeting you."
People laughed when they saw us sitting at a table, saying that they never expected to ever see him in a library. He usually studied in the Kaneko Atrium. Then I realized he went out of his way for a ten minute walk over the tough sky bridge (that everyone hates) just to study with me when he could have stayed in Kaneko. (...on top of that, I made him wait...)
I was taken aback because I didn't expect this. I don't think I was mean, but I've never treated him particularly well. But he was very accepting of me, even though he knows what I think of him. He apologized at the end of our study session, saying that he couldn't help me when I've helped him so much. But he didn't realize that I did learn something. He was the bigger person.
P.S. I posted three entries in one day, but all three are completely unrelated. They are all about different people and different thoughts at different times. :)
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