#11: IT'S THE END!

As the Koreans would say: hwaiting = fighting

Junsu aka XIA (2pm & JYJ)

Even though it is meant as word of encouragement, it still relates to the fact that the school semester is over! And to everyone that has made it this far, kudos~!

It was enjoyable experience having been able to write these entries this time around. I mean, I wrote a crap ton than I did the last time I did this, but it was all a learning curve. A wide curve, but here I am. With everything from writing projects and LSA lessons, the blogs were probably the most fun. I learned quite a bit with being able to write a bunch but not so much to potentially become boring; however, that was probably one of the things I was most worried about since I can say a lot but not get anywhere.
 It was to write something that is given to you, being able to create and write about anything, that's awesome! It gave more ways for myself to practice finding my voice with using words; although, using pictures is easier and more engaging.
As for taking the blog project seriously... For the most part. I had to make sure there was decent content for the people to read, right? Some things can't be taken seriously when it's about whatever you want as long as it's helping yourself improve in some way. As usual though, there's still space to improve on when it comes to writing.

What else is there to say about blogging?
Well, aside from it being a helpful place to practice rhetoric, it has taught me that it can be a place to vent. it may not seem that way since many of the posts made were either very serious in most ways, it was easy to become involved in the writing and bring some opinion into it. It allows the mind to venture out with the topic without having to be too serious. As for writing for a class as a student, it made having to write the major essays more doable, I suppose? I'm unsure of how to say it, but although it was for a class, it didn't feel as such since we were able to write our own way and not have to worry so much on being "perfect". It gave more freedom when it came to style. Letting our personalities come out more by the way we present each post (assigned or self-generated).
I still think it's pretty innovative to utilize the ability to blog as a tool for students to help improve - at least in the hopes to improve. It's certainly different and glad I got to experience it even if it is for a class; it had done what I'm assuming was its intent, and that's learn more and improve what needed work in. Sadly, I probably won't be able to use this anymore after this is over, but I'm glad I did. I'll put what I've learned through blogging towards my own personal ones that I use for my creative writing. I'll do my best to not put what I've learned to waste. ^^

Sadly there's no next time, but everyone do take care and stay healthy! Annyeong! (Bye~)

#10: Relax

It's nearing the end of the semester for many schools which means studying for exams or cramming in last minute extra credit assignments to bring up scores (used in lower level schooling like middle and high school). Because students are putting themselves in tough situations--despite them not having much control over exam day, but the stress can become overwheleming rehardless. Luckily, there are strategies to help anyone relax and stay calm.

There are many different ways to let your thoughts unwind and just become "mindless". Based on the list brought out from Omharmonics, there were 13 ways to "Relax you Mind", and many of which maybe already known you:

1. Meditate

2. Yoga

4. Eat Right

6. Cuddle with pets (if any)

8. Doodle

10. Nap (10 minutes)

13. Say "Later"

It's a simple gesture for yourself to just flip the switch and at least try not to worry about anything. There are even things on the list that I didn't see that can even be helpful in relaxing the mind and distress.
There's herbal teas that bring the body at ease. Here are a few teas listed from Natural News:

Valerian herb and tea

• Valerian - Helps sleep as well as ease physical and emotional tension, however too much can make a person lethargic; NOT for kids 12 and below.
• Blue Vervain - Also helps with sleep and calm nervous system; suggested to NOT be used for long periods of time.
• Catnip - (Yes, cat treats!) The herb within reduces anxiety symptoms, muscle tension, and helps with sleep - especially if the lack of sleep is causing headaches.*
• Chamomile - Relaxes the stomach and reduces mild anxiety; can be used for children though not for long periods of time for anyone. Can also be added in a warm bath for extra relaxation.*
• Lemon Balm - Goes into the nervous system to help nervousness, anxiety, or if feeling upset, Also helps with headaches. 
• Kava - For moderate to severe anxiety - ability to reduce anxiety ridden thoughts. Asking a doctor for the use of Kava due to possible safety concerns.
• Passionflower - Mild to Moderate anxiety (known safety than Kava); decreases muscle tension and calm nerves, could even help with sleep and headaches.
• Hops - Helps with nervousness and stress, fight insomnia, indigestion and headaches. Also can help with fever caused by stress.
• Green Tea - Contains theanine which helps to relax; promotes alpha waves linked to relaxation. Use decaff green tea if helping to calm down.

* Chamomile and catnip could both stimulate an appetite lost due to stress.

Use with caution!

While there's many tea options and other various activities (some not be listed, but could help you), there's no excuse for someone to say there's no way of relaxing. Whatever is enjoyable to you and that brings you inner peace from the outside stresses, is a form of relaxing. For my case, it's taking a nice vacation away; visit family, distant friends, and not have to think about when the next assignment is due.

What helps you relax or distress? Comment below on your thoughts ^^

愛

#9: "Age of Distraction"

The perception of media really does change once you start talking about it whether it be in a classroom or among peers, right? Your thoughts start remembering times where the media starts to seem a little more obscure than what was seen as “normal”.

In my case, I don’t really pay attention to the news all that much; however, I kind of already knew that it was a place where everything was basically a form of brainwash towards the people who watch it. Intently anyway and take everything to its literal meaning. Despite that, I have noticed things with my daily routine of how much media impacts me along with my family, and probably many others experience this as well.

With as many years I have lived with the internet being an outlet for my anxiety, or just generally getting “away” from the world. No one can see me, so I could be blubbering like an idiot from a movie while talking to a friend through messaging on my phone or computer, example being:

<< I know that I can’t be the only one that sees this whether it be yourself or the people around you.

Despite the ability to hide the truth, it’s also a very big distraction! At least for me. As I’m typing this, I’m switch tabs here and there to see whatever is happening in the video playing the background on YouTube. While it is a distraction for many, it technically helps me focus more - as ironic as it sounds. Regardless of what I’m doing, there’s always some type of media (music or video) to entertain my ears and let my mind pause to hopefully continue with refreshing ideas or to jog back memories. 

I'm sure at this point many might be thinking "how can something that is distracting keeping you focused?" Well, there's a number of cases where it proves that it does work - of course, not for everyone.

Digging around the internet, I've found a few articles on Life Hacker that discuss where media, TV in this case, can help flow between thoughts during work. While the other talks about how subtle noises of a cafe can also help people focus better, even be more creative. It isn't media related, though it does bring some comparison that regardless of it being seen as a distraction (TV noise or the gentle rustle and bustle of a cafe), it can be helpful at times during "low moments of productivity".

The torment of all college students (c)

Sometimes it never hurts to branch away from a research paper and glance at another site. There's just somethings to keep in mind: moderation and time management. As fun as the internet is, or the general media, it can be too much if there's ultimately nothing happening to what needs to be done.






~ Leave a comment below on what you think on the idea ~
Is having media a good distraction or not? What are things that keep you focused?

Until next time!

愛