Top 7 Pictures of The Week
Archives for December 2019
The Introvert’s Guide to College: Alone or Lonely?
I cannot count the amount of times growing up, I was asked why I was alone. I was social and hung out with people, but I also had a tendency to sit and do stuff by myself for hours, like reading or writing. And at the time, I thought it was because I was shy and didn’t know how to talk to people but looking back at it now, maybe it had more to do with the fact that I didn’t want to talk to people. I actually liked being alone. (Now I know how that sounds. People who like to be by themselves are considered to be loners, a title that sometimes even extends itself to weirdo. But I think loners get a bad rep.)
Besides needing the alone time to recharge, introverts just like spending alone time with themselves. It isn’t the same as being lonely. While there are people I would like to hang out with, I also like working with myself. Being alone allows you to connect with yourself on a level that you may not be able to on a day to day basis when you’re around everyone else. When I’m by myself, I can sort out my thoughts, work through any problems that are bothering me, or even just meditate. I don’t think enough people are okay with being alone with themselves and their thoughts, which is why you see so many attempts of people trying to distract themselves from…well themselves.
Next time you’re by yourself and are about to text someone to hang out, figure out whether it is because you’re alone or lonely. And if you’re just alone for once, take a few moments to enjoy it.
CommonsCast Episode 43-December 4, 2019
It’s the final episode of the CommonsCast before semester break, and Dean Melissa Gresalfi reflects on all that the first-years have accomplished in her Dean’s Minute. Also Andrei delivers the calendar of upcoming events and has a wonderful interview with Christoph Zeller, Faculty Head of West House.
MCL News Minute-December 4, 2019
Kerissa has details on all of the events coming up before and during finals that will help you navigate the end of the semester, including de-stress events, meditation, and free food!
Top 5 Stress Relievers for Finals Season
With some finals already taking place and most coming up, the stress is getting real. Here are some things for you to try to get rid of some of it.
1. Visit the Stress-Free Zone in Stevenson Library
Complete with Legos, Jenga, kinetic sand, a coloring station, and some particularly comfortable couches, this space is sure to leave you feeling better than when you arrived.
2. Exercise
Whether you decide to take a walk outside or opt for a warmer work out at the rec, burning off some steam by exercising is a great way to boost your happy hormones (and have a better night’s sleep).
3. Speaking of Sleep, Sleep!
While sleeping may seem counterintuitive in some cases, putting it off only leads to more anxiety and stress. Try your best to get at least 7 hours each night so your brain has enough energy to absorb all the information you’ve been cramming. In fact, make sure you’re meeting all of your basic needs: eat well, sleep awhile and shower frequently (please).
4. Hang out with Friends over a Hot Drink
Take a break from studying, get together with some friends and enjoy a drink that warms you up (apple cider is my personal favorite) in the midst of Nashville’s cooler temperatures. Try to talk about anything except academics (unless you’re ranting, of course).
5. Do Something that You Enjoy
Take 15 minutes out of your busy schedule to indulge in whatever makes you happy! Possibilities include binging Netflix, meditating, listening to music, calling friends from back home, and so much more. Remember that your well-being is always the most important thing. Good luck on finals, and may the odds be ever in your favor!