The reason you may want to limit your Netflix binging over winter break

If your Thanksgiving break was anything like mine, you probably made your way to the fridge, overwhelmed with the amount of food fresh for the taking. You hunkered down on the couch in front of the TV or maybe turned to Netflix and binge-watched whatever Netflix suggested for you. You stayed up late and then slept in until you were too restless to flop around in your bed any longer, only to start your day of pursuing technology and comfort. Maybe you fell into the trap of video gaming until the wee hours of the morn, only taking breaks to refuel or use the facilities. You essentially did a lot of things that were relaxing, comforting, and fulfilling for a short time, but when those things lost their luster you moved on to the next thing. By the end of it, I felt like I was ready to get back to school but I was not fulfilled by my time off. I wished I could do it over again; I put off responsibilities to the very end and headed back to campus feeling dissatisfied.

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Unfortunately, truly resting is a struggle for many of us. We are used to constant stimulation and entertainment, whether that’s through social media, Snapchat, texting, or any other ways we use technology to stay “busy.” If you don’t come into this longer break with somewhat of a game plan, your winter break could leave you feeling unfulfilled anxious rather than well rested.

How do we do this? I think it starts with recognizing the difference between true rest and being entertained. It is easy to find yourself seeking to be preoccupied when you get home. We probably have many things we look to to keep busy and entertained whether that is TV, movies, Netflix, shopping, eating, frequent naps, or browsing social media. Though they do not involve much effort or physical exertion, I would not say that these things make me feel rested and refreshed.

What I find truly restful is to unplug from the constant brain stimulation that I am so used to during school, and focus on being more present. I personally try to find rest during breaks in going for a walk or run outside, reflecting over the semester, reading my Bible, spending time in prayer over my life and for people in my life, or even going on a spontaneous adventure (your local grocery store can be an adventure). I think the key is to find things that are enriching to your life and leave you feeling more alive and refreshed which can look like a lot of different things for different people. Another way that I like to do this is by spending quality time with my friends and family, catching up on what has been going on in life, or doing something that goes beyond just “hanging out.” Winter break can be a great time to sort through the direction you are currently headed in life and to reflect on ways you have grown.

I am not trying to say that you shouldn’t watch movies, Netflix, or plop down and watch some TV at all over break. The new Star Wars movie is coming out and I will be all over that. However, I don’t think these things bring much refreshment or rest to my life and so it is important to devote time to doing the things that truly offer rest rather than vainly hoping to find that rest in binge watching “Orange is the New Black.”

May the Force be with you this finals week and over break.

Your Week in First Year Success: October 6-10

While each Ohio State student has his or her own unique experience, there are aspects of that experience which are very common for many students at this point in the semester. This week, I will highlight some First Year Success Series sessions which may be applicable to many first-year students at this point in the semester.

Situation #1: “Oh no! I forgot to sign up to go to the Jeannette Walls talk for the Buckeye Book Community!”

No worries! There are several Buckeye Book Community sessions still available. A fun option is the “Buckeye Book Club Express at CCS Recess!” Counseling and Consultation Service is hosting Recess to help you reconnect with your childhood and explore the positive impact play can have on your life. Part of this event will include a chance for you to creatively reflect on the themes of The Glass Castle.

Buckeye Book Club Express at CCS Recess!
Theme: Buckeye Book Community
October 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Situation #2: “I’m really missing home and the friends and family I left behind.”

You are not the only one. Homesickness is an extremely common issue for college students which many people have written about. To successfully handle the stress of homesickness, you should address it so that you can stay connected to your home while enjoying your new surroundings at Ohio State. There is a First Year Success Series session for you to do just that!

Homesickness
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 10, 3-4 p.m.

Situation #3: “I took my first test and it was horrible! I couldn’t focus/breathe/remember what I studied.”

You may have test anxiety. Many students who are incredibly intelligent struggle when put in a testing situation. The “Test Anxiety” session can help you identify what stresses you out about test-taking and help you create strategies to help you succeed on exam day!

Test Anxiety
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
October 8, 3-3:50 p.m.

Situation #4: “I want to learn about the technologies that will make me stand out and be a digital learner.”

In college, learning is not confined to the classroom. More often, learning is happening online through multiple platforms. By teaching yourself to be a digital learner, you will gain an additional advantage in the classroom.

Being a Digital First Buckeye
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
October 7, 8-9 a.m.

Scenario #5: “I am an international student and I’m trying to become more aware of U.S. laws and policies.”

Coming to study in the U.S. contains additional challenges for many first-year international students. In addition to adjusting to life in college, you must adjust to a whole new culture with its own laws and rules. Come learn what laws and policies that international students should know to be successful.

International Students & U.S. Laws
Theme: Finances
October 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

It is common for first-year students to continue to experience new issues throughout the first semester of college. Don’t be afraid to seek help whenever you realize you need it. Sign up now for your First Year Success Series sessions at www.go.osu.edu/FYSS before they fill up!

13 Apps you NEED for College!

Walk into many college classroom, and what do you see? Other than paper, pencils, or textbooks, today’s lecture halls are filled with a large assortment of smart phones, tablets, and laptops. There’s the student with the Macbook on Pinterest, or the one texting on his Samsung Galaxy, or the group in the back huddled around an Asus tablet watching highlights from last night’s game.

Let’s face it: gadgets we may have purchased with graduation money to help with our “studies” may now be doing more evil than good; however, it is possible to transform your “iLikeToProcrastinate” 5s into your own personal assistant with these must-have apps for college students.

1. IStudiez

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Let this app revolutionize the way you stay organized! This virtual planner, compatible with any Mac device, iCal and Cloud, will keep track of your assignments, deadlines, and even grades! Just plug in your class times. This app is $2.99 for iOS, but has a free light version.

2. StudyBlue

Sick of carrying that huge stack of notecards with you all over campus? Study Blue allows you to create thousands of cards, using not only words, but photos and audio as well! You can even borrow set of already-made cards from a friend! Free for iOS and Android.

3. Evernote

This app is the best of the best for note taking in class. Amp up your class notes by adding pictures, videos, audio and embedded URL’s! The features on this app are endless, and sure to please those who obsess over “pretty notes.” Free for iOS and Android.

4. Studious

Not only does this app help you organize class times, deadlines and exam days, but it also acts as your personal back up! No need to worry if you put your phone on silent when you walked into class, Studious will automatically silence it according to when you set your class times! Free for Android.

5. Self Control

When you’re faced with writing that final paper, everything else on the planet suddenly becomes more interesting. Kill procrastination with Self Control, the app that temporarily adds websites you select to a “blacklist” that prevents you from viewing them for however long you decide! BuzzFeed won’t win this time…(free for Mac OS X)

6. EasyBib

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The website many of us cherished in high school has come to save us again with this easy to use app! Simply scan the barcode of the book, or enter the title, and EasyBib will input the necessary information! Yes, EasyBib really did just get easier. Free for iOS and Android.

7. Chegg

No need to break the bank this semester (or any for that matter); let Chegg help you find the best deals on textbook rentals! Just type in a title or ISBN number, and if Chegg has it, you’re ready to order! Free for iOS and Android.

8. IFTTT

IFTTT, also known as “If This Then That,” is literally your virtual assistant. Want to receive a text when the temperature drops below 32 degrees? Want all photos tagged of you on Facebook to transfer to your phone album? This app has plenty of these “recipes” to choose from, or you can create your own! Free for iOS and Android.

9. Sleep If You Can

Some of us need a little more help than others when it comes to getting out of bed in the morning. For all you snooze button enthusiasts, this app can make sure you actually get to your 8 a.m. class on time. In order to dismiss the alarm, you must take a picture of something (like you bathroom sink). This gets you out of bed, and on your way! $1.99 for iOS and free for Android.

10. Circle of Six

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Staying with a group when going out for the evening is always the safest route. However, it’s possible to be separated, and if you do, you need to stay protected. Circle of 6 allows you to pick 6 friends to whom you can ask to pick you up (it gives them a GPS location), to call and create an interruption for you, and much more! Free for iOS and Android.

11. Mint

Trying to create a budget, let alone stick with it, can be a monumental task for college students. Mint is an app that syncs all of your checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards to one place so you can monitor your spending! Create spending limits for food, clothes, or utilities and categorize every expense with one of their many tags! Secured with bank-level security. Free for iOS and Android.

12. Venmo

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Always messing around with cash to try and pay back this friend for a pizza, or your roommate for the cable bill? Simplify your life with Venmo. This app also syncs with your bank account, and allows you to digitally transfer funds to others, regardless of the bank they use! Also secured with bank level security. Free for iOS and Android.

13. My Fitness Pal

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Being fit has never been so easy with My Fitness Pal! Simply input your weight and height, how much weight you would like to lose, if any, and start tracking! Healthy eating is a breeze with the barcode scan feature, which allows you to easily count calories during the day! You can also input exercise, weight updates, and much more! Free for iOS and Android.