Wellness Wednesday

#WellnessWednesday: Treat Yo’ Self

#WellnessWednesday: Treat Yo’ Self

It’s December 16 everyone, which means we are approaching the finish line of not only this semester but the year. Some of us are done with exams *struts around with weight-free shoulders*, and some still have exams today and tomorrow (you can do it!). Either way, winter break is almost upon us. We know you worked hard this semester, with stress levels culminating this past week, so here are our “10 Ways to Treat Yo’ Self” post-final exams:

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  1. Sometimes the best way to help yourself feel better is by helping those around you. The holiday season is a wonderful time to give back to those that don’t have the opportunity to do the rest of the activities on this list. Visit the Hands On Central Ohio home page to find out how you and your friends can volunteer this winter break.
  2. Embrace your inner couch potato. I’m not claiming to be an expert in this subject, but I know a thing or two about treating myself to a day in front of the TV. Netflix has some quality holiday flicks to get you in the spirit (my personal recommendation: Christmas with the Kranks), so brew a cup of coffee or cocoa and kick back for a day.
  3. Go on a run. I’m also not claiming to be an expert in this subject, or even a participant, but for some people exercise is at the top of their list of ways to relieve stress. Let’s be honest, 58° in mid-December? That’s an invitation to get outside if I’ve ever heard one!
  4. Cheer on the Bucks. Football season may be coming to an end, but basketball season is just getting started. Get together with some friends and tune in to Big Ten Network tonight, December 16 to watch the Buckeyes take on Northern Illinois at 7 p.m.
  5. Have a dance party. It is officially socially acceptable to listen to all your Christmas favorites- although, in my personal opinion there is no WRONG time for Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. Blast the Christmas jams while you’re cleaning or while you pack to head home.
  6. Bake* some holiday treats. *Or (if you’re like me) buy them at the store. Either way, it’s time to chow down on all the holiday goodies before you make the New Year’s resolution to eat better.
  7. Deck the halls. Whether you’re into decorating your dorm/apartment, or you wait to get in the holiday spirit until you go back home, decking the halls with boughs of holly will not only bring a smile to your face but will also cause you to ask yourself: what’s a “bough”? Answer: it is an Old English term for a tree branch- and yes, I had to look that up.
  8. Read a book. Now I know what you’re thinking- “but I just spent a whole semester reading!” however, winter break is the best time to hit the bestseller list and read all of the books you’ve been wanting to read for the past few months but didn’t have the time to. Oh, and the best part? You don’t have to answer any questions or write any essays on what you’ve just read. I recommend visiting The Book Loft in German Village to pick up some new reads!
  9. Explore your hometown. If you’re going home for the break, get out and explore what makes your hometown unique. You don’t know the next time you’ll be back so enjoy your favorite things about your native city before you return to Columbus in the New Year.
  10. Spend time with loved ones. Last but certainly not least, take some time this break to spend time with your loved ones. Whether that’s family, friends or coworkers- make sure to let them know you appreciate all that they do for you. That’s what the holidays are all about!

 

So pat yourself on the back and prepare to unwind as we put another semester in the books and our textbooks on the shelves!

Wellness Wednesday: How to stay healthy during Thanksgiving

The holiday season is always a little tough on your waistband. This year stay healthy by following these four tips:

1. Participate in a local turkey trot. Many communities host turkey trots the morning of Thanksgiving to help you feel a little less guilty about eating a piece of pie at dinner. Chase and Whole Foods Market are hosting their annual turkey trot on Thanksgiving Day morning starting at Whole Foods in Upper Arlington.

A cartoon of a turkey exercising

2. Eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast to save room for the bigger meals of the day can actually be more harmful than helpful by causing you to overeat at lunch or dinner. Eating a small meal in the morning can help you control your appetite later in the day.

3. Use a smaller plate. Research shows using a smaller plate can help you eat less or feel the need to be a clean plater.

4. Skip seconds. Try to wait at least 20 minutes for your body to recognize that you’re full, before going back for more. What’s Thanksgiving without leftovers anyway?

If you are going to be on campus for Thanksgiving, you can try out these tips at the 24th Annual Ohio State Thanksgiving Dinner. The dinner will take place in the Archie Griffin Grand Ballroom here in the Ohio Union and will have a seatings at 11:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets will be available after November 16 at 100 Oxley Hall, the Hale Black Cultural Center and the Information Desk in the Ohio Union. For more details, visit the Office of International Affairs website. Subscribe below to the sOUrce for more Wellness Wednesday articles.

 

Wellness Wednesday: BikeShare at Ohio State

Picture of bikes that are part of the bike share programStarting this semester, Ohio State is collaborating with Zagster to offer a BikeShare program to all members of the university community. The BikeShare program currently has 15 stations located on and off campus. There are a total of 115 bikes and 6 different models offered so you are sure to find a bike that fits your needs. Ohio State and Zagster have made renting bikes easy and affordable. A variety of membership plans are available including options to purchase an annual membership or even just a day pass. Sign up on the Zagster App today or text “Start” with the bike’s number to (202) 999-3924. Once you enter your bike’s number you will receive a code to unlock your bike. Then it’s just as simple as riding to your destination, returning your bike to a bike share station, locking the bike in place with the u-lock and ending the ride on the app or over text message. BikeShare takes BuckID, credit or debit.

The Ohio Union is lucky to be one of the locations chosen for a bike share station, located near the West Plaza. So come on over, pick up a bike and have a wheely good time. Have an idea for another Wellness Wednesday blog article? Email Eve Esch.12 for more information on writing a blog for the sOUrce.

 

 

Wellness Wednesday: Midterm Motivation

As we enter Week 6 of the semester, midterm season is upon us. Exams, papers and projects fill our to-do lists, so how do we make time get everything done? Here are a few tips and tricks from upperclassmen students on how to make it through midterm season.

  1. Schedule time to study

Take out your planners and block out time to study. By scheduling designated “study time,” you can hold yourself more accountable. This also allows you to put time aside that you won’t fill with other meetings, appointments etc.

  1. Prioritize

Make a list of all of your tasks and prioritize which ones need the most attention and require the most time. Sometimes, a project due a week from now may require more time than studying for your exam in two days. Prioritizing tasks also helps you balance commitments other than studying.

  1. Find a quiet study space (away from your bed)

Even though your dorm room or apartment may be the most convenient place to study, it comes with distractions (such as friends, TV and a nice, cozy bed). Try dedicating a few hours studying at Thompson Library or the Ohio Union. These spaces have plenty of quiet study nooks that will help you focus. My favorite is the Stanley D. Gottsegen Lounge on the third floor of the Ohio Union.

A picture of the Gottsegen Lounge located on the third floor of the Ohio Union.

The Stanley D. Gottsegen Lounge, located on the third floor of the Ohio Union, is a great place to study.

  1. Take breaks

While studying is important, you also need to take breaks to let yourself recharge. Representatives for Coffee-mate are in the Great Hall every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Stop by the Coffee-mate stand and refresh with a free coffee sample. You can try some of Coffee-mate’s new flavors and discover your new go-to coffee creamer.

A brand ambassador at the Coffee-mate stand in the Union

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Fun fact: bring your own mug to the Union and they will fill it up for you! Also, if you have a student org that wants complimentary coffee and creamer at your meetings, let a brand ambassador know next time you see one on campus. The brand ambassador will consider your student organization for this complimentary service.

  1. Reward yourself

Studying for long periods of time can be exhausting, so make sure to reward yourself for your hard work! Rewards can come in all shapes or sizes: a smoothie, an episode of your favorite TV show, a quick workout or even a brief nap! Just make sure you set a time limit on your break so you can get back to studying.

 

Midterm season is difficult, especially with nice fall weather and football games. But with these tips, hopefully you’ll be able to tackle your midterms head-on. Good luck!

For more study tips and information about the Ohio Union, click the Follow button bellow.

Wellness Wednesday: Snag a Healthy Lunch at the Union

The Ohio Union is home to four Student Life Dining Services operations, each offering a wide variety of food options for when you are visiting the Union, meeting a friend or taking a study break.

Sloopy’s Diner is a 1950s style, sit down style restaurant with a full menu. Sloopy’s also has late night hours if you ever find yourself in need of a midnight snack.
Nutritious Menu Choice: Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwhich, Seasonal Vegetables, Fresh Fruit Bowl

photo of Sloopy's Diner, a 1950s inspired diner in the Union

The Union Market offers several different options, including a Buckeye Passport counter and tons of grab-n-go options. There is a large salad and yogurt bar in the Union Market as well.
Nutritious Menu Choice: Turkey Burger, Small Salad Bar Salad, Berry Cup

salad bar at Union Market

Woody’s Tavern has pub style food including pizza, chicken wings and nachos. It is a fun place to hang out with some friends and watch sports. They also offer karaoke nights with OUAB!
Nutritious Menu Choice: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Apple Slices with Peanut Butter, Fuze Ice Tea

Students lounge at Woody's Tavern

Espress-OH is a café with breakfast foods, coffee, fruit smoothies as well as delicious gelato. It’s a great pit stop for grabbing a quick bite in between classes.
Nutritious Menu Choice: Vegetable Egg and Cheese Flatbread, Good Greens Bar, Iced Coffee
Students line up at Espresso cafe
Eating healthy can be challenging, but Student Life Dining Services here at the university work hard to provide many healthy options to our students, staff and guests. At dining.osu.edu you are able to find the nutritional information for all menu options offered at each operation, as well as that location’s hours and limited time offers.