Mental Health

10 Benefits of Houseplants

| Michaela Martin

For thousands of years, humans have brought plants indoors. But why is this? The following are 10 reasons houseplants can improve your well-being.  

  1. Houseplants improve cognitive performance: Given that plants increase the amount of oxygen in your home and remove toxins, they improve concentration, memory, reaction time, and creativity. Experimental studies show that cognitive performance is better in offices with plants, and simply looking at green plants makes us more creative. 
  2. Houseplants reduce the effects of stress : A research study demonstrated that geraniums helped individuals recover faster and more completely from high stress situations. If there is a particular room where you often find yourself getting stressed, consider putting a plant in that room. 
  3. Houseplants boost your mood: Researchers have pinpointed a microbe called M. vaccae, nicknamed “outdoorphins,” which is found in soil and works as a natural antidepressant. It boosts your mood by releasing cytokines, which lead your brain to produce more serotonin. So, just being around soil boosts your mood!  
  4. Houseplants provide a sense of connectedness : It’s human nature to crave connection with others. Plants remind us that we are sharing this earth with more than other humans, and that we are all connected. Everything on this planet plays a role, and having a plant in your home can serve as a reminder of this connection with all other life forms. When we breathe, we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Plants do the opposite, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, making us the perfect team. 
  5. Houseplants reduce anxiety : Plants help us feel calm. Looking at a living plant brings a relaxing sensation that is not experienced when looking at a computer or phone. In fact, studies have shown that patients in hospital rooms with plants report that they feel less anxious compared to patients in rooms without plants. 
  6. Houseplants purify the air of toxins : In today’s world, we are exposed to a number of toxins, even in our own homes. The EPA states that indoor air pollution is one of the greatest risks to our health. Cleaning supplies, candles, beauty products, cookware, smoke, and other sources, release neurotoxins into the air, which can harm our brains. All plants clean the air, but NASA has shown that certain plants are particularly effective at removing toxins.  
  7. Houseplants reduce your number of sick days: Studies have shown that patients recover more quickly from surgery when their hospital rooms have plants. Patients with plants in their room had lower blood pressure, lower ratings of pain, less anxiety, and less fatigue than patients without plants in their room. One researcher has pinpointed an airborne compound that has antifungal and antibacterial properties, called phytoncides, which we absorb when nearby.  
  8. Houseplants teach us the importance of a holistic approach: Caring for houseplants requires patience. Shortcuts won’t work with plants, just as they don’t work with our own health. When a plant is unwell with shriveled brown leaves, we can’t simply paint the leaves green and call it a day. Instead, we ought to look at the whole picture, taking our time and getting to know what amount of sunlight and water the plant needs to thrive. Learning to care for our houseplants more holistically can help us care for ourselves more holistically, instead of opting for quick fixes.   
  9. Houseplants teach us to slow down : Our brains are chronically stressed, because we’re stimulated all the time these days. Taking time out of your day to slowly water a plant and carefully check its leaves gives your brain a needed break from the constant stimulation.  
  10. Houseplants improve sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for overall health. Houseplants naturally purify the air in your home, so having a few in your bedroom will improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. Simply looking at plants makes us feel more calm and less stressed, which will put us in the right mindset before going to bed. To get the most out of bedroom plants, choose a plant that continues to release oxygen even at night (most plants do not), such as a snake plant.  

 Joe Doherty, Wellness Coordinator, Wellness Coaching  

  Watch this video to plant your own succulent and start reaping the benefits!

References  

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930073077.pdf   

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20074458  

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19715461  

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/03/the-toxins-that-threaten-our-brains/284466/  

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494409000413  

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9450.2004.00419.x/abstract  

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3230460/  

http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/emotional-health/how-nature-naturally-boosts-your-mood-and-happiness  

What I Wish I Knew About Body Image as a Freshman

| Michaela Martin

Dear Freshman Juliya,

 

I want to start off my saying how much you are loved and valued by solely who you are as a person, apart from your external shell. You encapsulate such a kind heart that is far more powerful than any cosmetic feature you hold.

 

It will take a while to appreciate your body for what it can do and not for what it looks like it can do. However, you will get there with time, self-compassion, and self-work.

 

It was not long ago when I sat in your seat- in the depths of an eating disorder relapse. I remember convincing myself day-in and day-out that I was just going through a “phase” despite the alarming increase of unhealthy eating and exercise behaviors.

 

However, the consequences of these behaviors will catch up to you one day. So much so that you will find yourself at 8 AM doctor appointments rather than 8 AM lectures.

 

I know it may sound scary to walk through recovery, but do not fear letting in people who you trust into your life. There is immeasurable strength through the act of opening yourself up to vulnerability. It will honestly be hard to strip yourself from the security blanket of ED that you’ve held onto for so long.

 

However, you will realize that the security blanket was only holding you back as you rediscover your identity and faith. Without this “shield,” you may feel naked, but the reward (full recovery) in return yields far greater gifts that allow you to live life in its fullest color and health.

 

The recovery journey can be a messy and challenging venture. However, I believe that you can and will do it. Where you are right now, is not who you are as a person.

 

Do not let your eating disorder or circumstances dictate your will or spirit to overcome this tribulation. Stick with it, and celebrate every single small victory. I encourage you to let in the people who unconditionally love you and to put forth the work to recover.

 

Every step matters- regardless of its size. Keep fighting the good fight. Lastly, remember that your body is an instrument, not an ornament. Bloom where you are planted.

 

Sincerely,

Senior Juliya

 

P.S. No Rain, no flowers. There is beauty from ashes in all situations if you allow yourself into that frame of mind.

 

Learn strategies for body kindness, self-love, and eating disorder support during Love Your Body Week 2021. During the week of February 21-26, twenty-three events will take place virtually, focusing on educating, celebrating and creating a sustainable and supportive campus environment for all body types and experiences. Love Your Body Week offers a wide range of programs including fitness classes, educational programs, art therapy, mindfulness, and more.

 

All OSU students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate.

 

 

Juliya Hsiang, 4th year  

Major – Heath Promotion Nutrition Exercise Science (HPNES) 

PSA: Exercise is Important, but Not Because it Burns Calories

| Michaela Martin

Take a quick second and ask yourself, if exercise had no effect on your appearance would you still do it? If exercise had no effect on your weight, muscle tone, or appearance, would you still make time for it in your routine? It is important to establish a healthy relationship with exercise that is rooted in appreciation for your body, not hatred.

One way to do that is to focus on all the benefits of exercise that have nothing to do with calories!

According to the CDC, some of the benefits of being physically active include:

  • Reduced risk of anxiety.
  • Reduced risk of depression.
  • Improved bone health.
  • Improved sleep quality.
  • Reduced blood pressure.
  • Reduced risk of chronic diseases such as dementia, heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
  • Reduced risk of 8 different cancers (bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach.)

There are so many kinds of movement and exercises that the options are endless. Something is always better than nothing when it comes to movement. Especially when we are all stuck in the house all day it can be so easy to forget to move in the day. Choose a form of movement that energizes you, makes you feel good, and is enjoyable to you!

Are you interested in body positive exercise and movement? Do you want to focus on having fun and maybe even breaking a sweat in the process? Do you want to learn how to incorporate movement in your life without focusing on calories?

Love Your Body Week is a university initiative taking place from February 21st -28th and there are so many movement focused events you can attend online! These events focus on the joy of movement and getting in touch with your body.

  • Sunday, February 21st 7-8 pm – Yoga for Everybody
  • Wednesday, February 24th and Thursday, February 25th 5-5:45 pm – Breath Strong (meditation)
  • Thursday, February 25th 5-7 pm – Find What Moves You
  • Thursday, February 25th 6-7 pm – Radically Restorative (yoga)
  • Friday, February 26th 12-1 pm – Zumba for YOU

Learn more about these events and the many others taking place on our Love Your Body Week 2021 website. All OSU students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate. You can sign up for Love Your Body Week events using our Love Your Body Week – RSVP Form (qualtrics.com). Come join us and take some time to thank your body for all it allows you to do every day.

 

Tali Spira,  4th year 

Major – Human Nutrition 

A Personal Account of my Body Image Journey

| Michaela Martin

I don’t think most people stop to think about how early in life the societal pressure to be thin sinks in. But seeing magazine covers with extremely fit women on the covers at the grocery store, hearing people talk about their bodies negatively, and only seeing certain body shapes in television and movies are all messages that are absorbed by children. At the age of 7, I went on my first diet. Leading up to age 21, through 14 years of childhood, I went through constant cycles of hating my body, dieting, bingeing, then back to restricting, and so on.

It wasn’t until this past year that I reached the point of body acceptance. I didn’t love the way I looked, but I accepted my body for what it was, because I realized that I was doing my physical and mental health a major disservice by not loving my body and all the things she does for me. I figured out that food is fuel for my brain and body to perform at their best. I began seeing exercise as a stress reliever and strength builder, rather than an opportunity to burn the most calories.

These were all radical perspective shifts after so many years of believing differently. However, even after all the time wasted on calorie counting and anxiously wondering how my body was perceived by others, I wouldn’t change a thing.

In fact, it’s because of those moments that I am now studying dietetics and psychology, with the hopes of becoming an advocate for intuitive eating and body positivity for those that don’t feel comfortable in their own skin. I want to be a dietitian that helps people struggling with disorderly eating find joy in nourishing their bodies and trusting their intuition, so they don’t have to continue to suffer the way I did.

Additionally, I created an Instagram account to spread body positivity and share yummy recipes with my friends to get them excited for mealtime. I joined The Body Project program so that I could be a voice that fights against diet culture and the media that tells us how we “should” look. My story back then is why I love myself now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Learn strategies for body kindness, self-love, and eating disorder support during Love Your Body Week 2021. During the week of February 21-26, twenty-three events will take place virtually, focusing on educating, celebrating and creating a sustainable and supportive campus environment for all body types and experiences. Love Your Body Week offers a wide range of programs including fitness classes, educational programs, art therapy, mindfulness, and more.

All OSU students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate.
Kristen Etzler, 4th year  

Major – Dietetics 

Minor – Psychology 

The Whitewashed, Diluted Reality of Modern Body Positivity: The Important Black History of the Body Positivity Movement

| Michaela Martin

Historical Background

Over the past few years, the body positivity movement has gained substantial momentum on social media. This movement, originally formed by a group of fat, queer Black women in the 1960s, was, at its heart, a fat liberation movement, and meant to create a space by and for marginalized bodies. It was absolutely revolutionary for a group of fat, queer, Black women to demand respect from society.

In 1972, activist Johnnie Tillmon said, “I’m a woman. I’m a Black woman. I’m a poor woman. I’m a fat woman. I’m a middle-aged woman. In this country, if you’re any one of those things you count less as a human being.”

Where Modern Body Positivity Falls Short

The body positivity movement of the 21st century is unfortunately an often watered-down, whitewashed version of what it used to be. White women dominate the conversation. The larger bodies celebrated are often still relatively small. The intersection of body positivity and gender identity is largely ignored.

It seems as though society has taken the body positivity movement, originally an absolutely radical rebuke of societal beauty standards, and warped it to still be revolutionary, just not “too” revolutionary.

Black model Simone Mariposa commented on these limitations of the modern-day movement, saying: “Body positivity right now is centered around women who are still conventionally desirable.” Research has shown, time and time again, the importance of representation for marginalized groups—and not the token “checking-the-diversity-quota” representation we see so often in America.

We need real, intersectional representation. It feels important to note that thin bodies and white bodies are not excluded from the movement; they just shouldn’t be the center.

Going forward, it is vital that when we use the term “body positivity” we acknowledge and remember the history behind the movement. We need to continue to advocate for Black voices, queer voices, and fat voices in the movement, and recognize the intersectionality of race, class, gender, sexuality, and weight stigma.

Love Your Body Week: Ohio State’s Body Positive Initiative

Love Your Body Week 2021 is an initiative to drive conversation around body image to the Ohio State community and takes place during the last week of February. When recruiting events for the week, we wanted to make sure there were events that pushed this conversation beyond what we normally see on social media:

  • Book discussion events on The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor and Hunger by Roxane Gay center Black voices.
  • Our Gender Identity and Body Acceptance event brings awareness to the gender dysphoria that trans and nonbinary individuals experience, and how that relates to body image.
  • Our Weight Stigma in a Diet Culture World event emphasizes the systemic stigma and hostility that fat people experience every day.

We are so proud to be offering events that include and celebrate everyone. You can learn more and sign up for events on our Love Your Body Week 2021 website.

 

Claire Pitrof, 4th year 

Emotions, Relationships, and Covid-19.

| Michaela Martin

 As of our lives have been uprooted and sent online, and we all are coping with this craziness in our own ways. It is often easy to overlook mental health, and I think many young adults do. With this pandemic sweeping the world, I think it has made many of us stop for a second and hopefully take care of ourselves, but now with the school year back in swing and being back on a college campus there are many things we need to remind ourselves, especially in keeping healthy relationships. 

From the fear of contracting Covid-19, to the isolation it has brought upon us, it is not uncommon that we may be feeling completely overwhelmed. It’s also not uncommon for these emotions to play into our relationships. Here is a guide to help you navigate through these feelings, while still maintaining healthy meaningful relationships.  

You have to let yourself be vulnerable. Open up about the emotions you’re experiencing and be honest about them. Let your friends, partners, or family know that you are struggling right now and could use some extra support or patience. That is much easier said than done, trust me I know.

If you aren’t comfortable opening up to a close friend or family member, contact a coach or counseling service. While having a virtual mental health coaching or counseling session is a different experience, it is still an objective source that can help you work through your emotions and why you may be feeling the way you are. You don’t have to go through this alone, and there are resources to help you.

During these confusing and changing times, we may not fully understand how we are feeling. These emotions can often interfere with our relationships because they impact how we relate to others. It is easy to try and push away or cover up these feelings, but this can negatively impact your mindset and may make things worse long term. It takes courage to open up about what you are dealing with, but most often you will find it is a relief to share and acknowledge your feelings. I know it is scary and challenging but please reach out and support each other during this unprecedented time. 

Resources

Wellness Coaching: https://swc.osu.edu/services/wellness-coaching/

Buckeye Peer Access Line: https://swc.osu.edu/services/buckeye-peer-access-line/

-Sarah Frederick, Wellness Ambassador 

Cultivating Courage in 2021

| Michaela Martin

“Courage is one of the most vulnerable things we can do. It often requires a sense of faith, in not knowing the outcome, yet striving forward anyway.” – Maya Angelou 

What thoughts come to mind when you think about cultivating courage? How do you envision courage happening in your life in 2021? What current fears or hesitations are keeping you from acting courageously?  

While we may often equate courage to an extravagant goal or achievement, courage can look like many things.  

Courage can look like:  

  • Trying something new for the first time 
  • Seeking mentorship 
  • Speaking up for yourself 
  • Committing to a long-term goal 
  • Changing your major 
  • Setting boundaries for yourself 
  • Developing new relationships 
  • Applying for a new job or internship 

As you continue to navigate what courage may look like for you in 2021, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Asking for help early and often is one of the most vulnerable and courageous things you can do. If you’re not sure where to seek support from, you can always use Buckeye PAL as your starting point! 

The Buckeye Peer Access Line (PAL), is a non-crisis peer-to-peer support line that provides a space for students to engage in brief phone conversations to discuss a challenge they are experiencing and to receive helpful resources that can assist them. Buckeye PAL operates Mon.- Fri. From 8 pm to 12 am when classes are in session. Buckeye PAL does not operate during university holidays.  

This semester, Buckeye PAL will also be offering group sessions! 

How Are You REALLY Doing? A Conversation with PAL volunteers.  

Join the Buckeye PAL volunteers of the Student Life Student Wellness Center for a bi-weekly conversation on common challenges college students face. During this session, you will have the opportunity to hear from Buckeye PAL volunteers about their experiences, learn about recommended university resources, and express your own challenges and concerns in supported small groups. 

How Are You REALLY Doing? A Mindfulness Practice.  

Join the Buckeye PAL volunteers of the Student Life Student Wellness Center for a bi-weekly wellness practice. Each session will include meditation, mindful movement and reflection. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring a journal for note-taking. 

Check out our website for the latest updates and to register for an upcoming session.  

“Having courage does not meant that we are unafraid. Having courage and showing courage means that face our fears. We are able to say, ‘I have fallen but I will get up’”. – Maya Angelou  

We look forward to supporting you along your journey! 

Ivory Levert,  Buckeye Peer Access Line, Program Manager 

Stress: Getting a Handle on It

| Michaela Martin

With classes online and finals beginning, it can be difficult to manage your stress as a college student. Having a little bit of stress is always good for motivation, but there is definitely a balance for what is considered “good stress” and what can just burn you out. We interviewed a few Ohio State students to see what they do to relax and any advice they may have. From Derek, a Finance major, to Ally, a Biochemistry major, to Abbey, a French and Criminology major, we have students from across the board wanting to share their experiences and advice! 

Their Best Tips for Handling Stress  

The students’ number one tip was to take a break from work in some form—whether that be taking five-minute breaks frequently like Ally or taking a hot shower and pampering yourself like Abbey. Jacqueline, a Sports Industry major, made a great point by saying that being incredibly stressed while trying to push yourself to study will only take a toll on you. You must put your personal wellness first.  

While it would be great if we could take long breaks often, most of the time people can’t—whether it be due to a short break between classes or needing to get a lot done in a short amount of time. The best advice students gave was to find a way to center yourself and be in the moment. Alyssa, a Nutrition major, loves using guided breathing videos on YouTube while Derek uses an app on his phone for guided meditation. Taylor, a Business/Economics major, loves to do an interesting activity where she uses all her senses and thinks about what she hears, smells, tastes, and feels in the moment to ground herself.  

If you have an hour available to take a break, try getting active outside or creating a relaxing environment for yourself. For relaxation, Derek loves watching his favorite TV show and Abbey loves taking a quick nap to recharge. Alternatively, Abbey says that if a nap isn’t what she’s feeling then dancing in her room can also lift her mood. Alyssa, Taylor, and Ally also said something similar and love working out if they have the time and energy. 

No matter how busy you are it’s always important to spend a few hours a week away from school. For half–day stress reducing activities, one main thing students said they loved to do was meet with friends or go off campus. Derek, Ally, and Jacqueline love getting food with friends around campus and Alyssa said she loves going shopping with friends if they have the time. Along with this, Abbey loves going to farmer’s markets and antique shops on weekends and Taylor loves finding something on Pinterest to paint.  

Overall, these students have some great activities they love to do. Whether that means seeing friends or doing a hobby alone, they’ve each found what works for them and helps bring balance to their life. If there’s anything to be learned from this article, it’s that you don’t have to do what everyone else does or push yourself to the edge. It’s all about finding what works for you and bringing balance to your life.  

PS- While it’s always good to major in something you enjoy, no matter what you choose there will be hardships that come your way. Finding what makes you relax and enjoying the present moment will make those hardships much easier to bear! 

By Ava Dong, Stress Wellness Ambassador 

Resources: 

 

Staying Active While Being Cautious

| Michaela Martin

Although gyms have reopened since their closings this spring, many people (myself included) are tentative to return to a building where everyone can share sweat and germs. While the gyms on campus and in surrounding areas are taking extra measures to keep everyone safe and healthy, there so many alternative options to staying active this semester! Whether you’re looking to do cardio, stretching, or even strength training, finding an outdoor space or staying home to exercise are good alternatives to going to the gym. 

With almost all classes being virtual this semester—with the exception of small classes, labs, research labs, and clinical practices—many of us are at home in front of our screens for most of the day. With the nice weather we have been graciously granted as of late, it is a great idea to take advantage of the outdoor spaces on campus and around Columbus. Whether it is doing socially distanced yoga or Pilates with a friend outside the RPAC, running on the available fields on campus, taking a walk through the Oval, or a bike ride at a local Metro Park, there are a multitude of opportunities to get active outside this fall. Many of the courts and fields on campus are not being used for their usual activities this semester, so there are many free spaces to stretch, workout, or relax. 

When the weather turns colder, there are still many options to stay moving. As much time as we’re spending at our computers and desks, it’s important to get up and moving—even if it’s in your dorm room, apartment, or house! When I have a lot of energy and feel the need to move while I’m watching a lecture video (that doesn’t require me to take notes), I’ll do some standing stretches or lunges while I listen. It can also be helpful to stand instead of sitting while working (try to stand at least once an hour) and correct posture while sitting as this is better for our necks and backs. Some simple neck and back stretches can also be helpful to relieve tension from sitting all day. If you’re looking for an at-home workout, Ohio State Recreational Sports offers live and recorded fitness classes on their website. There are also a plethora of YouTube channels offering free, apartment-friendly workouts.  

Physical activity is vital to overall wellbeing, and the immune–boosting properties of staying active can help us stay healthy this fall and winter. With the resources and options we have on and surrounding campus, we are sure to stay active and well! 

 

Resources: 

 

Sarah Haskins, Nutrition Wellness Ambassador 

Journaling: The Power of Written Word 

| Michaela Martin

Why Start a Journal? 

Journaling empowers you to live true to yourself. It teaches you to make more intentional choices, grounds you when you feel overwhelmed or out of control but ultimately, no matter how you format it, journaling is about self-awareness. Think of it like carrying out a research project; you’re observing your actions and your feelings so you can get to know yourself better. This self-awareness is the key to getting off the treadmill and living an intentional, meaningful life. 

 Unraveling Your Feelings
Journaling gives you space to work through emotions in a way that leaves you with a feeling of clarity. Use the journal as a platform to process complex or difficult emotions. Don’t hold back, the paper can take it. 

Types of Journaling 

  • Classic Journal – This is simply a diary, and you can write whatever you want in it every day. It can be long or short, you can skip days if you want to, and there doesn’t have to be any structure or specific flow to your thoughts. 
  • Gratitude Journal – A gratitude journal is a collection of things that you are grateful for. You can use a gratitude journal to focus on the positive things in your life and to record the people that you are thankful for. 
  • Goal Planning Journal – Goal planning journals help you focus on your goal and stick to them through a series of prompts and checklists. The trick to these journals is the variety available. The journals are themed to different goals such as academic, career, physical goals, and more! Have a checklist with a small writing area or prompts giving you tasks to complete and thoughts regarding those tasks. 
  • Bullet Journals – Bullet journals are the sandbox of journaling. You can use these with calendars, lists, bullet lists, and task lists. It is all open for you to create and use different methods to arrive at your short term tasks, long term goals or as a record for any thoughts/ ideas you have throughout the day! You can use different symbols for different bullet entries!!  
  • Morning Pages – A great way to begin is to write “morning pages”, which is a term used by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way (a great book for anyone who wants to develop their creative wellness) to describe stream of consciousness writing. The idea is to just start writing whatever is on your mind (even if you write “blah, blah” or whatever). Don’t overthink it—just keep writing! 

How to Start 

First and foremost, relax and let go of any ideas about doing it the “right” way— because when it comes to journaling, there’s no such thing! Your journal is a personal space for you to use however you see fit. If you don’t know what to write about, a great place to begin is by asking questions. Some favorites include: 

  • How do you feel right now? 
  • Why do you feel that way? 
  • How do you want to feel? 
  • What can you do to feel that way? 

Alternatively, imagine you were having a conversation with a close and trusted friend—what would you want to talk about? Try talking to your journal like you would a trusted friend (because I promise that with time, it will start to feel that way!). 

Creating a Journaling Habit 

One of the most important things to know about journaling is that you need to stick with it. The more you write, the easier it will become and the more you’ll notice the benefits. 

 The easiest way to start the habit is to schedule a time for yourself that will be consistent every day. Get a notebook that you love looking at or touching, or if you prefer to go digital, try Evernote or other note-taking apps. Of course, there’s always blogging if you’re ok with being more public with your mental processes. No matter which route you take, journaling is a worthwhile life practice to start.  

Something to Think About 
You’re not alone in practicing journaling as a habit. Some of the most influential leaders, artists, inventors and activists in history have kept a journal. Kurt Cobain. Abraham Lincoln. Leonardo Da Vinci. Andy Warhol; they all kept journals. If it worked for them, who’s to say what you’ll get from the practice of journaling?  

 – Omar K, Student Assistant