6 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR HAPPINESS :)
Evelyn Shaw, ’29
As we all begin to increase our academic load, it’s easy to drown in the stress of homework, college applications, and busy schedules, so I put together 6 fascinating ways to make yourself happier after going down the research rabbit hole.
2. Finding ways to relieve stress about grades can make you happier!
I realize that this might not be the biggest revelation for many people. However, students tend to put too much pressure on themselves to get good grades and equate a high grade with a happier life. It shows up in the form of “If I could just get an A I would be so much happier” or “If I get a bad grade I will be a failure for the rest of my life.” While I hope this is not something you experience, it still is helpful to understand that your grades do not improve your well being. In this wonderful book called “Punished By Rewards” (on my reading list) they found that there is a negative correlation between your high school GPA and well being. This means that when your grades rise your well being worsens. This is really tough, especially if you are like me, and like having good grades. I used to compare myself to others and felt like my grades were the sole marker of my intelligence, and when I got good grades I felt happy for maybe… one or two minutes. Then I focused on the next assessment or project I had. Looking back, savouring the wins would’ve been a better strategy. Keep reading to find out how to improve your academic and social well being as well as some special tips.
2. Take strategic pauses during study sessions
Taking small breaks while doing your homework can lead to emotional payoff, prevent burnout, and help you stay motivated. There are lots of ways to do this, you can watch a silly short video online, read a chapter of a novel, make a snack, text a friend, watch an SNL skit— the possibilities are endless! Show yourself some appreciation for all the hard work you’ ve been doing, just don’t get distracted, set a timer for 5-10 min then get back to your studies.
3. Coffee! (Or green tea!)
This certainly won 2nd place for the oddest tip (1st place goes to #6), but as it turns out coffee can lower your risk of depression. A Harvard University study found that women who consume around 2 cups of coffee daily lower their risk for depression. Additionally, coffee is good for your cardiovascular health and can boost your focus. However, companies like Starbucks often add unnecessary fixings such as syrups and whipped cream, which can make your drink contain over the recommended daily value of sugar (50 grams). Sugar leads to a host of health problems, the short term effects alone can cause nausea, irritability, and brain fog. To maximize the benefits of coffee in your drink I would recommend you try ordering a smaller size, add little or no creamer, lessen the artificial flavorings and sugary confections. If coffee isn’t really your thing, green tea is a great lower caffeine alternative. In addition to having antioxidants, green tea also can lower your stress. In a CNN Health article stated that “people who [drink] five or more cups of green tea per day [have] a 20% lower level of stress than those who [drink] less than one.”
4. Make time for your friends
Unfortunately, it can be hard to connect with friends when you have lots of work to do and clubs to attend. Note however, that it can be really important to clear out an hour of your Saturday afternoon perhaps, and go be with people you feel good around. I found that I could combine studying and socializing. I have a study group with some of my friends and we meet at a coffee shop and do homework while chatting. I love sipping my drink in the cozy cream-colored booth while we work on papers and peer review each other’s work, occasionally gossiping or taking breaks to do something fun or go to the park. However, let's be honest, some people have great friends, but it can be hard not to get caught up in a conversation. In most cases I will feel much more energetic and have some clarity after seeing my friends. It is certainly better than being miserable trying to have 5 hour study blocks and burning out. Just be sure you aren’t partying on a Sunday night when you have an unfinished essay due first thing Monday.
5. Get yourself outside
When you are outside you get vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D deficiencies have been becoming more common in recent years because people are spending less time outside. Vitamin D helps regulate the body's stress system, and improve sleep patterns, helping with mental and physical recovery, making it a quintessential vitamin for any aspiring academic weapon. Try going to the field during a free, or taking a 20-30 min walk with a cozy coffee drink (or pumpkin spice latte for the autumn weather). Either way it would improve your well being and help deter stress of any sort to go outside and relax.
6. Listen to sad music (oddly enough)
I was quite surprised when I came across this piece of advice multiple times in my research, but once I thought about it it made more sense. For instance, whenever I get angry I put on the most rageful songs I can think of and I feel better. This is the same with feeling sad and listening to sad music. In both cases the music helps you regulate your emotions and produce a calming effect without experiencing real-world trauma. Researchers also say that listening to sad music leaves you feeling consoled.
I hope these strange scientifically proven strategies will help anyone feeling a little swamped in work. You’ve got this!!!!