Mount Hood

Conquering the New Year’s resolution drop-off

PFD

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

We’re officially into the second week of the new year. In other words, we’re officially into the part of the year where people begin throwing their resolutions out the window and giving up on their goals entirely.

Like many, you probably started out strong. You kept up with your resolution every single day, and slowly you started allowing yourself to push all of it aside. If this sounds familiar, or you can feel yourself getting eerily close to this outcome, then it’s time to buckle down and focus on ways to stay consistent.

Your outcome often depends on the resolution you set in the first place. If you haven’t set one yet, it’s not too late. Refer to our online article titled “Setting the new year up for success” to learn what makes a proper resolution. However, if you already set one, and it follows all the guidelines of a realistic goal, then you can depend on the fact that with your willpower and determination, an ideal outcome will be reached.

First of all, to maintain your goal, you need to hold yourself accountable. Write down what you want to do and how often, and check it off as you go. Being able to put it in writing that you accomplished what you wanted to do will not only feel rewarding, but it will also be proof to yourself that you’re making progress and make it easier to track. You could even go as far as to put it in your planner. That way, it’s not something in the back of your mind, it’s an actual part of your daily schedule.

However, if you are someone who struggles with reaching goals on your own, you may want to consider looking to a friend. Having someone there to motivate you and keep you pushing will force you to work even harder at whatever your goal may be.

Second, review your resolution. Are you already failing in the second week? Perhaps the problem isn’t you; it may be that you simply set a resolution that is just impossible to reach. This is an easy fix. You can still reach the same goal in smaller increments. For example, if your goal was to workout five times a week, just cut it down to three. If that gets too easy, make it four, and then eventually five. You don’t have to meet your resolution all at once- time things out according to your own ability.

Third, if you’re comfortable enough, make it public. Tell your family, friends, or if you’re feeling courageous, even tell social media what your resolution is. Some people find it rewarding to be able to post updates on what they are doing. Also, you’ll have support from a large group of people who want to see you succeed.

Fourth, don’t let yourself give up. Say your goal was to eat healthy, and you chose fast food every day this year. So what? We all start somewhere. You slipped up, so forgive yourself and move on. Trust in yourself, and trust your determination, and you will start reaching your goal. Even if it’s a slow process, any progress is better than none.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Embracing the skin you’re in

Thebodypositive.org

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

According to a poll done by ComRes, the top three most common New Year’s resolutions are to “exercise more,” “lose weight” and “eat more healthily.” A common pattern can be found amongst these three that can lead one to make a simple assumption; the majority of those who set these goals are not happy with where their body or health currently is.

Choosing to make yourself healthier is an option that everyone has, and can take up at any time. Deciding to exercise and eat well can be incredibly beneficial to your health and well-being. However, it’s important that during the journey of reaching your resolution, you still choose to be body positive.

The meaning of this term can vary between person to person. While speaking with psychologytoday.com, Mallorie Dunn, founder of the body positive fashion line “SmartGlamour,” noted that to her, the phrase means “accepting the body you have as well as the changes in shape, size, and ability it may undergo due to nature, age, or your own personal choices throughout your lifetime.” She also adds that it’s “the understanding that your worth and what’s going on with you physically are two separate entities.”

While this definition of the phrase can read differently to everyone, the overall point is typically the same — every body is worthy of love and respect. During this time of year, where many people are trying to lose weight and alter their bodies, it can be difficult to remember this. If you are someone who is struggling with body image, there are a couple key things to keep in mind.

Body positivity is not always an easy thing to reach. It takes time, diligence and belief in yourself. It’s not something that everyone automatically has; it’s something that you must actively pursue. It’s your relentless attempt to have a positive body image.

You have to accept the fact that you can appreciate another type of body or appearance, and still love yours as well. Helping others be body positive can be incredibly important. But, still love every part of what makes you who you are, as well.

In the end, it’s okay to admire and accept your body for exactly what it is. It’s also okay to want to change your body — if your intention is for yourself and your own health, rather than the standards set by others. Do what makes you happy, wear what makes you happy and keep striving to have a positive outlook on yourself and the skin you’re in. Love yourself through every stage your body goes through.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Setting the new year up for success

Paul F. Davis

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Setting goals is a vital component of developing as a person and becoming the version of yourself that would make you the most happy. With the start of the new year, many people will use the date as a beginning point to tackle whatever goal they’ve been thinking of trying to accomplish.

While New Year’s resolutions are a common way to start aiming for a specific target, they’re also a common way to shoot further than you had anticipated and leave yourself feeling disappointed that you weren’t able to achieve what you had planned. To prevent this from happening, you have to plan your resolution not just based on your dream outcome, but on realistic guidelines.

First of all, you have to know yourself. Knowing what you’re typically capable of doing, what your schedule usually looks like and what your tendencies are regarding goals will help you decide what is best for you. For example, in previous years I had always made it a goal to lose weight. In choosing that, I wasn’t taking into account the fact that I typically give up on those types of things often, and that because I didn’t have any type of plan for it, I would never achieve it. However, last year I made it my new resolution to go to the gym at least three times a week. It was far more attainable, less daunting and fit my tendencies and schedule well. In the end, I was going almost daily until the end of the school year.

Second, be realistic. If you’re choosing to do something that is nearly impossible, odds are you aren’t going to reach it and you will probably end up feeling discouraged. Picking goals that are possible will make it far less intimidating to tackle. This in no way means you should pick things that are easy; step out of your comfort zone and choose a resolution that will take some time, work and dedication. But that doesn’t mean you should have to work yourself too hard trying to get there.

Third, pick a resolution that can be measured in some way. One way to do this is to have a weekly log where you measure where you are at in regards to your goal. That way, you can see how much further you’ll need to go, and what steps you’ll need to take to get there.

Fourth, think about previous resolutions you had set. Have you achieved them? Do you notice any patterns in your old goals? Perhaps you’re picking things in a similar category a lot; the most common resolutions have to do with weight loss, health, and physical activity. For many, your best bet may be to think of a different aspect of your life you want to work on and focus on that. That way, you can take a break from something you know you’re struggling with and go after another part of your life that you feel can improve. You can always come back to your old goals later on.

The point of a New Year’s resolution is to use the end of the old year to reflect on who you are, and use the start of the new year to become a better you. Take advantage of this time to really think about where you want to see yourself by the end of 2018, and plan accordingly. But also, plan realistically. In no way does this mean you can’t shoot for a difficult goal. For some people, that works best. But, whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that will work for you.

Taking control of your holiday stress

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or, at least that’s what the holiday tune tells us. In reality, the winter season can be a mixture of some fun, and a lot of stress. While that stress comes in many forms and for many reasons, in order to enjoy your time this break, you’ll have to learn how to cope with it. That way, you can make the most of the holidays.

If you’re a first-year, you probably missed your loved ones while you were away and couldn’t wait to see them again.Then, once you were finally reunited for a couple weeks, there’s a good chance you had the realization that there’s a stark difference between when you’re at home versus when you’re at school. For the first time, you may have understood what every other student had to learn their first time going home for a long break: being on your own is kind of nice. That’s when the holiday stress kicks in.

The first type of stress I tend to deal with this time of year is learning how to get along with my family all over again. When I first get back home, it’s always great. Then, I begin quickly butting heads with my parents and many siblings. Whether it be about curfews- something I didn’t even have to think about while at school, or why my sister is wearing my shirt and pretending like it’s hers, the family arguments can be exhausting and make me wish I was back at Western already.

When I begin feeling this stress, I cope with a few different techniques.

First, I remind myself how lucky I am to have loved ones who support me and care about me at all. Then, I go on to reminding myself that break is only a few weeks. If I was able to survive my first 18 years with these people, then I can surely do four weeks. And then, if all else fails, I just go somewhere else for a while to calm down.

The next type of stress that I come across is holiday financial pressure. Trying to buy presents while remembering that you’re about to start a new term and have to deal with the cost of that can be daunting. My gut tells me to buy everyone I love a gift, while my bank account tells me the exact opposite. When this type of stress arises, I remind myself that nobody I love will actually care about how much their present costs. It’s true what they say- it’s the thought that counts. While we all want to do extravagant things for the people we care for, sometimes it’s just not possible. If you find yourself in this predicament, a good option would be to opt for DIY gifts. For some DIY inspiration, refer to our previous issue.

Another thing I tend to find myself stressing about is travel. Getting to and from campus can be difficult if you don’t have a car. However, I always find myself to be okay if I put some time into planning it extensively weeks prior to leaving. Getting those plans figured out well ahead of time will save you some immediate stress.

While this time of year can cause a high amount of stress, finding ways to cope can make it enjoyable again. Some pressure is unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean it should be distressing. It’s your break; don’t let the stress turn your holiday into a time you dread versus a time to relax.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Creative ways to give

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

If you’re anything like me, you probably spent a good amount of money that you had intended to save on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And, if you’re anything like me, that means you probably don’t have a ton left to spend on gifts for people for the holidays.

If you’re in this bind, there’s no need to worry; DIY gifts lead to incredible alternatives. Not only are they cheaper, but with the extra effort and time put into it the recipient will be far more impressed and appreciative. So, get ready to get crafty and set aside some time to give these DIY presents your all.

 

Homemade Decorated Coasters

 

Instructions: Purchase cheap and plain colored coasters — white works best, but others would work as well. Print out your favorite pictures and cut them into the size of the coaster, or slightly smaller if you have square coasters to give off the polaroid inspired look. Mod Podge it onto the coaster, let dry and repeat three more times.

Inspired by countryliving.com

 

Decorated Mugs

Instructions: Purchase a plain white or light colored mug. Using oil-based pens (you can use Sharpies, but the cups will have to be carefully washed by hand), decorate the mug how you’d like. You can use tape or stencils to help guide you, or start by designing on it with pencil to make sure you have it how you’d like it.

Inspired by livewellspendingless.com

 

Candle Holder

Instructions: Purchase a small glass vase, or use one you already have. Put a strip of tape around the center to divide it in half, and use tape to create a solid design that you will put in the middle of the vase, such as a heart or a star. Paint around the tape using acrylic enamel paint or chalk paint for best results, leaving the top part exposed. Once that dries, take off the tape and put a candle inside your newly designed candle holder.

Inspired by housebeautiful.com

 

Snow Globe

Instructions: Get a mason jar and open it up, with the lid upside down. Cover whatever you’d like, such as holiday or winter-themed knick knacks (mini Santa’s, snowmen, trees, etc.) in Mod Podge to preserve the coloring and glue them onto the lid. Paint small snowflakes in the inside of the jar to give the illusion of falling snow once it’s turned upside down. Fill the jar almost to the top with water, and add glitter. Screw the lid onto the jar tightly. For a finishing touch, tie ribbon around where the jar and the lid meet.

Inspired by julieannart.com

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Staying lively with energy boosters

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Nine grueling weeks have gone by, and on the 10th week of the term Western brought to me: 10 hours of studying, nine hours of procrastinating, eight pots of coffee, seven sets of flashcards, six snacks at midnight, five different tests, four trips to the library, three all-nighters, two full breakdowns and my planner telling me it’s “dead week.”

The hardest time of the term has finally arrived, and with everything you have to get done, it can be exhausting both physically and mentally. And while it may seem like the best thing to do is just relax and kickback, sometimes that’s not an option.

Let’s be real, if we were all to stop everything and just forget about the approaching finals week, nothing would get done, our grades would drop and we would feel even worse than before. Rather than taking that route, it’s better to just face the fury of all that dead week is and face it head on. However, because this can be incredibly exhausting, you’ll need energy boosters to keep you going strong.

A natural way to give you more energy is to increase your intake of magnesium. This can be done by eating healthy nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts. You can also add more whole grains, green leafy vegetables or legumes to your diet. According to livestrong.com,those who have low levels of magnesium will use up their energy stores quickly, whereas those with high magnesium levels will use their energy stores slowly. So add these things to your diet to keep you going through dead week and finals week.

You can also take a quick walk. I realize that when there’s a lot you need to get done, the last thing you’ll want to do is physical activity, however, according to a study at California State University, a brisk, 10-minute walk will give you an energy boost that can last up to two hours. So, taking occasional study breaks to take a walk will do you a lot of good in the long run.

Whatever you do, do not skip a meal. Skipping meals will lead to fatigue at the end of the day, and you’ll need the fuel to keep you going all week. Not only that, but eating every meal will keep you in a better mood.

Eat a power snack. You’ll want to have a high intake of protein, carbs and fiber. An example would be energy balls. To make these, mix together one cup of oats, a half-cup of peanut butter or almond butter, a half-cup of ground flaxseed, a third of a cup of honey, a half-cup of dark chocolate chips and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix it all together, form into balls and let that chill in the fridge. Eat one or two of these when you need that extra boost of energy.

Don’t let dead week get you down. With these different ways to boost your energy levels, you’ll be able to show the week who’s boss. So take on the challenge, do so with vigor and study as hard as you can. Good luck with everything you take on, and don’t forget to make your mental health your number one priority.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

How to make the most of the holidays

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

With so much to get done this holiday season, you’ll have to prioritize what you should use your limited time on. While some traditions are impossible to rid yourself of, that doesn’t mean you can’t add new, fun and memorable experiences to your to-do list. To help you get that list started, I compiled a group of must-do’s to get you started on making the most of this winter.

 

  • Play in the snow. If you have the option to play in the fluffy, cold snow, engage in a snowball fight or build the world’s best snowman: take it. Your freezing cold fingers and toes will forgive you later.
  • Go ice skating. Maybe you aren’t the most coordinated, graceful or athletic person. That’s okay; ice skating provides a fun time for even the biggest klutz — on a personal note, I’m talking about myself.
  • Make holiday cookies. Who doesn’t enjoy a warm cookie during this time of year? Plus, getting the chance to make and ice them with people you love makes for an even more fun — and messy — time.
  • Watch your favorite holiday movie or special. The holidays often are associated with that nostalgic feeling you get when thinking of it. The best way to stir up that feeling, in my experience, is to watch old specials that bring you back. For ideas on what to watch, check out the entertainment section.
  • Visit those who are important to you. With emotions heightened, memories being resurfaced and warm and fuzzy feelings all around, this is the best time of year to remind the people you love why they’re so important to you. Take some time to deliver your undivided attention to them.
  • Treat yourself. Remember, this is your winter break. You just worked your butt off for the last term, give yourself a second to relax by doing something you love.
  • Drink way too much eggnog. Admittedly, this is a little biased because there are few things that get me more jazzed than seeing that eggnog is back in stores. But, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be consuming an entire carton this season.
  • Decorate. For whatever holiday you celebrate, or just for winter, make your living space reflect the aspects that you love most about it. For a better experience, deck the halls while listening to your favorite holiday tunes.
  • Give back. This holiday season, remember that there are people who aren’t fortunate enough to receive anything at all. Give what you can, even if it’s just your time. The smallest things will go a long way.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Staying fit outside of the gym

Pexels.com

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Last school year, for the first time in my life, I found myself in a workout routine that worked for me and was incredibly effective. Then, the school year ended, and I was left without the Health and Wellness Center, or access to any gym. I wanted to maintain my level of fitness that I had worked toward, so I began doing at-home workouts.

With the start of winter break, many students are heading home. For students who are staying in Monmouth, the HWC is closed for a good chunk of break, which can throw you off of your game. Coupling this with the fact that this break tends to be associated with endless holiday cookies, candy and gingerbread, you might feel like you’re struggling to find time to worry about fitness.

If you’re in this boat, don’t despair — at-home workouts can be incredibly beneficial, and can adhere to any level of fitness. Using just your bodyweight, any weights you may have or even just using jugs of water as weights, you can still perform challenging exercises that will help you maintain a good level of activity.

 

Cardio:

-Running: It’s simple, and you can alter how long or how fast you run to match your fitness levels and goals.

-Stairs: Running or walking on any stairs you have access to for whatever duration of time you find appropriate will provide good cardio, but also hits your quads, calves, and glutes.

-Zumba/Dancing: To break a sweat while having an incredible time, opt for some type of dance to get you moving.

-Ice Skating: Doing this activity with friends may not seem like a workout, but soon you’ll be sweating, while laughing so hard that it turns into an ab workout, as well.

 

Legs:

-Squats: Doing squats with added weight will provide a challenging workout. Add jump squats or box jumps into your workout and your legs will be on fire.

-Lunges: Walking lunges, side lunges or jump lunges all provide a hard exercise that you can do for whatever amount of time or reps that you desire.

-Kickbacks/Fire hydrants: Doing these will leave your glutes and quads on fire, basically guaranteeing that you will be sore the next morning.

-Calf raises: These can be done with or without weight, on flat ground or on stairs. Do them for high reps and you’ll definitely feel it.

-Pistols/Single Leg Squats: An incredibly challenging movement that will build muscle quickly are easily done at home. If need be, use a chair to help you balance.

 

Upper Body:

–Overhead Press: Using whatever weight you have, doing this will provide a challenging workout for your shoulders.

-Pull-ups: You can do this exercise assisted if you are unable on your own, but they are a foolproof way to hit your entire upper body, and can be done anywhere with a high bar, like a park.

-Crab Walk: This movement will hit your core, shoulders and back. While you might feel silly doing it, it’s a multi-functional workout. Plus, you’ll get to feel like a kid again.

-Curls: If you have some sort of weight, doing regular curls or hammer curls will isolate your bicep.

-Tricep Dips: This simple workout hits your triceps hard, and can be made easier or harder depending on your position.

-Pushups: Close grip will hit your triceps, while regular will work your chest. Altering your reps and sets can make it more or less difficult, matching any goal.

 

Abs:

Ab workouts are incredibly easy to do at home. Some examples that don’t require weight at all are: bicycle crunches, sit ups, crunches, overhead sit ups, sprinters abs, reverse crunches, supermans, etc. You can always look up more ab workouts for more inspiration, as the choices are endless.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

DIY bath bombs made simple

Photo by Caity Healy
Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

It’s seems as if I can’t go on any social media without seeing the new fad: bath bombs. With eco-friendly brands, such as Lush, being one of the largest sellers of this product, many people have given it a try. It seemed like an exciting and fascinating thing to use, so I wanted to give it a go as well. However, being a college student on a budget, I decided to turn it into a DIY project anyone could do. Using cheap ingredients, many of which are found in your pantry, it’s a straightforward activity that won’t break the bank.

I must admit, I was a little nervous that using red food dye in something that I would bathe in would turn my skin a semi-permanent shade of pink. Nonetheless, I gave my DIY bath bomb the benefit of the doubt, and I loved it. The project was easy to do overall, it worked very well and I had a lot of fun getting to try out the new trend for the first time. By following some simple instructions, you can try the exciting craze as well.

 

Directions:

-Mix 1 cup of baking soda with ½ cup of citric acid (I bought mine on Amazon), ½ cup of cornstarch, and ½ cup of epsom salts.

-In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of water, 1 teaspoon of essential oils if you have them, 3 teaspoons of oil (can be coconut, olive, vegetable or any that you’d like), and a couple drops of food coloring if you want to make it more fun.

-Slowly add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture, a spoonful at a time, mixing as you go. Make sure to mix quickly so that it doesn’t completely dry out.

-If you’d like to buy a bath bomb mold online to make them look more professional, you can. I just molded them into spheres myself, and that worked just fine.

-Allow to dry for about 24 hours

-Yields about four bath bombs

 

Based on instructions found on instructables.com

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Upgrade your Halloween look

Photo by Paul F. Davis
Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Can’t think of a costume for Halloween? No problem. What you can’t achieve with your ensemble, you can achieve with special effects makeup. For those who still want to celebrate the holiday without having to don a full look, using these techniques will let you portray a perfectly festive Halloween appearance or — even better — it can add to whatever costume you already have.

While special effects makeup can be on the spendier side, these four simple looks utilize items that you likely already have, or that can be found for very cheap either online or in most drugstores.

So, gather your supplies and get your camera ready. You’re going to want to show off these looks to all of your friends — and potentially terrify them.  

 

Look of the Living Dead

Photo by Caity Healy

Making yourself look dead is an easy way to add flair to any costume. It’s also the basis of many different special effects looks. Zombies, appearing sick or simply being dead, rely on these basic techniques. On top of that, it’s an incredibly simple look to achieve.

To get this look, I used a foundation significantly lighter than my skintone, a white eyeshadow and a deep purple eyeshadow.

I applied the foundation evenly across my whole face, including on my lips. I then took the purple eyeshadow and applied a copious amount in any areas that should appear sunken in. This included my eye sockets, by my temples, below my cheekbones and on each side of my nose. Then, I made sure to blend each one so that it appeared more natural-looking than sharp lines. Finally, I took the white eyeshadow and used it to make the bonier parts look harsher than they are: down the bridge of my nose and across my cheekbones.

 

‘Tis But a Scratch

Photo by Caity Healy

This look is an easily altered one, because it can be one of two things. Without blood, it will appear to look like rotting flesh, which is an ideal special effect for zombie looks. If you add blood, then it looks like a large, fresh wound. Either one will add up to a horrifying result.

To get this look, I used toilet paper, Elmer’s glue, foundation, black eyeshadow, deep purple eyeshadow, a maroon eyeshadow and fake blood. This can be substituted for red food dye and corn syrup.

I started by cutting the toilet paper into round shapes about the size I would need for the wound. I then applied a thin layer of glue to my face and pasted four layers of toilet paper on top of each other. While it was still slightly wet, I used tweezers to pull it open from the center. Once it dried, I applied foundation to make it look more natural. Then, I took the black eyeshadow and applied a thin line of it around the outer inside of the wound, to give it depth. Then, I mixed it with the purple color and filled the rest of the wound in with that shade. I took the maroon eyeshadow and shaded the outside of the wound to make it look inflamed. Then, I added fake blood and let it drip down outside of the wound.

 

DIY Nose Piercing With a Pencil

Photo by Caity Healy

This one always leaves people in shock. It’s a little bit harder to do, but the results are worth it.

For this one I used a pencil, fake blood, glue, toilet paper, red lipstick and vaseline.

Break the pencil in half. On the half with the eraser, take the blunt end and wrap it in toilet paper so that it won’t be so sharp and can be stuck in your nostril without causing harm. With the other end, help it stick to the bridge of your nose by applying glue, and also let the pencil rest against your forehead and stick it there with glue as well. Use the vaseline where it appears that the pencil is bursting through your nose, to make it look like torn flesh. Then, take the red lipstick and, using a light amount, apply to anywhere that should appear bloody or enflamed. Finally, fake blood is a must in this look. Apply it along the pencil, in the nostril and all around your nose.

 

Oh, Deer

Photo by Caity Healy

Special effects doesn’t always mean scary. Sometimes, you want to opt for something fun, or at least less gory. Doing a deer look is an incredibly simple way to get the cuteness of a Snapchat filter that you get to wear all night. For this look, I used brown eyeliner, black liquid eyeliner, white eyeliner, light brown eyeshadow and foundation.

I started by using the brown liner to create the nose of the deer. Then, draw a line all the way down to your top lip. Fill in the top lip with the brown liner. Also use that liner to add a slight amount under your eye, but not on the waterline. Take the black liquid liner and draw an extended wing that also goes inwards towards the bridge of your nose. Use the foundation to cover your bottom lip, making it appear nude. Take the brown eyeshadow and do a slight contour of your nose. Finally, take the white eyeliner and paint small, filled-in circles on your cheekbones and forehead.

To complete this look, I made simple deer ears by cutting out small triangles from a brown paper bag and pasting them to a headband.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Start your morning with vigor

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

While the amount of sleep you get in a night is incredibly important for your health and the quality of your day, the way you choose to get up in the morning is also a large determining factor. It may be easiest to roll over, check your phone and scroll through a newsfeed for 30 minutes, but doing so will cause you to start your day in a sluggish and dull way.

How you choose to start your day will set the precedent for the rest of it. Do yourself a favor; choose to be productive. Turn off that alarm on the first ring, sit up straight, stretch to give your body some energy and get yourself out of bed.

Right after waking up is the perfect time to determine what your goals will be for the day. Forcing yourself to think about this early in the morning will allow you to plan ahead and keep that thought in the back of your head when making decisions throughout the day. Additionally, it will motivate you to get a head start by beginning whatever needs to be done that morning.

If you’re an early bird, use this time to get your workout for the day done. It may be rough, but you’ll find yourself feeling accomplished and energized for the rest of the day, allowing you to be more productive overall.

If you’re not an early bird, that’s okay, too. Find a morning routine that works for you and stick to it. Perhaps it involves going over your notes and drinking a cup of coffee, or maybe it means using the time to clean your room. Whatever it may be, make sure it will be beneficial to your day.

Finding small ways to make your mornings useful to you, your health and your workload will ultimately change the outcome of your entire day. So take advantage of those early hours, and, of course, start your day with a healthy breakfast, giving you the endurance to get your morning started right.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Struggling to plan effectively

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

I’ve always struggled with finding ways to properly manage my time. Being a full time student, working two jobs and finding breaks to take care of myself and my mental health can be incredibly exhausting; it’s definitely not an easy thing to do.

Pairing this with the fact that I’m also someone who will never leave a job unfinished can often lead to grueling, long nights of stress crying, a lot of complaining and inevitably more procrastinating that only fuels the vicious cycle.

With the start of the new school year, I wanted to try as best as I could to avoid making this habit become a serious problem. So, instead of letting it fester as time goes by, I’m trying new techniques that have been significantly easing the workload.

To-do lists have become my new best friend. Every week I create a new one, and add to it as each day goes by. Looking at everything I need to get done in an orderly fashion helps my brain envision my plan of attack. Plus, it feels incredibly relieving to be able to cross things off and see the list shrink before your eyes.

I also make sure to prioritize. For someone like me, everything that I know must be done is of equal importance. However, I’m learning to weigh the pros and cons of each task and figure out what truly must be done first. In the end, if time doesn’t permit me to get to a specific task, I’m learning to understand that it’s okay. My mental health is far more important than any assignment.

Managing time is a learning process for me, and an incredibly beneficial one at that. The better I’ve been getting at it, the stronger I feel as a whole. The tactics that I’m teaching myself now are one’s that I will continue to utilize through the rest of my life. What better time to pick up this skill than now?’

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

How to make the most of Halloween

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

For some college students, Halloween is practically synonymous with dressing up and partying with red Solo cups in hand. Meanwhile, Tuesdays are practically synonymous with homework, stress and extracurriculars. This year, the two happen to fall on the same day. Don’t let this discourage you; this Oct. 31 can still be one for the books, even if parties aren’t involved.

This Halloween, you can find yourself discovering new ways to make the holiday just as thrilling as it would be if it fell on a weekend. The best way to get equally fired up is with a classic addition to every All Hallows Eve season — haunted houses. If you have the time, grab a group of friends and head to the Oregon School for the Deaf’s Nightmare Factory. Though not for the faint-of-heart, the experience will be one you surely won’t forget.

If you want a similar event, but want to stay close to home, head to Independence for a more local haunted house. Located at 35 Northway St., almost anyone can find an hour out of their Tuesday to make their way over for a bone-chilling good time.

Still want to be scared but too busy to leave home? A horror movie date with friends is the perfect night in. Bake some Halloween-themed cookies, crowd around any classic scary flick and be prepared to have your heart beat out of your chest at every jump scare.

Not one to enjoy scares, but still want to celebrate? Get festive by partaking in the standard Halloween staple, and carve pumpkins. Anything from classic jack o’ lantern faces to intricate designs can be created — bonus points if you save the seeds and roast them for a sweet or salty treat.

While Halloween falling on a Tuesday may seem unfortunate, don’t let it disappoint you. There’s no reason you can’t make the most of it. So grab a bag of candy, throw on that costume anyway and start celebrating.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

First-year student bucket list

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Being a first-year student at Western is an exciting, yet intimidating experience. For most, it involves living on campus in a dorm room that feels similar in size to a closet, immersing yourself in an entirely new group of strangers that are suddenly your neighbors, as well as learning the pros and cons to that 8 a.m. course you thought would be a good idea — trust me, it’s not the same thing as an 8 a.m. in high school.

Learning how to cope with these new circumstances is something that takes ample time and energy; being focused on that will result in the school year going by in the blink of an eye. With so much happening at once, it can be difficult to remember to stop every now and then and make the most of your beginnings at Western. Make sure that in your first year here as a Wolf, you manage to complete most, if not all, of our First-Year Bucket List.

        • Go to Midnight Movies at least once. It’s cheap, and usually an unforgettable experience if you’re going with the right people
        • Attend those Residence Hall Association events. A lot of work went into making those as fun as possible for students — plus you’ll usually get free things.
        • Borrow the keys to the kitchen and make your friends and yourself a homemade meal. Sometimes you just need to get away from Valsetz for a night.
        • Sleep in a dorm that isn’t yours for a night. It’s hard to explain why, but it’s always more fun and ends up feeling just like a slumber party.
        • Go to a sporting event you wouldn’t normally go to. Games are happening constantly: grab a group of friends and head to one.
        • Join a club or organization. By the end of the year, you’re going to want to have more friends than those you made in just your dorm or classes. It’s a good way to meet new people.
        • Have a movie night with your hall. It can be such a memorable experience to get together, eat popcorn and watch some B-List Netflix horror flick that will leave you laughing when you should be screaming.
        • Take a spontaneous road trip with friends. On a personal note: my first night hanging with my now best friends, they took me to the beach at 12 a.m. — I will never forget that night.
        • Pull an all-nighter. If not for homework, sometimes it’s worth it just to stay up for a classic Monmouth sunrise. They’re truly beautiful.
        • Take a free class at the Health and Wellness Center. Zumba, anybody?
        • Adventure around Monmouth on your own. You never know, you might fall in love with a coffee shop and become a regular.
        • Take pictures. Lots of them. You’re going to want to print those out later.
        • But also, don’t live on your phone. Sure, snap that photo, then put it away. Live in the moment.
        • Take a late night walk around campus with a friend or group. Another personal note, doing this with my now boyfriend of 11 months is how I fell for him.
        • Get to know some upperclassmen. They know so much about several aspects of Western and most would be glad to give advice.
        • Go to a party. If parties aren’t your thing, host a party alternative on your own where you spend the entire night doing things you love.

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        Maintaining healthy and stable relationships

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        In this current age where social media is a source that many depend on for news, entertainment or even their own personal diaries, it’s as if everything one does, says or thinks ends up online. For many, this includes their relationships as well.

        The line between what is normal and what isn’t has become blurred. When all anyone sees while surfing through Twitter or Instagram is infinite couples seeming perfect, it becomes hard to realize that there is more than what is depicted on the screen. For every post, there’s a backstory. Every relationship has its own history that can’t be understood solely through what we see online.

        Finding a way to maintain a healthy relationship in these changing times, with the increase of social media interactions, can be a difficult thing to do. Adding in the factor of stress and change that comes about with college can add strain. But, it’s not impossible. In the end, what it all comes down to is one simple, yet incredibly necessary, tactic that far too many couples forget to utilize: communication.

        Communication, when used in a healthy and constructive way, will solve the problems of many relationships. It helps both partners understand each others needs, and the ways in which those needs can be met. With communication, those in relationships should be able to comfortably discuss problems they are having, and can do so in a way where both feel understood.

        To achieve proper communication, one must force themselves to listen to what the other is saying. Often, it won’t be what you want to hear, but the best thing that can be done is to try and understand the point the other is making. If, in the end, there is still disagreement, then the other can plead their case calmly and without being accusatory or irrational.

        It’s also important to always be honest. It may not be the easiest thing to do, but if problems aren’t brought up, then the anger will continue to grow inside until you erupt. Don’t allow it to get to that point.

        It can be easy to forget that communication is not only vital in romantic relationships, but in any and all relationships. Family, friends, roommates and coworkers all deserve the respect of open communication. It will ultimately lead to happier and healthier relationships within every aspect, bettering one’s life as a whole.

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        DIY face masks for every skin type

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        Maintaining healthy and vibrant skin can be incredibly difficult. However, finding a way to do it can be exactly what you need to look more awake, have softer skin and feel more confident overall.

        Face masks are an easy and effective way to achieve this. Purchasing them can get expensive, though, especially if it’s something you’re looking to do on a semi-regular basis. Why spend money on these masks when you often have the supplies to make masks for yourself right at home? No matter what the face type, there’s a face mask for you.

         

        Dry Face: Avocado Honey Mask

        Combine ½ of an avocado with ¼ cup of honey. Mix well, and apply to face. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

        Mask found on Brit.co

         

        Oily Face: Banana Honey Mask

        Combine an entire ripe banana with 2 tablespoons of honey and mix well. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Leave it applied to face for 15 minutes.

        Mask found on blog.radiantlifecatalog.com

         

        Sensitive Skin: Yogurt Honey Mask

        Combine 1 tablespoon of plain, unflavored yogurt with 1 teaspoon of honey. Add 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, and mix well. Allow it to sit after applying for 10 minutes.

        Mask found on thebeautynerd.com

         

        Tired Skin: Lemon Mask

        Add the juice of an entire lemon with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well and rub onto face well. Allow it to sit on your face for 10 minutes.

        Mask found on beautybanter.com

         

         Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        Getting festive for a horror fan-favorite

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        “It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.” As established by the 1978 horror film classic “Halloween,” the holiday’s original goal was for one thing: instilling fright into others.

        The easiest way to accomplish this task is by dressing the part. Scary Halloween costumes were an original trick-or-treater favorite. If your intent this All Hallows Eve is to don yourself in spooky attire, your options are countless. Horror icons are well known by most; dressing as one is an incredibly simple, yet crowd-pleasing way to strike terror in whomever you come across on Oct. 31.

        Purchasing or creating masks will allow you to dress as several infamous horror movie characters: Michael Myers, Jason Vorhees, Freddy Krueger and even Ghostface are among the many widely known faces. However, if you want to go as a more modern role, look towards movies such as “Annabelle,”“The Purge,” “The Babadook” and even the newly reinvented Pennywise from “It”.

        Being scary doesn’t mean having to portray a character that already exists; you have the freedom to create an entirely new character you’ve never seen before. Often, all it takes to make a costume scary is to add a little bit of fake blood, which can be purchased or easily made, and tear up your clothes a little.

        While Halloween is known for being spooky, the costumes don’t always have to be. For some, the best costume is simply dressing as something you’ve always wanted to be, or something that will get a laugh out of others.

        Taking this route is the perfect way to create your own costumes. Throwing on a flannel and cowboy hat will transport you into the Wild West; putting your creativity to work can morph you into your favorite Snapchat filter, and wearing a black and white striped shirt can turn you into a criminal — add white face paint and suddenly, you’re a mime. For more DIY inspiration, head to Pinterest for never-ending options.

        However, if DIY isn’t your thing, you can always purchase a costume. Spirit Halloween in Salem is home to a large array of choices. Purchasing them brand new can be spendy though — for a cheaper option, look at secondhand stores, such as Goodwill.

        If you have someone that you’re looking to team up with this Halloween, fear not. This often allows for the best dynamic duo costumes. Partners in crime — such as Batman and Robin, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mario and Luigi or even everyone’s favorite television couple Jim and Pam from “The Office”  — can make perfect couple ensembles. Don’t be afraid to get creative with these.

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        Transforming Western into a fall fashion show

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor
        Photo by Caity Healy

        As the temperature began dropping on campus, the fashion started heating up. Students made Western their runway as they began throwing on

        their sweaters, lacing up their boots and donning themselves in the shades of autumn.

        Fall fashion, commonly known as “sweater weather,” is, for many, a favorite aspect of the season. The wardrobe selections begin offering more options than the previous season’s would; building outfits that appear to be well put together is actually a lot simpler than it seems.

        In order to assemble the perfect autumn ensemble, students have to know where to look when shopping for those first-rate fall statements. Oftentimes, the best deals can be found online. By looking at apps and websites selling secondhand attire, Poshmark and OfferUp to name a couple, cheap but quality clothing can be found that will add to any outfit.

        The search can also continue at local boutiques, such as Gracy Lu’s on Monmouth St., or Fashion Sense on C St. For a more thrifty pursuit, students can head to Dallas to search for the ideal wardrobe by partaking in a bit of a treasure hunt at the Goodwill in town.

        Photo by Caity Healy

        With a full wardrobe, it’s time to start putting together that fall statement. The easiest way to dress for autumn is with a few seasonal staples. Key items that are a must for anyone are: beanies, sweaters, scarves, boots and, of course, any other piece in the hues of fall — reds, oranges, and certain shades of yellow are a must.

        With this short guide, and a full closet, all the necessary steps have been taken now to put together an ensemble that reflects the season. For those who choose to partake, don’t forget to dress in a way that matches your sense of style, as well.

         

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        How to prosper at your next interview

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        Tuition, rent, utilities, groceries, internet — this just names a few of the necessary bills that many students pay consistently while trying to make being a student their priority. It’s no wonder that for some, getting a job is an unavoidable demand.

        Being in a small town, it can be difficult to find work that will match all of your needs. However, it’s not impossible.

        To get the opportunity to work, most times you’ll have to provide a resume, and often a cover letter, that can properly reflect who you are. When writing your resume, make sure that it is formatted in a way that will reduce the work for the person hiring you. Pick a font size that is easy to read and, likewise, pick a font that isn’t too decorative.

        If you don’t have lengthy job experience, don’t let this deter you from providing a resume; name your accomplishments and volunteer experience, as well — but make sure what you mention will impress the right people. Whatever you emphasize should match the job you are applying for. Once everything is written out, try keeping it to one page.

        Once you have the first draft of your resume written out, head to the Service Learning and Career Development office in the Werner University Center for further advice. There, they’ll provide help with editing, connect you to jobs, provide career advice and can even hold mock interviews. Allow them to look over your resume, and grab a handout that can point out every aspect that should be included. Make sure that your resume matches all the necessary requirements, and then include it while applying for jobs.

        If all goes well, and the hiring managers are impressed with your application and/or resume, you may be called back for an interview. This is where you’ll make a real impression on the people you’ll potentially be working with; take advantage of it. Dress a step up from the job you are applying for. Always look put-together, wrinkle-free and bear a welcoming a smile that will make your interviewer feel comfortable, as well — remember, in many cases, they’re just as nervous as you are.

        Basic tips for interviews include, “look them in the eye, and don’t deadfish them”, as noted by junior psychology major Kaylee DeBolt. Maintaining eye contact creates mutual respect, and a firm handshake is an impressive and necessary factor to most interviews.

        Finding work, especially in a college town, is not always an easy task. Making use of the services at Western such as SLCD, can help ease that burden. Take advantage of it.

         

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

        The importance of a full night’s rest

        Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

        “I maybe get five hours a night,” commented first-year pre-nursing major Stephanie Oseguera. “I feel really good in the mornings and then I just crash.”

        This problem amongst students at Western is all too prevalent. With seemingly never-ending to-do lists and countless responsibilities, sleep can often fall to the back burner. Priorities are made and, for many, getting to bed on time isn’t one of them. Making this a part of your routine is far more than a nasty habit; it’s detrimental to your health.

        Short-term sleep deprivation has many negative consequences: drowsiness, forgetfulness, high anxiety, high irritability and decreased awareness are among the few. Regularly having nights of poor sleep, though, will do far more than the simple next day irritability.

        Without proper sleep, you’re putting yourself at risk for problems such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. It’s not just a want — getting a full night’s sleep is essential to living a full and healthy life.

        According to a study done at Stanford University, the average sleep requirement for college students is well over eight hours. So, if you have an 8 a.m. class, and want to get up at least an hour before — which will also help you feel more awake and energized during class — you’ll want to be asleep by 11 p.m.

        While getting to bed on time is definitely a good start, you’ll want to make sure that you’re actually getting a full night’s rest, rather than being fitful and never actually getting deep sleep. In order to do this, there are some simple steps to follow.

        Do not drink caffeinated beverages four to six hours before you head to bed: no late night lattes, energy drinks, soda or even drinks such as green tea. Simply enjoy those well before bedtime.

        Next — and this one is often the hardest for many — create a sleep schedule and stick to it. Unfortunately, this also includes your weekends. While it may be tempting to stay up until 3 a.m. when you know you have no responsibilities the next morning, you’re setting yourself up for failure when Monday morning rolls around. Do yourself a favor, and attempt to stick to a similar schedule everyday.

        Put away all your electronic devices 30 minutes before bed; Instagram will still be there in the morning, you can check it after sending your Snapchat streaks when you get up the next day. It can wait. Dedicate those 30 minutes in bed before sleeping to unwind, relax and let your mind shut-off.

        In the end, we are still human beings. Sometimes, those late night homework sessions are unavoidable. The best thing you can do to deal with sleep deprivation the next day is to make sure to stay fueled up and hydrated. Give yourself some breaks during the day. If possible, take a very brief nap. Make sure you aren’t napping too long though, or you’ll be stuck in the same cycle tomorrow.

         

        Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

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        Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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