What does self-care look like for you? While partaking in a panel for my college, I was asked: “What’s one thing you wish you could tell yourself as a freshman?” I knew my answer immediately, to allow myself time for self-care. Before therapy, I hadn’t known how important it was to consistently incorporate time to relax and de-stress in my schedule. Sometimes it might be hard to engage in self-care amidst life’s challenges and busyness. As a frequent list and calendar user, I block out specific times for self-care to help with this. What I do during this blocked time differs, but I usually do a mix of the following (as learned in therapy and my psychology courses), which I’d recommend trying out: Check-in with yourself Ask yourself questions like: How am I feeling today? Why might I be feeling this way? Am I hungry, tired, thirsty? Do I need time to do something fun today? This may seem odd, but I promise it’s important work as it allows space to be present with yourself. I find that I typically respond with comments like “I’m tired” which prompts me with clear next steps (such as going to bed earlier). If feelings of distress arise, something common in self-compassion therapy is speaking to yourself, as if you were speaking directly with a loved one. Reach out to others When busy with assignments and/or work, it may be hard to reach out to your support group. I’ve found that scheduling calls with friends and family helps ensure I stay connected. Sometimes discussing life in general can help clear one’s mind–and it’s certainly helped me as I begin to experience life changes (such as the transition after graduation). Set aside time for breaks and rest Sometimes stepping away from a task and revisiting it later can help ease feelings of anxiety and burnout. As learned in my cognition class, cognitive psychologists also say that breaks help with recall (what they call “the spacing effect”). Additionally, sleep helps with consolidation of material which relates to the process of long-term memory creation. If you struggle knowing how to incorporate breaks into your work, I’ve heard the Pomodoro Technique is helpful. Additionally, I’ve found creating a personalized to-do list (noting deadlines and soft deadlines I give myself) helps me ensure I finish material on time, while also ensuring I budget enough resting time. Check out the resources your school has to offer Many schools have counseling services, fun extracurriculars, fitness classes, and more–which can be another way to partake in self-care related activities and connect with others. Your community may also have fun events that can help you de-stress. What does self-care look like for you? How might you work to incorporate more self-care into your schedule? Comment below. WRITTEN BY Shannon Kucaj IUPUI Shannon Kucaj is graduating from IUPUI with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing, with minors in Professional & Public Writing, Communication Studies, Classical Studies, and Psychology. She is an aspiring editor and writer and has experience working as one of two Managing Editors for her campus literary & art magazine and has interned within publishing. In her free time, she enjoys singing and baking.   ... View more

And scientists may be our most important storytellers. As you navigate college, your career, and your future, it is important to keep in mind the fact that you are responsible for telling your story, the stories of those around you, and perhaps even part of the story of the world. Typically, folks in the humanities are considered society’s storytellers, but scientists, engineers, and just about anyone else are also storytellers. In fact, I think scientists are some of our most important storytellers. They study the universe, its nature, how it works. Then, they take their knowledge and share it with us so that we can learn the story of the universe. Being able to take something as complex as neuroscience or astrophysics and paring it down to something for the masses to discover? That takes talent and it is invaluable. Where would we be without those people who can look at the complexity of the world and find a cohesive story in it? I am studying psychology and statistics, and my goal (and the goal of all psychologists) is to figure out how humans work. What makes us tick. I want to help tell the story of humanity. But psychologists can’t tell this story alone. Our information is incomplete. We need the stories from biologists, historians, physicists, archaeologists, and neuroscientists (to name a few) to paint a complete picture of the past, present, and future of humanity and human nature. The elements needed to craft a compelling work of fiction are the same elements needed to discover and share the nature of our world: context/setting, motivation, characters, conflict, etc. This is why I believe the best scientists are also able to communicate their findings in a compelling, creative, and engaging way. As someone working toward a Master’s of Science, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read a dry, boring, mundane article. Sure, they were informative and told a part of humanity’s story, but they were not engaging. If you want folks to read the story you tell, you need to make sure you communicate it in a compelling way. It’s the same with fiction, too. Fiction should be compelling, entertaining, and thought-provoking. The stories we tell through fiction also give insight to human nature and the human experience. Music, sculpture, art, dance, poetry, literature? Those are all media humans use to tell their stories. The fields of history, social science, and psychology have a long history with creative works and the insights they share, and it baffles me how little our creatives are valued in many societies. Aside from the joy and entertainment they bring, creatives are our unofficial historians in a sense – capturing the world as they experience it and sharing it with others. An objective retelling of history that professional historians (should) strive for is not complete without us being able to also learn the subjective feelings of the parties involved. Emotion is what brings history to life. I can tell you honestly that I would not remember as much history as I do without class lessons being supplemented with music, film, art, poetry, and photography. Our world’s storytellers are some of our most critical people and we must cherish and nurture them. Support your local artists. Rally for the funding and sharing of scientific research. And, please, consume the stories that these people have made for us. WRITTEN BY Kris Shiflet Currently pursuing a co-terminal BS Psychology, minor in Stats, and MS in IO Psychology –basically a big old nerd. While HR is my work passion, I also love creative writing and I have way too many unfinished stories in my drive. I write to music, but a chaotic mix of heavy metal, jazz, classical, punk, and pop. Hey, whatever works, right?   ... View more

What to wear! What to wear!   I’m just going to say it. I’m morally opposed to khakis. They really bum me out. And so I elect not to wear them. However, this presents the young, budding corporate lass that I am with a problem: what ever shall I wear to work? I don’t want to forsake my corduroy flares and Edwardian skirts when I enter the cubicle farm– I like to believe my closet and I can embark on this professional adventure together without too many growing pains. So, let’s get dressed for work à la business casual and let's do it without knee socks.    1. The First Day of Work Outfit  The first day of work is really all about taking the temperature of the office, and so on day one I like to wear all black. It allows me to go incognito and observe. The whole dress like a spy thing makes me feel a) cool b) emboldened and c) ready to take in my surroundings with a dramatic flair. Alas, dressing in all black on day one is sort of just uncontroversial, easy, and is a good place to start when trying to get a feel for things both professional and re fashion.   2. The Don’t Let Your Favorite Items Wallow in Your Closet Outfit If you are like me then you may have a piece of clothing you prize above all others. For me this item is a pink maxi skirt from the 1910s. I get antsy about wearing it past my front door because it's just so special that no occasion or day could possibly merit its resplendent beauty. I’ve been trying to get over that this summer: wear your prized possessions to work! There’s no time like the present. Wear your fancy dresses, skirts, blouses, and pants to your heart’s content and then really dramatically and quite unnecessarily hold your skirt up like a princess when you ascend the Wall Street Subway Station staircase (ok maybe don’t do this part?).    3. The Corduroy Pants Reign Supreme Outfit  In my humble and very non-expert opinion, every work wardrobe needs a pair of corduroy pants. They are linen pants’ wintertime brethren. They are an item with the potential for individualization in cut and color and they add a bit of retro flair to every outfit. Dressier than jeans, but comfier than slacks, a good pair of cords may just make you feel the Very Cool manager of a 1970s rock band.    4. The “I actually work at Sterling Draper Pryce” Outfit  Welcome to the section of this post that I like to call shopping for work in the closet of a 1960s dame. In the late hours of the evening I often find myself making ill-advised purchases on eBay, but the purchases I never regret are 1960s mod dresses. These dresses are great for work and make me feel like Peggy from Mad Men. They are also just really fun pieces endowed with an interesting story. Makes for good water cooler talk. (Also, I’m 5'9 so these mod dresses can end up being quite mini– use your best judgment when it comes to appropriate hemlines at work.)     5. The Let’s Make a Deal Outfit  This is the outfit I bring out when there is serious business to be taken care of. Take note of the muted tones and collared shirt. This outfit is not what I would describe as “fun,” but it is what I would describe as “casually business serious.” (A more, ahem, serious take on business casual. Also, a term of my own creation that has yet to catch on.)   6. The so Many Different Utilities Outfit  Utility pants are another good work wardrobe staple. They become particularly helpful when angling to transition your work outfits into post-work activities. With a superfluous amount of pockets, utility pants are good for trout fishing, coffee dates, and taking an elevator without a purse. Additionally, the shoes for this outfit, my trusty espadrilles, originated from communities around the Pyrenees mountains and they really give the word “utility” new meaning. They are a solid and delightful pair of shoes good for climbing mountains or sitting at your computer.    Alas, we have exhausted my closet and my styling sensibilities. Allow me to leave you with this: work outfits can be fun! Wear your favorite items and work with what you have to create a work wardrobe that is not your real life wardrobe’s boring and uncomfortable little sister.  WRITTEN BY Kate Unrath Georgetown University Kate Unrath is a junior at Georgetown University majoring in American Studies with a minor in Creative Writing. As such, she considers any time with the Transcendentalists to be time well spent. Kate can be found taking long walks without a destination in mind or agonizing over whether the shade of black on her sweater matches that of her pants.   ... View more

There’s so much to do in the city!   Transitioning into college can be tough. For most, it is your first time living on your own, and you are expected to make new friends, explore new surroundings, and stay healthy all while attending class! These challenges can sometimes feel bigger for those attending a metropolitan campus rather than a traditional insular one, but living in an urban area has its benefits. Here are some tips I learned about navigating college life in a big city! Attend Campus Events Without a traditional campus, it may be harder to find big groups of freshmen congregating during your first week of school. However, that does not mean that these gatherings do not exist! All freshmen are in the same boat, and are looking to make new friends. That’s why it’s especially important to attend campus events during your first few weeks of the semester. These events may take place at the library, dining hall, or other areas inside your dorm. Not all city schools prioritize Greek life, so make sure to look out for when/where the club fair is taking place so you can meet others with similar interests as you! Prioritize the Outdoors  No Quad? No problem! It’s always important to get outdoors, even if your school is not surrounded by nature. Make walking a part of your day even when you are not rushing from class to class. Find the closest park or beach to your dorm and spend time there with a book or with some friends.  Learn Local Transit  Learning how to get around a new city can be daunting, but you have a whole city to explore, and four years to get your bearings! Befriend a local or use the city's transit app to navigate the train or bus system your city provides. It may seem scary for the first few months, but once you get the hang of it you will feel much more comfortable in your new home! Take Advantage of Your Surroundings  Now that you know how to get around - it’s time to make the most of it. One of the major benefits of attending school in a metropolitan area is that you are not limited to collegiate life. Make friends with other students in the area, or get an off-campus job at that hip restaurant or café you’ve been meaning to check out. Most theaters, sporting arenas, and museums have student discounts/comped tickets if you look on their website. If you are 21+, you can even explore the local nightlife. Don’t be afraid to sign up for that dorm event to attend a local street fair! With so much going on, it is impossible to not find a niche or a new favorite place.  Have Fun! While it is not for everyone, attending a non-traditional college campus was one of the best decisions I ever made for myself. I was able to feel confident exploring new places, learned how to take it slow in a fast paced environment, and did it all while attending school and making best friends for life! WRITTEN BY Jaden Urso New York University Jaden Tyler Urso is a senior at New York University studying English, creative writing, and theater. She hopes to work in the publishing industry and is an aspiring playwright. She is a cat person and her favorite color is blue.   ... View more