A Few Tips on How to Become Happier

Lately, I’ve been seeing a fair amount of articles on the topic of happiness. So, I’ve decided to share with you five simple tips I’ve learned on how to become happier.

1.       Exercise –Many studies demonstrate how exercise releases endorphins in our brain which make us feel good. As a result, exercise may treat depression for some people and can also boost body image.

2.       Relationships – Studies show that the happiest people are those who have intimate relationships. People feel good when they can share experiences with friends and/or family. Furthermore, happiness is contagious. So when you need to feel a little happier, find the friends and/or family members who are feeling extremely happy that day.

3.       Volunteer -It sounds ironic that in order for you to feel happier, you should help others. However, studies on volunteering show that helping others releases serotonin in our brain which makes us feel good. In one article, a scientist noted, “We scientists have found that doing a kindness produces the single most reliable momentary increase in well-being of any exercise we have tested.”

4.       Smile – According to studies, smiling can trigger happy memories which make us feel good. In fact, even faking a smile can lift our mood. In another article, researchers wrote, “Pretend that you are happy, and you will feel happy.”

5.       Gratitude – Being thankful for what you already have will bring greater happiness. Take note of at least three things you are grateful for each day or each week. As one author noted, “We're gonna have a hard time ever being happy if we aren't thankful for what we already have.”                                           

To learn more on how you can be happier, be sure to read each of the articles highlighted in this post.

Positive Affirmation for the Month of November

I give thanks for all that
I am and for all
that I have.

Let's Discuss Language Further!

Or is it farther? How do you know when to use which word?

The word "farther" is used to describe a measurable distance.
For example: Craig lives farther from work than I do.
In this example, we can measure the actual distance from work in miles.

The word "further" is used to describe an abstract measurement or an extent or degree.
For example: Let's discuss language further.
In this example, we don't actually know to what extent I want us to discuss language.

Here's a quick tip to help you remember when to use which word. The word "farther" has the word "far" in it so use this spelling when you mean a measurable distance.

Check out this entertaining scene from the movie "Finding Forrester" when the student Jamal corrects his professor's misuse of the word "farther." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA4Vj-Q3HX4

Positive Affirmation for the Month of October

I will take deeper, longer, and more relaxed breaths.

Am I Making an Effect?

 

      Check out this short video
      to learn how to correctly use
      the words affect and effect!

 

The Importance of Checking Your Student Email

Have you ever been in a similar situation?

 

Scenario 1
Kelly attends her chemistry class on the first day of the quarter. In the first few minutes of class, the instructor tells the class that there will be a quiz on the readings that were assigned. Kelly is confused. She asks herself, “Isn’t this the first day of class? How could there have already been readings assigned?” She looks around the room and identifies others who look as confused as she is, but notices some students are actually prepared for the quiz. After a disappointing performance on this "surprise" quiz, she asks one of her classmates how they knew there was going to be a quiz. The student replies, “The professor emailed us a week before school started to let us know.” Kelly says, “I didn’t get an email. That’s not fair.” The peer replies, “He emailed us at our LWIT student account. Don’t you check that email?” Kelly replies, “I don’t check that account. I already have too many email accounts.”

Scenario 2
Bob receives his spring quarter grade for English. He’s devastated that his grade turned out to be much lower than expected. He racks his mind about what he could have done wrong on the final paper. Bob emails his instructor to inquire about his grade. Unfortunately, the instructor is not available until the summer quarter begins. Bob thinks this is so unfair, especially since this grade has now affected his financial aid! The summer quarter begins, and Bob is waiting at his English instructor’s office. He inquires about the grade from last quarter. The instructor replies, “Didn’t you check your email? I sent you a note inquiring about the third paper. For some reason, I didn’t have a grade noted.” Bob says, “I didn’t get an email from you.” The instructor replies, “I sent it to your student email since that’s the address I had on file.”

Summary
What these two scenarios demonstrate is the importance of checking your student email often. Every student who attends Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) is provided with an LWIT email account. It is very important to be sure that you are checking this account frequently. Instructors are allowed to assign homework prior to the start of classes. In addition, instructors are only given your LWIT email account so this is where they will send notifications to you. If you don’t check your student email, it is not the instructor’s fault. That is your responsibility.

Take the time to ensure that your student email account is active by visiting the student email page. Keep in mind that you can forward this email to your personal account. This will ensure that you don’t miss any important communications from your instructors or other offices at LWIT.

Positive Affirmation for the Month of September

I won't let yesterday define who I am today.