Chips, Corndogs, Cookies, and... Celery?

             I bet you're playing that simple game with this post title, "Which one doesn't belong?" The answer is obvious, and that is the word "celery!" Whenever I get stressed with school and homework, or even just life in general, I want nothing more than to stress eat and consume that whole box of vanilla wafers in the pantry. I even sometimes convince myself that I don't have the time to think about eating "clean." However, truth is, those stressed-out feeling don't occur as often or make themselves as prominent in our lives if we eat healthy and take care of our bodies. Exhaustion is a factor that comes with everyday work and activities, but it can be handled by the installation of a healthy lifestyle.
              A healthy lifestyle can contain many different things. Hanging out with friends every day, making time for yourself (by painting, singing, writing or just having some quality thinking time with yourself), eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep all play into how you feel about yourself at the end of a rough and mentally or physically challenging week! So do your body a solid, stay away from Zebra Cakes, the frozen section at Sodexo, and drink water instead of that sugary Mountain Dew. If you need an extra energy boost try putting an energy powder packet in your water or having a cup of coffee here and there! As for exercise, not everyone loves it, but everybody needs it! Go for a walk, play a game of catch outside, or swim a few laps in the pool; whatever you can be excited about long enough to get your daily dose of endorphins. Your body will thank you later without the need for that 2 p.m. nap tomorrow :)
            Put all of these things together everyday and eventually it will become a healthy habit! GO YOU!

Until next week!
- KK

Peak of the Week:

I made lasagna for 40 people! (Great-grandmother's recipe from Italy itself!) I feel like a big kid when I cook :)

Challenge of the Week:

Pushing through a 2-day fever/cold (still have the cold), 2 tests, 3 novels, and a HUGE presentation due next Tuesday. I think I can! I think I can! 

Quote of the Week:

This quote is a thinker... ready?

"Your body hears everything your mind says."
- Naomi Judd 

Song of the Week:

"Walking on Air" by Katy Perry

Pic of the Week:

 

I can't pick just one! I love my cheer friends AND Homecoming! :) 

Don't forget to take a break!

In the midst of trying to complete all of our end of the semester projects and study for finals, it's easy to get overwhelmed and end up way more stressed than any normal person should ever be! So take an hour or two each day to hang out with friends, go to the gym, watch a movie, or just take a nap. Not only will this reduce your stress and give you a break, but it will also give your brain a chance to finally process all the knowledge you've been cramming inside it for the past semester. Sometimes, blowing off a little steam is all you need to power through the end of the semester!

Peak of the Week:

Going to see Thor tonight!

Challenge of the Week:

Ignoring my Christmas fever.

Quote of the Week:

First we'll make snow angels for two hours, then we'll go ice skating, and then we'll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie-dough as fast as we can.
-Buddy the Elf
(may or may not be my exact plans for Christmas break)

Pic of the Week: 

The family and I in Branson this past weekend!

Have a great week!!
-Taylor H.