Last week we talked about the scientific benefits of practicing meditation. However, meditation can be difficult, especially for beginners. Luckily, there’s another way to get the benefits of meditation: Practicing mindfulness. Here’s how you can start: A quick crash course on meditation: Sit straight (slouching will interfere with concentration) Focus on the breath and physical…
5 Scientifically-Backed Reasons Why You Should Start Meditating
Practicing mindfulness and meditation has become a trending topic in the health and wellness community. There are claims that meditation: Improves cognitive function Reduces stress Increases empathy Enhances creativity Here’s the science that backs it up: Our brains are actually more active while “idle” While daydreaming or meditating, our brain becomes 10 percent more active…
The Obsession With Passion
Passion, how important is it really? Finding your passion, what does that really mean? Don’t get me wrong. Passion is important, but what happens when the passion dissipates? We are all told growing up that finding our passion is the number one most important aspect when looking for a career and while that might be…
6 Quotes for Singles this Valentines Day
Spending Valentine’s Day alone? Sick of all those obnoxiously cheesy couples out there? Here are 6 quotes for you to ponder as you embrace being single. (P.S. Don’t be afraid of clicking the underlined words. It may help brighten your day even more.) 1. “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to…
Ditching “The ONE”
Every year, there’s a new wave of grade 12 students entering post-secondary. For many of these students, the concept of post-secondary is absolutely daunting. What will it be like? Will I make friends? Is the Freshman 15 really true? Will my professors care if I sleep in lectures? And perhaps the most intimidating question…
Starting New: The Four P’s of Productivity
Productivity got you puzzled? Follow the 4 P’s of Productivity and you’ll be on your way: Plan Prioritize Prime Produce Here’s the break-down: Plan 1. Make a schedule, not a To-do list. You will reduce stress by identifying what needs to get done at exactly what time. Google Calendar or plain old pen and paper…
Starting New: Becoming a Morning Person (Part 2)
The first time I woke up early, I felt like crying at the sound of my alarm clock. The incessant noise drilling its way into my ears literally brought tears to my bleary eyes, but I forced myself out of bed and took a quick, warm shower. The rest of the day was a blur—sleeping…
Starting New: Becoming a Morning Person (Part 1)
If you’re reading this, you’re most likely not a morning person. Guess what? Neither am I! The thought of seeing the crack of dawn horrifies me. Heck, waking up at 8 am in the morning is already a feat. But society seems to favour morning people. We all know it – and try to deny…
Gratitude Challenge #3: The Gratitude Journal
Exactly one year ago today, I started my very first Gratitude Journal. It was an attempt to live more in the moment. Some might think it’s silly but I wanted to know that had I died today, at least my last was a good one. Now, looking back in retrospect, I’ve concluded the…
The Gift of Gratitude
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it” ~William Arthur Ward Give the Gift of Gratitude this Christmas season.
Gratitude Challenge #2: Count the Stars
Gratitude Challenge #2: Count the Stars On a Tuesday winter evening one year before, I was standing in the book aisle of Costco waiting for my mom to finish grocery shopping. Browsing around, I was intrigued by a copy of Oprah’s What I Know For Sure. As I flipped the pages randomly, I came across…
Gratitude Challenge #1: The Thank You Note
Gratitude Challenge #1: The Thank You Note What it’s all about: Every day for 1 week, write a thank you letter to someone who has impacted your life. It could be to a friend, family member, teacher, or coach. You don’t have to write it on a post card to mail it as a letter…
The Improvement Movement 