Time Management | Be Healthier

New Year’s Resolutions

We’re a few weeks into a brand new semester – how are things going? I’ve heard from some of you that this new semester is an opportunity to put some bad habits to rest. Take advantage of this fresh start and decide how you can learn from mistakes (and successes!) last semester to create good habits that will help you finish your first year strong.

Time Management

Managing your time effectively is one of the hardest skills college students must learn. But, the better you are at utilizing your time effectively, the more likely you are to be successful in achieving your goals. For some people, finding balance and identifying strategies for time management is more difficult than for others. To get you started, take a look at Stanford University’s list of 10 ways to effectively manage time. I’m also available to meet with you to create an action plan for how you might manage your time this semester. And, you can listen to other JMU students talk about how to balance everything…

“If you want to achieve academically, learn how to balance having fun and doing your work.  You’ve got to make sacrifices a lot of times.”

Be Healthier

• Need some health being a little emotionally healthier?  Schedule an appointment with a counselor at the Counseling & Student Development Center.
• Utilize the University Health Center this semester. Especially with this nation-wide flu scare, it’s important to know and visit this resource!
• Get excited about utilizing UREC.  You don’t have to do it alone, either. Partner-up with someone else who wants to “Be Healthier” so that you have someone to help you stay motivated or participate in Group Fitness classes through UREC.
• Participate in UREC’s Adventure opportunities.
• Take time for yourself and get a massage at UREC.

Overall, think about what might help you feel 100%.  If you don’t see something that can help you feel 100% healthy listed above, please come talk to me and I will help you find something that can.

Homecoming | Healthy Choices

Homecoming 

Monday, October 27 marks the beginning of JMU Homecoming 2014! From October 27 – November 2, the JMU community is celebrating over 100 years of alumni with a ton of spirited events, program, and activities for students and alums. Show your purple pride and JMU spirit by attending events like Purple Out, Pep Rally, Homecoming sporting events, and so much more!

Purple Out – For the past 10 years, the Student Government Association has sponsored an event during Homecoming to provide FREE Purple Out tshirts (I Bleed Purple) to JMU students to wear at the Homecoming football game. Purple Out will take place on Monday, October 27 from 5-7 p.m. on the Festival Lawn. Students must register for a shirt.

UREC 5k – Kick off gameday with a healthy 5k run/walk through campus, with proceeds benefitting the UREC student employee professional development fund. The race takes place on Saturday, November 1 at 8 a.m., leaving from UREC. Visit the UREC website for race details and registration information.

Football Game – Get your ticket for the game against the William and Mary on Saturday, November 1 at 3:30 p.m. in Bridgeforth Stadium. Wear your Purple Out shirt and get ready to throw some streamers!

Annual Homecoming Step Show – Following the football game, head over to Wilson Hall Auditorium for the annual Homecoming Step Show at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Student Services (CMSS) and the Inter-Cultural Greek Council. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10. Tickets are $15 at the door, but availability is not guaranteed.

Making Healthy Choices 

With Homecoming and Halloween celebrations and festivities right around corner, it’s important to remember to make healthy choices regarding alcohol and drugs. Wellness is about increasing healthy habits and reducing negative ones. Many people say they use alcohol and other drugs to “feel good.” Making healthy choices means learning to understand what feels good for us, and avoiding the unhealthy things we don’t want. If your choices include drinking alcohol, think about drinking safely and plan ahead to avoid any negative consequences. The University Health Center’s Office on Substance Abuse Prevention is a great resource to help you learn how to make healthy choices and find resources that may be beneficial in your overall wellness.

University Recreation

Motivating Madison into Motion

University Recreation (UREC) promotes and advances healthy lifestyles through participation opportunities, educational experiences and supportive services. Your valid JACard is required to enter UREC and University Park.

Now is a great time to start (or continue) some good habits related to your health and wellness! And, with midterms right around the corner, don’t neglect your fitness as an awesome stress reliever. Vigorous physical activity can help you burn off your stress by giving you something else to focus on and relieving tension in your muscles. Endorphins are real: they make you feel better!

In addition to the great fitness center and facilities, UREC offers many programs, services, and events for all students at all ability and interest levels. Take advantage of these amazing opportunities and services, including Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, Group Fitness, Adventure Trips, Equipment Rental, Nutrition, Massage, and more!

And, this year JMU is one of a handful of schools nationwide participating in the Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge, sponsored by North Face. Check out this Breeze article to learn more about how you can help JMU win and you can win great prizes!

Find Your Place at UREC

Learn more about all the educational programs and events on the UREC homepage. Registration dates and costs vary by program, but most are FREE!  (UREC offers online registration for Intramural  Sports, Group Fitness and all non-fee based programs. In-person registration for fee-based programs is available at UREC using FLEX).