Brooke Hamroff

More by Brooke Hamroff

It's Crunch Time! HC's Guide to a Less Lame Reading Week

12/5/2011

You just got back from a relaxing weekend at home for Thanksgiving and now you find yourself thrown right back into the pressures of WashU academic life. You can’t bring yourself to start reviewing for your finals, or to write the first words for that fifteen-page term paper due next week. What’s a girl to do? Check out this list of how to motivate yourself during reading and finals week while still having fun!

1. Use exercise as a study break

After a few long hours in the study room on your floor or in the library, swap those study sweats for some workout gear! Run on the treadmill or elliptical for about half an hour, and it will change your life. A short break will reenergize you to power through the rest of your work for the day, and it is a great way to take 20-30 minutes for yourself. (Side note: E! is channel 64 in the estrogym.) Thank goodness for TV at WashU! #washuproblems

2. Study in groups

Grab your suitemates and head over to the library, or grab a few friends and sit in Bear’s Den or the Village to get some work done. Whether they’re working on the same subject or not, doing work with other people is a great way to keep you focused while still being able to take five minute breaks to chit chat and stretch. Warning: Try not to get distracted!

3. Eat with friends

Another great study break is eating with friends. Meals on average only last 30-45 minutes so plan a time to eat with a few friends either on or off campus. It’s a nice way to stay social and clear you mind from all that work you’ve been doing, and gives you time to relax before starting your next study session. Also, eating off campus is a great alternative if you ran out of Meal Points!

4. Catch up on your favorite TV shows

Five Ways to Avoid Packing On the Pounds this Thanksgiving

11/2/2011

So we know Thanksgiving as the spark to holiday weight gain, but now that we’re in college it’s a whole different game. Weight gain season now starts at the end of August and lasts until May, and New Year resolutions don’t begin until the summer. Not living at home gives us college kids the freedom to eat, drink and party as much as we want to without mommy or daddy telling us to slow down. Going home for Thanksgiving is usually the wake up call to see our wider waistlines and bodacious bellies. So here’s a quick list on how to avoid gaining more weight while at home and taking advantage of the few days away:
 
1.      White Meat over Dark Meat
In America, honoring the early settlers the last Thursday in November is a tradition. But unfortunately it comes with one of the most filling meals of the year. We all stuff ourselves course after course, and usually have to unbutton our jeans. I’m not saying don’t pack it in and enjoy yourself, but try to be smart with your choices. The easiest way to still enjoy turkey on Thanksgiving is by trading in that drumstick for a nice piece of turkey breast. White meat is leaner, healthier, and contains much less fat than dark meat. Some people claim dark meat tastes better, but it’s all the same bird. If you have the choice, go for the turkey breast rather than the leg – it’ll help your freshman fifteen!

2.      Avoid the Carbs