The Awkward Summer Months

How to survive being home for the summer?

The end of spring semester is an incredibly stressful and exciting time. Classes are creating stacks of papers, presentations, and tests needing to be done. Apartment complexes are creating and distributing check outs for those moving out. Motivation and focus are dwindling as the outside weather improves.

The end of finishing finals and homework is exciting. Moving back home for the summer...maybe not so much. There is a sense of uncertainty when approaching your high school bedroom after having a year of college experience. Everything has changed since saying good-bye to that bedroom, so how are you suppose to act being back home?

Adjusting to being home for the summer will take time and will take re-adjusting, no matter how many summers you return. It takes balance to create a fun-filled summer while remaining on good terms with the parents. The awkwardness of the summer  months needs to be embraced while both student and parents rediscover their boundaries.

In less than three weeks, I will be moving back home for the third summer and I will again be adjusting living with my teenage siblings and parents. Through the last two summers, my parents and I have figured out ways balance my independence under their rules but there is no fool-proof or correct way of adjusting coming home.

Here are a few things to remember when moving back home for the summer:

Be Respectful 

After living with non-family individuals, you should understand how crucial mutual respect is when creating a pleasant household. The same principle relates when returning back to your parents house. Try to reevaluate your actions and what could be changed to accommodate those sleeping during your midnight meals and Netflix binges. Caroline from Grown & Flown reminds all college students, "you are not at school and your actions are affecting a lot more than just yourself now." 

Remember the Perks

After 9 months of surviving on junk food, Ramen noodles, and any free food the idea of coming home to food that has already bought is glorious. No more coin operated laundry machines, no more using your whole paycheck to pay rent, and no more obnoxious neighbors keeping you awake. You are home. This is just a brief list of some of the perks of returning home for the summer so next time you complain, don't. Remember the perks. 

Get a Job

You should understand how refreshing spending time alone is after living with roommates. The same is true when living back at home for the summer. Balancing your summer break with a job that is enjoyable is a great way to expand your network, make money, and grant you time away from your family. Samantha from Learning Advisor says, "Staying out of the house is a sure way to avoid conflict, but it take it a step further, and do something meaningful with time you spend away." 

Pick Your Battles 

Now that you are home, you are back to rules and chores that are generally enforced better than the RA's in your college dorm. With the sudden change of environment and expectations, it could be easy to pick a fight for everything is asked of you but that wouldn't result in an enjoyable summer. It is important to remember that you are no longer in high school; you are a college student that has passed through their "rebellious" stage and can take out the trash. 

Be Aware of the Obligations 

Your home is no longer filled with young college students gaining their independence, having spontaneous movie marathons or Mario Kart tournaments. You are back home with your parents who will most likely want to know where you are and who is coming over. There is sense of obligation of asking who can come over and if you can leave once you are back at home. Ashley from Thought Catalog says, "The often feel uncomfortable and strange to revert back to your 'under age 18' days, in order to maintain peace and harmony in the house."

How do YOU adjust going home for the summer? Comment Below! 

Monday Motivation

Even the best of us need to have a cheat day and enjoy a burger. 

The Reality of Roommates

How to survive college roommates?

When moving away to college, the idea of living with strangers can be distressing. Roommate concerns are real and normal. Living with non-family members for an extended period of time can be a challenging change as personalities clash and roommates discover who they want to become.

Every roommate and group of roommates will be different and each will provide a new college experience. Living with roommates will present many learning opportunities whether it be about each other, yourselves, or how to handle conflicts.

Leeyen Roger, from Society 19 shares some advice on getting along with college roommates, "People are unique and different, and your roommate will most likely not have the same living, studying, sleeping, and social habits and that's okay." +SOCIETY19

At the end of April, I will have lived with my third set of roommates during my college years. Through these last three years, I have learned a lot about myself and I'm still learning on how to be a better roommate. With the help of other college bloggers and personal experiences, I have collected a few tips on surviving college roommates.

Roommates 2014-2015

Communicate

Communication starts as soon the roommate information emails are sent and should be moderately maintained after your 'roommate' time period. Effective communication with roommates is crucial for having an enjoyable experience and relieving tensions that arise. It is important to note that communication won't always be clear and won't fix everything instantly; it takes constant effort.

Samantha from As Life Grows recommends, "Make sure you keep communication going once you guys move are living together...and talk to them freely." In the past, my roommates and I would communicate on what we would be bring and willing to share for that year and stayed in contact through Facebook and texting. While my current roommates and I didn't exchange summer emails and will most likely stay contact through Snapchat and Instagram.

Alone Time

Alone time is crucial for maintaining a sense of sanity while in college. This time can be spent in various ways: reading, exercising, napping, or talking on the phone. Allowing alone time with benefit yourself and your emotions, as well as your roommates, and then the time spent together will be enjoyed more.

Dorothy from Prep In Your Step shares, "In college you are surrounded by people nearly all the time so a little alone time...is nice!" In the past when I shared a room, I would spend my alone time exercising or in my car talking to my family and friends and it did help clear my mind and be more positive around others.

Roommates 2013-2014

Bond Together

Living with people in close quarters for an extended period will most likely lead to conversations, meals together, and to actually bonding with each other. Spending time together is an obvious answer but it is remarkable how much that can influence the overall experience of that year. When spending time to bond together, it can help improve other parts of the relationship.

Dorothy from Prep In Your Step recommends, "Just by offering you are allowing your roommate to see that you want to get along and you are finding ways to grow closer." In the past, my roommates and I would spend time together by baking treats and throwing water balloons at people. Currently, my roommates and I spend our time together by eating food and having movie nights.

Set Boundaries Early

Most apartments in college, the rooms are shared and the general living area is tiny; which in turns leaves roommates in very close quarters. Without open communication and already set boundaries tensions and conflicts can form very easily. Setting boundaries will create open communication on what should or shouldn't be happening and can create a sense of safety for all roommates involved.

Alisha Krywiak from Society 19 shares, "When setting your boundaries with the other person be very clear about your expectations." In the past, my roommates and I weren't good on setting boundaries on boyfriends and when the conflict rose, it was very challenging so I made sure to set that boundary the following year.

Roommates 2015-2016

Be Mindful 

As mentioned above, college apartments tend to lack in space so it is a crucial component to be mindful of the affects of actions or behaviors. When listening to music or watching a movie, opt for headphones for the studying roommate. When having friends over, opt for a warning text or message to inform roommates. Being mindful of actions and their affects can play a big part in the overall roommate experience.

Jessica Pawlarczk from College Candy and Alisha Krywiak from Society 19 recommend, "To make an effort to think about your actions affect others." In the past, my room roommate and I were very mindful in what time we went to bed and woke up, which in turned helped each other sleep despite the different habits. Currently, my roommates are great at being mindful of their actions after midnight because I'm going to bed before them.

Just Friends

Unfortunately, not every roommate relationship will follow the movies and stories of being best friends and forever involved in each other lives. Sometimes roommates don't get along and that's okay. Being civil and respectful is crucial to keep a positive, safe environment throughout the apartment.

Megan from Love Megan June and Erin from Very Erin recommend, "Don't force a friendship that isn't going to happen." In the past, I have had some roommates that I was closer to than others and had a distinct roommate that was very difficult to gain a friendship with but I still treated her with respect and always attempted some sort of conversation.

Quirks

Everyone has their own quirks, including you. Everyone has been raised different, experienced different things, and have their own opinions and outlooks on life. These difference are what makes each of us are own individual and may cause tensions or conflicts. When conflicts arise, it is important to remember that if someone's quirks are bothering you, your quirks might be bothering them too. Take a step back, breathe, communicate, and focus on the positive.


For more tips and advice on college roommates, check out my Pinterest.

What have YOU learned from roommates? Comment Below! 

Monday Motivation

Get off the couch and enjoy every moment in life. 

6 Benefits of Group Exercise Classes

Are group exercise classes effective?

When beginning the healthier lifestyle journey, it can be daunting to enter the gym alone. Gym intimidation is real and can stunt health goals. That is where group exercise classes come in to rescue the day and your health goals.

While joining an group exercise class can have its own level of intimidation, the atmosphere is motivating, fun, and a reminder that the journey to healthier lifestyle is not a lonely road. Group exercise classes can provide a different kind of social group and create a sense of accountability to attending the classes.

Sue Parke, from Active.com shares her thoughts on group exercise classes, "Joining a class can help build a foundation and structure that you can use to fuel your personal healthy journey for years to come." +ACTIVE

I have participated in group exercise classes for all three years of my college experience. Through these classes, I have learned a lot about myself and why these classes are beneficial for me. With the help of Sue Parke's article, I have listed 6 benefits of taking group exercise classes.

6 benefits of taking group exercise classes:

Motivation

There is a strange sense of motivation from being surrounded by dedicated people with the similar goals. Nothing is more encouraging than having an inspiring instructor and encouraging members all pushing each other to a healthier lifestyle and achieving their goals.

Structure

Sue Parke mentions the easiness of attending a class that already has the warm-up, a quality workout, and the cool down already planned. For me, I enjoy that I don't have to calculate how long my breaks needs to be and to focus on pushing myself and not what I'll be doing next.

Proper Form 

It is a common problem for people with in-proper form to get injured while working out and with previous injuries, the chance of injury can increase. Having a well-trained instructor can help prevent injury and teach proper form for future years. Personally, I have had muscle injuries in the past so it is beneficial and safer for me to be taught proper form so I don't hurt myself in future.

Variety

Sue Parke mentions the effectiveness of participating in multiple, different type of exercise classes to keep muscles guessing and speed up your metabolism in anticipation. Different classes will be offered depending on the gym and athletic clubs. For me, I tend to stick to
the same things when I'm on my own so taking a class

Accountability

When participating in the same classes every week, getting to know the instructor, and fellow classmates, the expectation to attend with increase. Scheduling the classes into daily routine is another way of keeping on top of your gym/athletic clubs attendance and your progress to a healthier lifestyle. For me, it is harder to skip an exercise class when I know the instructor is knows my name and looking for my participation.

Fun 

Group classes are just plain fun, both Sue Parke and I agree. The upbeat music, motivating people, and quality workout is a great way to have get rid of gym intimidation and enjoy exercising. I recommend to stay focused on yourself and your progress and ignore the looks coming from the exterior of the exercise class.

Do YOU do a group exercise class? Comment Below! 

Monday Motivation

Create the life and body you desire now, no need to wait to begin. 

Away at College VS College at Home

The 'college experience' will vary for each individual based on their college, location, age, roommates, and living arrangements. Together all these components impact a student's experience but individually these components can play a bigger part. Let's focus on one of them: living arrangements. 

According to Sallie Mae's college report, the percentage of college students living at home has increased to 54% compared to the previous four years, which leaves 46% of students living away from home during college. Those numbers are roughly the same and great to look at it but how is a student to know which is best for them? Forbes writer, Kate Ashford shares some of advantages and disadvantages of both in "More Millennials Living at Home to Save on College Costs."  

Reading these comparisons and statistics, I decided to survey a few college students myself on how the experiences vary between living at home and living away from home.  Below you will find the same 5 questions asked to both groups and the students' responses. 

Living Away: 

Why did you choose to live away from home during college? 

 1) I couldn't stand living with my trouble-making, younger brother and I was getting frustrated with the lack of freedom I had for being 20 years old. 

 2) I felt that living away from home as soon as I started college was a natural transition between relying on family and relying on solely myself. At my age, this was an opportunity to start learning how to survive with several of those around me, who were also freshmen straight out of high school.

What are 2 benefits of living away from home? 

 

1) I have greatly increased my freedom compared to when I was living at home and I'm significantly closer to my school. 

 2) I won't be transitioning into a different lifestyle by myself. I'm surrounded by people who are also going through what I am going through. And I'll most likely be living away from home at some point. It's a good time to go when you're young and straight out of high school, where you're still in the "school" mode.

What are 2 downsides of living away from home? 

 1) The obvious downsides of living away from home are that I'm away from my family and that I can't have pets in my apartment complex. 

 2) I'm a huge fan of living separately from my family. I love having those I care about close so that I can spend time with them, and being apart from them has been a huge challenge in my life. And you rely solely on you. You have to go to class and do the homework and student, and you have to take care of yourself. It's all on you, and that is a weird transition. 

How would you describe your social life while living away from home? 

 1) I guess it would be describes as non-existent until I moved out and closer to my school. 

 2) I moved up to school with one of my good friends and we roomed together. From there, the two of us both made a few really good friends that we spend a lot of our time with.

 

What are 2 things you've learned from living away from home during college? 

 1) I've learned how much food actually costs and how bored I get without my little sisters. 

 2) I've learned that I can get by on my own. I have a job, and now I know that I can do all the basics -- laundry, cooking, grocery shopping. College is this big, scary, mysterious thing that just keeps coming at you until it is finally here and you're pulling through it. 

 

Living at Home: 

Why did you choose to live at home during college?

 A) I knew that moving home would not only help me but it would allow me to help my mom take care of my nephew. 
 B) I chose to live at home mainly because my mother is home alone. Even though that is the main reason, I'm also relatively close enough to where I save more money driving down to school 3x a week than paying rent.  

What are 2 benefits of living at home?

 A) I don't have to pay rent and buying food isn't as expensive. 
 B) I don't have to pay rent, utilities, or for food. My mother actually prepares my meals and lunches daily. 

What are 2 downsides of living at home?

 A) I still have a curfew and have to still follow the house rules like I did in high school. 
 B) Because I am not living on my own, I don't get the support of roommates or YSA wards that have students going through the same experiences. 

How would you describe your social life while living at home? 

 A) It is harder to have a social life because it is hard to make sure someone is home with my nephew.
 B) I think that there are different levels of being social. Thankfully, I have a boyfriend who takes me our every time he has a chance and plans social things to do or else I would be staying home with my mother a lot more often. But I do feel like I see the same couple of people every week, so I don't get out and see other friends very often.

What are 2 things you've learned from living at home during college?

 A) I've learned how I have to adjust to being able to do things around other people's schedules and learned that sometimes things aren't as easy as they were before. 
 B) I've learned that I stink at communication with people I used to be close to. I am so busy and isolated that I have learned that I need to keep myself in the loop while juggling work and school. And that I love when my mother takes care of me. 

For more college advice and tips, check out my Pinterest. 

What are YOUR thoughts? Comment Below!

Monday Motivation

Don't let your mind stop your progress. 

8 Meals to Pack & Go

Life in college is crazy. The days are often spent trying to balance classes, studying, working, and catching up with friends. Finding time to be healthy in college also takes some balance and patience.

One great way to balance healthy eating with college is packing healthy meals for on the go. Packing healthy meals for school and work helps limit the amount of cafeteria and vending machine food eaten while studying or working. Finding healthy meals that are easy to transport can be challenging but not impossible. So what are some healthy meals when on the go?

Here are some my recommendation:


What Lisa Cooks shares some great lunches to go that are not just sandwiches, here are some of my favorites. Don't be afraid to modify these recipes to fit your tastes.

French Toast Sticks w/ Yogurt: 

- French toast, cut in strips
- Maple or flavored yogurt for dipping
- Strawberries and grapes
- Mozzarella cheese

Mac 'N Cheese w/ Salad:

- Macaroni and Cheese in thermal
- Deconstructed salad w/ lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and another other vegetable.
- Small side of dressing.

Customized Burritos:

- Homemade burritos
- Carrots
- Grapes
- Cheese

Tortilla Rolls: 

- Tortilla rolls full of turkey, cream cheese, or whatever ingredients you prefer.
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Cheese
- Muffin

Pesto Chicken Salad: 

- Grilled chicken w/ tablespoon of mayonnaise and tablespoon of pesto mixed together.
- Shredded lettuce
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Cheese






Above pictures belong to +What Lisa Cooks 



Jenny Flake, author of the Picky Palate cookbook shares a great meal to go recipe that I'll definitely be trying:

Grilled Chicken Veggie Bowls: 

- Seasoned Chicken Breast
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Brown Rice
- Quinoa

You can find the full directions here.



Above picture belongs to +Jenny Flake 



Cassie, author of Back to Her Roots shares some of her healthy lunches to go, here are some of my favorites:

 Turkey Sprout Sandwich

- Turkey and sprout sandwich on whole wheat
- Cucumbers
- Pretzels and hummus
- Cherry tomatoes
- Hard-boiled egg
- Blueberries and strawberries
- Chocolate covered cherries.

Chicken Salad

- Chicken salad
- Green  beans
- Roasted potatoes
- Crackers
- Mini pear
- Strawberries
- Chocolate covered cherries.






Above pictures belong to +Back to Her Roots 

What are some of YOUR favorite meals on to go? Comment Below! 

Who am I

Hi, I'm Lauren. 

College is time of discovery. It is a period of time dedicated to improving oneself through education, health, and lifestyle. This school year I've taken improving my health more seriously and have discovered that many others are on this journey. So...Embracing Change in College was born. 

College is a time of change. Classes change every semester, roommates changed by the semester or year, relationships with friends and family change, and each individual can change. Not all changes are good but they give each of us an opportunity to change our outlook on the situation or life. This school I've been improving my positive outlook when facing changes or challenges. 

The journey to be a healthier college student has not been a easy or quick change but I know that improving my health and setting healthy habits now will positively impact my future. I also know that I am not on this journey alone; I have a good support system and continue to find more. 

For each person who has helped, advice, and motivated me on my journey, I thank you and I hope that through this blog I can help others who are on their own fitness journey.

Thank you to all current readers and welcome to all new readers. 

Monday Motivation

Clear your mind of can't because you can. 

No Gym? No Problem!

What exercises to do at home to stay fit? 

The struggle of finding enough time in day is common for all, especially among college students. We are constantly choosing what to sacrifice in order to fulfill our priorities. A healthy lifestyle should not be sacrificed.

A healthy lifestyle is worth the challenge. Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn't require an expensive athletic wardrobe, a personal trainer, or even a gym membership.  But how? Exercises at home!

Finding those quality exercises for home can be daunting and overwhelming. Below you will find some great videos and guides for working out at home with most no required equipment or weights.

• Julie Fagan, blogger on Peanut Butter Fingers, shares some of her favorite home workouts with no necessary equipment or weights.

• Indulgy provides printable and customization workouts for home and the gym.

• Deven Hopp, blogger on BYRDIE, shares 5 workout videos designed for home and to help motivate you.

• Workout Labs for women and men allow customization workouts that can easily by done at home.

• Natalie Borton, blogger for Glitter Guide, shares the top You Tube exercise channels for home workouts.

• Fitness Blender, my personal favorite and go-to videos, has over 100 free full length videos that are great for working out at home. 

For more ideas, guides, and videos check out my Pinterest. 

What exercises do YOU do at home? Comment Below!

Monday Motivation

The journey isn't easy but it is always worth it.

11 Snacks for School & Home

Life in college is crazy. The days are often spent trying to balance classes, studying, working, and catching up with friends. Finding time to be healthy in college also takes some balance and patience.

One great way to balance healthy eating with college is choosing healthy snacks. Snacking throughout the day is important to keep your metabolism running. But finding healthy snacks for school and home can be challenging.

Here are some of my snack recommendations:

Snacks for School: 

1. Hard Boiled Eggs
2. Almonds & Craisins
3. String Cheese & Grapes
4. Pumpkin Seeds
5. Unsalted, No-Butter Popcorn
6. Yogurt & Granola
7. Trail Mix
8. Dried Fruit
9. Apples
10. Turkey Jerky
11. Nuts 

Snacks for Home: 

1. Banana & Peanut Butter Bites
2. Celery with Peanut Butter
3. Cucumber & Humus
4. Oatmeal & Fruit
5. Rice cake with Peanut Butter
6. Baby Carrots & Low-Fat Ranch
7. Homemade Popsicle and Smoothies
8. Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites
9. Banana & Peanut Butter "Sushi"
10. Frozen Yogurt covered Fruit
11. Lunch meat & Cream Cheese Roll Ups

For more ideas and recipes check out my Pinterest.

What are YOUR favorite snacks? Comment Below!

Monday Motivation

Don't Quit. Be stronger than your excuses. 

How to Study Better

It is no secret that there are many differences between high school and college. College students have very different living arrangements, social lives, school/work schedules, and meals compared to most high school students.

One difference between high school and college are the tests & studying for them. In high school, many tests could be passed with a brief read-through of the notes the night before or the morning of. In college, many tests could be passed with a long, tiring cramming of notes the week before or pulling an all-nighter the night of. Learning that difference can be a hard lesson to learn.

There are millions of results when googling "college studying tips" that include articles, opinions, research, and info-graphics. All this information can be overwhelming for any college student searching for a new studying technique so it's crucial to remember that every college student is different. Every college student will have a different experience with studying for exams; take note on what works for you and what doesn't.

Here's college student tested tips or techniques on getting better test scores:

Megan June reveals of some of her studying secrets:

• Be organized 
• Have goals
• Go to tutoring or office hours
• Study every day
• Rewrite your notes
• Make flashcards 
• Know what to do before/after class
• Turn off the distractions
• Take breaks
• Study groups
• Make a list of questions. 

Samantha shares her insights on studying:

• Actually pay attention in class. 
• Take good notes 
• Read over your notes daily. 
• Make note cards 
• Study hard 
• Don't be afraid to use the internet
• Get some rest
• Get up early to review
• Go to class with confidence 

Rachel defines some DON'Ts on studying:

• Don't save it until the last minute
• Don't be cluttered with distractions. 
• Don't avoid sleep. 
• Don't underestimate the time you should set aside to study.
• Don't underestimate all the material that you will need. 
• Don't only cram in sutdying in between all of your other stuff. 
• Don't look at something once and move on. 
• Don't study or memeoriaze material without understanding it. 
• When studying with someone else. Don't move on if you still don't get it. 
• Don't be scared to go to office hours

For more ideas & tips check out my Pinterest.

What are YOUR studying tips? Comment Below! 

Monday Motivation

You are getting better & stronger with every step. 

Love Yourself

In college, your adventures will have you surrounded by different kinds of people: roommates, classmates, friends, neighbors, significant others, etc. These people can have a different influential power on your college experience whether it be for a class, a semester, a year, or your whole experience. But there is one more crucial person that can influence your college experience...

You.

College is a time of learning. A time to learn about your future career, surviving on your own, dating, and to learn about you. You can also learn about depression, stress, anxiety, and the commonality of social comparison. College is real, the lessons you learn are real, and the greatness in you is real.

Valentine's Day is often the celebration between significant others to express their love, gratitude, and affection towards one another. For some singles students it is a dreaded holiday with a thin silver lining -- discounted chocolate on the 15th. For some couples it is difficult to plan or buy something special for their 'valentine.' 

This Valentine's Day, I challenge each reader (single & taken) to celebrate this day by loving yourself more. 

Loving, accepting yourself is a crucial when surrounded by so many people. When you love yourself and understand your greatness, they will be affected social comparison less and able to distress quicker. Loving yourself won't make you perfect or invincible, but it will help each of you deal with the many lessons of college. 

                                         

I'm not alone in this challenge. Dress Barn's new sale is titled, "Me, my Valentine" with the hashtag #labelmeconfident and Buzzfeed has outlined a 12-day love yourself challenge. 

Here are some ways to celebrate you: 

• Create a list of all the things that you do well. 
• Don't be sorry for what you love. Love it and love it loud!
• Smile & laugh like you mean it.
• Surround yourself with people who'll remind you of who you are and how great you are. 
• Replace your negative go-to words with positives ones. 
• Write yourself a love letter. 
• Pamper yourself. 
• Call a friend when times get tough. 
• Do something that makes you happy. 
• Don't compared yourself to others. 
• Take a break from technology. 
• Create a reward/punishment system when you are mean to yourself. 
• Wear something that makes you feel great inside & out. 
• Eat something wonderful & savor each bite. 
• Take time for yourself. 

Check out my Pinterest for more ideas. 

Accept the challenge and celebrate YOU this Valentine's day. 

Monday Motivation

Don't quit on yourself or your goals. Progress is progress
no matter how small. 

Make Time to Laugh

Life as a college student is full stress. Whether it be from the endless stacks of homework, long hours of work, drama with roommates or significant others, or trying to manage all aspects on our lives.

Stress is such a common thing among students and it can have short-term and long-term effects on our bodies. Instead of lecturing about stress and the dangers of stress; I'm going to help relieve some stress...through laughter.

Here are some videos & pictures that help me smile and laugh:

Studio C : Top Soccer Shootout Ever with Scott Sterling

SNL : Star Wars Undercover Boss

Lip Sync Battle : Tatum Take-Over 

Hannah and Carli : Wherefore Art Thou, Zefron

Dustin & Geneviere : Adele Hello Parody 

BuzzFeed : If Guy Best Friends Acted Like Girl Best Friends

What makes you laugh? Comment Below!