"Do something wonderful, people may imitate it."

- Albert Schweitzer

16 Apr • ∞

Absolutely nothing beats the stunning beauty of the outdoors. Feeling like you’re trapped in the Claremont bubble? I advise taking a short drive up to Mount Baldy. From there, hike up to Icehouse Canyon. This is the view from the top. A full 7.5 mile saddle, this hike is truly inspirational! Immerse yourself in the overwhelming clarity found only at the top of a summit like this one. Let the sounds of the running water and birds be the only thing you hear. This is a clarifying experience as much as it is a physical one. A great way to get your exercise, this hike is fairly strenuous, all uphill. But once you get to the top, you’ll be thanking your stamina and your legs. A stunning view and a perfect place to meditate and clear your mind. 

If you don’t have time for the full hike, just take a walk outside. Simply doing any sort of physical activity in the great outdoors helps to improve your mood-not to mention your physical well-being! 

via kissyourlife • 16 Apr • 1 note • ∞

Feeling down? Get a pen and a piece of paper. Write ten things that you are grateful for. These can be from any aspect of your life. Love having the support of a close friend or family? Enjoy your morning ritual of coffee and breakfast? Love those good hair days? Are you grateful for your warm, soft bed you get to sleep in each night? (Even if it is only for a few hours). Here is my list. I could go on for pages. 

1. I am thankful that I have the undying support of my family regardless of what I choose to do. 

2. I am thankful that I can pursue my dreams at an amazing institute of learning. 

3. I am thankful that that place happens to be in warm, sunny, southern California. 

4. I am thankful that I am only limited by my own ambition. 

5. I am thankful for my red bicycle. Cheers me up each time I go for a ride. 

6. I am thankful to be from the most beautiful state in America: Montana. 

7. I am thankful for love. 

8. I am thankful my strong legs that carry me wherever I walk. 

9. I am thankful for modern technology so I can stay in touch with those I love.

10. I am thankful that I love who I am. 

Now get to writing your own list! Hang it up somewhere you will see it every day. Just glance at it to remind yourself of all the wonderful things you have.

via If you can dream it you can do it! • 25 Mar • 5 notes • ∞
"Think about what makes you happiest-the one thing guaranteed to get your heart racing and a big grin spreading across your face. Got it? Good. Now do that thing. Yes, today. Taking control of your life is about knowing what you want and going after it without hesitation. You don’t need permission. You just need to know you deserve to be happy."

- Self Magazine

18 Mar • ∞
Fresh raspberries! Good for the body and soul. So much of living a healthy happy life comes from what you put into your body. You may be conscious enough to shower everyday and wash your hands often, but it wont do you much good if you don’t pay attention to what you’re feeding your body. Natural, colorful, non-processed foods are best. Especially in the world of college, it is easy to succumb to the late night pizza binges as well as the kegs of beer surrounding every party. Make it a priority to choose mostly fruits and vegetables with a balance of whole grains and healthy fats, found in olive oils and fish. Try filling your plate at every meal with 25% fruit, 25% vegetables, and 25% whole grain or lean protein. Use the remaining 25% for whatever catches your eye. Maybe its the rich macaroni and cheese, or the slice of chocolate cake. Don’t restrict yourself completely, or you’ll find you only crave what you cannot have. This entire plate should be made up of a few small portions. This is the key to maintaining a healthy eating habit. One serving size should be smaller than your fist. If you finish your food, wait ten minutes before serving up seconds to be sure you are indeed still hungry.  In the meantime, go enjoy some fresh raspberries like these ones for a delicious fruity, sweet snack!

Fresh raspberries! Good for the body and soul. So much of living a healthy happy life comes from what you put into your body. You may be conscious enough to shower everyday and wash your hands often, but it wont do you much good if you don’t pay attention to what you’re feeding your body. Natural, colorful, non-processed foods are best. Especially in the world of college, it is easy to succumb to the late night pizza binges as well as the kegs of beer surrounding every party. Make it a priority to choose mostly fruits and vegetables with a balance of whole grains and healthy fats, found in olive oils and fish. Try filling your plate at every meal with 25% fruit, 25% vegetables, and 25% whole grain or lean protein. Use the remaining 25% for whatever catches your eye. Maybe its the rich macaroni and cheese, or the slice of chocolate cake. Don’t restrict yourself completely, or you’ll find you only crave what you cannot have. This entire plate should be made up of a few small portions. This is the key to maintaining a healthy eating habit. One serving size should be smaller than your fist. If you finish your food, wait ten minutes before serving up seconds to be sure you are indeed still hungry. 

In the meantime, go enjoy some fresh raspberries like these ones for a delicious fruity, sweet snack!

18 Mar • ∞
EXERCISE! 

EXERCISE! 

18 Mar • ∞
The collegiate world is plagued by the word stress. It is ubiquitous. Social life, academics, balance between the two, they are all stressors. Not only does stress make us feel uptight, but it also effects the immune system. Short term stress can be helpful for the immune system, giving us a little boost when we need it most. Chronic stress, however, has a very negative effect on the immune system, weakening our ability to fight off disease and infection.  When we are stressed, the body goes through an entire internal process. The stress begins in the brain, moves through the hypothalamus releasing a chemical message to the pituitary gland. It then releases hormones into the adrenal glands which releases cortisol.  So while it seems like one small stressor in your life couldn’t make much of an impact on your body, the science behind it proves otherwise. There are numerous ways in which we can deal with stress; deep breathing, exercise, a quick nap, a good music break, a television show, laughter, and many more. When your body triggers a stressful event, beat your body to the punch. Sit back, breathe, and relax for a few minutes to reduce your stress. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, the word stress will find its way out of your everyday vernacular. 

The collegiate world is plagued by the word stress. It is ubiquitous. Social life, academics, balance between the two, they are all stressors. Not only does stress make us feel uptight, but it also effects the immune system. Short term stress can be helpful for the immune system, giving us a little boost when we need it most. Chronic stress, however, has a very negative effect on the immune system, weakening our ability to fight off disease and infection. 

When we are stressed, the body goes through an entire internal process. The stress begins in the brain, moves through the hypothalamus releasing a chemical message to the pituitary gland. It then releases hormones into the adrenal glands which releases cortisol. 

So while it seems like one small stressor in your life couldn’t make much of an impact on your body, the science behind it proves otherwise. There are numerous ways in which we can deal with stress; deep breathing, exercise, a quick nap, a good music break, a television show, laughter, and many more. When your body triggers a stressful event, beat your body to the punch. Sit back, breathe, and relax for a few minutes to reduce your stress. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, the word stress will find its way out of your everyday vernacular. 

18 Mar • ∞
via Follow the new drivendevelopment.tumblr.com • 18 Mar • 1,178 notes • ∞
"Beak free. When you’re in the thick of it all, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s important. So here’s a bright idea: Rather than feel crowded by your obligations, take a deep breath, clear a space for yourself and focus on what truly matters: You’re happy. You’re healthy. And you’re loved. Everything else is just details."

- Self Magazine

25 Feb • 1 note • ∞
Ahhh. The joy of yoga. The benefits are endless and the potential for happiness is infinite. Yoga cures back pain, depression, high cholesterol, heart health, immunity, migraines, just to name a few. There are countless variations of yoga, ranging from the relaxing, meditative and spiritual Kundalini yoga, all the way to the intensive workout of Bikram yoga. Just a few minutes in downward facing dog can calm nerves, improve circulation, and build muscle while burning fat. In yoga, nearly every muscle is engaged, working on every part of the body. Additionally, yoga forces you to focus on your breath, acting as a meditation, leaving you feeling calm and refreshed.  Yoga is great for the mind, body and soul; making it the perfect everyday activity. So join the revolution!

Ahhh. The joy of yoga. The benefits are endless and the potential for happiness is infinite. Yoga cures back pain, depression, high cholesterol, heart health, immunity, migraines, just to name a few. There are countless variations of yoga, ranging from the relaxing, meditative and spiritual Kundalini yoga, all the way to the intensive workout of Bikram yoga. Just a few minutes in downward facing dog can calm nerves, improve circulation, and build muscle while burning fat. In yoga, nearly every muscle is engaged, working on every part of the body. Additionally, yoga forces you to focus on your breath, acting as a meditation, leaving you feeling calm and refreshed. 

Yoga is great for the mind, body and soul; making it the perfect everyday activity. So join the revolution!

25 Feb • ∞