Category Archives: Self-Improvement

As the year winds down, tempers are getting as short as the daylight hours. There are way too many exams, papers, work and other stresses – and way too little time to keep calm. Relaxing may seem like a luxury at this point but there are ways to make it a lot more doable.

Seize the moments

Every second counts whether you’re on a bus, walking to class or waiting in the infamous Starbucks line. Whenever you have a spare moment, make it a relaxing one. Refrain from checking your phone or email for the thousandth time and just chill out. Listen to music, drink a soothing cup of tea or meditate and enjoy the moment.

Keep it simple

Relaxation doesn’t have to be as complex as a full spa day. Focus on activities that can de-stress you with as little stuff as possible. Close your eyes if you have a few minutes before class starts. Breathe deeply and stretch while you’re studying in the library. Make relaxation come to you. Continue reading →

Growing up, my mom always had two things in her hands on Christmas morning: a cup of coffee and a piece of paper. While my sister and I tore open our presents, she made lists—carefully recording each item and its sender.

As I discovered later, it was these lists, which held the key to the beautifully handwritten thank you notes she wrote every holiday season. Because of them, my mom never forgot to acknowledge a single sender.

Taking the time to write a thoughtful thank you note goes a long way, especially after someone special takes the effort to buy you a gift. Like my mother, making a list will ensure that you remember all your presents and will prevent you from accidentally forgetting a giver. Continue reading →

There’s no denying that college is incredibly stressful. There are papers, group assignments, exams, clubs, organizations, and finding the time to still have some sort of social life. Some people are able to manage a heavy workload better than others. If you’re someone who struggles juggling everything you need to get done, then keep reading.

Don’t stress about being stressed

Being stressed at college is completely normal. In 2009, a survey for the Associated Press showed that 85 percent of college students were stressed. Instead of stressing about being stressed, admit that you’re stressed and commit to doing something about it.

Plan ahead

Time management is key when it comes to alleviating stress. Focus on one task at a time. Write all the things you need to do on your calendar, and prioritize what needs to be done. Break these tasks into smaller tasks to make them easier to handle. If it comes down to it, you might have to cut some things from your schedule. Continue reading →

Let’s just admit it now—it’s hard enough to find that perfect gift for our siblings, parents, friends and significant others (and still be in the positive in our bank accounts) without thinking about, well, everyone else.

We’re getting to the age at which not getting gifts for our aunts, cousins’ children and boyfriends’ parents is just unacceptable and rude. Do these people expect us to dish out hard cash for some extravagant gift? Not a chance—we’re college students after all, and it makes people feel dirty taking grocery money from a dependent school kid all for a foot massager. However, it really is the thought that counts, and there are plenty of gifts to give the people you haven’t really given much thought to until now.

Valley’s here to get you started with some creative and appropriate ideas that will crush it but won’t break the bank.

Cousin’s/Family Friend’s Child

You see this child occasionally and they know who you are but you don’t have the hug-me relationship quite yet.  Continue reading →

The holidays are a wonderful time – you get a break from school, you get to see your family and friends and you get to eat awesome food. The downside to all of those awesome things: the distant relatives that you see over break and the awkward questions they always ask. Upperclassmen, you know what I’m talking about. Freshmen, brace yourselves. These are ten questions that you’ll almost definitely be asked over that turkey dinner:

1. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

2. “Have you heard about the Freshmen 15?”

3. “What’s your GPA?”

4. “Do you like your major?” Continue reading →

Being in the bubble that is Happy Valley can sometimes make us forget about things from back home. The feeling of our bed, how our parents probably don’t approve of every decision we’re making, what it’s like to have a home-cooked meal, what it’s like to hang out with our high school friends – oh right, our high school friends.

Coming home for a break and seeing your friends whom you haven’t seen in months can be incredibly awkward if you haven’t been good at keeping in touch. If you haven’t realized it yet, you’ll realize it when you see your friends: going to college changes people. That’s OK, but it does mean that it will have changed your friendships as well. Let Valley help you keep your friendships stronger than ever before.

Don’t monopolize the conversation

You’ll probably want to tell your friend everything that’s happened to you since August (and rightly so), which means she’ll want to do the same with you. Set aside a few hours to catch up with each other so you can both learn about the new ups and downs of each other’s lives. Listen to her and give advice if needed.

Be honest, even if the truth hurts

Be honest with your friends and be honest with yourself. If they’re doing something to upset you, let them know, and don’t try to tell yourself that you’re OK with it. Stay calm, but realize a fight may come out of it; nobody likes to be told they’re doing something wrong. That being said, if the reverse is true and she’s angry with you, don’t jump to the defense – let her explain herself. Continue reading →