How Our Pasts Dictate Our Futures

The other day, my friend who lives in Ohio told me that was experiencing SAD, a very common depression that people in cold, dark places often experience during the winters. A few days later, a flashing thought occurred to me that my friend could be suffering from vitamin D deficiency. Although I live in sunny CA, I was diagnosed with extreme vitamin D deficiency. Once I started taking supplements, my chronic headaches, extreme fatigue, anxiety, and depression greatly reduced. Immediately, I googled, "vitamin D and wintertime sadness". Countless articles written by doctors, nurses, and health practitioners popped up. There appeared to a correlation between winters and depression. Most of these articles recommended increased lighting in homes and taking Vitamin D supplements.

I immediately wanted to inform my friend of this. But for some reason, I hesitated.
"What if he feels like I'm lecturing him and gets offended?"
"What if he doesn't want my help?"
"He probably won't take them anyways."
"Should I just send him a bottle? No, that's too extreme."

These are only a few of the thoughts that raced through my mind. In the end, I decided to share with him my opinion. To not act out of fear felt wrong, weak.

Later that day, I sent him a link with a doctor explaining the correlation between vitamin D and SAD. I explained my own positive experiences, and how and when you should take the supplements. Then, I anxiously waited for his response.

His response: "OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH! This might be just what I need! I was reading about SAD the other day and it didn't even occur to me that it could be due to a vitamin deficiency. I'll get some supplements ASAP."

He proceeded to thank me 3 more times before heading on his way.

It's interesting to note that the concerns and anxiety I experienced were due to my past. In the past, people have kicked away my options and advice, got offended when I tried to help, and made me feel guilty for offering. To assume the same results from my friend is innately human, but it wasn't fair to him or to myself. My past built these defense mechanisms and walls that ultimately closed me off from others, all because of my fear of rejection. Because of my fear, I didn't allow myself to trust someone who was more than deserving of it. I almost didn't offer my advice; I almost didn't allow my friend that small piece of hope; and I almost did not allow for his gratitude. My hope is that I will come to recognize these instances in the future and if my fears are not justified, to be brave enough to overcome them.

Peru Trip Highlights

Llamas running wild.  Eating alpaca burgers.  Witnessing the great Incan ruins.  Of course I am talking about the one and only Peru!  

I recently had the incredible privilege of traveling throughout Peru for two weeks.  In retrospect, I could have planned this trip better and so much of it was very last minute, especially buying my ticket one week before leaving! But I have no regrets about how this trip went and here are some of the highlights.

1. Speaking with a German about World War II while we were both drunk.
1. It was the fourth day of the Salkantay Trek and my group spent it at the bar in our little village letting loose and at some point in the night, World War II came up as a topic between a German friend and I.  It was absolutely mind blowing hearing their perspective about world war II.  The gist of what I remember is that Germans feel a certain pressure to behave in the international eye because of their past actions in World War II, but what I was unaware of was how corrupt some of the other nations were.  I learned that Switzerland (i think) charged Jews a lot of money in order to cross their nation during this time.  I also learned that some countries even shipped their jews to hitler!  But when it came time to pay for wrongdoings, Germany took all the blame while these other countries feigned innocence.  I definitely felt something come up my throat (whether from disgust at this story or my alcohol I'm not too sure).  Overall, it was humbling and mind blowing to have this conversation.
2. Spending time at the Healing House
1. This all happened so unexpectedly but my time at the Healing House was remarkable and unforgettable.  The people I met here were so genuine and kind and it was such a pleasure hearing their stories of how they ended up finding the healing house.  A lot of them had been through divorce, psychological trauma, and just plain hurt and it was inspiring to hear how they found healing at this place.  I am so grateful for meeting my master Sherri here as well as meeting my fellow light worker Denise.  I know this was no accident and something tells me that my time at the healing house is not yet over.  
3. Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu
1. I spent five days and four nights trekking through the Salkantay Mountain and ultimately ended up in Machu Picchu.  It rained and snowed SO MUCH and we slept literally on the dirt but it was definitely worth it.  MACHU PICCHU EXCEEDS THE HYPE which is all I will say.  
4. I ate Cuy (Guinnea Pig)
1. It was kind of sad because I got the head and it still had its teeth in it.  But it tasted like chicken! NOMNOM
5. Reading the Power of Now
1. I started this tradition of reading a Self Help book on every trip I take alone (Thailand and now Peru).  When I went to Thailand I read the Art of Happiness and for Peru I read the Power of Now which was gifted to me by a fellow OT student Karlene.  Both books were great.  From reading the Power of Now, I learned a lot about Pain Bodies and what mine are and how much MY ego has controlled my life.  I hope to be able to really practice what the book taught and incorporate peace into my life.  It has a huge mindfulness component to it and it is worth reading.  
6. Taking overnight buses between cities via Cruz del Sol
1. Peru has these overnight buses which take you between cities and let me tell you, they rock!  It takes about 12 hours to get in between cities so you arrive at the bus station around 8 PM and you spend the whole night on one of these buses.  The buses are set up like first class seats in an airplane and the chairs recline almost 180 degrees.   A bus attendant comes around and provides food and drinks to everyone, similar to how a flight attendant does, but the real kicker is that you get to choose your meal ahead of time.  Each person also has an individual screen that has movies, music, and games.  Best part is that these buses cost about $30 for the whole night.  Keep in mind you are saving hostel money for that night (about $10) so you’re only actually paying $20 for that transport!  I loved it.  

Overall, I have so much gratitude for being able to go on this trip.  I know what a privilege it is.  I made an active effort to be present and receptive to this country. I hope that I will take what I have learned on this trip and incorporate some of those aspects into my everyday life.  Till next time readers!  

Tips For Surviving Finals Week

It’s almost that time of the year.  The one filled with the bright light of computer screens, late night snacks, and virtually no sleep.  You all know what I’m talking about. That’s right, it’s almost finals week, which means the forecast for sleep deprived, stressed out students is near 100%!  But just because the headlights of finals week are rapidly approaching, doesn’t mean you need to be a helpless deer, waiting to be run over by life.  In fact, there are tools at your disposal that you can use to successfully manage the daunting week in front of you.  

Here are our tips for surviving finals week, accumulated with personal experience during our four years at university.  

1. Study smart

Don’t study longer, study smarter.  I’m definitely guilty of spending more than 50% of my time surfing the web, liking posts on facebook, and looking up random facts about cheese when I'm “studying” and then complaining to my friends the next day that I worked so hard by pulling an all nighter and “studying” for 14 hours straight.  Yes, I’m looking at you.  Have a trusted friend change your facebook and instagram password so you can’t log in until after finals.  You'll be able to better focus on your work. Also, work at a desk with adequate lighting and minimal distractions to improve productivity in order to study smarter not longer.  

2. Take frequent breaks

The optimal study to break ratio is generally considered to be around 50 minutes of studying to 10 minutes of break.  However, our productivity ratios are all different so tinker around with this formula to find your magic ratio.  Have a list of “happy places” that you can refer back to during your breaks.  These can include things like taking a walk around the library, watching a hilarious youtube video, or looking up sloth pictures.  Make sure to have these lists prior to studying so you can maximize your breaks.  

3. Sleep at least a few hours

The benefits of sleep are well touted and known in improving mental clarity and memory.  You’ll feel great and think great too.  However, if you don’t know the material, ain’t no amount of sleep ever going to help you get that A.  If you feel confident that you know the material, by all means get your daily 8 hours.  But if you absolutely feel you must cram until the last minute because you simply don’t know the material, try to get at least a few hours of sleep (my magic number during finals week is around 3), in order to process what you’ve been studying.  I’ve never done well by cramming all night until I take the test; however, I’ve done great by cramming all night and getting at least 2-3 hours of sleep.   So do yourself a favor this finals week and make sure to get some sleep.  Your grades and brain will thank you.

4.  Eat healthy

Eating healthy is great for your body and your mind.  Brain foods such as apples with a tablespoon of almond butter or hummus and carrots will not only keep your appetite satisfied, but will also keep you feeling good instead of sluggish and will help with studying more efficiently.  

5. Exercise

Even if it’s just a brisk walk around the library or a full-on intense insanity session, make sure to incorporate some form of exercise.  Numerous studies have proven the health benefits of exercise which include but are not limited to, reducing stress and the effects of stress on the body, improving learning, and boosting mood levels.

6. Don’t give up

For some reason finals week always casts a dark grey shadow on our lives.  It gives us a feeling we might expect to have during a zombie apocalypse.  This week gives rise to high anxiety, sleepless nights, and us questioning our very self purpose.  But just know that it’ll end.  In just a week, finals will be over and life will be great again.  So during this week, study smart, eat and be healthy, and do your very best.  You are capable of achieving great things.  

So those are our tips for successfully surviving finals week.  What are some of your tips?  Comment below!