Health tips for new year, semester

Culture

Lead Culture Writer: Haley Brown – tbfx@iup.edu

(IUP Student Co-Op)

The HUB Fitness Center still offers many programs while still complying with COVID-19 safety precautions.

Health tips for new year, semester

HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

While New Year’s resolutions rarely seem to be successful, there are many tricks and tips for a healthy new year and semester for everyone.

Having the safest and healthiest year possible should be top priority, but it’s easy to forget how impactful simple things like being well-rested, eating healthy meals and choosing an exercise regimen that works best for you can be on your mindset and overall health.

“To get a healthy start to the semester, I would suggest getting adequate rest, eating a balanced diet and getting outside when the weather is nice,” Mackenna Leonida (freshman, biology pre-med) said. “Sleep and nutrition are pillars of living a healthy life, and getting outside once in a while can be a mood-booster.”

If your aim is for a more productive lifestyle, working on a better sleep schedule could do wonders for you. You can train your body and mind to be more productive by helping your circadian rhythm become more regular. These things can include exercising regularly (two to three times a week) and going to sleep at the same time every night.

To promote healthy sleep habits, also consider making sure you are getting the right amount of Z’s for your age range and turn on night mode on your laptop or cell phone an hour before bedtime to cut down on blue light from your electronics.

Many have been feeling more isolated because of COVID-19 concerns, and loneliness is a hard companion to handle. Taking the time to do what you love and learn how to be with, not by, yourself, is a great way to cope with the more lonesome moments of the pandemic. Finding activities that you can enjoy on your own can also be an extreme mood-booster.

“When I’m feeling lonely or isolated during this pandemic, I usually try to watch some of my favorite YouTubers,” Mariah Mauser (freshman, music education) said. “Even before the pandemic, they became a source of entertainment and the constant laughs are good for the soul.

“Another thing that worked was playing games and chatting with friends, reliving memories before all of this started.”

When the quarantine blues get to be a bit too much to handle on your own, though, your best option is to reach out to your loved ones. Odds are that the people you are dialing are missing you just as much as you are missing them. There is absolutely no need to be shy about letting someone know how much you appreciate and miss their company.

“Some things that I do to remedy loneliness and isolation due to the pandemic include calling my friends when we’re both available, and I try to keep in touch with those I love as much as possible through text,” Leonida said.

“Even though it’s not the ideal way to stay connected, it helps a lot to talk with people as much as possible, it helps me feel less alone and helps keep myself and those I care about safe.”

Another helpful idea to foster during the start of the new semester is that overworking yourself will never make you more productive.

Being stressed negatively affects the way the brain processes and retains information. With this in mind, cramming for that test the night before might seem like the best option when you have too much on your plate, but scheduling in short study sessions throughout the week will be your best friend when trying to increase your GPA or pass that seemingly impossible class.

“Allow yourself time to breathe,” Leonida said. “Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed by your responsibilities. When you start to feel overwhelmed take a step back and breathe and relax a little. Clear your mind and come back to whatever you were doing with a clearer mind.”

If your resolution is to lose weight or be more active this year is your goal, your best option can be to find an activity that you enjoy (like weightlifting, jogging, ice skating or yoga).

After you figure out what exercise makes you excited to get active, figuring out a specific time for a few days during your week that you can and will want to stick to.

Another fantastic tip for staying more positive and keeping a healthy mindset is finding things to look forward to. When life was more “normal” before the pandemic, exciting events found the college students, not the other way around. A party would pop up over the weekend or some other social event would come up and no one had to go looking for things to be excited about.

However, especially now, finding happiness in the smaller moments of life can be one of the healthiest and best resilience-building habits that a person can ever choose to put energy into. It is a habit that will help you foster positivity and find excitement and joy in “mundane” life events, no matter what you may be going through.

Once you start getting the hang of it, even using your favorite coffee mug, or walking past that cute person in the Oak Grove can be the highlight of your day. The best part is that the possibilities of this lifetime habit are truly endless, and you can learn to find happiness in the most unanticipated places.

“When the new year comes around, I often find myself suffering from seasonal depression and forlorn thoughts of everything I could’ve or should have gotten done in the previous year,” Mauser said.

“So, something that really helps me is setting goals and putting events on my calendar. I’ll even go so far as to set countdowns so that I can be excited about things that are coming up, even if they’re small.”

Finding healthy habits and happiness in the new year may sound like huge, impossible challenges, but with a few tips and some positive introspection about what you want from this year, you’ll find that by using small steps to reach your goal and taking your days one moment at a time, succeeding is far easier than it might have initially seemed.

10 January 20, 2021 Culture Making a living during the pandemic

EVA TILLICH Staff Writer jxsbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Finding ways to make money during the pandemic has been challenging for some students due to safety restrictions implemented because of COVID-19.

IUP students feel that working during the pandemic has been extremely stressful. Working during this time is necessary, though, for students to maintain their lifestyles and pay their bills.

“I work at Joann Fabrics as (Facebook) a team member, so I end up Joann Fabrics (left) and Kennywood (right) have implemented many safety precautions to remain open during the pandemic. covering a lot of different areas throughout the store,” Bridget Gardner (freshman, environmental engineering) said. Gardner feels that working during the pandemic has been very stressful. She finds herself worrying about the risk of the store’s guests getting COVID-19 and the risk she faces. “In the back of my mind, I worry about the risk of exposure because we have a lot of older customers,” Gardner said. “I’ve been very lucky so far, but there’s a lot more worrying than there would usually happen in a retail job.” Gardner does enjoy her job, though, and feels lucky to be workstrict mask/facial covering policy. Gardner said that she always wears a mask while working and uses hand sanitizer frequently. In addition to the store’s mask policy, Joann Fabrics has added plastic sneeze guards at all of the stations around the store. While the majority of guests that come to her store wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines, not everyone does, which puts Gardner and her family at risk. Despite that, Gardner tries not to look at the negatives. “I’m glad that we have so many precautions in place so that I don’t have to stress as much similar situations and feelings while at work. “I am a lab assistant for Capital Health and a sales associate for American Eagle at home,” Emmy Scheg (freshman, international studies) said. “At school, I am a secretary for the professional studies in the education department.” Scheg said that she too experiences feelings of stress while working. Her student loans and financial future are concerns for her right now. “I cannot tell you how many job interviews I had during October and November trying to find a job for when I was home. I try to work as much as much as I can she is at home. She often finds herself waking up at 6 a.m. and working a shift at American Eagle and the hospital the same day. Scheg hopes to keep at least one of the jobs so she will be able to have something over the summer and not have to search again. As for staying safe while she works, Scheg always uses hand sanitizer and a mask at all of her jobs. “My hands are so dry from the amount of hand sanitizer I use during the days,” Scheg said. “When I am in the lab, every time I walk through a door, I use the hand sanitizer dispenser that I pass.” Kendall Gomez (freshman, distancing while in line for the ride and wearing their masks. “It was stressful,” Gomez said. “Overall, while [COVID-19] was a threat, I think it also provided Kennywood with new resources that I think we should use every season. We made sure every guest put on hand sanitizer before getting on the ride and shut down the ride to sanitize every 2 hours.” Gomez said that these safety precautions, like the use of hand sanitizer and cleaning the rides, are something she hopes stays with the park even after COVID-19. Also, being a good role model for the park’s guest, Gomez too followed all of the safety precautions and wore a ing during the pandemic. Several about getting COVID,” Gardner [while at home because] I know I international studies) works as mask. places across the country had to said. will not have that once I go back a ride operator for Aero 360 at Earning money during the close because of safety restrictions Like Gardner, other students to campus.” Kennywood Park. A new part of pandemic proved to be a put in place by the government. that are working during these Scheg said that she does not her job this year included making challenge, but IUP students got

At Joann Fabrics, there is a times have been experiencing mind working two jobs while sure the park’s guests were social through it.

Students share mixed feelings about return

AMARI WALKER Staff Writer jqtbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Since IUP announced that all classes will be taught remotely until Feb. 8, students have had mixed feelings on the matter.

Students are also conflicted about IUP’s announcement from the fall that a traditional spring break will be traded for several long weekends this semester.

Charles Smith (senior, criminology) would not have preferred an extended break because he would like to finish his last year sooner.

“I do not feel prepared for the next semester because I… do worse in [online classes],” Smith said. Shiloh Hanberry (senior, hospitality management) also didn’t want a longer break.

“I feel prepared, but only because I am anxious to finish school,” Hanberry said.

Elary Mede (senior, vocal performance) would have preferred a longer break due to the number of students that traveled and have to travel again to return to campus.

Although Mede described the fall semester as a rough start, she believed that she is prepared to come back on campus and attend her hybrid classes. However, she prefers in-person classes due to her being a music major.

Tatiana Cleffi (freshman, nursing) felt prepared for the upcoming semester.

She realized, however, that the first three weeks will be challenging due to her online courses, includ(Penn Archives) Many students are delaying their return to campus this semester. ing labs. Cleffi said that she was aware about the free, on-campus pleased about the length of winter COVID-19 testing for all students break and couldn’t wait to return to provided by IUP. Although students campus. aren’t required to get tested, it is

As a reminder to those who will highly recommended. be coming back on campus after If you plan on getting tested, the three weeks are up, please be make sure to wear face coverings. If you don’t have one, there will be face coverings provided at the door. Hand sanitizer will be available.

The tests will be provided by Virus Geeks, a national bio health technology company, along with trained student workers at IUP assisting with the registration process. The tests will be held at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex (KCAC).

Any student being tested must enter the doors facing the Miller Stadium parking lot and stop at the check-in table. Once you’ve completed your test, please exit the building through the doors facing Wayne Avenue.

Please continue taking the proper precautions of wearing a face mask and social distancing as you move back into your dorms and interact with friends and faculty.

The Bachelor starts off strong

HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

While every reality TV show involves drama, and viewers always have differing opinions, “The Bachelor” tends to have a more strongly opinionated fan base than many other series.

Matt James, a 28-year-old who is entirely new to being on TV, is an unusual candidate for the show, since the new candidate is usually chosen from a past season of “The Bachelorette.” While being a newcomer to the television industry, James is a fan-favorite already and seems down-to-earth and genuine.

“I think Matt is doing a really good job being the bachelor,” Olivia Tavoletti (senior, marketing) said, “especially for not ever being on the show before. He shows that he cares about each contestant and makes a real effort to get to know everyone. I think he is good with his words and really outgoing.”

Viewers already seem to be impressed by his drive to find romance through such a strange and rigorous process as this reality TV EVA TILLICH Staff Writer jxsbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

During winter break, IUP students caught up with family and friends while remaining safe during the pandemic.

After a stressful semester that was full of surprises and challenges, students finally had the opportunity to focus on unwinding from school and work, celebrating the holidays and doing some much-needed self-care.

“I spent time with family, reunited with old friends, worked at my job and most importantly relaxed from school for a while,” Evan Orr (junior, actuarial mathematics) said. “Although a lot of traditions were canceled due to the virus and ensuring that my family was safe, I enjoyed all of the alternative ways to connect with family.

“It’s been fun, but I am looking forward to getting back to school to reconnect with friends (Penn Archives) (Facebook)

The Bachelor brings new drama and new fan opinions. show. Some commented on James’ standing that the ups and downs apparent ability to get his priorities of love are unavoidable, and that straight when it comes to love and life will never go perfectly accordsuccess. ing to plan. The initial impression

“He seems like any other of James is a positive one, and he guy that is successful and, in my doesn’t seem like the type of man opinion, put his love life on hold to fall for a woman who will only to become successful in the first cause drama during this season. place, which in some cases is the He explained that figuring out way to go,” Tavoletti said. life with another person is not a

In the opening of the first bad thing and that he is looking for episode, during the portion in a partnership with someone strong, which James introduced himself to resilient, and someone who has viewers, he mentioned his under- weathered many storms. He said that he was ready to start the next chapter of his life and that nothing would stop him.

Out of the 32 women that James met for first impressions, there already seems to be a fan-favorite. Many are hoping that Abigail Heringer will at least make it to the final four, if not to an engagement ring at the culmination of the season.

“My favorite contestant is Abigail,” Thea McCullough (senior, fashion merchandising) said. “She is a deaf girl that is really sweet and down-to-earth.”

The vast majority of fans seem to see Heringer as the favorite so far and are excited to keep watching her journey through this season with hopeful wishes of her victory.

“My favorite contestant is Abigail because she seems super genuine and sweet,” Tavoletti said. “You can tell she has a good heart and a positive mindset.”

While Heringer is so far a clear fan-favorite, fans also have plenty of opinions about who they want to go home as soon as possible.

“My least favorite contestant is Victoria because she is causing my best friend again, but I am excited to get back to campus and see my friends again. I made sure to social distance and limit the amount of people I hung out with.”

Technology has played a big role in connecting IUP students with others like friends and family during the pandemic. Platforms like Zoom have helped students stay safe while allowing them to still create and enjoy special moments over the break.

Due to safety reasons, some students could not see friends and family as much as they would have liked to. Staying home was also another point of emphasis for many students. Some students did not mind staying home but for other students that were used to being with peers at IUP it was a different change of pace.

“I really couldn’t do much over break,” Thomas Valcukas (freshman, biology) said. “I essentially stayed home 90 percent of the time, 5 percent dedicated to getting food and necessities and unnecessary drama and makes rude comments to the other girls for no reason,” Tavoletti said. “I also like Rachel and think she will get far. I prefer the more down-toearth contestants who try to stay out of the drama, though I will say I like when some of them know when enough is enough and stand up for themselves.”

Watchers have already started making their predictions as to who will end up in the final four and are excited to see how the show will all play out and who will win Matt James’s heart.

“[I prefer to watch] ‘The Bachelor’ [compared to ‘The Bachelorette’] because it’s good to see the different kinds of women that a guy can find and date,” Aaron Hoda (senior, criminology) said. “Also, the drama is better compared to ‘The Bachelorette.’ I don’t have any predictions per se, but I believe the girl he gave the first impression rose to will be in the final four.”

This season of “The Bachelor” is starting off strong to be sure and promises plenty of weird, dramatic and interesting exchanges between James and contestants alike all the

How the Hawks spent winter break

Students looked forward to return back to IUP. I’ve met over the fall and meet been extremely important during some new professors during the this global pandemic. spring semester.” “Over break, I celebrated

Being home meant that most Christmas,” Sydney Greitz (freshstudents would be with their man, exploratory) said. “I have a families and loved ones. Interact- big family and usually we all get ing with family and loved ones together at my grandparents’ was something that majority of house, but because of [COVID-19] IUP students did over their break. we had a big family Zoom call and Reconnecting with the ones that celebrated online. IUP students are close with has “I liked seeing my family and

way through. 5 percent social distancing friend visits. However, I am glad that I was able to spend time with my family. I am glad to be coming back though to see my friends again.”

In addition to spending quality time with others and celebrating the holiday season, some students caught up on hobbies and tried new things.

“I talked with friends via Discord and started some new games,” Lane Lannan (freshman, social studies education) said. “While games occupied a lot of my time, I also spent time learning music for my saxophone and just relaxing a bit after the rather stressful semester that had just ended.

“I stayed safe by basically never leaving my house. I stayed home for a vast majority of my time, only seeing a small group of friends on two occasions.”

Students enjoyed their breaks and time away from school, but they are ready to come back and tackle the spring semester.

12 January 20, 2021 Culture Ways to focus on academics after break

JULIA ROBINS Staff Writer spxbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Academic breaks are proven to be beneficial for students’ mental and physical health, but long breaks like colleges offer can make readjusting to academics difficult.

As many students learn the hard way, being behind on work in the first few weeks of the semester quickly becomes a snowball rolling down a hill. It is almost a losing battle juggling make-up work and the increasing load of current assignments. This is why being focused and motivated in the beginning of a semester (or any time) is important.

In April, Barnes & Noble Education surveyed 432 college students across the U.S. on their feelings about transitioning to virtual learning. One statistic in the press release was that “more than half (64 percent) of students expressed concern over maintaining focus and discipline, unsure if they would be able to motivate themselves over the long term to do work remotely.”

The survey also noted many stuOLIVIA CARBONE Staff Writer kxxw@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

After such a weird and difficult year, many people began to reevaluate themselves and their goals.

This past year left us with a lot of time to reflect on how we live our lives. New Year’s resolutions made for this year were probably more well-thought out than ever before.

Every year, many people believe in the “new year, new me” slogan. Lots of people come up with resolutions that they end up quitting before the first week of the year ends. But 2021 is different.

Many students made resolutions regarding their health and fitness. After spending a lot of time at home, it’s important to get back into a healthy routine.

“I didn’t technically make one for myself, but every year I always tell myself to watch what I eat and to drink more water…and I have been keeping up with it,” Meghan McCreary (graduate student) said.

Eating healthy and exercising are great ways to strengthen your immune system to help prevent infections like COVID-19. As we go into the new year, it’s important to remember to do the things that keep us healthy.

Other students also took a spiritual approach to the New Year. Many people have realized that after all the trials that this year has brought, it’s important to get right with whatever you believe spiritually.

“I also didn’t technically [have a spiritual resolution], but for the beginning of the year I did manifestations and affirmations to stop car-

(Clipartion) Balancing schoolwork and personal time is important for success. dents saying “my house is not the class lectures and technology proper environment in which to do impaired long-term memory of the work.” Students also found them- material with a 5 percent decrease selves getting easily distracted while in final exam scores – half a letter using their computer. grade (Glass & Kang, 2018).

Technology in general is also Think of it like juice. Once you distracting, even more so with virtual add water, it becomes more diluted learning. Focusing during a Zoom and not as flavorful, like the brain’s lecture is more difficult when addict- power when multitasking with teching games and social media is only a nology is added. Ways to combat click away. being distracted by technology are

According to the study, “dividing small goal setting and establishing a attention in the classroom reduces schedule. exam performance.” Students who Using television, video games divided their attention between and social media as a reward for getting x amount of work done is an example of a motivator, as is setting aside specific times for their use.

James Delmonte (senior, biology-ecology, conservation and environmental biology) suggested making a transition back into the online learning routine and taking breaks outside rather than immediately jumping back into being on the computer all day (which is not good for your health anyway).

“Take time for yourself,” Delmonte said. “As the weather warms and the days get longer, spend time outside so you don’t feel trapped behind a computer all day.”

Students can become overwhelmed with work quickly and using organizational tools like a daily planner is one item that can help reduce stress and break up assignments into small, doable steps. Instead of seeing the five chapters you have to read this week, see instead the one chapter you read each day. Students like Kimberly Rodemaker (senior, speech language pathology) follow that strategy.

“I buy myself a new piece of stationary or school supply or organizational tool that I’m excited to use in the upcoming semester,’’ (Pixabay) Rodemaker said.

This semester, she bought a daily organizer in addition to her weekly/ monthly planner.

“I thought it would help keep me more organized,” she said. “My planner is kind of a dumping ground for assignments and this will help me organize my busier days”

Creating a calm workspace that you look forward to using is also something to try. Maybe it is as simple as purchasing a more comfortable chair than what IUP gives or hanging up a motivational poster nearby.

Boredom can also be a barrier for students when focusing on a lecture or a paper. Another strategy is focusing on intervals of time. If a boring lecture is an hour, think of it as 12 times of 5-minute intervals. Focusing on 5 minutes of a lecture doesn’t sound so bad, does it? On the other hand, thinking of the big picture and envisioning the finish line of your goal can also help you regain your focus and drive.

Or, you could be like Doug Cole (senior, information technology/ cyber security), who suggested to “remind yourself that you’re paying for it, and the sooner you get out,

This year’s resolution: keep the resolutions

the less debt you’ll have.” Keeping New Year’s resolutions is hard so be patient with yourself. ing about what others think and to Many students all had one start doing things for myself instead resolution in common: wanting of failing miserably,” Angela Plazio to step away from the media and (junior, nursing) said. politics. One of the things students

Goal-setting is a great way to recognized was that there’s only so ring in 2021. Since people could much worldwide sorrow and strife not do their normal activities, much that one person can handle. There wasn’t achieved last year. This can is a way of staying informed, but be the year for last year’s goals and when checking the news constantdreams to come true. ly becomes a habit, and it starts affecting your mental or even physical health, that’s when cutting back might not seem like such a bad idea.

“In 2020, I was so consumed with election and COVID-19 news that I was walking around worried all the time,” Mason Carothers (junior, community health) said. “I realize that we should be kept informed, but those things won’t bring happiness. This year, I plan on spending less time consuming myself with news and more time with things that matter.“

Many students have been maintaining their New Year’s resolutions more so than other years. Students feel motivated to start this year off better.

Last year, we had a lot of time to reflect on the things we value and how we want to live our lives moving forward. This new year is a new beginning for all of us to remember what’s important and to realize that life is too short. So, do the things you’ve always wanted to do right now.

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Things to do around Indiana this spring

HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

While amusement has taken a backseat compared to safety during the last few months, both can be prioritized with the handful of entertainment options here in Indiana.

Treat yourself to a movie at the MovieScoop Indiana Mall Cinema

While the fun options at Indiana Mall may seem a bit sparse beyond a shopping spree, the movie theater is always a viable option for providing some well-earned entertainment at a short notice. The cinema remains open, and although seating may be limited, guests are encouraged to sit back, relax and enjoy the show with their soda and popcorn. The theater usually has three or four different movies available at a time.

The theater is also still offering the Mighty Movie Mondays promotion, which promises that tickets for all movie times and showings are only $5. Purchasing a ticket on Mighty Movie Mondays also guarantees a free junior popcorn for visitors.

Browse the boutiques and shops that line Philadelphia St.

There are plenty of attractive options for a leisure browse through boutiques and small businesses on Philadelphia Street. From Lucy Rae Gifts and More to The Finery, to the sneaker shop GingerbreadMan Running Company, there are options for all window shoppers to enjoy.

If you are in search of somewhere to satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Dan Smith’s Candies & Gifts or even Insomnia Cookies on South Seventh Street. When all else fails, consider a trip to the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store also located on Philadelphia Street for a night of merriment with a couple close friends (provided you’re all over 21, of course).

Go on a thrift shopping tour to try out a new style

Often, thrift shops are misjudged as dingy or dirty places with no attractive options. This, however, is a total misconception, especially when considering the well-kept thrift shops in Indiana.

Two fantastic options for a thrift shop shopping spree include the Goodwill Retail Store on Oakland Avenue and the Salvation Army Thrift Store further down Philadelphia Street. The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store on North Fourth Street is another great place to find some bargains.

Thrift shops are wonderful places to try new styles you normally would not choose for yourself with the great prices being a big bonus. This shopping option is also eco friendly, so it is simultaneously good for the planet and good for your wallet.

Pay a visit to the Indiana County Humane Society

If furry friends are more your speed, consider visiting the Indiana County Humane Society. This shelter has a multitude of animals you can spend time with whenever the shelter is open and there is a room specifically dedicated to felines. You can even become a volunteer in your free time and help feed the animals, socialize with the kitties, and give lots of attention and walks to the ever-excitable canines who call the shelter their temporary home.

Relax at the charming cafés and coffeehouses

Caffe Amadeus Roast and Brew and Commonplace Coffee are two places in Indiana to curl up with a book and a coffee or hot tea when the weather gets gray, as Indiana weather inclined. Though the occupancies of these two cozy spaces may be limited due to COVID-19 regulations, it is well worth paying these spaces a visit if only for their menu items from hot drinks to pastries to breakfast and brunch treats of all sorts.

Try your skills on the S&T Bank Arena ice rink for public skate

If you are one who prefers more active endeavors, perhaps a trip to the ice rink at the S&T Bank Arena on East Pike Road for a public ice skate session is more to your taste than a shopping trip or small café. The skate sessions require online pre-registration and run for about two hours at a time. The public skate schedule and pricing can be found on the S&T Bank Arena’s public skate website page.

Although many of the usual haunts in Indiana have been closed, require pre-registration or only allow limited public access during the pandemic, there is still a myriad of fun options for Indiana residents and students alike to enjoy as the new semester and the new year begin.