Investigating Campus Foods: Most inexpensive? Most nutritious? For both on and off campus students, food at McMaster can be seen as a daily treat, or a daily nuisance. SHEC volunteers wanted to look into some of the different food options on campus in terms of costs and nutritional content. While we don’t find extensive research and calorie counting helpful day-to-day, we were curious about the foods that we put in our bodies. And it’s always good to know what your options are, so that you can make the food choice that is right for you!

Bistro In contrast with the predominantly fast food, grab-and-go campus food culture, Bistro has a comfortable sit down environment. Bistro also has a unique location, on the main floor of Keyes, one of the newer, fresher, buildings on campus. An ideal location for West quad residence students to enjoy a more social meal time. Most inexpensive: Bistro is probably the most expensive place to eat on campus, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. Soups are under $7, and most are served with a cheese stick. Their delicious thin-crust pizzas are $8.40, and the tasty chicken quesadillas will set you back a (relatively) affordable $9. If you’re looking for value, most of the items under “Asian Flare” have larger, more filling sizes. Most nutritious: Mongolian Beef

This tasty dish rings in at a very reasonable 166 calories, with 648 mg of sodium for 6 ounces. Fresh white rice, beef, peppers, and onions–what could be better? Cafe One While many students might not remember Cafe One by name, most are familiar with this convenient snack shop located on the first floor of MDCL. Many students and staff stop in between classes to pick up a fast treat, like pop or chips, and many are attracted by the self-service Tim Hortons drinks and doughnuts advertised. But Cafe One also provides its own menu of foods, such as sandwiches and snack baskets. Most inexpensive: A quick, easy, and inexpensive bite to grab is the pasta salad, costing only 3.95$. While the specific nutritional numbers of this item is a mystery, the pasta is fairly filling, but comprises a potentially high-fat mayonnaise-based sauce. Perhaps surprisingly, the pasta salad comes in cheaper than the (in some opinions overpriced) fruit basket, a popular and nutritious snack, which costs 4.30$. Most nutritious: The most nutritious item on their list is the fresh veggies and cheese snack. This food item stood out for its relatively high vitamin counts, filling 30% and 27% of daily calcium and vitamin C intakes, respectively. Notably, the cheese bumps up the calories to 374 and the fats to 20g. La Piazza La Piazza’s central location in MUSC is convenient, but causes it to be the most bustling (and in some cases overwhelming) places on campus. La Piazza packs a variety of food and beverage choices under one roof, giving you the option of enjoying a variety of foods in a meal. Perhaps a coffee with a freshly-made vegetarian wrap, or an aloe water a package of sushi. As of last year, there is a kiosk advertising Pho as well as daily chicken-types (e.g. tandoori, jerk, BBQ). These new additions appear to provide healthier, nutritious alternatives to the existing La Piazza establishments, such as Pizza Pizza. Unfortunately, McMaster Hospitality has yet to publish nutritional facts for those newer kiosks. Most inexpensive: La Piazza has relatively more inexpensive items. For example, you can get the Texas Marble Grilled Cheese Sandwich for $3.95 or a Baked Potato with 3 toppings for $3.40 - not bad at all! Plus, La Piazza also houses a Pizza Pizza franchise, where you can get a relatively large slice of pizza for under $5 - not cheap for pizza, cheap for a meal on campus. Most nutritious: Unfortunately, affordability can sometimes be a tradeoff with the nutritional value of the foods. Many foods at La Piazza that fulfill vitamin and nutrient recommendations, in particular the Creation X menu items, are also high in calories and fats, as many options are deep-fried. For example, the Hungry Marauder, which is a collection of pancakes, bacon/sausages, an egg and a hashbrown provides you with 22% of the daily recommended Vitamin A and 63% iron, but is also a hefty 1300 calories and 52g of fat, 16g of which are saturated - yikes! IAHS Café Located to the left of the main entrance on the first floor of IAHS, there are numerous options for lunch and dinner to choose from. The cafe serves salads, pastas, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas – all freshly made and ready for ordering to go (although lines are subject to lunch-time rush hour). And an added bonus - a self-serve Tim Hortons! Most inexpensive: An obvious popular choice for university students – pizza. The Pizza Pizza at the IAHS café serves “personal” pizzas costing $4.39 each that are pre-made and ready to grab & go. They have 5 standard pizzas toppings (Pepperoni, Cheese, Vegetarian, Hawaiian and Super [pepperoni, green peppers and mushrooms]). On top of that, each month has a featured pizza with different topics for an additional 10 cents. Nutritional information for campus food chains can be found on their respective websites. Most Nutritious - The Small House Salad is a standard, go-to salad – it’s light but remarkably filling! It’s a healthier option for a lunch or a side as it’s low in calories (170 cal), fats and sugars, but high in vitamins, iron and fiber. You can get a daily recommended dose of Vitamin C from just this meal! Salads are priced at $4.95 for a small, and $7.30 for a large with a variety of add on options for proteins and extra veggies. The salad bar in IAHS is overall a helpful spot for vegetarians. We definitely feel energized and ready to go after eating this meal. We wanted to provide an informational picture of the food options on campus, and using online resources from hospitality services (see: http://hospitality.mcmaster.ca/nutrition.html) was helpful in that process. However, we noted that not all of the information in the online menus and nutritional summaries was consistent with real-life food availability. We hope that hospitality services will provide updates and see the value in keeping the school community informed about their food choices. Extra Resources:

The science of nutrition can be complicated, and is certainly different for every individual. While imperfect, the Canadian government has released information explaining daily values and recommended calorie requirements. Percent daily values are a general representation of what fraction of the daily recommendation for a specific nutrient is given by a food item. For instance, if you eat something that provides 10%DV of vitamin A, then eating ten of them (or the nutritional equivalent) would give you the amount of vitamin A recommended. Daily calorie suggestions come from estimated energy requirements, and are affected by activity levels, genetics, and many other factors. It is not a perfect science, and we don’t recommend focusing too hard on the numbers (we focus on trying to feel good with the health choices we make!), but being informed about these different systems is interesting! See these links to learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/understanding-food-labels/percent-daily-value.html

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/basics-base/1_1_1-eng.php



By Priscilla Ip, Sara Jones, Yifan Yang, and Melanie Yin

Show Affection, not Infection (a STI health MASTER LIST) Whether you are thinking about having sex for the first time, having sex with a new partner, or getting sexy with someone whom you’re in a relationship – your top priority should always be you. As fun and pleasurable as sex can be it comes with risks, most commonly in the form of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Talking about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) might be uncomfortable or embarrassing, but it doesn’t have to be! It may seem daunting at first but most will appreciate and respect your honesty. Communicating openly with your partner(s) builds trust and demonstrates that you care about their wellbeing; this is essential for any healthy relationship and the foundation of safer sex. If your partner(s) disagree with you on safer sex, you need to consider whether you still want to have sex with them. Things you should discuss before sex include using barriers such as condoms and dams, disclosing whether you or your partner(s) have an STI, and getting tested for STIs. Sometimes talking about STIs can bring up insecurities and worries, for example if neither you nor your partner(s) have been tested, suggest getting tested together. Often the stigma associated with STIs is worse than any infection, which is why it is important to stay informed using reliable health sources. There are many harmful misconceptions surrounding STIs so it’s important to keep in mind that:a

· Most STIs are treatable or at least manageable · ANYONE can be at risk for STIs regardless of sexual orientation, or if you have one sexual partner or more than one · STI testing should not be painful and typically involve: physical exams, blood sampling, urine sampling, tissue/cell/saliva sampling (done with swabs). Having open conversations sooner rather than later will ease the awkwardness and prevent any undesirable surprises. It’s important to come to a clear agreement about what safer sex practices you are going to use. Remind your partner(s) that safer sex can still be sexy! This is where creativity, experimenting, and keeping an open mind can greatly enhance your experiences. If you’re looking for resources at McMaster, below is a chart of all the services that are inclusive, non-judgmental, respectful, and confidential. Many of them also offer FREE resources you should definitely take advantage of. Remember to share affection and not infection!

Cuffing Season 101 Before you start jumping to the assumption that “cuffing season” is a sexual kink, let me save you the distraction. Cuffing season is, by a loose and subjectively determined definition, the stretch of time over the winter months when people actively look for opportunities within their dating lives to secure a relationship for warmth (among other things). The main idea is that this lasts over the cold months and ends once the sun returns. While it can sound harsh, I can agree that it is nothing short of a reality for some people.

To gain a better understanding, I asked some people what they thought of cuffing season. Most of these respondents are university students between the ages of 18 and 22. Q1: What does the term cuffing season mean to you? “You’re tryna be with someone ‘cause it’s winter. Cuffing season!” “I think it’s when people get tied down in relationships so they can bring someone home to their families for Christmas time.” “Never heard of it. Maybe when people wear long sleeves cause it’s cold?” [Following explanation]: “Ohhh, ok. I was way off. Then that to me that means I must be more into the person I’m dating cause it’s cold out. That’s stupid.” Q2: Why is it a thing? “People don’t want to be alone. Winter can be harsh. Who wouldn’t want emotional warmth? Plus, cuddling is less comfortable in the summer.” “I think something about people being more willing to settle down in the colder months. People that want a serious relationship can take advantage of this.” “Colder weather means people aren’t out and about as much… Less opportunities to meet people to date? So, in a way, I think some people settle for what they have or get more serious with the person they’re involved with at that time.” Q3: Do relationships birthed out of cuffing season typically end once it’s warmer? “Maybe. There’s more things to do and because of that, more ways to meet people.” “Not all of them end!” “I didn’t think there was a specific expiry date like that. That’s savage if that’s true.” “Definitely once cuffing season is over. Half the time, you can see that you mostly liked the idea of being with that person because it was cuffing season.” Whether it lasts beyond March or ends as soon as jackets can come off, cuffing season seems to bring people together at the very least. A common problem within cuffing season (and any products of it) seem to be fundamental communication. Since both parties may not be looking for a long-term relationship, it’s easy to brush off “the talk” for a long time — or until it comes time to end things, for some couples. This leads us to an area of interest: DTRing (or, defining the relationship). DTRing 101 Defining the relationship can sound scary. They’re three little words that can pack a fearful punch, like “I love you,” or “We’re out of fries” – wait, that’s four. Nevertheless, defining the relationship, or the talk, is essential for success in any kind of dynamic you get into. The conventional wisdom is that DTR is about having a conversation with your partner(s) about your expectations and boundaries, as well as your comfort level surrounding your relationship. A key thing to keep in mind: your relationship can be anything from serious and committed to casual and without a label. What’s important is letting it take on a form that you and your partner(s) are most comfortable with (and excited about!). Like all relationships in your life, this requires communication and honesty; as corny as it sounds, it’s the only way you’ll get to where you both want.

In summary, I asked different people about cuffing season and learned three things: • Most commonly, people don’t want to be alone — a general fact of life. • Winter is cold enough to encourage you to periodically seek warmth in other humans. • The definition is as unique as the experiences you have with it.

Want more proof on cuffing season? Here are some articles on it! Bustle provides an explanation for cuffing season:

https://www.bustle.com/articles/125610-does-cuffing-season-really-exist-the-reason-we-couple-up-in-the-cold VICE features a developed guide, breaking it down into every aspect of the season:

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/the-vice-guide-to-cuffing Huffington Post even goes as far to use charts to explain this phenomenon:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/06/cuffing-season-guide_n_5941574.html

The World’s Most Popular Drug: Caffeine. To keep myself warm in this cold weather, I crave a nice, hot beverage to hold in my frozen hands. This winter season, I find myself consuming more and more coffee and tea. However, I’ve started to feel the effect of extra caffeine in my body, which includes messed up sleeping patterns and pimples; I’m not happy with either.

But maybe my love for caffeine is part of who I am. University students use caffeine as a crutch to keep them awake during lectures, and during their overnight cram sessions, which is evident in the constant long lines at Tim Hortons and Starbucks. Furthermore, out 80 countries, Canada ranked No. 1 in 2015 when tallying up how many litres of coffee per capita we drank at food service joints. Our country also scored third highest for the total amount of brewed coffee consumed both inside and outside the home — an average of 152 litres per person. But do we really know what we are consuming on a daily basis? Caffeine is a substance that stimulates the central nervous system, causing alertness and postponing fatigue. In its pure form, caffeine is a white, bitter-tasting powder. It is a natural ingredient found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans, and it is frequently added to carbonated drinks and cold medications. This stimulant increases the release of acid in the stomach and is a diuretic, meaning it makes the body lose water. Caffeine can also increase resting metabolic rates, suppress appetite, and increase adrenaline. And although people may advise you to drink coffee to help you sober up after drinking too much alcohol, this is a myth, as caffeine does not improve impaired coordination and concentration. In beverage form, caffeine begins to take effect within five minutes, reaching peak effectiveness in about 30 minutes. It takes about four hours for half of a given dose of caffeine to be metabolized by the body.3 According to Health Canada, the recommended limit of daily consumption of caffeine per day is no more than 400mg for men and women aged 19 and over. (These dietary recommendations always have the most obscure units. To find out what 400mg of caffeine looks like, see the table below!) Of course, as with anything, moderation is key. Caffeine does have its many benefits, but as time goes on, tolerances increase so that your body needs more caffeine to feel the same effects as before. When physical dependence increases or there is a sudden stop of caffeine intake, withdrawal symptoms may occur including severe headaches, muscle aches, depression and irritability.3 People then may take more caffeine to improve these symptoms which causes an endlessly increasing cycle. It is important to try setting healthy limits on our caffeine consumption and to be mindful of what we are putting into our bodies. There are many tips that can help for controlling or reducing caffeine intake. The main tip is to keep track of your personal intake of caffeine and gradually cut back by introducing decaffeinated alternatives to your caffeine-filled habits. Although decaf coffee and tea are not entirely caffeine-free (according to the FDA, 97% of the original caffeine must be removed to be considered decaf), it’s still a significant change. Alternatives such as herbal teas, hot chocolate, apple cider, honey and lemon water are my personal favourites! All in all, you know your body best, so do what you think is best for the healthiest self! By Priscilla Ip

Sources 1. Harris, S. (2016, September 05). Why Canadians drink more coffee than most people in the world. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-coffee-tim-hortons-1.3745971 2. Facts on Caffeine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Caffeine/Facts-on-Caffeine.aspx 3. Caffeine. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/health_information/a_z_mental_health_and_addiction_information/Caffeine/Pages/default.aspx

The Healthy Menu Choices Act: Help or Harm? Content warning: eating disorders, anxiety. On January 1, 2017, the Healthy Menu Choices Act came into effect. This Act will require all food establishments that are part of a chain of 20 or more restaurants to display nutritional information for their products. While the intention of this act is to allow people to make more informed decisions about what they consume, what will be the costs to those with an unhealthy relationship with food or their body? Before the new year, restaurants often had this information available to customers, either online or in the restaurant, perhaps on the back of a placemat. Now, this information must be displayed directly on the menu or on a tag in front of the food item. Whether one wishes to know the amount of calories in their food or not, the number will be right under their noses. This Act seems to work towards addressing persistently increasing consumption of fast foods and poor nutrition-related knowledge, two factors that likely contribute to health concerns. Some might ask why specific numerical nutritional information is necessary - can’t people already tell healthy from not? Surprisingly, even seemingly ‘healthy’ meals can be filled with fats and sugars. For instance, Cesar salads can contain the same amount of fat as a burger. If people are attempting to make more conscious decisions about food then the information that this Act mandates can aid them in doing so. While knowledge is power, ignorance can also be bliss. This Act seems to both stem from and contribute to our diet-obsessed culture that many are trying to retreat from. Those who are attempting to recover from unhealthy relationships with food, including but not limited to those recovering from eating disorders, may be triggered by this information. For some, eating out can in itself be a stressor. Being bombarded with calorie counts they could be attempting to avoid could increased feelings of anxiety. Part of our diet-obsessed culture is the shaming of individuals for making dietary choices. Knowing that slice of cake has 500 calories in it can fill an individual with guilt, preventing them from enjoying the treat. It is possible that this very result was the intention of the act. It is in line with the concept of lowering calorie intake, but health is much more complex than that. Though avoiding calorie-dense foods that are lacking nutritional value may be good for one’s physical health, the relationship between food and mental health is much more complex, and shouldn’t be neglected. Many are ill-informed on the topic of nutrition. Depending on which fad diet is popular in a given month, either carbohydrates or fats are the enemy. Some say the average person should eat no more than 1200 calories. Some say certain foods should be avoided at all costs, while some should be eaten in excess. The newly available caloric information may be combined with some of the ever changing and questionable diet trends, leading to potentially unhelpful or even detrimental dietary habits. Overall, the Healthy Menu Choices Act will have varying impacts on people. For some, it will live up to its name and help people make healthier choices. Many may not care at all. But for some, the Act may jeopardize their physical and mental well-being. We can only hope that society can begin to move away from a diet-obsessed culture towards one that supports informative discussion around food and weight, and where calorie counts are neither a necessity nor an enemy, but are a byproduct of the nourishment of our bodies and minds.

Untangling the Kinks: Part 1 By Katie (Sexual Health) A ‘kink’ is defined anything ‘involving or given to unusual sexual behaviour’. But why does being kinky in the bedroom have to be defined as ‘unusual behaviour?’ Being kinky can mean being able to explore another person (or persons) comfortably in bed, while being creative and using your imagination. Kink can mean a lot of different things to lots of different people. One example of a kink can be as simple as using sex toys in bed with your partner. Using sex toys together can be a positive -and fun- way to learn your partners’ likes, dislikes, and turn-ons. Another pleasurable kink is exploring power dynamics. Having one partner (or taking turns) dominating each other in the bedroom, can be a major turn on as well as lots of fun. Dominance can be anything from ‘sexy talking’ to light choking - whatever you and your partner(s) discover that you are comfortable with and enjoy. Dirty talk and role-play are other interesting kinks that partners can find exciting and facilitate the exploration of common fantasies. Some benefits that may come from being kinky with your partner(s) include heightening the sexual gratification in your relationship, exploring new sensations of pleasure, leading partners to become more comfortable in exploring their sex life. Whether or not you find yourself tangled in a kink, keep your mind open exploring the possibility with your partner – you never know what you might enjoy!

Here are some links if you want to explore the idea of kinks further: - Sexplanations video about paraphilias: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8powiyRASGM - …and one about with a tour of a BDSM dungeon! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0Zpyrbvo1o - A series about the intersections of kink and mental health: http://girlyjuice.net/beatingthestigma/ - A Laci Green video about BDSM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqNEAMLjC2Q

5 Facts About Flu Shots Flu season is upon us, and here are 5 things about the flu shot that you should know!

1. Protect yourself The flu is an infectious disease caused by an influenza virus. The common symptoms include fever, tiredness, and coughing. People find it wise to avoid any and all of these symptoms, regardless of severity, with a vaccine. Coming down with the flu can have negatively impact how you feel, and that can manifest in other aspects of your life. 2. Protect others If you get infected with the virus, you might infect others even before your own symptoms appear and could be contagious for up to 7 days afterwards. This means that you could unknowingly pass the virus to others. While it is most common for people with the flu to experience the symptoms listed above, in rare cases there are more severe complications that can develop, such as pneumonia. Pneumonia is an inflammatory lung disease that causes approximately 12200 hospitalizations and 3500 deaths in Canada per year. Complications are of particular concern in populations at higher risk, such as seniors, children, pregnant women, and those that are immune-compromised. Additionally, many people are unable to get flu shots due to health, religious, or other reasons. Getting the flu vaccine does not only protect you, but it helps prevent the spread of the virus, which can indirectly benefit others - especially if they belong to one of the groups mentioned. 3. It’s safe There has been some doubt surrounding the safety of vaccines in mainstream media. However, many of these claims are largely founded on misinformation and fear. One concern is the reason we need a new vaccine every year; some suspect that is a ploy to maximize pharma company profits, but in reality, new flu vaccines are distributed every year to account for the mutations of the influenza virus. Another concern that many have is about the vaccine making causing the flu. However, you can’t catch the flu from the vaccine, because the vaccine is made from an inactivated - not live - version of the virus. This myth stems from anecdotal evidence from people who got sick right after they were vaccinated. It takes a week or two for your body’s immune system to respond to the vaccine and develop protection. So those who get sick after receiving the flu vaccine were either infected before receiving the vaccine, or after receiving the vaccine but before their immunity developed. In other words, they would have gotten sick anyway. The bottom line is that there is overwhelming scientific evidence in favour of the safety of the flu vaccine, and that no matter how compelling and tempting, the anecdotes against it are not evidence. 4. It’s free You heard it here - not a cent! 5. It’s easy to access There are many locations all across the country that offer flu shots which, as mentioned above, are free! On Wednesday Nov 9, from 9:30am - 4:30pm, the Student Wellness Center located at MUSC B101 is offering a drop-in flu shot clinic - no appointment needed. All you need is your student ID and health card. If you can’t make this time, the Student Wellness Center offers flu shots by appointment. Additionally, the Ontario government has compiled a list of locations open to the public for flu shots based on your area, which can be accessed here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-flu-shot There are tonnes of places both on- and off- campus that provide access to the flu shot. This battles the “too far” and “no time” excuses! For more information see:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/flu-facts https://www.ontario.ca/page/flu-shot-safety

Opinion: Why I refuse to wear a Fitbit It seems like students everywhere are sporting fitness bracelets. These trendy trackers often record the number of steps the user takes, amount of calories they burn, and length of time they sleep, amongst a number of other specs that can help a person quantify their health.

Last Christmas, I received one of these bracelets as a gift. Yet still, it remains within its packaging. From time to time, I consider opening it but something always stops me. We live in a society where people often base their self-worth on numbers, be it GPA, weight, or dollars in a bank account. Adding the statistics about our daily exercise are yet more numbers that we may use to compare ourselves to others. This constant quantification of our lives reduces our individuality into something that can be compared on a common scale, removing all other unique factors about us. As well, these bracelets can be extremely harmful to those who are battling an eating or exercise disorder and be unable to separate the numbers from their identity. I used to have an unhealthy relationship with my body: I obsessively counted calories, would not leave the cardio machine until it told I had burned off my dinner, and let my mood be determined by the number on scale. During this time of my life, having a bracelet hooked up to my smartphone, constantly feeding me these numbers would have taken my obsession to an entirely different level. Now, I fear that the bracelet may cause me to fall back into these behaviours and if not, add an unnecessary amount of stress to my life. I also worry for others: what if these bracelets will be the spark to their own unhealthy obsession? What if they find they are constantly pushing themselves to their breaking points while the fitness tracker continues to praise them for reaching a new personal best? I do know that not everyone with a fitness bracelet will develop these behaviours. For some people, this technology is positive; it helps motivate people to reach their goals and have a greater understanding of their bodies. I am by no means suggesting that these people should stop using the bracelets, or that others should not consider jumping on the fitness trend. I only hope that people think about the type of person they are before they decide make the purchase and if they are already using one, to assess how the bracelets are impacting their lives and mental well-being. Bettering your health should wholesome. You are really not improving if your mental health deteriorates as you attempt to get into physical shape. It is critical that you find ways to keep a happy balance between your body and mind. For some, tracking numbers may fit into their healthy lifestyle. However, for others like me, it does not, and that is completely okay. We will find other ways to becoming our best selves, without knowing how many steps it took get there. (If you are struggling with unhealthy behaviours with food, exercise, or your body please reach out to Student Health Education Centre or Student Wellness Centre for McMaster students, and/or your family doctor, or any other support networks you have. You deserve the best and these resources can be supportive in your journey.)

The 12 Days of Simple Pleasures – Day 12 – FOOD: // By Teresa Park (this girl loves food) // Food: it’s the simplest, most essential pleasure. Most people would say they like food, and enjoy a well-prepared meal. But some people…well, they really LOOOOVE food. So, for those of you out there who just have that extra, excessive liking toward food, here are twelve moments you could probably relate to very easily: 1. When the doorbell rings and it’s the delivery guy

2. When the doorbell rings and it’s not the delivery guy

3. When your food is coming to an end (to keep eating means the closer you get to no more food)

4. When you lay awake at night fighting the urge to eat…the struggle is real

5. Waking up in the morning knowing there is a full day of eating ahead

6. When people don’t think you can finish your food

7. When you prove them wrong and they call you champ

8. When all you remember about your vacation is the amazing food you had (“What did you do?” “Umm… I ate”)

9. Taking the first bite of your food and it’s just you and the food in the room… everything else disappears

10. Thinking about the next thing you’re going to eat while you’re eating

11. When you get moody and people who know you ask, “Are you hungry?“

12. Working out so that you can eat more food HAPPY FRIDAY! This is our last post in the 12-day series, so we hope you enjoyed them! Once again, best of luck on exams, and we would like to wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday break :) Remember to take some time for self-care, a mental health break, and moments of re-energization. Love, SHEC Media-Sil Committee For your viewing pleasure: http://foodpoorn.tumblr.com/

The 12 Days of Simple Pleasures – Day 11 – NETFLIX! By Suzy Flader, mild TV addict Let’s be real, the past few days have probably been pretty stressful. The combination of studying/writing exams and prepping for the holidays can take its toll on the best of us. Friends, I think it is time you take a Netflix break! Warning: Netflix can be extremely addictive! Use with caution (and these pro tips.) Pro tip #1: Set a time limit. Tell yourself you only have [blank] amount of minutes to spare, and stick to this. I find it easier to pace myself when watching longer shows, as they are more of a commitment. Those 20-minute shows are sneaky, as it feels a lot safer to extend your time limit with them. What’s another 20 minutes, right? WRONG! Pro tip #2: Try not to watch something you know will be addicting. During exams, it might be best to stick to a show that you want to re-watch. Pro tip #3: Make sure you have gotten some studying done BEFORE starting to watch anything. That way you have at least gotten some work done if your Netflix experience extends longer than expected. Pro tip #4: Check to see if there is something to watch that relates to what you are studying. For example, I was studying for my US History of the 1960s course last week, and decided to watch Forrest Gump. This was a nice break for me, but also helped me test out my knowledge! Good luck with the rest of exams! And Happy Holidays!

The 12 Days of Simple Pleasures – Day 10 – Giving & Random Acts of Kindness (RAOKs) Good evening world….. It’s always a good time to give. But when everyone is stressed, kindness and thoughtfulness become even more important. It doesn’t have to be big. There doesn’t have to be a reason. But in addition to brightening someone else’s day, finding ways to make someone happy can make you happier and more productive. It can be as simple as a hug, a motivating text or a note, or a coffee. But the grateful smile you receive will make you smile. Stress and challenge make us grateful for the little things. We all need a boost and a push sometimes. Giving is a good way to remind ourselves that we are all in this together. Happy Wednesday and Love Always!

The 12 Days of Simple Pleasures – Day 9 – Those “vital” holiday drinks: By Alex Kilian, Starbucks #1 fan, supporter, and advocate You can feel your eyes grow heavy. You’re probably studying for that course you really dread. You know, the one that is supposed to be easy? Yea well… despite the fact that it might not be as easy as expected, you still deserve a treat, right? Yes! Yes, YOU deserve a treat! Actually, you NEED that treat to tie you over. How ‘bout a holiday drink? You glance at your watch. Already 10:45pm? You still don’t know anything yet! But that’s pretty irrelevant because Starbucks (or insert your choice overpriced coffee shop with delicious drinks here) is closing in 15 minutes. Can you make it?! Of course you can! And the run (read: mad dash) will probably do you good. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a hot chocolate fanatic or a classic earl grey tea kind of person, make sure you take the time for some simple pleasures! Take a mental health break, grab a friend or if it’s your jam, maybe a coffee shop with be the perfect change of scenery to keep you happy and studying. Lastly, if you want to break some of the repetition (cuz we all know there is enough of that to go around this exam season), we will let you in on a secret menu that means you will never run out of options!

http://starbuckssecretmenu.net/category/top-10-lists/ Happy Tuesday! :D #SHEC #McSU #Stressbustin #Starbucks #Holidays #Coffee #Studying #Exams

The 12 Days of Simple Pleasures – Day 8 – Holiday Decorations: See this tree? It looks so sad and green. The solution? Decorate it! It’s that time of year to take a quick study break, make some hot chocolate, and get into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re decorating a Christmas tree, putting on some colourful lights in your room, making delicious latkes for Hanukkah, or engaging in any other form of winter festivities — it sure is a great way to de-stress!



….. And to all a good night :-)