As the end of the school year approaches, students are getting more stress than ever. With exams and summatives piling up, it could be a bit of a rough time. As for grads, there are even more things to pay attention to such as universities and college. On top of that, the summer heat really isn't helping. So here are a few ways to de-stress yourself when everything just sort goes 'BLAH'.
1. Exercise
Whenever people hear 'you need to work out!' most people's reaction are often 'yeah exercising isn't my thing ... I just get more tired!'. WRONG. Exercises actually helps take one's mind off of the current tasks and responsibility, and just focus on the physical aspect of one's self. At the end of an work out, muscle gets relaxed and so does one's mind. It helps increases level of concentration as well of productivity. Next time, instead of taking a break and watch TV, go for a run or go hit up the gym!
2. Meditation/Yoga
This may sound lame and isn't exactly compatible with everyone, but it's important to take time off and just relax. Think positive things while doing yoga. Let your mind run free, think of the impossible situations, think of places you want to visit. Just 15 minutes of these can really help decreases the level of stress.
3. Live your fantasy
When was the last time you really picked up a book and lose yourself in a story? And I don't mean watching a movie or tv shows. Reading a book is also another way to de-stress and here's why. When reading a novel, one focuses on the words and tend to create images base on the words consumed. This will temporarily yet effectively takes one's mind off of stress. Watching TV and movies don't have the same effect because it's already visual. Your brain isn't really thinking and working by consuming visuals. Reading a book and help escape reality just for a little, and after finishing reading the stories, it really helps improve moods thus help improve productivity and efficiency.
Here are the 3 tips for de-stressing, try them out and enjoy the end of the school year!
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Taipei MRT Massacre
On my 21st, an horrifying and devastated event occurred on one of Taipei's most popular transportation system MRT. A young man of age 21, boarded the underground MRT, with 2 knifes in each hand, starting from the back of the train, cutting down everyone in his way until he made it to the head of the train. 25 people were severely wounded, 4 people lost their lives. Making this one of the most terrifying massacre.
For those who are not familiar with the Taiwan's MRT. It is an advanced subway system that runs all across Taipei city. It is the main transportation for more than one million people on a daily basis. Chang Jie, the murderer responsible for this incident, is a second year university student who attended Dong Hai University. According to Chang Jie's roommates and family, he never had a great amount of friends, he was not in a relationship, and he spends most of his days playing videos that includes graphic contents and killing. Chang Jie seemed to lead a mundane life, despite being rejected by a different university 2 years ago, he didn't seem to have any motifs to commit such crime. His roommates and brother could not believe that this introvert man was the one responsible for the injury of 25 injuries and 4 deaths.
It was mentioned that Chang Jie once vowed to do something 'big' one day. He never indicated what this 'big thing' was going to be nor did anyone close to him had any clues. Allegedly, Change Jie wanted to committ this mass murder after he graduate from university, however, upon that day he randomly decided that today was the day. It is clear that he had been planning on how to go about this murder. Typically on MRT, it takes no longer than 2 minutes to reach the next station.However, from Jiang Zi Tusi station to Longsan Temple Station takes a total of 3 minutes and 46 seconds; the longest ride from one station to another on the MRT map. And that was the ride that Chang Jie picked to accomplish his 'big thing'.
Chang Jie boarded the last cart of the train. He proceeded to walking to the front of the train, cutting down every passenger with the knifes he had prepared. His weapons were 2 fruit knifes (30cm). Because of the high speed MRT system, the train could not be stopped once the door closes. Which gave Chang Jie 3 minutes to do whatever he wishes. After the arrived at the station, he proceeded to attacked the people waiting on the platform. As he attempted to escape through exit 2, he was attacked and brought down by civilians, and later arrested by police officers.
Initially this news shocked me, because MRT was once my main transportation method as well. This news definitely suggested a lack of security at the MRT stations. I personally would not stop taking MRT just because of this event because there really isn't any other options for those who really need a quick way to get around Taipei. However I do think the government should improve the security otherwise how do we know this isn't going to happen again?
For those who are not familiar with the Taiwan's MRT. It is an advanced subway system that runs all across Taipei city. It is the main transportation for more than one million people on a daily basis. Chang Jie, the murderer responsible for this incident, is a second year university student who attended Dong Hai University. According to Chang Jie's roommates and family, he never had a great amount of friends, he was not in a relationship, and he spends most of his days playing videos that includes graphic contents and killing. Chang Jie seemed to lead a mundane life, despite being rejected by a different university 2 years ago, he didn't seem to have any motifs to commit such crime. His roommates and brother could not believe that this introvert man was the one responsible for the injury of 25 injuries and 4 deaths.
It was mentioned that Chang Jie once vowed to do something 'big' one day. He never indicated what this 'big thing' was going to be nor did anyone close to him had any clues. Allegedly, Change Jie wanted to committ this mass murder after he graduate from university, however, upon that day he randomly decided that today was the day. It is clear that he had been planning on how to go about this murder. Typically on MRT, it takes no longer than 2 minutes to reach the next station.However, from Jiang Zi Tusi station to Longsan Temple Station takes a total of 3 minutes and 46 seconds; the longest ride from one station to another on the MRT map. And that was the ride that Chang Jie picked to accomplish his 'big thing'.
Chang Jie boarded the last cart of the train. He proceeded to walking to the front of the train, cutting down every passenger with the knifes he had prepared. His weapons were 2 fruit knifes (30cm). Because of the high speed MRT system, the train could not be stopped once the door closes. Which gave Chang Jie 3 minutes to do whatever he wishes. After the arrived at the station, he proceeded to attacked the people waiting on the platform. As he attempted to escape through exit 2, he was attacked and brought down by civilians, and later arrested by police officers.
Initially this news shocked me, because MRT was once my main transportation method as well. This news definitely suggested a lack of security at the MRT stations. I personally would not stop taking MRT just because of this event because there really isn't any other options for those who really need a quick way to get around Taipei. However I do think the government should improve the security otherwise how do we know this isn't going to happen again?
Donald Sterling's Mistake and Adam Silver's Decision
On April 24th, it was reported by TMZ that Donald Sterling allegedly made a racist comment on Instagram. Though TMZ had always been known for it's false reports, this time it seems like they have solid proofs. Donald Sterling is the owner of Los Agnelos's NBA basketball team LA Clippers. The racist comments came from a video that was posted by a woman who was reported to be Donald's ex-girlfriend. This news has stirred up a huge controversy.
There was a recording released on Instagram that the recording of a conversation between Sterling and a female friend. In the video, Sterling's voice and be heard. In the conversation, Sterling argues with the female friend because she had posted a picture of herself with basketball legend Magic Johnson. Sterling seemed to be angry about this photo and commented: "It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you're associating with black people.'' and later said: ''You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want", but "the little I ask you is ... not to bring them to my games.''
After this video went public, it brought a lot of negative attention. Players such as Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan all commented on Sterling's remark. Teams such as Clippers and Heat all show their protest and support by wearing their warm-up shirts inside out in order to obscure any team logo.
On April 29th, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made a decision on the Sterling's comment. Silver announced at 2PM at a press conference, stating that Sterling must pay a fine of 2.5 million dollars, sell the ownership of LA Clippers. Furthermore, Donald Sterling is now banned from the NBA for life.
Personally, I applaud commissioner Adam Silver for making the right decision. Seeing that there would be no other proper action to take, I have much respect for him for sticking for the players. Such discrimination should not be tolerated in a professional sports league.
Home Sickness
Home sickness is probably one of the worst distress one could have. There is no solution to it other than being in the presence of one's home. For many people who are suffering from home sickness are usually the ones who cannot escape their circumstances to return home. I for one know exactly how that feels.
I immigrated to Canada nearly 6 years ago and since then I've visited my home country 4 times. I am 18 years old and I lived in Taiwan until I was 10. I spent more than half of lives living there. I suppose it would have been easier if I never returned home in the first place like some of the people I know who have done so. They have a much better time with their current lives knowing that going home isn't an option, and I envy them.
I've been homesick ever since I moved to Canada. Every minute of the day, my mind is constantly being occupied by memories of my time in Taiwan. I may not always think of them, but I know these flashbacks hangs in the back of my mind. It's scary thing to let your mind wonder, sometimes I deliberately let myself explore my past memories, only to come back to reality realizing that I'm not actually there. This could happen anytime of the day, any day of the week, any week of the year. I try not to think about them, for once I see these images inside my head, my emotion runs freely. It's embarrassing to admit but I just might break down in the middle of the day because of how much I miss my home.
This is something hard to admit to people as well. It puts them in an awkward situation because there is no way of consulting someone who is suffering from home sickness; and those who suffers knows that. Is there really a nice way to tell people that you feel like you don't belong here? that right here right now is not where you want to be? that 90% of the time all you think about is going home?
Ah going home... I refuse refer to Canada as my home. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Canada, I don't hate living in this country. I just hate the fact that I am so far away from my real home. As much as much as love what this country has to offer, I think everyone who came from a different place can assure you that there is no where on this Earth more beautiful than home.
I don't want sympathy, I don't want pity, and I especially don't want to hear 'Of course you do belong here!' If anything, that makes me even more upset than I would be. Don't try to deprive my definition of home from me, don't try to convince that Canada could be my home. I don't know when will I truly get over this sickness that I've been suffering for years. Perhaps I should stop visiting every once or two years. But I know that it'd only drive me insane. I don't know what my future holds, I just hope I'm still proudly telling people that Taiwan is my home.
I immigrated to Canada nearly 6 years ago and since then I've visited my home country 4 times. I am 18 years old and I lived in Taiwan until I was 10. I spent more than half of lives living there. I suppose it would have been easier if I never returned home in the first place like some of the people I know who have done so. They have a much better time with their current lives knowing that going home isn't an option, and I envy them.
I've been homesick ever since I moved to Canada. Every minute of the day, my mind is constantly being occupied by memories of my time in Taiwan. I may not always think of them, but I know these flashbacks hangs in the back of my mind. It's scary thing to let your mind wonder, sometimes I deliberately let myself explore my past memories, only to come back to reality realizing that I'm not actually there. This could happen anytime of the day, any day of the week, any week of the year. I try not to think about them, for once I see these images inside my head, my emotion runs freely. It's embarrassing to admit but I just might break down in the middle of the day because of how much I miss my home.
This is something hard to admit to people as well. It puts them in an awkward situation because there is no way of consulting someone who is suffering from home sickness; and those who suffers knows that. Is there really a nice way to tell people that you feel like you don't belong here? that right here right now is not where you want to be? that 90% of the time all you think about is going home?
Ah going home... I refuse refer to Canada as my home. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Canada, I don't hate living in this country. I just hate the fact that I am so far away from my real home. As much as much as love what this country has to offer, I think everyone who came from a different place can assure you that there is no where on this Earth more beautiful than home.
I don't want sympathy, I don't want pity, and I especially don't want to hear 'Of course you do belong here!' If anything, that makes me even more upset than I would be. Don't try to deprive my definition of home from me, don't try to convince that Canada could be my home. I don't know when will I truly get over this sickness that I've been suffering for years. Perhaps I should stop visiting every once or two years. But I know that it'd only drive me insane. I don't know what my future holds, I just hope I'm still proudly telling people that Taiwan is my home.
Godzilla
Strap in for a brand new reboot of the classic Japanese kaiju film: Godzilla is back! On May 16th, the world's favorite radioactive lizards once again terrorize the streets of a city and creates massive destruction. If you enjoy action movies and giant monsters, this is the movie for you and it is a must see of 2014 movies.
Since the last Godzilla film the 1998, Godzilla hasn't had a feature film for nearly 20 years. This year, Legendary and Warner Bro. are releasing a brand new reboot of everyone's favorite monster Godzilla. Warner Bros. has been very reserved about the content of the film, even in the 2 minute trailer one can still barely tell the main plot of the movie, which creates a very mysterious and highly anticipated vibe to the movie. This movie stars Breaking Bad's leading actor Bryant Cranston, along with Aaron Taylor Johnson and Emily Olsen for the female leading part. Up to now there's been no indication where and when the movie takes place, or what exactly the role of Bryan, Aaron and Emily will be, but there is one thing that is certain: Godzilla has returned.
Personally, I cannot wait to see this movie because of my love for action and monster film. Since Pacific Rim, there hasn't been any movies that really satisfied my needs for intense a intense action sequences. I have high hopes for Godzilla because Legendary never fails my expectation for a well plotted sci-fi movie. I look forward to seeing this film in the theater.
Since the last Godzilla film the 1998, Godzilla hasn't had a feature film for nearly 20 years. This year, Legendary and Warner Bro. are releasing a brand new reboot of everyone's favorite monster Godzilla. Warner Bros. has been very reserved about the content of the film, even in the 2 minute trailer one can still barely tell the main plot of the movie, which creates a very mysterious and highly anticipated vibe to the movie. This movie stars Breaking Bad's leading actor Bryant Cranston, along with Aaron Taylor Johnson and Emily Olsen for the female leading part. Up to now there's been no indication where and when the movie takes place, or what exactly the role of Bryan, Aaron and Emily will be, but there is one thing that is certain: Godzilla has returned.
Personally, I cannot wait to see this movie because of my love for action and monster film. Since Pacific Rim, there hasn't been any movies that really satisfied my needs for intense a intense action sequences. I have high hopes for Godzilla because Legendary never fails my expectation for a well plotted sci-fi movie. I look forward to seeing this film in the theater.
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