Infographic: 5 tips for getting better sleep

This past semester, I’ve been dealing with an issue that I’ve found most other students can relate to—sleep insomnia. I’ve done a lot of searching in order to figure out what exactly it is that’s making me unable to fall asleep. Throughout the process, I’ve discovered various remedies that have made falling asleep much easier. From my own trial and error, going to the Chico State Wellness Center, visiting the Chico State Health Center and doing my own research; I’ve come to the fantastic five tips that have helped me with finally getting a good nights rest.
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By Monica Fitch, Graphic Designer.

Throwback Blog: Where’s Waldo?

Finding a job in the competitive world of public relations is like trying to find Waldo in the mix of hundreds of tiny people. There you are searching the page aimlessly, trying to pinpoint the man in a red and white stripped shirt, wearing a matching hat and oversized glasses. Once your eyes spot the target, you realize that he stood out the entire time, you just didn’t notice him right away.

Just like you have trouble finding your perfect job, employers also have trouble spotting their perfect employee.Every year, thousands of college students search frantically for a job upon graduation. What makes these potential public relations practitioners stand out from other applicants? While employers have the tedious job of searching through thousands of candidates to find their perfect Waldo, there are things you can do to make yourself shine.

The first thing to do is perfect your resume. Make it stand out and catch the employers’ attention. Just think, employers receive tons of resumes a day. Separate yours from the mumbo-jumbo stack they receive daily.Know the mistakes people make on their resumes that annoy employers.

Remember, you’re just as good as the next applicant, but make sure your resume is professional. Spelling and grammar still count. If employers see one spelling or grammar mistake they will toss out your resume so fast it’s like seeing a perfect baseball pitch thrown straight into the strike box.And please, willwork4food@yahoo.com is not an appropriate e-mail address.

Once you get the interview, research, research, research. I have been told many times that if I want to stand out I need to be prepared and do my research. Before sitting down for your first interview with a potential employer, know your stuff.Research the company. Know it like the back of your hand. Google the company to see what publicity and recognition it has received. Acknowledge their achievements in the interview, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you take the time to know the company, then the company is one step closer to finding Waldo.

A tip I’ve learned is to not only research the company, but research the person who is going to give you the interview. If you find interesting things about them you can bring it up during the interview. This helps breaks the ice and also shows that you really know your stuff.Another thing to remember is to always strive for perfection. Not to sound like the Army, but be all you can be. Don’t show a potential employer B work. Present your portfolio as the best work you have ever written because you only get one shot, two if you’re lucky, at your dream job.Looking for a job is a scary process.  Sitting in front of an individual who you have never met, staring at your every move, every word and every gesture is not always comfortable. However, you may meet some pretty interesting people and get a taste of what certain companies are looking for in a potential employer.

To get all the practice you can, interview with a company you know you would never work for. The pressure is off, and you can practice for the job you have wanted since you were 10. Still go to the interview prepared, ask questions and blow them away. You might even surprise yourself.Remember, not only are they interviewing us, we are interviewing them.Like the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” So get out there and practice until you’re ready to become the Waldo your dream job didn’t know it was looking for. Good luck.

By Carly Smith (Published Nov. 9 2007)

Healthy Snacks for the Starving Student

The road to hell was paved with good intentions.

You start the morning off with a great breakfast followed by a protein-packed kale, quinoa and other-Beyonce-celebrated-food-item salad for lunch. You’re unstoppable, you health god/goddess, you.

But once 3 p.m. looms around, there is this annoying and largely mental need to satisfy this neither-here-nor-there hunger. This is where you find yourself in defeat. To quiet the angry growling in your stomach, you mindlessly trudge over to Butte Station and grab a Snickers bar in shame.

Maybe the late night Serrano’s runs are starting to show or you’re just trying to make some healthier choices (when possible,) but here are some healthy snack options to help pick you up from those mid-day slumps.

Popcorn

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A study championed by Penn State University suggests that high density foods leave you more satisfied than those that don’t fill you up as much. This natural whole grain snack can help keep the mindless munching at bay as great alternative to chips. Steer clear from the movie theatre butter by flavouring it on your own. Add a sprinkling of salt, lashings of Sriracha for those who crave spice or mix-in some dark chocolate chips when you need something sweet.

Fruit and Nut Butter Dip

Most of us are familiar with the classic snack combo. But with one tablespoon of peanut butter being equivalent to about 95 calories, the healthy fats from the nuts can still pack on the calories. (And who really stops at just one tablespoon?) Balance it out by stirring in some Greek yogurt to the peanut butter, adding some honey or stevia to taste and adding a dash of cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.

Dark Chocolate

Instead of reliving the Snicker bar situation which contains hidden fats and sugars, make a smarter choice and reach for the dark chocolate instead. There’s a reason why women flock to chocolate during that time of the month. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help regulate levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and stimulate the production of endorphins to boost your mood. Avoid restricting things that you enjoy as this, and in time, will only end up in unhealthy binging. Everything—yes, even chocolate—can be enjoyed in moderation.

Nutrition Bars

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Ah, the college student staple. I like to have a couple of options at hand to grab when I’m running out the door. The key to picking a great bar is to pick ones with minimalistic ingredients. If you can’t pronounce them, you problem don’t want them in your food. These ones from Nature’s Bakery are great alternatives to Fig Newtons and are completely nut and dairy free. Even at 220 calories a pack, getting calories from a natural source is always best.

Carrots and Hummus

Hummus is traditionally made with chickpeas and tahini (sesame oil). Legumes are filled with fibre which will keep you full longer while the monosaturated fats in tahini are fats that are actually good for you. These individual hummus cups will help you stick to your portions. Carrots pack a nutrient punch (and crunch,) which will help hold you over until dinner time.

Trail Mix

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This is a great pre-workout when you want a snack right before you hit the gym. Ditch the expensive store bought varieties—those often contain add-ins like dried fruit that are ladened in sugar—by making your own. Start with a nut: Heart-healthy almonds are a great choice. Then followed by the mix-ins; dates have an almost caramel-y sweetness to them and are full of glucose to give you that burst of energy without the sugar crash.

By Daena Marissa Iqbal Hakim, Account Executive