Creature Comfort

Grand Canyon University’s campus has a reputation, only known by the students and faculty, for housing numerous feral cats. Some of them are approachable and endearing, while others skitter away if a human comes within fifty feet. Today, in an attempt to avoid homework and other responsibilities, I visited one of my favorite short, four-legged, hair-covered people—Clover of the Eastern wall of the Ken Blanchard College of Business. I figured I should use his more regal, full title as this may be your first introduction to him. 

I always knew that I enjoyed the company of animals, but it never ceases to amaze me just how weighty the benefits of spending some time with an unassuming fur ball are.  

Perhaps it is because I grew up with animals that I find their presence so effective in my (seemingly) ongoing quest for lower stress levels. Perhaps it is because they are are great reason to procrastinate (in this case, I think poor Clover served this purpose). 

Pretty feral, I'd say.

But if I am being honest, what it narrows down to is that everyone needs the company of someone or something or some creature that will love them unconditionally. I believe that animals (cats, dogs, rabbits... it doesn't matter) provide this.

 This quote from the 2008 film Marley and Me (which made me cry enough to break down the Hoover dam) encompasses what I am getting at perfectly:

"A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary? "

College can be crazy. And if there is one place that makes me feel at home, it's with this little guy. He may not be mine--he may never be anyone's, but for forty-five minutes this afternoon, he made me feel extraordinary. 

Spring Fever & The College Student

It's here. An epidemic across the Nation's college campuses. You know what I'm talking about. That time of year when all you want to do is spend hours outdoors and escape. The grass looks greener and more inviting and you just...can't place the reason why.

Is that grass or carpet? Either way, I'm tempted to lay in it.

 It's Spring fever and if you don't get a handle on the happy-go-lucky alter-ego growing inside you, your grades might just take the brunt of the damage this semester.

So what do you do!? 

I've created a short list of tips that can help you can survive this bittersweet feeling without completely repressing your hunger for adventure and relaxation.

1.Plan Ahead
~ Anticipate that you will not "feel" like doing your homework and plan to do a little at a time. Make sure to also plan to have fun and embrace the gutsy, adventuresome Spring version of YOU!

2.  Laptops are portable. Remember that.

Maybe your break will look like this!

~Whats the number one reason anyone choose to get a laptop as opposed to a desktop? You can take them anywhere! Do your homework out in the grass, or under a tree, or at your favorite coffee shop. This way, you don't feel like you are depriving yourself of the beautiful weather or suppressing your impulses to be outside.

3. Spring break is coming soon! Decide now to make it great!
~ Studies show that planning ahead increases productivity and general happiness. This also applies to goal setting--and in this case, vacation planning! Give yourself something to look forward to so that when stress consumes you, that placid thought of "getting away" can be the center of your focus and get you through.