Relax...

It's Monday again, and I must say it has been a mentally taxing weekend for me. So this week for Mental Monday, I'd like to slow the pace a little.

Let's RELAX...
You can't avoid all stress but you can counteract it's negative effects by evoking a relaxation technique. For example, practice deep breathing, yoga, meditate, listen to classical music, etc. All these in the end leaves the body more relaxed and enforces mental clarity.

Listen to Classical Music:
Investigations at University of California, explained that kids who studied music by learning an instrument or learning to sing, were greatly superior at solving puzzles, and when examined, scored 80% higher in spatial intellect than the non-musical crowd. In a different study, 36 students were prearranged three spatial analysis experiments on a typical IQ test. Just before the primary examination, they would listen to Mozart’s sonata two piano sonatas, K. 448 over a period of ten minutes. Prior to the subsequent test, they listened to a relaxation recording. Prior to the third, they did not listen to everything. The standard scores for all 36 of them: 1st examination: 119. 2nd examination: 111. 3rd examination: 110. A Student who listened to classical music saw an increase of nine points. (mindcafe.org)

So not only will you be more relaxed but you will also be increasing your cognitive abilities.



Answer to last week's Mental Monday riddle: 1113213211

How Committed Are You?

Recently, I came across a survey which spoke about the completion rate of college students (undergraduate and graduate). One important  aspect of the survey centered on the lack of discipline and commitment to self exhibited by those polled. As I read through the data, I couldn't help but ask myself, how badly do my colleagues and I really want to complete our dental program and become dentists? In searching for an answer to the above question, I realize that a one size fits all does not apply in this case. However, I do believe that there are 3 things that we all should consider as we strive in our quest to becoming future dentists. First, it is imperative that we take time to reflect on ourselves continually, to ensure that we are staying committed to our intended purpose. Secondly, it is equally important for us to recognize that everything that we do have consequences. For example, if a person chooses to allow non-essential activities to overcome their study-time, then, the onus is on the individual to accept the responsibility if he/she does not perform up to standard on any given quiz or examination. While some students may not be good test takers, the results of tests evidently reflects, in most instances, the amount of work dedicated to studying. Finally, equally as important to the first two statements, as future dentists, it is incumbent on us to know when to say "no" to even our best friends who may encourage us to miss classes or skip studying, just because they may have chosen to do so. It is imperative to note, that while we may have made friends or associates while in dental school, we are totally responsible for ourselves. At the end of it all, the major difference is donning the cap and gown on graduation day. In reflecting on the survey that I read, the question that I'm posing is, are you disciplined and committed enough in your quest to become future dentists (or whatever profession  you have chosen)?

Riddle me this...

It's Mental Monday y'all, where we post activities geared towards enhancing your cognitive abilities.

Riddle me this, riddle me that...Did you know that a great way to exercise your mind is by doing puzzles, lateral thinking puzzles or just some odd riddles? The good thing about this is, you can do it anytime or anywhere. Just a few minutes while waiting for a doctor's appointment or riding the bus can help significantly enhance your problem solving skills. So are you ready? let's go!

What row of numbers come next in the series?

1
11
21
1211
111221
312211
13112221

Respond with your answers. Surprise for you at the end!

Don't fall behind

The week of October 18th was a rough week. It was the week of mid-terms. Whilst they may be well behind me, the journey continues. In anticipation of my mid-term examinations, I developed serious tunnel vision, essentially, neglecting my classes and assignments. As a result, once my examinations were over, I was left spending most of my time catching up with sleep, coupled with understanding concepts that I should have already covered and understood. In retrospect, I thought that neglecting my current classes and assignments in order to prepare for my mid-terms was not a great idea after all. I've come to realize in my short tenure in dental school thus far that there's a lot of concepts to understand and apply in a very short amount of time; hence, I've learned that I must stay extremely focused and develop the art of staying on task despite having to prepare for major examinations. In addition, I've come to the realization that in professional school, major and minor examinations are an integral part of weekly life. Furthermore, I do also recognize that if a person allows one week to go by without carefully reviewing power-point slides, notes, and assignments, they will forever be playing catch-up all semester, which can make for a difficult journey. Rather, I would suggest that it is imperative to stay on top of all your classwork despite the pressure of having examinations. If you do, you will definitely be in control of your journey.

Hindsight is always 20/20 vision. Again in retrospect, I wish I had stayed on top of last week's classes. Nevertheless, being the astute and determined student that I am, I was able to "catch-up," with most of my work, albeit modifying my approach to my studies mentally and physically. Take home message and note to self: never allow yourself to fall behind. Build multitasking skills, it's very important.

Mental Gymnastics

I'm starting a new trend here on Stu-DENT Diaries - Mental Monday, where every Monday I share an activity geared towards enhancing your cognitive abilities. Who's with me? (Lets just hope I can keep this up).

Due to the gazillion amount of information I receive everyday from my classes, it seems my brain is continuously working - even in my sleep! However, the brain cannot function at optimal capacity without exercise and of course, hydration. Water is extremely important to the brain's function. Did you know that the brain is approximately 90% water? Many parts of the brain draw much of their energy from water and also uses it as a communicator between nerves for neuro-transmission.  Physical exercise is also important as this increases circulation and consequently oxygen and glucose to the brain, which in turn enables mental clarity.

As physical exercise strengthens your body, exercising your mind strengthens your brain. I like to refer to this as brain-ercise or simply, mental gymnastics. We should all try to engage ourselves in small activities such as Sudoku, puzzles, drawing, and math quizzes as all these stimulate the brain, helping to create and maintain important neuronal connections critical to cognitive abilities.

Now, our first activity for Mental Monday...Write with the opposite of your dominant hand. It may be difficult initially, but with a little practice and some neuronal connections, you will get the hang of it.

My practice:

100 Things Every College Student Should Know

A couple months ago I had the privilege of reviewing a book from The Skinny On... series called The Skinny On Sucess written by Jim Randall. If you know anything about The Skinny On... books you will know that it gives you the real and raw (the skinny) facts on whatever topics covered, nothing is sugar coated. You may see my review on the book here.
Jim Randall is at it again and has recently compiled a list of 100 things that every college student should know. Consistent with his books, nothing is sugar coated. The list consists of things we all should know to get through college successfully and at the same time incorporates lessons that will transcend into the real world thereafter. The list is lengthy but I suggest you run through it, it may be really beneficial (may take several visits).

Preview:

No. 88 - The Most Critical Beats

As a young person, I wanted to become a magician. So I read books on card tricks and practiced them on everyone I could.

More important than learning the mechanics, however, was learning how people think. As a magician, you need to be conscious of how people react to your actions. You might have to change your presentation to mesh with what they're thinking.

This led to my understanding a technique that has been critical to my business successes:

Learn to add a 2-3 second beat between when you think something and when you actually say it.

So many people just talk and talk. They have a point to make and want to get it out as quickly as possible.

In some cases, that approach works. But in many situations, by listening to yourself for just two to three seconds before you let your comments free, you maintain flexibility. You're able to change direction as necessary.

Not all approaches work for all people. The key to successfully persuade someone to your point of view is to tailor your approach as much as possible to that person's needs, desires, emotions, mood and energy. Pay close attention to the other person and think through the impact of your statements before you actually make them.

Just a two-second beat between thought and speech can be the difference between success and failure!

"Never forget to put your brain in gear before you put your mouth in motion." - Anonymous

Visit The Skinny On blog here for 100 Things Every College Student Should Know

**Enter the giveaway for a red digital camera here. Ends 09/30/10**

Fall! and catch up

As I sit at my study desk this afternoon getting ready to douse myself into some rigorous studying, I am quickly reminded that I must make time for the things that are important to me. I like to think of Dental School, or any professional school for that matter, as a virus, one that once you're exposed to it quickly invades, gorges through your system  making it's way to every crevice of your being and takes over your life to the point that all you can think, breathe, eat or sleep is Dental School. That's about to change starting...now.

Today marks the first day of Fall. That totally caught me off guard since in my opinion I haven't even had a summer yet. Where did the time go? I don't usually get excited at this time of the year because it means that it will soon be winter, which means I'll have to deal with temperatures below 50 degrees (F), which probably means I hate fall too since I'm grumpy at any temperature below 70 degrees (F) - but that may just be the Caribbean girl in me talking. One thing I do like about Fall though is all the cute sweaters, coats and boots! So in celebration of the season and in my effort to add a little diversity to my life, I think I'm going shopping this weekend, fall shopping! Who wants to come with? Hopefully that will steer me in a different direction albeit for a few hours and perhaps ease some tension as well. Tension? yeah tension from an Anatomy exam/grade that almost gave me an aneurysm yesterday. There I go again....

Anyway, that's as far off course my Dental School entrenched mind will take me for now. I gotta go study some head and neck anatomy, some Biochem, prepare for a test tomorrow and read 3 chapters of a novel called "The Pact." 

PS Remember how I said I'd have less time to blog because I'd be so busy with school? Well, I figured I'd MAKE time for my little corner on the www. My blog gives me such joy, and I spent a lot of time putting it together. So as I reflect on where I am thus far, I had to remind myself that my journey is not a Sprint but a marathon and hence the race is not for the swift but for those who can endure to the end. You are welcome to take that advice as well.

** Enter the digital camera giveaway here**

How bad do you want it?

Success that is. I happened upon a video that is quite timely.

I have been in transition to Dental School from a one year hiatus after undergrad. Getting the momentum and rhythm going for my hectic schedule has been one of my challenges so far. Last week I was overjoyed when the weekend came along because that meant that I didn't have to get up at 6am the next morning and follow a strict routine into the next day. It meant that I could rest. However, when I ask myself how badly I want to succeed, my actions thus far have not been parallel to my answer.

See video to find out why:

When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful - Sean Walker

Also find inspiration on my other blog: Climb.Reach.Achieve

Whirlwind week wrap-up

It's back to school for me next week, which means it's time to pull out my big girl crayons and put on my big girl thinking cap. I'm very excited to start Dental School and finally live part of a dream that I've had for so long. As is the intention of this blog, you will be hearing of my dental school experiences, both inside and out of the classroom.

It was Orientation week at my school, which means it was a free 5 days before hell - literally, and I've been busy trying to know and memorize the names of ALL 80 students (dork! I know...) I must say this week has been a whirlwind of fun, excitement, jitters, boredom and outright tiredness. It was soo. loong! but I've met some very interesting people, some of which I hope to develop friendships and build memories with over the years to come (we'll see). Now that the week  is all behind me I'm looking forward to a weekend of fun and REST, and of course a very productive semester.

On another note, I miss New York, I miss my old life - family and friends. I'll admit I'm a little home sick which probably explains my weight loss, moodiness and why I found myself 40 mins out yesterday on the I-95.  However, as with everything else this is a process and one that will help to build character and  strengthen me in the long run. My best friend likes to refer to it as growing pains, and he is correct. I'm open to all the lessons and perspective I will gain from this experience which I will share on my other blog (Climb.Reach.Achieve).

Just so you know, the courses that will be kicking my butt (*chuckle) this semester includes:
Biochemistry
Anatomy
Occlusion
Intro. to Clinic

Wish me luck!

I love new things!

HELLOOOO MONDAY!!!

Other times I would be sad to see Monday come so quickly, but not today.
Starting this week and onward I'll be working on revamping, refocusing and channeling my energy to one certain thing, perhaps the most important thing to me - my new life, school and career. I'm forgetting all the drama of the past year and focusing on the future which is bright and beaming! Who's with me?

Speaking of a revamp, have you noticed the changes around here? subtle but noticeable. Notice the "Patrice's Corner" button? Go ahead click on it! When Dental School starts this blog will mostly be about dental stuff, and of my adventures and experiences in dental school, so Patrice's Corner is a way for you to enjoy my site without all the dental mumbo jumbo; it's where you can learn a little more about me. Not only that but you can shop straight from my Corner, get coupons on my favorite things, and even get free stuff!

I'm adding things daily but you can go ahead and check it out now. Don't forget to come back!

< Click the button above>

Burn calories, not electricity

Take the darn Stairs!!

I've been slacking on my workout routine lately. Remember this post, when I ran all of 2 miles and almost passed out? that was me finding that rhythm again, and I was doing just fine until the lazy bug came out and bit me.
However, not to worry. Thanks to NYC's commisioner and the department of health, in almost every building that I enter I'm greeted with a little green sign strategically placed near elevators and escalators promoting burning calories and taking the stairs rather than burning electricity and harming the environment.
It almost makes you feel guilty, and it works because I find myself taking the stairs more and more... that is, if it's no more than four or five flights. So, the next time you push an elevator button waiting for its arrival, just remember taking the stairs helps to burn calories, while the environment can be saved.

Walking up the stairs just 2 minutes a day helps prevent weight gain. It also helps the environment.

Spend money. Live miserably: Walmart, that was Easy: Staples!

I have a writ against Staples and Walmart! (well, not really)

Actually I think they should be charged for being inconsiderate. Did I mention I start dental school in a few weeks? Of course I did, story told a million times. So here it is, in the heights of my getting ready for school excitement, Staples and Walmart both simultaneously declare SALE! on back to school items.  Okay no big deal 'tis the season for so-called sales to lur people in to spend what they don't have only to eventually get into trouble later with dear old Uncle Sam. Okay, but then I see the Staples store ad. in my mailbox and I had to do a double, no make that a triple take. 1 cent  file folders, pencils, copy paper, 1 dollar packs of pens, staplers and all the glorious school supplies I'll suddenly need (never mind I'll be in grad school and some of these things are screaming elementary). I decide that for 1 cent and 1 dollar you can never go wrong.

 

I drive to the nearest Staples and the first thing to greet me are the 1 cent and 1 dollar items which I quickly fill a basket of. Sneaky Staples. These said items were set in a particular way, forming a pathway into aisle #3 that has all the notebooks, post its and all the things that they make appear that you'll need. Oh well, $60.33 cents later I was running out of the store like I had won the lottery. My naivete. I didn't even see the $5 off coupon laying smack on the cover of the ad, as I was so distracted by the number 1 and the cent and dollar symbols placed together all over the page. 

It wasn't too long after that I saw Walmart's ad. boasting 25 cent notebooks, 75 cent  folder refills, $7 sheet sets, $3 towels and all other sorts of ridiculousness. Again, I was sold. And again, drove to the nearest Walmart. So here was the plan; after being blind sided by staples I vowed to never be so distracted again. First stop the stationery aisle - get only what you NEED. That part actually went well this time. Next stop, bedding and... ay caramba! So $126.12 later I was walking out of Walmart asking myself...what the hell just happened? 

 

So I'm home now and I'm looking at all my "SALE" items (rolls eyes) and I realize, out of the $186.45 spent, I actually need only about $35 of it. Sigh* Screw you Staples and Walmart, for preying on a young girl's heart strings...and pocket.

Sharing some Fireworks

It was blue, red and white day yesterday! aka 4th of July - the day of barbecues, fire works and lots of drinking. It might have been just that for most people - a day to celebrate the Independence of America, but for me there was more to celebrate...

In a way, yesterday also marked my independence. In a matter of 4 weeks I'll be moving away to a new state to be totally on my own. It will be the beginning of my life, the beginning of a new journey, the beginning of a new chapter...it was also my favorite little cousins 4th birthday - on the 4th of July.

So here's to Independence and new beginnings! Some fireworks for everyone. Enjoy!

The Run-In

Monday marked the Official day I started taking my fitness regimen seriously. I ran 2.whole.miles - non-stop. I can't believe I survived to write this post! You don't know how much will power that took - when your knees start to buckle, your muscles start to spasm screaming bloody murder!, your lungs decide to tighten in an effort to suffocate you, and your heart forms a fist and start to pound as if to punch a hole through your chest. It's grueling, you have no idea! (or do you?).
That run taught me a really good lesson, especially towards the end. Besides showing me how out of shape I am, it also taught me that no matter how difficult or impossible something may seem, no matter how many adversities lie before you; with will-power, perseverance and determination you can certainly do it (not that I didn't know that before, theoretically). Upon that last leg of my run, I'd sworn I'd have passed out, I swore I felt my muscles give up on me and I think I heard my lungs holler "to hell with this sh***! The last leg is always the most difficult and it's at that time that you prove your strength and soldier on. Never mind that now my legs feel like rubber, my right knee feels like something's missing from it and my chest feels like I'd been diagnosed with angina. The fact is, I completed a goal that at first was very difficult for me, and you know what? I'm pretty darn proud of myself =).
It's funny the feeling you get after you've accomplished something major, like you're invincible! With that said - next on the list: hard rock abs!