Life

Coffee Shops

2I just love coffee shops. When I moved to college, it was clear I’d have to get creative in order to get some alone time. Thus started my love with coffee shop scouting!

There’s just something so soothing about sitting in a cafe with calm music that instantly relaxes me. But my #1 rule has always been to not bind myself to a single cafe but have a few for different purposes.

The Study Shop: Look for great wifi, late hours, outlets (so important) and some seriously good caffeine. What else is going to write that final paper? Ideally this shop isn’t as popular, so you can rock those sweats and not have to worry about seeing anyone.

The Date, Hangout Shop: Look for board games, good food, and good, mellow music. This shop is filled with young people, but is very relaxing in nature. Bonus: they have great pastries.

Going out Coffee Shop: Try to find a chic, modern shop for this category. It’s the kind of place that trades its baristas for bartenders at night. The energy is always contagious. Bonus: they serve good dinner and lunch.

Happy Coffee hunting!

Written by Contributing Author Kenzie Bosmeny

The Power of Journaling

I’ve always hated the idea of keeping a journal. After a long day, it seemed like I was just adding a useless task on my never-ending to-do list. But lately I’ve realized how beneficial journaling can feel. At first I only turned to journaling it as a stress coping method, but it’s more of a way to problem solve and self reflect. It’s like a new friend but one you never have to worry about talking about that boy too.journal

Journaling can…

-Help reduce stress

-Be something you look back on years later and see the old you

-It encourages deep self-reflection (like you wouldn’t believe)

-Can help you find clarity in problems, and ultimately make you a better problem solver

-Be more organized, both mentally and physically

Every time after I journal I just feel better. No matter what I write down, it always feels so freeing to get it off my chest and out in the open. It’s kind of like working out; it takes some getting used to but you never regret it later on.

Here are some easy rules to get you started:

-You don’t have to journal everyday! Do it when you can. I only journal about twice a week, and I still feel the benefits from it. It you have 5 minutes, write three bullet points and call it day! Every little entry helps.

-You do NOT have to handwrite! I use the app Diary on my mac and I love it! Plus, you can sync it with your phone so you can sync entries on all your devices.

-DO add pictures, this is a great way to capture what you’re writing about and capture the memories.

-Talk about anything and everything, your journal is only as good as your honesty.

-Make a commitment to it and reap the benefits!

Happy Journaling!

xx

By Contributing Author Kenzie Bosmeny