12 Tiny Changes #12: SLEEP

Yes, I know it's the last week of class.

I also know that getting enough sleep when you're stressed is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Getting the required amount of sleep allows your brain to consolidate information, which is pretty important as you prepare for finals. It also allows your body to heal and keeps your immune system functioning. It also also the only time that hormones that control both appetite and satiation are created, so it makes a big difference in (believe it or not) your eating habits.

Aim for 7-9 hours per night. If you can't get that amount, take a short nap...but don't snooze more than 40 minutes midday, or your nighttime sleep cycle will be disturbed.

4/13 Performance Class

Dr. H-W and Dr. Evans students meet in HRH: Dr. Steele from 12:20-12:45; Mr. Bryd from 12:45-1:10

Dr. Cho and Prof. Doss students meet in Dance Studio: Mr. Byrd from 12:20-12:45; Dr. Steele 12:45-1:10

See you then!

Jury sign-up sheets

The sign-up sheet for vocal juries is posted on my door. Friendly suggestion: please read the instructions before choosing a time--trying to switch is always harder on everyone than choosing carefully the first time.

12 Tiny Changes #11: be grateful

Studies show that it isn't happy people that are grateful: it's grateful people that are happy. Remembering even the smallest pieces of our good fortune can increase our joy.

Each day, preferably right before you go to sleep, make a list of things that make you feel grateful. I keep a small journal next to my bed and write one page before going to sleep. That page fits about 6-10 items, and they vary. But every night, I find there is something that makes me count my blessings. There's even an app for that, if you want to be all high-tech about it. But I like writing it the old-fashioned way: it feels more real.

On a rough day, you might be able to only name two things. You might even only be able to say you're thankful for a bed and for making it through the day. But those are good things, regardless. I know that every day, I'm grateful for my husband, my job, our home, enough to eat...the get the picture.

During the final stretch of the semester, a little gratitude might help you keep some perspective. If nothing else, bear in mind how many people on this planet never go to college. Humbling, isn't it?

Give it a try and see if you notice a shift in your attitude over time. 

All together in HRH on 4/6/18

Hi folks,

We'll all meet together in HRH this week. Thanks!

Performance Class today 3/30

We are all together in HRH.

Tiny Change #10: Support YOURSELF

This may seem contradictory, considering how many times we've told you to reach out if you need help. I'm not saying that you shouldn't avail yourself of the doctor if you're sick, the counseling center if you need help with managing stress, or your teacher if you're having trouble in class. Do those things when you need: they are there for a reason.

I'm referring to the constant cheerleading some of us seem to need to simply do our work.

How many of you go from practice room to practice room, asking someone to listen to your work (and listening to theirs, thereby postponing work for BOTH of you), so that you can feel good enough to continue? How many of you seek counsel from each other, often repeatedly, regarding something to which you already know the answer? Often, this is an avoidance technique, when what you really need to do is just get to work.

Steven Pressfield, in my favorite book (The War of Art) puts it this way:

Seeking support from friends and family is like having people gathered around your deathbed. It's nice, but when the ship sails, all they can do is stand on the dock and wave goodbye.

Any support we get from persons of flesh and blood is like Monopoly money; it's not legal tender in that sphere where we have to do our work. In fact, the more energy we spend stoking up on support from colleagues and loved ones, the weaker we become and the less capable of handling our business.

Get to work. Don't talk about it, plan it, or fantasize with others. Leave the neuroticism at the door, and get practicing.