4 Tips to Keep Your Social Wellness In Check by RA AJ Primavera

4 Tips to Keep Your Social Wellness in Check

In a nutshell, social wellness is the positive effect you bring to the table when it comes to interactions with others. Social wellness is effecting by many things in life, but overall whatever makes you happy aids to the level of your social wellness being high and ‘contagious’. Social wellness works a lot like physical fitness. It pays off in both the short and long run for your mental health. On the other side of the coin, it also does not come without discipline, effort and challenges. Social wellness is something that needs to be worked for.

Even though everyone’s happiness is measured by something different, here are a few ways to keep yourself as happy as possible so that you and the people around you can benefit!

1.  Talk to a Friend

Make sure you take the “social” in social wellness literally and talk to your friends! Chatting has always been able to help improve the quality of your mood.

2. Take some alone time

Sometimes, it’s okay to not go out to a party, or hang out with your friends. You deserve some ‘you time’ and a chance to collect your thoughts and calm your brain.

3. Exercise

Even with a busy schedule, making time for some exercise is ALWAYS a benefit to almost every aspect of your life. Whether it’s catching a Zumba class with your friends, or going for an early run, make sure you get out there and sweat!

4. Help Others in Need

There is no better feeling, than helping out someone in need. Volunteering at a food pantry, donating some clothes, or even helping an elderly neighbor will make your frown flip upside down. Go out there and do some good for the community!

Work Relationships by RA Alexis

8 Tips for Developing Positive Relationships by RA AJ Primavera

First Generation College Students by RA Mashaunda Johnson

Communication Styles by RA Gabby Elias

The Importance of Networking by RA Jessica Kerslake

Family & Relations: Hawk Home by RA Gabby Elias

Dating & Relationships by RA Sonam Patel

Post-Grad Saving by RA Jessica Kerslake

Dear Graduating Senior,

Colleges make you believe that ten years from now, somebody might ask you, “What is the quadratic formula?” We all know there’s a square root sign in there somewhere but we will never need that in real life.

So what actually do we need to know? Here are some things they don’t teach you… unless you’re a finance major: 

How to budget post-grad life:

• 40% - Housing & Utilities
• 15% - Food
• 5% - Personal Expenses                                                                 
• 10% - Transportation
• 10% - Clothing & Entertainment
• 20% - Debt Repayment & Savings                                                

It’s easier than it looks.

You should set some long-term goals:

• Find a Career Path (that you actually enjoy)
• Build an Emergency Fund (the $50 bill in your wallet won’t cut it)
• Repay your Debt (the quadratic formula won’t help you here)
• Start a Retirement Fund (Refer to bullet #2)

You are a millennial. Take advantage of these saving and investment apps:

• Mint - one stop shop for your accounts and investments with reminders so the mornings you wake up needing coffee and pork roll don’t turn into financial failure
  
• Acorn - turn your spare change into investments. Smartest piggy bank I know!
  
• Level Money - metrics and charts of your financial picture… say cheese!
  
• Digit - algorithm that pulls small amounts of money from your checking account daily without breaking the bank. Now you can finally get that dream car you’ve been dreaming of.
  
• Credit Karma - free up to date credit score with helpful hints and tools to help you get the loan for the studio apartment that gets you away from your parents.
  
• Goodbudget - (Home of the good budget) a way to categorize your expenses and keep track of spending so you know when to get the filet mignon or the chicken.
  
  
  

Congratulations, you no longer have to take tests and quizzes. Post-grad life seems scary but I believe in you. Just follow these tips and go get yourself a brand new car… But, only if it fits your budget.

Why Graduate From MSU? Financial Benefit of Graduating as a Red Hawk by RA Scott Wilson

Happiest & Unhappiests Jobs in the US by RA Sonam Patel

Financing As A College Student by RA Jessica Kerslake

Student Loan Repayment by RA Christian Brancato

Career & Finances of Women in 2016 by RA Mashaunda Johnson

7 Tips To Stay On Budget by RA Gabby Elias

Will Your Job Screen Your Social Media by RA Alexis

Inclusive Language and the Modern Family by RA Christian Brancato

Caught Black Handed: Race and Priviledge in the Justice System by RA Christian Brancato

8 Ways to Manage Roommate Conflicts by RA Sonam Patel

1. Communicate

Open communication is key. Get to know your roommate(s) and their likes and dislikes. Don't intentionally do things that will irate them and if something is bothering you, speak up before it results in further issues. 

2. Respect Boundaries

                                    

Lay down ground rules and stick to them. Discuss cleaning, sleeping, noise and guest with your roommate(s) and follow through with what was agreed upon. 

 
3. Don't be a Borrower

As tempting as it may be to use your roommate's food, cleaning supplies, hair tools, kitchen appliances, etc., while they are not around, if they didn't give you permission, don't. If it's not yours, keep your hands off it to avoid conflicts.

    4. Don't be Nasty

                                               

Clean up after yourself and your guests. You wouldn't want to live in a dirty apartment and neither does your roommate(s).

 

     5. Be Willing to Compromise

Living in a shared space with people who may have different habits means not everything is going to be your way. It's okay to be firm with issues that really matter to you, but be willing to hear your roommate(s) side and come to a compromise that satisfies everyone.

6. Be Willing to Try New Things

If you're living with someone with whom you think you have nothing in common, try showing interest in some of the things they like to do and vice versa. Be open to change as college is meant for learning and growing.

     7.  Make Yourself at Home, but Don't Get Too Comfortable

Be courteous towards your roommate(s) even if you've become good friends. Still ask before borrowing, be polite, and have manner. Don't just assume it's okay now that you're friends

8. Have an open mind

Don’t be quick to judge your roommate(s) or their guest because they have different opinions, interests, or views than you. You don’t always have to agree with them, but at least respect their standpoint.