The Science of Happiness

I like to read obituaries. I like seeing the snapshot of their major life accomplishments, mistakes, and passions and why people loved or hated them. Spending a few minutes examining how they lived, I look for an example of how to live or not live my life today.

I also like finding examples in the living. In our ED191 series classes, I ask college students to give me snapshot of what they want from life. Their answers are about having a successful career, being with that special someone, raising a family, or doing something meaningful to impact their world.

Sometimes they say, “I don’t know yet. But I know I want to be happy.” (more…)

Happy Halloween 2009 From Student Health

My relationship with Halloween is what you might call “complicated.”  I love the creativity and positive energy of our students dressing up.  I love this Gaucho spirit and unity.  Only at UCSB do you see your Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Dean of Students come out to greet the crowds of students on D.P. on Halloween night.

I don’t like the violence, ass grabbing, fighting, property damage, and all the trash.  Last year, Halloween fell on a Friday.  In spite of the rain, over 45,000 people came to I.V.  There were over 230 arrests made and 560 citations given out (instead of treats). 55 people were transported for emergency care and over 50 cars were towed. Two people fell off the cliffs.

This year we will have around 250 police officers on the streets, on horses, and conducting DUI checkpoints.  But, if we have the same or more visitors as last year, it will take more than just the police to keep the peace over the weekend.  Here are a few simple things you can do to help: (more…)

The “Girl Next Door?”

Marge Simpson is the cover girl for November’s Playboy Magazine. She even has a “pictorial.” I guess you could say good for Playboy for taking a mid-thirty-something mother of three, who quit a promising career in the police force because of out-of-control corruption and sexism, and worked as a nuclear technician as a perfect example of the “girl next door.”

Weird, yes. But even weirder is the cartoon-like photoshopped women in recent Ralph Lauren ads. Woman 1: My head is bigger than my waist. Woman #2: I have no ribs/pelvis. And to add insult to injury, Filippa Hamilton, the model in the first ad, was fired by Ralph Lauren because she was too big. Filippa is 5’10” and 120 lbs. (a “normal” weight is ~150 lbs).

Those are damaging messages to send our friends, family, and culture. But Ralph Lauren isn’t the only one sending them: we are bombarded every day with these messages. They impact on how we view and talk about our bodies. (more…)

Tuesdays With TED: Inspiration

I want to be inspired continuously.  Reality check: That’s not possible. Sometimes we have to just get it done, inspiration be damned. But, I don’t want to just go through the motions for most of my life.  I seek out inspiration for motivation and to see the world from different points of view. (more…)

The Small Things Count

Does size matter?  Well, you don’t try to paddle in the ocean with a toothpick.  But you also wouldn’t use a kayak paddle to try to get corn out of your teeth.  Use the right tool for the right job.

In our ED191 Health Education training classes we spend the first four weeks teaching “life skills:” skills that help you know yourself better and how to communicate effectively. These are skills like self-awareness, self-esteem, active listening, assertiveness, and stress management.  You use your life skills to improve your relationships with people and your environment. (more…)

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