How To Stop Conforming And Start Living Your Dream

How To Stop Conforming And Start Living Your Dream Photo by Web n Stuff via Flickr in the wonderful city of Chiang Mai, I met five backpackers who showed me that I didn’t have to be tied down to my job and that I didn’t need to be rich to travel. After that trip, I went home, finished my MBA,  quit my cubicle job, and, in July 2006, set out on an adventure around the world, said Nomadic Matt, founder of the blog Nomadic Matt, whose advice has been featured in Time, The New York Times,  and on CNN and many other sources. Although travel-specific, Nomadic Matt represents the individuals set on living their dreams and escaping the office lifestyle, no matter how crazy their dreams may seem. His methods are unconventional and require effort, but are worth it in the pursuit of a truly fulfilled  life.   In his article Everyone Says Im Running Away, Matt wrote: People assume that we are simply running away from our problems, running away from the real world, and to all those people who say that, I say to you, you’re right  I  am  running away.  I’m running away from  your  idea of the real world. I’m avoiding  your  life. And, instead, I’m running towards everything â€" towards the world, exotic places, new people, different cultures, and my own idea of freedom.    When were young, its a common feeling to want to belong and to feel as though were a part of something bigger than ourselves. This becomes a problem, however, when we, as individuals, fail to account for our own interests apart from those of our friends and societys. The desire to belong then becomes so strong that we begin to fear the idea of following our dreams because theyre so apart from everyone elses. But thats the idea, isnt it? Its the reason we love a good underdog or hero story they dont conform or pursue others ideas of how their lives should be lived. They embrace their own life, regardless of the judgment of others. They unabashedly pursue their goals and fearlessly tread the path less traveled. They run toward their dreams.

Feeling Low It Could Be Seasonal Affective Disorder

Feeling Low It Could Be Seasonal Affective Disorder Image Credit to normanrosenthal.com The start of spring semester can be daunting for a lot of reasons.   You have to start planning for your summer, applying for internships, and if you’re graduating, you have to start searching for jobs.   You have to get used to a new schedule and transition from the holidays back into the daily grind.   But there’s another reason that the beginning of spring semester can feel especially daunting: the weather.   If you attend college in New England, or anywhere in the world where winter is no joke and sunlight is scarce, the term spring semester is a bit of a misnomer.   Actual spring weather doesn’t come around until at least mid-March, which means you’re kicking off your term in cold, often snowy weather with very little sunlight.   This may seem like a trivial detailâ€"but it’s actually not.   Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression and it’s very real.   So if you’re having a hard time dragging yourself out of a funk in mid-January and wondering why it se emed so much easier in September, consider the possibility that something bigger than you could be the cause. Season Affective Disorder has a list of symptoms similar to those you probably already associate with depression, including but not limited to: anxiety, loss of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, appetite changes (especially increased carb-cravings), and difficulty concentrating.   The Mayo Clinic notes that cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder tend to become more common the farther one moves from the equator.    This is thought to be due to the decreased amounts of sunlight during winter in these locations.   Seasonal Affective Disorder is very treatable, but you do have to get yourself to a health center if you suspect you might be suffering from the disorder.   Be prepared for your appointment; this webpage has a great list.   Once they see you, a doctor can diagnose you and suggest appropriate treatment options.   These typically include light therapy and/or oral medication, but there are lifestyle changes and alternative medicine options you can try if you are concerned a bout taking pills.   Regardless, do keep in mind that the proper diagnosis and care can only come from an appointment with a medical professional. If your symptoms aren’t terribly severe and you feel you’re missing some of the key aspects of actual depression but still feel sluggish and not yourself, it’s also possible that you might have a Vitamin D deficiency.   According to the Daily Mail UK, nine out of ten people in Britain have a Vitamin D deficiency.   It’s not at all unusual to see such a deficiency, especially in climates that don’t see a lot of sunshine.   Harvard Health published a pretty comprehensive article on the topic.   It contains a particularly helpful discussion on how Vitamin D deficiency is an issue in regions that lie above or below the equator by thirty-seven degrees or more.   This puts New England squarely in the area where Vitamin D deficiencies are commonplace.  If you think you aren’t getting enough Vitamin D, make an appointment with your school’s health center and share your concerns with a professional.   Correcting a Vitamin D deficiency usually just involves taking a Vitamin D su pplement.   These are pretty readily available; CVS carries them.   Your doctor should be able to suggest the correct amount to take and even perhaps which brand is best. Regardless, don’t worry.   If you suspect you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder or a Vitamin D deficiency, there is no reason to panic.   Both conditions are very treatable and there are lots of helpful books on the subjects.   A great one to have if you do find you have Seasonal Affective Disorder is Winter Blues by Norman Rosenthal.   He has a very helpful website as well.   Arm yourself with knowledge, but don’t overreact, and bear in mind: Spring is on its way.