Stretches for the chronically desk-ridden
By India Madsen
Carrying around a heavy backpack and spending all-nighters hunched over our laptops can have us feeling like age 62 at age 22. Try these stretches, offered by certified yoga instructor and York University alum, Rhondda Smiley, to combat the harmful effects of bad posture when sitting at a desk.
Please note that these stretches do not constitute medical advice. Please seek the aid of a medical professional if you are experiencing back pain.
1. Restorative Back Pose
Roll or fold up a bath towel lengthwise. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet planted on the floor. Place the towel at the base of your spine, so that it will run along the length of your spine. Lie back with the towel aligned under your upper spine and simply relax. According to Smiley, this pose helps you to open your sternum and upper body. If you experience any discomfort in your lower back, sit up and pull the towel a few inches away from the base of your spine and try the pose again (however if discomfort persists, do not attempt this movement).
2. Supported Downward Dog
Place your hands on a counter, chair, or other surface that is approximately hip height, with your feet a few steps away from the base of the surface. Fold over until your torso is parallel to the ground, creating an inverted L shape with your body. Slightly pull on the counter (or other surface) to release your shoulders.
3. Seated Twist
Sit with your left leg crossed in front of you and the sole of your right foot placed on the ground outside of your left knee. Turn your upper body away from your right knee, grabbing your knee with your left arm. Plant your right hand on the ground. Next, repeat the twist on the other side.
“Each of these postures help to counteract the hunched shoulders and ‘tech neck’ associated with long hours using a device or sitting at a desk,” says Smiley. “Taking even a short break to move and breathe reminds us that we are not just brains in jars.”
How to write an A+ essay FAST
By India Madsen
Think before you write
Trying to come up with essay ideas while you stare at the expanse of a blank page can feel horribly intimidating. Instead, take a few minutes away from your computer to think about your essay before you sit down to write. I like to do this during my commute or on a quick walk.
Don’t start at the beginning
When you have a great idea for your essay, keep the spark alive by writing it down and expanding upon it. Don’t slow yourself down by lingering on a portion of the essay that you haven’t figured out yet.
Use text-to-speech
Coming from a professional editor, having your computer read your essay aloud is the most efficient way to catch flaws in your writing. To access this function in Microsoft Word, click “View” and select “Immersive Reader.”
Visit the Writing Centre
If you feel like your essay writing progresses at the pace of a snail, try visiting a drop in session or a one-on-one session at the York University Writing Centre. The staff there will help you overcome writer’s block and figure out a writing process that works for you. Since these services are offered by professors, they can provide expert insight into what the professor grading your essay is looking for.
Chai: A Warm Treat to beat the Winter
By Suhel Singh Randhawa
This warm drink comes from south Asia and is commonly called Chai in Hindi (चाय) and Chaah in Panjabi (ਚਾਹ). In South Asian culture, the drink is regarded as a remedy to many ailments and has a key presence in all social gatherings and celebrations. Its taste and use as a remedy can be changed by adjusting the extra ingredients added to the drink. This specific version is best suited for easing stress and relaxation.
What you need:
- One steel pot
- Loose Tea (My personal favourite is Brooke Bond Taaza)
- Sugar
- Cardamom
- Water
- Milk
- Strainer
(All of these can be bought at a supermarket like Walmart, or an Indian store)
(In the recipe, the cup refers to the vessel you will be having your chai in. It will be used in the preparation, and can be any size, as per your discretion.)
Procedure:
- Take two-fifths of water in a cup, and pour it into the pot, placed on a stove.
- Then, crush a piece of cardamom and immerse it in the water.
- Once the water starts to boil slightly, put 1 tablespoon of loose tea in the mix.
- When the bubbles become bigger and the mix has turned dark red, pour two-fifths of milk in a cup and then into the pot. This will eliminate the boiling.
- Once the mix starts boiling, let it boil up and reach the brim. Once near the brim, remove the pot from the stove and place it on the countertop.
- Pour the prepared chai into a cup by passing it through the strainer.
- Add 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of sugar and stir well.
The chai is ready! It is best accompanied with a spicy snack, or with a cookie. (Try dipping the cookie in the chai, you’ll love it!)