Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder Vol. 14 10.31.23

CANDY FOCUS: How Candy Can Help Study Habits

Get ready for your first trick or treating on the lawn for many of you. Some of you this will be your last. However, either way this is taking you back to your childhood or even last Halloween. Please look at these tips as you get ready to indulge in so many sweets for this unique day on the Lawn to UVA.

1. SUGAR induced WILL-POWER

 A little bit of sugar can go a long way in helping you power through to the end of your coma-inducing reading study session. Recent studies have shown that consuming sugar helps you persevere through difficult tasks, to focus, and retain the information better as well. So not only are you getting an energy boost, but you will also be able to study longer for that exam or complete your assignment with a handful of candy corn.

2. Peppermint Powered Focus

Having trouble focusing on the task at hand? Studies at the University of Cincinnati found that college students were able to concentrate better, become more alert and increase your mental focus. On top of that, why not enjoy having fresh breath as well. Not a fan of peppermints for your sugary snack…you can stop by your fave coffee spot and get peppermint hot cocoa or grab a piece of peppermint bark!

3. Gum Smacking for Stress Relief

Chewing gum can reduce anxiety and enhance your attention span by reducing that nervous tension you may feel about that upcoming exam or paper. Chewing gum improves mood, increases your mental focus and blocks pain. The repetitive nature of chewing changes your focus to your tasks at hand. Who knew a stick of Juicy Fruit could do so much? 

4. Chocolate Flavored Mood Boosts!!!!!

Chocolate! For some the taste alone brightens the darkest of days. However, the chemical phenylethylamine (PEA) that is contained in chocolate can actually enhance your mood! It has been proven to help relieve signs of depression and reduce CVD, but what does that have to do with studying? You get to enjoy your favorite M&Ms you’ve been thinking about while writig that paper! If you’re in a better mood, you will study longer, if you study longer you’re bound to complete that assignment and be ready to ACE that next exam!

So, let’s put that leftover candy to good use as studies have shown that eating candy can actually help you become a better student by increasing the effectiveness of your study time. Candy may increase your willpower, enhance your mood, improve your focus or relieve your stress. Happy Studying Family, as you elevate your Black Excellence!

Remember maintaining your BLACK EXECELLENCE is a constant process.

Your progress is our success”

Dean Kelly Smith

Hello all! This is Ms. Carter with the affirmation of the week:

“My goals and dreams are valid and meaningful.”

Schedule a Meeting with a Dean

 In addition to the cultural programs we host, each Dean is available to meet with students to provide one-on-one support (i.e., academic, social, and emotional) to all our students.

Night Owl Yoga

Mondays-Thursdays – 8:00 pm-9:00 pm – Aquatic Fitness Center (AFC) MP4

Drop into Night Owl Yoga! Classes are free for students and are open to everyone with a UVA Recreation gym membership including all UVA students, faculty, staff, and community members. For More Information Contact Name: Mai Hukuoka

Ashtanga Yoga: Mysore-Style Sessions

Mondays-Fridays – 6:30 am-8:30 am – North Grounds Recreation Center (NGRC), MP3

Join CSC's Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga classes and cultivate a meditative practice focused on your breath. One-on-one guidance and instruction is provided as needed. Come and go as you please during the classes offered. For More Information Contact Name: Mai Hukuoka

Major in Data Science Fall Info Sessions 

Thursday, November 2 – 3:00 – Newcomb Hall; Datapalooza – Friday, November 10 – All Day – Newcomb Hall

The B.S. in Data Science is now available to first-year students! Connect with us to learn more about the major.

Women in Medicine & Science: A Panel Discussion 

Wednesday, November 8 – 6:30 pm-7:30 pm – Pinn Hall 1005

Join us for an engaging conversation with medical and doctoral students in the UVA School of Medicine. Learn about the panelists’ -- Josephine Arewa, Medical Student; Omina Nazarzoda, PhD Student Neuroscience Graduate Program; Lilly DeCostanza, PhD Student Biomedical Engineering; and Blair Towers, MSTP Student -- journeys navigating their respective paths to UVA SOM and what it takes to persist.

2023 UVA Graduate and Postdoctoral Fall Festival

Thursday, November 16 – 12:00 pm-2:00 pm – Ern Commons

The Fall Festival is catered to all Graduate and Postdoctoral students in celebration of different cultures and customs through food, activities, and music! Come join us for a dynamic event, where you can build a network, join a community, and have great food. The UVA Fall Festival celebrates the traditions, customs, and cultures within our UVA graduate students and postdoctoral scholar communities as we commemorate the fall season through music, food, and fellowship. For More Information Contact Name: Drew Washington

In Selma, Alabama the Brown Chapel AME Church served as a starting point for the Selma to Montgomery Marches in 1965, and it played a major role in events that led to the adoption of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.