issue 31// vol 46 life & style // no. 13 Living a life of tranquility he ‘Success is not measured by how much you get done; but rather by the quality of the work. } » Tips on how to do less Morgan Hannah Life & Style Editor ife can be pretty stressful at times and if you don't learn to roll with the punches, it can overwhelm you. During the year of 2020, we've had some trying times—COVID-19 first was reported in November of last year and achieved pandemic status in January, the discovery of murder hornets in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island as well Langley has caused additional panic, and now there are riots in Minneapolis over the murder of George Floyd by police officer Derek Chauvin. To top it off, society feels like the fast lane and having to speed through tasks takes another toll on the body, the mind, and the relationships each of us have. How can one learn to live a more tranquil and peaceful lifestyle to ward off sickness and long-term health problems? Well, short of moving off toa remote island, here are some tips to create a more tranquil life: Find what's important Take the time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture in life; try to focus on what is important to you. What do you really want to do with your time? Who do you really like spending that time with? What do you want to accomplish with your life? Now, make a quick list of four to five goals you'd like to achieve and four to five people youd like to spend each day with. You've now simplified what you need in your life. Commitments As humans, we are at fault for packing our days too full. It isn’t possible for us to commit to everything and get it all done, and even if we can, it isn’t Photo by Billy Bui Fish are friends » The benefits of owning an aquarium during lockdown EG Manilag Staff Writer Gn yourself an aquarium during this quarantine season may be the best thing that you will ever do. Whatever the shape or size of your aquarium, and whatever the types of fish that are inside, it does not matter! As long as you take good care of your new friends. And rest assured, they will take care of you too in many spectacular ways. My twin and I have experienced some great benefits, and those that already have or had an aquarium can relate. Without further ado, here are the benefits of having an aquarium: Like any other pet, an aquarium can reduce levels of stress When thinking of pets that can best reduce our levels of stress and anxiety, we always think of our furry friends: dogs and cats. Well, fish can do that too—and in a highly efficient manner! Loads of studies, such as the one done by scientists at the National Marine Aquarium have not only proved reduced stress and anxiety levels—they have also found that fish viewing also offers physical benefits such as lowered blood pressure and heart rate. No wonder aquariums are common in “stressful” places such as dental clinics. It is important to keep calm and be stress-free this quarantine—having an aquarium is one way to keep steady. Just by looking at the fish in your fish tank, you will feel at ease. Improves and practices concentration Now that many of us are studying or working at home—or both—it is especially important to make our homes as tranquil as possible. One way to achieve that is through owning an aquarium. From our experience, looking at the fish wandering in the tank for about 10 to 20 minutes simply refreshes the minds; we feel as though our thoughts are being emptied. Moreover, we feel laser focused as we notice all the movements. Our observations may sound fishy, but they hold water. A study published in the journal Environment and Behavior found that “higher numbers of fish helped to hold people's attention for longer and improve their moods.” In an article for VICE, the director of the center for the Human- Animal Bond at Purdue University stated that “The importance of viewing nature, especially animals, appears to be deep- seated into the human psyche.” New set of friends If you are an introvert and you feel a bit lonely, then having an aquarium will definitely keep you company during this quarantine. Fish can solve your problem of having no one to talk to. Indeed! Fish can communicate. If you just put your finger outside the glass and move it around, one enjoyable. It is essential to have time each day to do 9 i fk B= hay nothing. This is the time to accept that you cannot do everything and to look at each commitment you've made and sift through them, finding the most important or relevant commitments and fulfilling only those. This does not mean blowing off prior commitments, it just means not accepting every task and ask that comes your way. Do less each day Success is not measured by how much you get done, but rather by the quality of the work. So, if you struggle with getting five or six things done each day, cut your list in half and if you finish those things, add back the remaining tasks on your list. This will help to not overwhelm your day. Spread out your schedule Asmall mistake that I am often guilty of is scheduling my daily tasks and meetings back-to- back. Not only is this stressful, but it’s a bad habit. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early for meetings is more professional and alleviating. Leave spaces between tasks or appointments to help reduce stress. Single task Society likes to stress the importance of multitasking, especially in the workplace. This often leads to multitasking in everyday life, which often leads to stress and a lack of quality in each task. Do one thing at a time and do it well. Live slower Drive slower, eat slower... just enjoy every moment at a slower pace. There really isn’t need to rush through life. Do nothing Again, find the time to do nothing. Treasure this time. a Ss ‘c oO 2 oO Lu => 2 9 £ ° xo a of your fish will for sure follow that finger. But be sure to feed them right after— operant conditioning style. Increases happiness by offering you a daily activity With all that is happening around the world, owning an aquarium is really the best. For one, you can keep track of their growth. And for fish lovers, that feels really good, especially during this long stay-at- home season. You will enjoy feeding them every day. Seeing them grow and seeing yourself grow as well can be an exciting journey. The sense of accomplishment will definitely kick in!