Author: Simone Saidmehr

Meditating is Hard, Work Out Instead! (hear me out)

Wellness

I have alienated so many people already with the title of this article but give me a chance! Here’s the thing, school is hard—I have class until 4, a lot of studying to do, working out, writing these lovely articles, etc, etc. For those of us who are up until 1 am every morning doing work, meditating is not so easy. Those extra 5-10 minutes could be used for, you know, basic human functions like eating or taking power naps.

In any case, meditating is hard. I know I’m not alone in saying that sitting for 10 minutes and focusing on some rando from headspace drone on about a “peaceful beach” and “the light inside us all” gets a little old after about minute two. My mind drifts off to my to do list and I find myself thinking about Vanderbilt’s minimum ACT requirnemt rather than “taking cleansing breaths” and all that other bullshit. You know what really gets rid of nagging thoughts? Sweating your ass off. Working out is more efficient because you kill two birds with one stone, it’s good for your body and mind! 

Mindfulness is really important— being int the moment is something I struggle with on a day to day basis. I’m constantly worried about what I should be doing, how I can maximize my time, etc, etc. The only time I’m truly in the moment, fully invested in the present rather than the past or future is when my body is working so hard that I can’t help but to focus solely on the present moment. In the words of Elle Woods “Working out gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don’t kill their husbands.” 

So the next time you’re thinking about doing a 45 minute long guided relaxation, go for a run or to soulcycle instead! You’ll thank me later. 

Dad Sneakers

Beauty + Fashion

I could literally write sonnets about dad sneakers. I also know that in about 5 months I’ll look back on all the pictures I took with them and bang my head repeatedly on this desk but you know what, it’s ok. I can live with that. There is not a singular item of clothing in my closet that I won’t wear with my dad sneakers (besides like, gowns but you know what I mean). Here are some of my favorite looks!

Shop the trend:

Vegan Apple Compote

Recipes

Ok, I love this recipe. I literally eat it on my overnight oats EVERY MORNING. You can put this on hot oatmeal, musli, in pie, or with some ice cream or sweet yogurt for a healthy dessert. It’s SO QUICK and SO EASY. The best part? You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge to use ALL WEEK. This recipe makes about 4 servings but it can easily be doubled if you’re cooking for a crowd. Just make it. You’ll thank me later 😉

1 apple, cubed 

3 tablespoons of honey

1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon 

5 tablespoons water 

  1. Cube the apples 
  2. In a pan, cook the apples covered on low heat with the water, cinnamon, and half of the honey
  3. Once soft, uncover, add the rest of the honey, and cook until caramelized and delicious! 

Peanut ​Butter Power Balls

Recipes

I’m pretty obsessed with this recipe because it actually tastes really good. I made them as a snack to eat during my SAT and my friends all made fun of me. I told them to try it and they ALL loved it (one even made them for breakfast the next morning. HA!) 

1 cup of rolled oats

1/2 cup of peanut butter 

2 teaspoons of honey

1/4 cup of chia seeds

1/4 cup of flax seeds 

If you want you can add raisins to this for some extra sweetness! 

  1. Mix together the dry ingredients, then add peanut butter and honey. These measurements do not have to be exact. If you want it sweeter, add more honey! If you think they’re too dry, add more peanut butter! 
  2. Roll the mixture into ping pong sized balls. Refrigerate overnight for best results and enjoy!