Just Melancholy

We, as women, have a lot of things on our plate. We sometimes take on more than we can handle because we are motivated, optimistic, and dedicated to our lives and what we do. But we need to remember to take some time out of the day in order to treat ourselves and relax–just a little bit. I know that sometimes we all feel like this:

Extreme stress has many negative results on the body–which includes the one thing almost all of us are trying to avoid: weight gain. So take the time now to de-stress your life and become a calmer you. Here are just a few things you can try to get your mind of your everyday tasks and onto enjoying life just that much more:

• Outdoor recreation: this really does help relieve tension and stress. It is usually a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. Many women love going outdoors so they can feel one with nature. It is just calming to be outside in the midst of beautiful weather and beautiful scenery. You could go on a hike, bike ride, or just lay out in the sunshine.
• Go to a concert: Yes, you know you’ve said “I’ll go to that concert eventually. Just now isn’t the best time.” Well, no more excuses. Just do it. If you want to go see a certain band or performer…just do it! When searching for concert tickets, don’t stress out too much about the money. If you can’t afford the best ticket, that is perfectly OK. Go with a cheaper one. You will still be able to enjoy yourself.
• Spend a day with friends: Everyone loves hanging out with their friends, so why not plan a girl’s day out? Go to the spa, get your nails done, or just enjoy their company. You’ll be so surprised at how easily you will forget all your daily troubles and stresses.

Those are just a few suggestions. If you have any others that you would like other stressed women to know about, feel free to share. We would love to hear every thing you have to say. Girls, life is short…enjoy it!

Many times in life, it’s all about who you know, not necessarily what you know.  Now, I don’t want to get all cliché on you but there is no place where this is truer than within what’s known as the “glamour” industries.  The glamour industries can be defined as most media industries, including print media, film and television, public relations, and advertising.

Graduates fresh out of college are finding getting their dream job to be much more difficult than expected.  Companies within the glamour industries have the luxury of choosing from literally thousands of qualified applicants; thus, the aforementioned graduates are settling for less than “glamorous” jobs and putting their career dreams on hold until something better comes along.

One of the best ways to ensure you get the career you want and more importantly establish contacts is to complete an internship.  Whether through a university internship department or an actual mentorship program, broadcasting, sound engineering, and acting internships are just a few of the countless positions available to students of all ages wanting to break into a glamour industry.

Not only will an internship give you relevant work experience (making you more valuable and enticing for a prospective employer), it will allow you to begin networking, or establishing professional contacts.  Having influential and prominent contacts who are familiar with you and your capabilities can be priceless when you want to get a job within that field.

If you are currently a college student, visit your university internship department or career center to find out what relevant internships are available.  Other options include mentorship programs that specialize in student one-on-one training within a given field.  Typically, students can be any age and they train with working professionals within a field of their choosing.  The training is done to accommodate the schedule of the student and takes place locally. 

Whether your dream is to become an actor, writer, or director, it is imperative that you explore all the opportunities that may be available to you.  Too often, young college grads pack up and move to Hollywood, so convinced they will make it big within a couple months.  Not that there is anything inherently wrong with doing so, but it certainly does not work for every individual.  Explore all options that come your way and be open to different opportunities that present themselves.  Only then (and coupled with hard work and perseverance) will you make your dreams come true.

I came across this sweet site this weekend while perusing the web…The Nest (brought to you by the wedding site The Knot): a website for newlyweds complete with decorating ideas, budgeting tips, real estate, buying guides, love & sex, and more.    

In fact, my husband and I used their Vacuum Cleaner buying guide to help us purchase our very own (we went with the Dyson DC 07, which we absolutely love).  Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

If you happen to live in Colorado (like a few of our Just Melancholy contributors do), you have to check out Haunted Denver.  The site has listings and reviews of the hottest Denver haunted mazes, haunted houses, and other Halloween attractions.  So grab your sweetheart, kids, or a group of girlfriends, and go have a good scare!