Hope for America in 2014?

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Obama's State of the Union speech's opening wasn't that encouraging. As of January 27th, 2014, 61.3% of Americans think America is headed in the wrong direction. Obama opened his State of the Union speech by telling stories about how a single person did their part to improve America such as by increasing the graduation rate in their city, creating more jobs, and decreasing America's dependence on foreign oil. While these people may have seen progress, the rest of America has not.

Over the last five years, their has been an expansion of government entitlement programs. According to Forbes, welfare pays more than minimum wage in 35 states. 1 in every 7 Americans  (47 million Americans) are on food stamps. America's unemployment rate is still high at 6.7%, and it doesn't include the many people who have stopped looking for work. If I must give Obama credit for anything, I would tell him congrats because the unemployment rate is the lowest it has ever been under his administration.

Despite these staggering statistics, Obama did not give any specific solutions to these problems. The main message of his speech was that he was going to use his power of executive orders more frequently in the upcoming months to accomplish his agenda. Obama's exact words were, "Some [proposals] require Congressional action...But America does not stand still – and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families that's what I'm going to do." The thought of Obama issuing executive orders as his means of getting his agenda accomplished should make people nervous.

Even with Obama's plan to issue executive orders, I still do not think America will see much improvement in this upcoming year.

Click here to listen to the State of the Union speech and to view the transcript.

The Stress Monster

Life can get hectic sometimes. Even more hectic if your are a college student. During college, it is important to learn how to effectively deal with stress because most people will become stressed at least once in their college career. There are many different ways to handle stress.

1. Run off some steam.

While sorting through the mounds of college work, exercise is sometimes the last thought on people's minds. Studies show that being stressed can lead to being forgetful. Exercise decreases that risk by helping to reduce your stress levels. Look at exercise in a new light; think of it as a way to relax and to improve your memorization skills, while also improving your self-image and health. While exercising for an hour is great, an hour of exercise is not practical with everyone's schedule. Try just exercising for 30 minutes to wind down after your classes for the day or before you go to bed.

2. Eat regularly throughout the day.

When you are stressed out, many people forget to eat or either they are so busy that they do not have time to eat a balanced meal. The worst thing to do under stress is not to eat. Although you shouldn't skip meals while stressed, you shouldn't just stick anything into your mouth. Foods high in fat and sugar can cause you to become tired. Research shows that certain foods such as oatmeal, whole-grain food, oranges, salad, fish, nuts, and others help to reduce or prevent stress. If having time to eat is a problem for you, try eating whole-grain granola bars on the go, using quick-oatmeal packets, or planning out your meals ahead of time.

3. Get a good-night's rest.

When you get a good-night's rest you wake up feeling good in the morning and ready-to go. Does this not sound like how your mornings go? If not, it's probably because you aren't getting enough sleep or aren't sleeping well.

To help improve your sleep, get into a bedtime routine. In addition, a regular sleeping pattern helps to improve grades. Obviously having a regular sleeping pattern can be difficult while balancing college, but try to go to bed around the same time every night. It is better to go to sleep at a decent time, than to pull an all-nighter. Remember that you could always go to sleep, and then wake-up early to get things accomplished.

4. Have some fun!
One of the best ways, in my opinion, to reduce stress is to simply relax, laugh and have fun. Set aside an hour or two of your week to do something you enjoy or hang out with friends.

If you follow these tips, you will see a difference in your stress levels.