Sleep, time in nature, and the best study strategies: the Stanford Learning Lab’s fall programs focus on balance

This past weekend in Half Moon Bay, I joined the legions of tourists who flock to our gorgeous coastline for the perfect fall photo opportunity involving pumpkins, cornfield mazes, and sunshine. Yesterday the weather was exceptional, and my simple walk reminded me that being in nature is essential in getting the “outdorphins” flowing. I believe that now that classes have started, prioritizing time outdoors is vital to one’s well-being. One could perhaps be motivated to carve out time to be outside each and every week, especially since the Bay Area has so many gorgeous places to see and things to do.

Where would you most like to spend time outdoors? When I meet with students to develop their schedules for the week, I like to ask them this question and create opportunities to include places to go once their work is either done or in a good place in order to motivate them toward something to look forward to, so that their goals are actionable. We are so fortunate to be in a part of the country where there are so many beautiful vistas, places like Filoli, Golden Gate Park, Mount Tamalpais, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, to name a few. If it is too difficult to get somewhere that is far, there are plenty of places on campus to connect for “study picnics” and “walk and talks.”

This past Friday, we reconnected with our fabulous Leland Scholars students for our first ice cream social. In last month’s blog, I mentioned how the Learning Lab team had the opportunity to collaborate with Brandi Pretlow and our Leland Scholars Program, teaching two workshops to 90 students. It was so heartwarming to see these students again and to affirm that the friendships and experiences that they had during the summer have allowed them to feel connected to one another for their first months of school.

I am so pleased to announce that our student groups have launched for fall quarter and all are welcome. Whether you join PEN, ADHD Connections, Fail Better, Revise and Resubmit, Power Hour, & GUTS, I am certain you will experience a community that resonates with you. Lastly, in response to student inquiry for more workshops similar to those we developed last summer, Learning Specialist Dr. Mitch Dandignac has released the dates for his Cognitive Workshop Series; the first workshop being held on Monday, Oct. 17, 5-6:30 p.m., is titled “Study Smarter, Not Harder.” We do hope that you will join us for these events; please register and tell a friend!!

I know that I speak for the entire Learning Lab team when I express my gratitude for our Stanford students who are continuously curious, eager to express their points of vulnerability, and open to exploring new ways of engaging in their learning journey with our program.