This time of year, I feel like doing absolutely nothing. Pushing myself too hard starts to catch up with me, and we’re just far enough away from the next break that I have no motivation. This is what I do to heal:
- Let YOURSELF REST
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When I start to feel like doing nothing, I know that my brain needs to take a break. For me, this means allowing one day where I do nothing school-related and just lay in my bed alone with a favorite TV show.
- FoCUS ON SELF-CARE
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Feeling unmotivated usually means I haven’t focused enough on myself. I like to do a facemask, take a hot shower, make some tea, and remind myself that where I am right now is ok.
- RESHIFT YOUR ATTENTION
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At the mid-point of the semester, I usually start to see bigger assignments catching up with me. Instead of thinking, “Crap, the first draft of my capstone is due in three weeks,” I break my big assignments down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Maybe tomorrow I’ll read two sources and plan to draft my outline at the end of the week. This makes my to-do list seem much more attainable.
- CHANGE YOUR SURROUNDINGS
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Even though the weather is still nice, I find myself justifying more time spent inside. Right now is the perfect time to go for that battlefield walk or just take a longer route to class. Sometimes being outside is just what you need.
Slow down and be gentle with yourself. Sometimes inaction is just what you need.