With midterms in full swing and the end of the year approaching fast, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of it all. When most people have free time, it is frequently spent stressing about what is needed to be done tonight, tomorrow or even next week.
But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Through mindful practices, we can all maximize our free time and truly take a break from everyday life.
One of my favorite strategies to implement is the “work hard, play hard” mentality. Frequently, I will take a few days to really knock out all the work I can and get ahead. This way, I can set aside an entire day where I do not have to do any homework. I get to spend all day taking a break and doing what I enjoy.
I recommend trying to do this on a Sunday because you don’t have to attend any classes and it acts as a nice “reset” for the week.
This “reset” can contain many different ways of de-stressing. One way is to go down the popular and romanticized self-care route that’s equipped with bubble baths, face masks and mindful relaxation. There areYouTube videos and Pinterest boards galore on how to create this type of self-care day.
Here’s a one of my favorites:
Although this is a great way to implement self-care, it isn’t for everyone. Don’t get me wrong if it is for you, go for it! But if it isn’t your thing, that’s okay too.
Self-care should be about taking time to do what you love and what makes you feel good. Whether that’s working out, reading a book, watching a movie or doing a full out spa day.
In my opinion, taking an entire day for “self-care” is one of the best ways to ensure you reset and avoid burnout. However, not everyone has an entire day to take time for themselves. But there are moments everyday you can find time to do so.
Even if it’s just an hour in-between classes or right before you go to bed, try and implement some form of self-care. One quick and easy care activity to do is going through a guided meditation. You can find free sessions on Spotify and YouTube that vary from ten minutes to an hour.
Check out “Headspace” for some guided meditations:
Whatever it is you are doing in your free-time, make sure you are doing it without distractions. Although it is easier said than done, try and mindfully focus on the now. Don’t let your mind stray to that assignment coming up or the test you have scheduled next week.
It is vital that you take breaks every once in a while. Life happens and it might get busy sometimes (or all the time), but your mental health and happiness is always more important than any assignment could be.