When I think about reading week, I imagine a week full of partying, getting together with friends, eating nice home-cooked meals, and just a week of relaxing. Reading week is different for every person, but one thing we all do have in common is not having any assignments, midterms, tests, or any kind of work due during the week. Well, at least most of the time, if our profs don’t somehow find a way to sneak it in, if you know what I mean. ?
The importance of mental health during reading week:
It is easier said than done when looking at ways to combat mental health, especially during unprecedented times like these. However, it is important to take some time during the week just to focus on ourselves, to sit and reflect on how we are feeling and why we may be feeling like that. When you’re buried in what feels like a never-ending pile of work, it is extremely easy to push down your emotions and feelings. It’s crazy how familiar that feeling is to me and how I end up exploding every now and then after all the pressure builds up. Which, just to add, is totally normal and happens to the best of us, but all jokes aside, during reading week doing things other than just reading may be beneficial.
Some things that can be done include spending quality time with family and friends. I know how cliché it is for me to say something like that, but if I’m being completely honest, sometimes after a long and rough first half of the semester, it’s nice to see and be around familiar faces. Something else that I found and love for my overall mental well-being is journaling and yoga. That may not be your cup of tea, but finding a new way to de-stress during reading week is something else to keep you occupied.
Basically, my conclusion is that reading week is not only about reading and can consist of anything your soul desires. Taking some personal time is nothing to feel guilty about and can honestly make a huge difference. School or life itself is not easy and there are always so many bumps along the road. Reading week is just a term that we use but it can be a week of sleep, a week of fun, or even a week of simply just breathing. Whatever your week consists of, I hope you’re happy and healthy and don’t forget to wear a mask.