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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wisconsin chapter.

Recognize when you’re doing more harm than good

While it’s not necessarily a skill I’d put on my resume, knowing when to throw in the towel is an essential lesson I’ve learned as a student. There’s nothing more gratifying than accomplishing everything I set out to do in a day, but some days it’s just not possible. It’s important to remind yourself that you’re more than what you’ve done today. Let me preface this by saying that I’ve pulled my fair share of all-nighters, and I was definitely the kid that sat at the kitchen table crying over long division with my parents until 2:00 am. No one is immune to feeling like you must finish the assignment or the world will end. However, there are a few things to consider when you’ve been posted up at the library for hours, your butt has fallen asleep in the non-ergonomic chair, your eyes are burning, and you’ve still got a long way to go before you’ll be done. 

1. Unsubscribe from the idea that sleep is a weakness

The culture that glamorizes sleep deprivation through phrases like “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” is praying on your downfall. The concept of “sleep machismo” is a bias ingrained into many people’s expectations of social norms; it’s a type of thinking that pushes for success in place of sleep. A series of studies have looked into the “sleep-deprived masculinity stereotype”, which suggests that men that sleep less are seen as more masculine, and vice-versa. These and other pseudo-scientific beliefs lack factual evidence, encouraging a vicious cycle of sleep loss that hasn’t been shown to produce positive results. Our society glorifies the worker that is constantly productive, but overlooks the health and safety consequences of this lifestyle. Stop conforming to someone else’s false perception of hard work at the expense of your well-being. 

2. This assignment is not worth ruining the rest of your week

Staying up an hour or two later than normal actually is a big deal. Research from The Sleep Foundation has proven that it takes up to four days to recover from just one hour of lost sleep! I’m not saying a late night isn’t necessary sometimes, but really think to yourself, is this task more important than whatever you’ll be doing over the next four days? Are you okay with being exhausted for the rest of the week if it means finishing this tonight?

3. Sleep is not a “reward” for productivity

It’s time to start separating your personal worth from your achievements. You deserved sleep before you got anything done today. The feeling of going to bed having finished everything on your “to-do” list is unmatched, but the day is only so long! There is only one you, and so, so many things to do. It’s alright to leave some things for tomorrow. Or the next day. It’s not possible to finish everything, so do what you can and then hit the hay. Have confidence in yourself and recognize that you will complete everything eventually. 

It’s okay to surrender for the night. Take the late penalty, get your sleep, and have a better day tomorrow. 

Serena Gacek

Wisconsin '26

Serena is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Biology. Outside of Her Campus, she can be found going for runs down the Lake Monona Loop, cheffing up a delicious new Pinterest recipe, or grinding on homework at the Union with her roomie!!! This is her second year with Her Campus and she is absolutely LOVING this community of wonderful girls <33 go badgers!