As we turn the corner from the midpoint of the semester into that final sprint, it can be easy to put ourselves on the backburner in favor of other responsibilities. The other day, I was talking to a friend and suggested calling so we could both do our own thing together. I find it comforting to just have someone there with me for moral support, and we don’t get to see each other as often as we would like (especially not during the semester).
When she responded by saying she didn’t feel like being productive, I was surprised for a moment. Being productive honestly hadn’t even crossed my mind. I realized that when I phrased it as “we can do tasks together,” I was implying that we would each be crossing things off of our to-do list.
And then it hit me: why is it only the boring stuff on our to-do lists anyway?
Quite often, I get asked what I’m doing for myself when I describe my busy schedule to people. Usually, I’m not sure how to answer. There are so many deadlines to prioritize for school, work, extracurriculars, friends, and more, that I forget to move myself up from the bottom of the list. This kind of mindset is how we waltz right into burnout, when actually, a homework break to watch Dance Moms with your roommates IS important for your wellbeing.
So I responded: “taking care of yourself and relaxing is productive.” I didn’t realize how much I also needed to hear that until after I said it. Of course, you can’t venture too far the other way and avoid all of your responsibilities in the name of self-care. But you also can’t keep pushing off the fun stuff until everything else is done because, unfortunately, it never will be.
Adulthood is one never-ending stream of obligations, but that shouldn’t be all it ever is. Where’s the fun in that? We only get one shot at this, so we may as well make it a life we enjoy living. Let yourself have fun, and do it guilt-free. You don’t need to earn a break by pushing yourself to your limit.
So read the book that’s been staring at you on your shelf. Color outside the lines. Spend time with your friends doing who knows what. Take that nap! And most importantly, put yourself on the top of your to-do list.