Upon returning for the holidays, we are faced with a stretch of relief from academic pressure. For some, this time is of cleansing from stress and recharging for the new year. Others might have more worries than they had at school. No matter what though, this long break often provides more free time to do things that we can’t get around to in the heat of the semester.
Students in this day and age understand the value of good sleep. We often don’t get enough of it, even if we are surrounded by whispers (or screams) that say we should be doing something productive. Over this mid-semester break, there isn’t much productivity to be done. No more assignments sitting on our chests like cinder blocks. No more essays that demand our attention and deplete our creativity. We can finally take back some of our time and truly rest.
Sleeping isn’t the only thing that is good for us during this time. Our souls long to learn and create. This longing is usually used to fuel the academic demands that seem to crawl in from every corner. But for the next few weeks, we get to mindfully fill the void that we usually shove worksheets in. I’m so excited to return to my full bookshelf and pick something to get lost in. I don’t want to search for the themes and meaning of the text; I want to imagine the world that is built and enjoy the story that is told. I’m also excited to write things that aren’t for a grade. I want to explore my own imagination and write whatever I find. That might mean sitting at my computer and word-vomiting until I spark an idea, or releasing my feelings onto the paper of my poetry notebook. I don’t care what or how I write, I just want to write for myself again.
Not only are we escaping the intense pressures of school, we are also getting away from some possibly unconventional ways of living. Coming home from my constantly dusty dorm room and the (usually pretty gross) community bathrooms means long, warm showers. The water falls onto my shoulders and rolls down, taking the tension and anxieties with it. I like to imagine myself as a marble statue being rinsed of the dirt that collects while being on display. I often feel that way at school — on display. Getting in a warm shower that belongs to me takes me away from that, allowing my body to be truly taken care of.
All of these things have something in common: slowing down. School often feels like an obstacle course where you must be the best, or at least pretend like you’re the best. Getting away from that makes time feel slower. At home, I feel like I’m in hibernation underground somewhere with a cup of coffee and a book. I imagine there are no clocks, and I’m just listening to what my mind, body, and soul truly need. Sometimes, I like not knowing what goes on outside. I like not being where I don’t need to be. I like attending to myself and recharging the battery that never feels above 50%.
I don’t feel bad about slowing down and doing what I want to do. And you shouldn’t either. We all need time to understand ourselves and what we’ve been missing. I encourage you to find these small things that make life feel more enjoyable. Take advantage of your free time during this break, even if you still feel like there isn’t enough. Whenever you find a moment, think about what you really need, and what will help you feel human again.