For most of my college career, I have always tried to find a balance between my work and my peace. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. Exam-heavy weeks, back-to-back projects, and the other hundred things we all have to do can cause us to lose focus and prohibit us from living in the moment. As I am wrapping up my time at UMass Amherst, I have been striving to attain this balance at all points in my life and not just when my week is more free. I’m here to tell you how you can also find these pockets of serenity throughout your daily life.
One small thing I did that’s had a wonderful benefit to my mental health is buying a succulent. It’s a small thing that keeps me grounded in the chaos of the day. Trying to water it at least every couple of days or when it looks like it needs some water also helps me stay structured, giving me a little routine before I tackle the rest of my work.
There are some weeks when I forget to water it, and then I realize I have been so caught up in my work that I haven’t even had time to water a plant. I start thinking about the last time I drank water or ate a proper meal, and so I stay accountable and take care of myself. I feel like the health of my succulent also mirrors how I am doing. Usually, if it looks dry and hasn’t been watered for a while, I haven’t been paying attention to anything outside of studying and work. So, this cycle made me start reflecting on what I could do to take better care of myself all the time.
Incorporating little tidbits of self-care and relaxation during busy weeks also helps me feel less overwhelmed. Things like taking a five-minute walk, getting food with a friend, and sleeping a decent hour are all ways to destress without feeling like you’re not being productive. Especially when I am studying for an exam, I will make sure to sip water throughout a study session. If I feel tired after an hour or two, I take a break and do something else that is less energy-intensive. I also use the easier weeks to get ahead of any assignments that I know will pile up later, thus reducing my future workload.
Another super important thing to protect your peace and find serenity is to do things you find fun. I know this seems obvious, but sometimes I know I need a reminder that it is ok to ‘rot’ at home, or go out and live a little. Not every day has to be incredibly productive. Exploring my college town, going on a drive, or just sitting outside for a bit helps me decompress from everything else.
These are some of the ways I stay grounded as I go through my week, and I hope they help you as well!
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