Over the past couple of months, I have become the picture of an overworked college student in need of a break. It wasn’t just that I was working 30 hours a week on top of my academic workload. In those months, I stopped prioritizing what needed attention: me and my health. I felt myself falling short on basic ways of taking care of myself. I forgot to make myself meals, and actually give myself breaks throughout the day. I was waking up feeling like I hadn’t even slept. By the time we were a few weeks away from Spring Break, all I could do was keep my head down and push to the finish line. I was exhausted. However, I came to realize that if I had just been giving myself time to address my own needs in a day, I could have been happier and healthier. So here is how I will be handling my needs effectively as another busy quarter ramps up.
Setting aside one part of your day that is time for you and you alone.Â
We tell people over and over “Give yourself a break,” and yet it is so hard to listen to when it comes to yourself. Scheduling even a small portion of your day that is for you is a key involvement in avoiding burnout. It is so easy to let the things we want to do fall onto the backburner. Yet, it is so important you don’t let them. These moments for yourself can be small, a five minute break for meditation, or larger, doing a spa night because the stress acne is getting to you. For me, as the weather improves, it looks like going on a walk outdoors with my headphones blasting whatever will bring me back to center. I also indulge in tanning because it lets me lay down and just relax while I enjoy the high UV levels that Davis has to offer. It doesn’t matter, it just needs to be something that is for you and will provide you a moment of sanction for all your hard work.Â
Remind yourself of one win every day.Â
It is so easy to forget how many wins you have every day. Some things you may expect of yourself, but sometimes you need to celebrate getting through a day that seemed heinous when you started it. Some days, all you can win at is making it to every class, meeting, or work shift you have on your plate. Some days your only win may have been giving yourself a break for your own sanity. Find something to celebrate for yourself because you are trying so hard and it is paying off. So take a win where you can find it, there is always one hanging around the corner.
Keep in mind why you are working so hard.
There is a reason you are doing what you’re doing. You have goals you set out for yourself. Remind yourself what that means to you. It seems so simple, but we often push ourselves so hard we forget if the fight is worth it. But everyday you accomplish something, and those accomplishments are what give you power and a step forward on the journey you are on. Make sure the reason you are doing this is a good one. You have the power to make anything happen, just make sure you want it to.Â
It is easy to let chaos take charge in your life. Finding balance in your strive and your actual livelihood is what will take you further. You need to make the conscious decision to prioritize yourself, because it will get lost if you let it. Conscious reflection is what will take you so much further. You are doing a great job, but don’t let it overcome you. You are a priority too, treat yourself as such.