These days, it seems as if everyone is constantly overworking themselves. Throughout high school, and now in college, I felt as if there was this constant competition to see who works the most. I remember hearing people brag about the little sleep they got in high school, as if sleeping 3 hours versus a full 8 somehow made them more productive, and as a result, a more successful student. I never understood this idea in high school, and while people don’t necessarily talk about it in college, I still hear about the all-nighter’s students pull to finish their assignments and study.
This is not the culture that we should be emphasizing and teaching to the younger generation. The idea of overworking yourself to the point of exhaustion is ridiculous. At the end of the day, your health matters more than how productive you are. I think as a society, we should be prioritizing our health. It’s so important to take a step back and just relax sometimes. Studies have shown that you’re more likely to be productive working in 25-30-minute intervals with a 5-minute break rather than for hours at a time. Overworking can lead to stress, which, in the long term, if unmanaged, can lead to health problems, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. This is an issue not only in universities, but also in the workplace; companies have been implementing strategies to help employees lead healthier lifestyles, and universities have workshops to help students destress and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Recently, I’ve been prioritizing taking a break when I feel overworked, and I’ve found that it really helps me.
If I’m ever stressed out, I like to go to the gym for a quick workout. This might just be personal preference, but I find that going to the gym helps my overall mood, and I feel refreshed after a good workout. Working out allows the brain to produce more endorphins, which can help you feel positive and happier. Some other things I like to do when I need a quick break include listening to music, going for a quick walk around campus, or talking with one of my friends. Taking a break can help you feel refreshed and ready to work, and just increase positive feelings in general.
I hope that as a society, we can start prioritizing our health and slowing down to enjoy life. Life is too short not to enjoy and to be working all day; slow down, take a break, and appreciate the people around you. After all, life is about the spending time with the people you love and enjoying every moment, not that assignment due tomorrow.