Before we jump into the tips, I would just like to ask how on Earth is it already reading week? How on Earth is it already close to the middle of October when I feel like the school year just started? I don’t know about you, but my profs this semester have made me feel like I already missed 10 assignments, even in the first week. Am I slightly exaggerating? That is quite possibly true but you understand my point.
Tip #1: Make sure to take some time for yourself
I know from experience that all you want to do on reading week, for those of us who are not lucky enough to go on a getaway vacation, is work crazy hours at our jobs and get ahead in school. However, you need to make sure you take a minute to breathe and look at all the hard work you’ve accomplished! If you’re anything like me, you already work a crazy schedule during the school term and then you feel like you have to work even more during reading week to make up for the fact that you have to take time off during midterm season. But listen, it’s okay if you don’t accomplish all of the school work and work hours that you want to accomplish because again, what is reading week really for? When you think about it, reading week is supposed to be a time where you can relax as well as study for any upcoming midterms or catch up on anything you have not yet done. I know the eager beavers are going to try and make a whole week’s list of schoolwork to be doing but you have to make sure to spend time on yourself so you can recuperate and be ready for the rest of the term. If you don’t, you may burn out. To prevent burnout, maybe go for a long walk, make some plans with friends from your hometown, or just spend a day watching Halloween movies. I don’t know what you like to do but do something that is going to make you feel relaxed, happy and well-rested because there is nothing worse than starting midterm season still exhausted.
Tip #2: Create a schedule
With what I said above, creating a schedule is always a good idea as you can schedule some time for yourself as well as understand what tasks need to be done. Maybe you have a couple of midterms to study for. If so, create some schedules based on that, making sure to throw in some rest time for yourself and you’re good to go! I find schedules help me the most with reducing stress as I can visually see what I need to be doing and what I need to accomplish during the week of no classes!
Tip #3: Get some fresh air
I don’t know about you, but I find if I’m inside all day working, doing schoolwork and going to my classes, I’m not actually outside getting some fresh air, I feel sick and I start losing a lot of energy and motivation. This isn’t good, so I suggest getting fresh air whether that is going for a walk every day, going for a run or even just going to a friend’s house. Overall, make sure you get some air because being cooped up all day doing school work or working a job is not the best thing for your mental and physical well-being!
Tip #4: DON’T STRESS
Now, the last tip I have for you is don’t stress. I know this is easier said than done and believe me, I’m someone who over-stresses and over-thinks to the max. I’ll be honest about that, however, if you continue to stress over reading week you will not be able to catch up on the rest that you actually need to be able to continue the rest of the school term. Just because your week might not go to plan and you might not be able to get all the stuff that you need to get done, that’s okay. Reading week is supposed to be a week of relaxation and rest, not necessarily let’s go-go-go and study 24 hours every single day for the next week. I mean make sure you do the majority of the things that you need to do like if you have an exam after reading week you might want to make sure you study but do not stress if your week isn’t following the plan that you created in your head because that’s okay! Life doesn’t always go to plan and we need to start feeling less sorry for ourselves when things don’t work out the way we want. We can and will adapt to the best of our abilities. Just do the best you can do. That’s all anyone should ever ask from you. Now I know telling someone to not stress is only going to make them stress even more, however, stressing out over a week that’s supposed to be relaxing just doesn’t make sense, does it? The answer you should be telling yourself right now is no, no, it doesn’t make sense to stress over a week that’s meant to help your mental health!
Now, I know most of these tips are pretty straightforward and probably ones you’ve already heard before, so I’m sorry if they aren’t the most helpful. However, they are the ones that you need to take in. Remember, do the best you can do and try and plan the best you can but if things don’t work out 100%, that is okay. Life isn’t perfect for you or me and that is 100% fine. Congratulations and give yourself a pat on the back for all you have accomplished thus far. You should be proud of yourself for being in school and for all you have left to accomplish for this fall term! Good luck on exams, my dear readers!