OPINION: Scheduling Time Off

By Jake Zabski

Everyone needs time off once in a while. Living on campus in a pandemic definitely hinders that time, especially because there are no scheduled breaks or days off. The amount of work seems to pile high and higher as we get closer to the end of the semester. I can speak for myself and others when I say that we simply are burnt out and exhausted. Especially people like me who are more introverted, we don’t have enough time to recharge our social batteries. With simply no end in sight, it’s hard to find time to take to ourselves or to relax. Thankfully, I’ve found a way to combat this.

Sometimes you need to simply schedule your relaxation time. I know, it sounds like it’s just another assignment or a timed activity to do in your day, but it really doesn’t have to be that difficult. What I have found really helpful is everyday scheduling a different study room to do my work or online classes in. Not only does it force me out of my room, but it gives me a change of scenery when needed and allows me to get much needed alone time to focus on my assignments and my own mental health.

Another thing that I have found particularly helpful is scheduling working out and exercising. I go for runs on the trails behind campus three to four days a week, and I recently started going for night walks to relax and de-stress from a long day of work. The fun thing about the trails especially now is the beautiful fall foliage and a break from campus, because as soon as you step on the trail you feel like you’ve been taken to an entirely different world. It’s fun, healthy, and a fairly easy and not time-consuming way to relax your mind.

Lastly, I’ve learned to appreciate the smaller things in life. Instead of worrying so much about the future, I’ve started to ground myself more in my everyday tasks and not take for granted what I have. For example, I’ve learned to appreciate when I get my work done early and get to watch some TV (Been currently watching Superstore and The Office for some good laughs!), I’ve learned to appreciate the few sunny and warm days on campus and take the long walk to class, and lastly I’ve come to recognize how grateful I am to be able to still be on campus, despite the way the world is going. I know it can get tough, but we are so close to the end. Break is right around the corner, and we can all rest and enjoy the holidays in the comfort of our homes.