Ah, the mid-semester slump and the welcome relief of spring break. Still, it can be challenging to come back after break knowing that you need to be recharged and focused to do well on the remaining assignments, projects and tests before you reach the finish line. Life seems to be most hectic toward the end of semester and while it can be difficult to get back in the swing of things after a restful spring break it's a must with only weeks remaining.
One way I have found to make it easier to ease back into the necessary work effort is to find small ways to treat myself. After a spring break full of R&R, I am making an effort to carve out time for myself during the week, which helps me to stay focused on what needs to get done. Little acts here and there can make a huge difference in the long run. Plus, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself especially when you're busy it’s easy to make excuses not to do so. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make some time for myself each day.
Schedule Your Day
I'm a bit of a crazy person when it comes to my agenda and to-do list, but I am a true believer that this is a great way to find time for yourself and stay on top of everything. With a full course load and a part-time job, I plan my days and week practically minute by minute, which I know is not for everyone. By scheduling my time, however, I am very aware when I have unscheduled time. Then I use these little windows of free time effectively. Without my schedule, I feel like it would be easy to waste these 15 or 30 minute windows. Instead I use this time to grab a coffee, call home or knock something off my to-do list. Finding those small pockets of time throughout the day can build up and by the end of the day, I feel a sense accomplishment instead of a list of items I wished I had taken time to get done.
Treat Yourself (in moderation)
Sometimes a cake pop can be just the pick me up I need. My favorite is still the Starbucks birthday cake pop — maybe it’s the pink frosting. I find that giving myself something to look forward to or even just a small spur of the moment act can be the lift I need during a challenging day or week. This looks different for everyone, but find a small way that can pick up your day. Maybe it’s not food, but setting aside time to watch an episode of your favorite show or sitting on the quad listening to some music and just relaxing.
Take an Extra Long Shower
I can be very speedy in the shower — the faster I shower, the faster I can get to bed - Ha! Giving myself extra time to stand there and relax can be so refreshing. I add these Smith & Vandiver Aromatherapaes De-Stress spa shower tablets. Its like a bath bomb for the shower. It releases a soothing aroma and encourages me to breath deeply, and relax from the day. There are so many great bath products available with relaxing scents like lavender, vanilla or jasmine. I'd love to hear if you have any products you love.
Make time for Friends
Who doesn't love spending time with their friends, but sometimes life can get crazy busy and you don't have a lot of time. Still carving out time for friends should be a high priority. Even if its just stopping in the hall to talk with someone for five to 10 minutes. A short interaction is still better than no time with others. Recently, I've actively been working on reaching out to friends I do not see as often. Perhaps we had class last semester, but this semester our paths never cross. So, I try to schedule a coffee or a meal together. We all have to eat, right? I love finding time to catch up with others.
While I would love to still be lying by a pool reading a book and relaxing, the end of each semester is always busy. I know gearing back up to make the most of these last few weeks is important, but carving out me time will make it a lot more enjoyable.
How do you find time for yourself?
Post a Comment