Free time in college can feel elusive. In a recent Student Health 101 survey, over 90 percent of respondents said they at least occasionally feel like they don’t have enough time for themselves, and more than 15 percent said they feel like this on a daily basis.
So how can you prevent your schedule from steamrolling you into exhaustion? It’s all about taking breaks.
Naomi talks about finding me time. (MP4, 01:28)
When you have a full to-do list–of writing papers, studying for exams, going to work, and participating in campus activities–squeezing in leisure time can feel like a luxury, but it’s actually necessary.
If you’ve ever tried to power through a long study period or creative task with no breaks, you probably know what it’s like to hit a wall, that point where you’re no longer productive. This happens because your brain is structured to need both periods of work and rest.
Have you ever heard someone say, “I think best in the shower,” or “I’m going to take a walk and clear my head?” These aren’t just clichés. Taking a break gives your brain time to process all the information you’ve thrown at it.
“Self-care is important for productivity, [especially] when you’ve got a lot on your plate,” says Rachel F., a graduate student at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, who also works part time. “Taking a break and rejuvenating often helps me come up with my best ideas.”
In his world-renowned book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ®, Stephen R. Covey’s seventh suggestion is, “Sharpen the Saw.” Here he tells the story of a man who gets exhausted trying to cut down a tree with a dull saw but continues anyway. If he’d stop and take time to sharpen his saw, the break would help his progress. The same is true for you: Taking a break to recharge is a way to sharpen your thinking, reflexes, and emotional resilience.
It’s also necessary for your physical health. Hannah W., a fourth-year student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, says, “Getting [enough rest] is necessary for me to be able to study efficiently. I can’t think straight when I’m tired.”
What should your break look like? The answer depends on what sorts of activities you find soothing or that boost your energy.
For Tanya P., a first-year student at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario, jogging offers much-needed thinking time and a chance to clear her mind, while Alyssa C., a second-year student at George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario, loves to get lost in books that aren’t required reading. “Over the winter break I loaded up my [electronic reader] and caught up on everything I wanted to read during the fall,” she says.
Take a moment to think about when you feel most relaxed, or even excited. “You time” is just that: for you. It doesn’t have to be appealing to anyone else. For Rachel, playing the guitar brings her joy, but tidying up helps too. “[Removing] clutter from my room helps [clear] my brain,” she explains. “I can’t feel entirely organized unless the space around me is organized, too.”
Daniel shares how he makes time for himself. (MP4, 01:55)
A little mindless TV can be fine, but vegging out in front of electronic devices won’t give your brain relief from the eye strain and multitasking associated with technology.
Daniel R., a fifth-year student at the University of Calgary in Alberta, says, “Staring at the computer screen for long periods of time can be exhausting. It puts [me] in sort of a daze.”
At least once a day, even if just for half an hour, set aside your computer, tablet, phone, and earphones. Find a quiet place, or connect with some friends in person. It’s essential to shift your energy toward real human connection on a regular basis, and also have time to reach a peaceful state.
So now the key is to figure out when to take a break. Some students set a regular schedule, putting time for themselves in their calendars–just as they would a lecture, doctor’s appointment, or other responsibility. Otherwise, time may be frittered away or seem like something expendable. Eric C., a first-year student at Ryerson University in Toronto, says, “It’s important to schedule time to relax when you’re organizing your day or week.”
Alyssa makes sure to schedule some time each day for herself. “I like to wake up a few hours earlier [than necessary] during the week to have alone time and pump myself up for the day,” she says.
Daniel arranges for down time by staying in touch with friends. “I make a point to connect with [them] throughout the day,” he says. “Getting out of my head and bouncing ideas off others helps me go back to work refreshed.”
Taking little breaks during the school year is important, but longer periods of time off (like summer and winter breaks) are great times to try something new. Kelsey B., a fourth-year student at the University of Guelph, does this by teaching abroad during the summer.
If you find some things challenging during the school year you can also use a break from school to refocus and reset your habits.
Kelsey says, “Breaks are a great opportunity to establish healthier habits. Learning how to take care of our bodies and minds isn’t always learned in class.” For example, Eric started coaching soccer the summer before he started university and plans to continue.
Take some time to evaluate if you’re meeting your own goals. If not, you can set priorities and create an action plan. Just make sure the plan includes time to recharge. However you choose to spend “me time” or your summer break, take the “break” part seriously and enjoy the benefits of having balance in your life.
Kristina shares how she finds time for herself. (MP4, 01:29)
HEIDI PRIEBE is a fourth-year student studying Psychology at the University of Guelph.
In our world of technology, overstimulation can feel like the norm. Here are some ways to find calm:
