The idea of “me-time” can frequently feel elusive as a graduate student getting my degree in Book Publishing, working as a project manager, preparing for PhD applications and research, writing my final thesis, and working several jobs. It seems impossible to find time for personal activities and taking a break. However, I’ve discovered that maintaining my equilibrium and sanity requires finding time to disconnect and refuel.
Below, I have included some of my personal experiences and tips. As well as general advice to help everyone out there who is like me, and seems to find themselves busier and busier every day, desperately needing a break.
Recognizing the Need for a Break
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day rush. At times, it feels like there’s always one more task, email, or project that needs my attention. However, it is not sustainable to continuously jump from one deadline to the next. Too much stress leads to not only burnout, but also headaches, fatigue, and a general sense of being overwhelmed that is paralyzing. Worse, when I’m stressed to the point of exhaustion, my productivity drops and the quality of my work suffers. So, I have learned the need to take pauses.
I understand that this is easier said than done. Even though burnout is a common topic, juggling a busy life is difficult, and when there’s always something to do, taking time for yourself can seem like a luxury. However, it’s important to keep in mind that taking a step back is crucial to maintaining functionality over time. If you do not take care of yourself and let your brain rest, the work you get done on exhaustion will not be nearly as successful as the work you get done when you feel rejuvenated.
The Importance of Unrelated Hobbies
I’ve realized that when I’m deep in the pockets of deadlines, even the smallest breaks can make a big difference. For me, that often means stepping away from work for a few minutes to stare at a wall, have a smoothie, or read something completely unrelated to my thesis or job. But one of the most valuable ways I find my reset is through attending hockey games. With playoff hockey in full swing right now, I’ve been traveling quite a bit to catch games, and it’s honestly been a lifeline. The energy of the arena, the excitement of the game, and the chance to leave everything else behind for a couple of hours are essential to maintaining my focus and sanity.
Hockey is my time to completely unplug and enjoy the moment, which has been an essential part of managing my stress. A lot of my hobbies are still centered around what I do for a living, but hockey is not connected to anything I do academically or professionally. I highly recommend finding a hobby completely unrelated to work to give yourself that balance.
Embracing Spontaneity to Recharge
Sometimes, the best way to restore energy and take a break is to step away from the plans and expectations either you have set for yourself, or have been put on you. I have a bad habit of putting the world on my shoulders, and trying to do everything even when I don’t have time because I have FOMO. While this allows me to learn many things, it’s a lot of pressure I have put onto myself.
To help counteract this, I’m a fan of spontaneity. Spontaneous travels, for example, aren’t always in my schedule, but when the opportunity arises, I’ve learned to embrace them. These spontaneous trips give me the freedom to escape for a while and disconnect from work and studies.
When I’m at home, I will spontaneously turn up my music and dance around my apartment with my dogs. It sounds silly, but it’s honestly one of the best ways I relieve stress. I can be sitting on the couch, overwhelmed and overthinking, but when I spontaneously twirl around my living room, suddenly, the stress isn’t so glaring.
I also recently made a spontaneous purchase at 3 a.m. on a mini trampoline. I highly recommend buying one. How can you not smile and be less stressed while literally jumping on a trampoline in the kitchen any time you want?
So, go for it. Do it. Take a break and go do something unplanned.
Balancing Everything Is Hard, and Sometimes It’s Just Not Possible
Sometimes it feels like it’s just not possible to balance everything, especially when you’re juggling multiple roles and needs. Some days, my tasks are so overwhelming that adding even a short break seems out of reach. There are days when I can’t catch up on all my work, and as a workaholic, that doesn’t sit right with me. But, I am learning that it is okay if not everything gets done in one day, and that some things are just going to have to wait. Perfection isn’t the goal, sanity is.
That said, I’ve come up with a few tips for trying to balance everything while also carving out some “me-time” that you could try:
Tips for Managing the Madness:
- Prioritize Your Tasks—Not everything is urgent. Identify what absolutely needs to get done today and what can wait. This can help reduce the feeling of being constantly behind.
- Schedule Your Breaks—I know it sounds counterintuitive but if you don’t, it won’t happen. Block off time on your calendar for a walk or even a few minutes to just sit and breathe. During hockey season, I try to plan my work around the game schedule.
- Set Boundaries—Setting boundaries around your work hours is essential. You need that time to recharge in order to come back stronger. Don’t get too good at multitasking, that defeats the purpose of “me-time.”
- Embrace Imperfection—Sometimes the most important step is accepting that everything won’t get done today. Learning to let go of the need to be perfect and trusting that you’ll get it done eventually is part of the process.
- Use Small Moments for Mental Resets—If a long break isn’t possible, take a few seconds throughout the day to reset mentally. A few minutes of stretching or even a cup of tea can make a big difference.
Just take a few steps at a time, and things will work out.
Acknowledging the Bigger Picture
With all the moving parts of life, it’s easy to get tunnel vision, but I make an effort to remind myself that life is happening right now and that it’s crucial to appreciate it. Even while the work is vital, what keeps me grounded during the busy times are the experiences and memories I make. Even the silly spontaneous moments like dancing with my dogs or watching hockey are what make days manageable.
Living your life is what truly matters. Don’t skip your best friend’s birthday, don’t miss out on a fun road trip, and don’t skip a concert because you have a lot going on. Do your best to organize your days and rearrange your workload to accommodate everything. I understand this could add stress, so sometimes the best thing is taking the whole day and doing nothing. The ultimate goal is to enjoy your life and not get hyper-focused on responsibilities.
Work will be there and while deadlines aren’t flexible, the people in your life matter, and you matter. Don’t fret too much over the glaring responsibilities of your everyday life.