There are only so many Instagram transformations and ‘My 5-9 after my 9-5’ videos you can watch before starting to feel like you could be spending your time more productively. Can rest come without remorse?
As university students we are at risk of suffering from academic burnout. With the expectation to join every society, achieve good grades and work part time, setting aside time to relax can be at the bottom of our lists. But our bodies aren’t built to run on Red Bull and two-hour sleep breaks between the club and our 9am’s. To keep our minds in check we require time away from all that, to switch are brains off and recharge!
With the cold season approaching, there is no better time to cosy up with a cup of tea and begin your Gilmore girls rewatch! Perhaps bet rotting isn’t quite your thing, so why seek some respite in a new novel or detox with a walk-through Jesmond Dene. Whether you prefer to slouch on the sofa or take a trip to Tynemouth for a cold-water dip, relaxation can be achieved through any activity that helps you to decompress and leave you feeling re-energised.
Slowing down doesn’t have to mean our social lives to do to. Mindfulness is more than just meditation; we can recharge in the company of others. Why not suggest swapping your next night out for a cosy night in? Movie marathon anyone?
Whilst it can be hard to shake that guilt, it important to think of the bigger picture. Without restoring our energy levels, we are in a more vulnerable state. Forget being a social butterfly when you become crabby with your new pals after one too many sleepless nights! Whilst we may think our bodies can run of fumes (coffee refills from Luthers), it’s only a matter of time before burnout bites. So, when you are next resting up, don’t let your mind trick you into thinking that you’ve hit stop on yourself transformation, you are simply hitting pause, restoring your energy supply to work towards the best version of yourself!