It’s finally the time of year where the air is getting chilly, warm beverages are abundant, and I can wear layers of comfy clothes to all of my classes without feeling sweaty and gross (well… not too sweaty). Although most of the time I want to snuggle up under a pile of warm blankets when the weather gets cold, I’m also excited to explore the city. Philadelphia has a wide variety of places to visit – like quaint coffee shops, beautiful museums, and even an ice skating rink at City Hall that’s opening in November! I can spend hours exploring, and getting off campus for a little while is always so refreshing. I’m also lucky enough to have a car now, which I keep parked a few blocks from campus. Some nights, my friends and I will take a study break and drive out to the suburbs. Very little compares to the joy of driving in a warm car in the middle of the night, without anyone else on the roads, listening to a playlist full of good songs.
When I was an underclassmen, and even during most of my junior year, I seldom took breaks to do things I enjoyed. When I did take time to relax, I always ended up feeling really bad about myself for not using the time to do more “important” things, like completing an assignment, studying for an exam, or organizing a club meeting. Even simple things like taking a walk, cooking a good meal, or watching a movie made me feel lazy and unproductive. I didn’t realized that self care was also supposed to be on my to-do list. This doesn’t just include the basic necessities that I was neglecting (sleeping enough, eating right, and exercising), but also fun things, like going out dancing with my friends, spending a full day hiking at Bushkill Falls, going to concerts, or even sitting around for a few hours doing absolutely nothing.
This year, I’ve made it a priority to schedule in “Nina Time,” where I try to take part of at least one day each week to do whatever I want without feeling guilty about it. It may seem like a small change, but the difference it’s made in my life is unbelievable. I’m less stressed, more centered, and somehow I feel like my regular to-do list is a lot more manageable.
I encourage everyone reading this to take at least half an hour right now to step away from your stressful obligations. Gravitate towards something or someone who makes you happy, and focus only on that. Your to-do list can wait, but your body’s needs cannot.
Enjoy your “[Insert name here] Time”, and be sure to tell a friend to do the same!
