By: Rachael Doyle
Like many of you I spent my semester looking forward to spring break- turning my burnout into sunburn and doing absolutely nothing. What I didn’t realize is that all those adventures- including the immense traveling and that sunburn I previously mentioned- really took a toll on me, and I came back to find that I needed a vacation from my vacation. The days after break now left me feeling even worse than when I left, and since graduation is barely within reach I still have a long way to go before I can start packing it up for good. To prepare for the final stretch of the semester I came up with the perfect recipe to reset, refocus, and realign my space- remembering that how you feel is an emanate reflection on how you will do.
Physical Space:
Surprising to no one, the first thing I did to realign myself was a reset of my physical space- everything I use on a daily basis needed some extra care and attention. Bare minimum surface cleaning is all that I did to my dorm room all semester, so I took the time to deep clean and organize everything. When it came to my closet I packed up all the winter sweaters and jackets I didn’t need anymore, as well as anything I knew I would want to donate. If you’re looking to donate any gently used clothing WiB will be having a spring cleaning fundraiser this April, so be sure to put it all aside for that!
When it came to organizing my school supplies I started with my desk, making sure to sort through all my books and papers, wiping down everything, and getting some new organizers for my pens and pencils that I desperately needed (highly recommend Marshalls if you’re looking for some yourself!). I also did a deep clean of my backpack, once again organizing all my papers and pens so that I am ready to get back to class!
Digital Space:
Genuinely nothing is worse than logging into my email and seeing a full inbox. When it comes to sorting through my email I make sure to create tabs for my different classes, responding to anything I need to as I organize and put things into different folders. I know most people are inclined to just delete everything they see or leave it to clutter even further, but it is important to keep an eye on your inbox! You never know when an important email from a professor, classmate, or even a recruiter could come in- and the worst thing you could do is ignore it. If you’re struggling to keep up with spam and clutter, there are services you can use to help unsubscribe from certain senders and ensure that the important information is staying at the front of your inbox.
As someone who takes a lot of creative classes where photo and video editing are crucial, the file space on my computer is always an uphill battle. Make sure to clean out any unused files on your computer, and store the ones that you may need for later. One of the best things I ever did was buy an external hard drive, and all my important large files and projects go in there for safe keeping. This is also a great idea for anyone who may have an older laptop- if you know you may be graduating or investing in a new device soon, now is the perfect time to back up your best files!
Lastly, make sure to clean out your phone. Delete unused apps, clear out any old messages or photos, and readjust your home screen if needed. One of my favorite new updates on my phone has been the creation of Widgets- they help you prioritize certain apps and information in a clean and organized way. I can personally vouch that it is the sole reason I remember to continue my Duolingo streak each day, and has been a great tool to remind me of updates on anything from homework assignments to the weather. During this time it is also important to take breaks from social media- I am sure many of you (like myself) spent hours scrolling and seeing what everyone else was up to over break, but now that we are in the final stretch of our time on campus make sure you stay present! Go for a walk in Downtown Amherst, read a book by the pond, or spend time with friends at Blue Wall and enjoy the beauty of spring on campus while we still can!
Mental Space
Hopefully some of the above items will help clear your mind and make you feel more relaxed, but there are also many ways to free up your mental space and make you truly feel ready for the rest of the semester. The first thing I have been (trying) to do is get enough sleep- for those of us that didn’t catch up on sleep over break now is the perfect time to start a more restful routine! One thing I have loved doing since break is reading- and reading before bed is a great way to avoid screens and get ready for a peaceful sleep.
One thing I also love doing to reset is going to the gym, it may sound crazy but I swear it is the perfect way to clear your head and make your body feel good! The rec can get pretty hectic during busy hours, so if you’re looking for something more relaxed try going for a walk outside, sign up for an off-campus fitness class (my friends have tried everything from rock climbing to jiu jitsu and loved it) or even do some yoga in your own dorm room! As the weather gets nicer I always feel the need to get out and do something- so even if you just want to stroll around make sure you listen to your body and get out there!
Lastly, spend time with friends and loved ones! I am usually a pretty big home body, but now is the time to get out there! Even if it’s just a coffee date or a catch up call, my friends and family are the ones I lean on most to help center me and get me on the right track.
The final push of the semester can definitely be a struggle for a lot of people, but know you aren’t alone! It is never too late to join a club, start a new hobby or make a new friend. Take care of yourself and remember that there is still so much time to do everything you need while also taking care of yourself and the spaces you have that allow you to succeed.