*all images sourced via Pinterest
Yesterday I had a 30 minute conversation with a friend from Uni which involve both of us calming each other down/freaking each other out about University stress/dissertation/graduation. We basically went back and forth comparing workloads (between ourselves and gossipping about how far other people on our course had gotten) and crapping ourselves about how little time we have left to get everything done.
It’s a horrendous time of year to be a final year University student with looming deadlines, constant pressure and late, late essay writing nights. We often talk about the physical signs of stress “I’m so sleepy”/”My head hurts from studying”/”My shoulders/neck/eyes/back aches from sitting and staring at a computer screen for so long”/”I’ve eaten so little/so much because of the amount of work I have to do”, but it’s also worthwhile acknowledging the mental side effects of consistent pressure.
Taking time out just to rest your brain and stop yourself from completely destroying your mental welfare is so, so important, not just for us University students but for anyone putting pressure on themselves.
In the past few weeks every time I’ve found myself getting completely and utterly wound up, I’ve stood up and walked away, just for 5 minutes. I read a few paragraphs of a book, or gotten a drink, or scrolled through Instagram, or closed my eyes.
I’ve also given myself an allowance of time to just not think about University and do something mindless or enjoyable. Which is why today I’m heading to Brighton to catch up with some blogging ladies, miles away from my awfully scary pile of work on my desk. Tomorrow I’ll get cracking on 9am again to beat the crap outta another essay, but I know future me will have appreciated the time away from the constant “Holy smokes graduation is so close” anxiety.
So for anyone in the same position as me now, or feeling the same things, I’m not saying forget your studies or procrastinate for hours on end. I am saying, take care of number one first.
Also if you’re looking for more motivation I’d definitely recommend watching the video below from one of my favourite Youtubers, Linda aka OpenEllbey. She’s referring to the writing process but the message applies to any hurdle you’re trying to jump! (plus the analogy is pure genius!).