It’s another lonely hour as midnight slowly approaches. You’ve been slouched at your desk all night, trying to understand the philosophic rambles, the Pythagorean nonsense. College consumes all of your thoughts, demands all your attention. Every moment is dedicated to books. Every breath is burdened by frustration.
An education wasn’t meant to be so…hard.
But it is and you wonder now if you’ll even have the desire to use what you’ve learned when you finally earn your degree. You think perhaps you’ll simply be too tired.
The pursuit of knowledge is worthy. It is also, however, exhausting.
It’s necessary therefore that you maintain your composure, countering the effects of college and its many requirements. You are becoming independent, making that slow transition from youth to adulthood. And the days can be damning in their insistence. You must find ways to balance the madness. You must be able to tame the stress.
Consider, then, these simple (but vital) suggestions and rejuvenate yourself and your sanity.
Computer Connections
The miles home seem infinite, a distance too great to conquer during those few hours when you’re not slaving over ink, trying to memorize prose. Your family is waiting far away and you long for conversations, the easy laughter. They can both be found again; you simply must utilize your computer. Create a college blog that your loved ones can read and trade comments on. Use social networks for instant messaging. Create an online album, updating it with photos of your many adventures. Each day can be a sharing of stories and secrets, even with state lines still sprawled between.
Domesticity
It seems an impossible thing, but you actually miss the many scents of the kitchen in the home you grew up in. You even wish for corners to clean and space to decorate. The domestic labors seem impractical now, however. They’ve been replaced by studying. This must change, though. To regain a sense of normality offer yourself little chores and activities. Cook (even if it’s just on a hot plate). Accessorize your room with photographs and familiar art. Remove those stacks of pizza-stained notes. This will provide a welcomed pause from your work and will remind you of being at home, rather than being confined to a dorm.
Pause for Play
Hours are traitorous things, always disappearing and always leaving you scrambling after. There is never enough time. It’s instead stolen by university duties; the books and campus absurdities. You are forever working. There must still be moments, however, dedicated to relaxation. Your mind may be willing but your body requires more than energy drinks and desperation. Be certain to offer yourself breaks throughout each day. Go for a walk. Watch a favorite film. Attempt to master a new game. You simply must separate yourself from studying.
The college experience is one you would never trade, but you still fret over its demands, the success that seems elusive. You must understand that infusing a bit of comfort into your schedule is necessary, and even simple gestures shouldn’t be denied.
You are moving toward a better future. Keep that in mind and your sanity will have a steady balance.
This post brought to you by Abraham Jackson
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