How do you all handle your free time?
Hi everyone!
I’m a second-year psychology undergrad, aiming for a PhD in Clinical Psychology. I’ve built a solid CV so far and stay quite busy. I’m a proud member of the honors college with a 4.0 GPA, I volunteer at a crisis hotline, hold a position as an officer in a club, and work as a research assistant in two clinical labs and one social lab (I’m also developing two projects for poster presentations). As a first-gen student, I’m hoping to land a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) this summer.
In my downtime, I love reading, watching films, listening to music, and exercising. However, I often struggle with guilt when I engage in these activities. I constantly feel like there’s something else I should be focusing on, which leaves me feeling anxious and exhausted. I’m curious if anyone else experiences this ongoing worry? If so, how do you manage to relax and make the most of your free time?
Hey there!
First off, it sounds like you’re doing an incredible job balancing everything, and it’s completely normal to feel guilty about taking time for yourself, especially in such a demanding field. Many students, particularly those with ambitious goals, struggle with the same feelings of anxiety and guilt when it comes to downtime.
Here are a few strategies that I’ve found helpful in managing those feelings:
Set Boundaries: Allocate specific times for work and relaxation, and stick to them. Knowing you have dedicated “work” time can help ease the guilt when you step away for a bit of fun or relaxation.
Reframe Your Mindset: Try to view your downtime as an essential part of productivity, not a hindrance. Engaging in activities you enjoy can actually enhance your creativity and efficiency when you return to work.
Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that it’s okay to take breaks. Everyone needs rest, and it doesn’t diminish your work ethic or ambition. Give yourself permission to enjoy those activities without guilt.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These can help you stay grounded and reduce anxiety about what you should be doing.
Connect with Others: Talk to fellow students or friends about how you’re feeling. Often, just knowing that others share similar struggles can lighten the load and provide support.
Reflect on Your Achievements: Take some time to acknowledge all the hard work you’ve done so far. Keeping a journal of your accomplishments, big and small, can help remind you that you are indeed making progress.
Lastly, remember that taking time for self-care is essential for your long-term success. You’ve already accomplished so much, and taking breaks to recharge will only help you continue to excel. Hope this helps!