Recharging After A Long Semester

Written By: Jenna McConnell 

Thumbnail & Banner Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

After a long and grueling semester, the following weeks of no studying, classes, and stress is a breath of fresh air. While the spring semester looms for some, there is still ample time to rest and recharge in between, and a break is very well-deserved. Having time to return to hobbies, relax with loved ones, and enjoy the sun (when it decides to show up) is just the rejuvenating ticket we need to recover after these past months. But how can we best spend this newfound free time? 

Find New Hobbies, and Return to Old Favourites   

Of course, achieving this is going to look different for each individual. Everyone has their own personal interests that bring them joy and help them unwind from a stressful day. Personally, I love getting to enjoy some fun family time, or lounging on my deck with a good book (currently reading Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, and loving it!) and a cold drink. Getting to indulge in these hobbies more often and without the guilt of assignments hanging overhead is sure to bring a newfound peace and sense of freedom. Find what works for you, and enjoy! We all deserve some restful fun. As well, trying something new can prove a great challenge! Whether it be a life skill like cooking or sewing, something fun creative like photography or writing, or something to get you active, anything new that sparks joy is a lovely way to start your journey back to yourself after such a long time of obligations and due dates. 

Get Back Into Working

There is also the aspect of financial recovery from the past semester. Tuition and textbooks bleed dry even the most coupon-savvy of us, and it takes time to build up those savings accounts. Many are living paycheck to paycheck and feel intense pressure to keep the steady income rolling in. Perhaps one could use this period of in-between to jump into working more, whether that be a part-time job, or looking for volunteer opportunities to put on resumes and applications. Volunteering, especially, can be quite rewarding; it feels nice to focus on helping others and doing good for the community: you could even try exploring other cultures by volunteering in a new city or country! 

However necessary and useful these ideas may be, implementing these ideas in itself can add stress to your life. SMU does offer some great and very flexible career options on campus for some low-stakes and fun employment for students! You can find lots of interesting opportunities on career360, and applying online is super simple. Whether it be a facet of SMUSA, the Patrick Power Library, or a society like the SMU Journal (we’re looking for new writers!), a great time and some valuable work experience is not far away!

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash

Head Outside and Unplug   

It is vitally important to unplug from technology every so often as well. Turning off the cell phone and laptop, and spending time on other, more hands-on endeavors, is a great way to reset the brain. Taking a calming walk through nature, sitting out in the sun with a book or some music, or a night out with pals are all great options to recharge. Time away from the continuous demands and noise of the online world will do wonders for reducing stress, and gives us a chance to reconnect with ourselves and others in a more concrete way. It will help to make jumping back into the next semester, whenever that may be for you, just a bit less painful. Whether it be for a few days, a week, or even the entire summer break, it will prove to be an enlightening experience. 

Take a Weekend Camping Trip

One great way of unplugging is by going camping! A childhood classic for many, venturing out into one of Nova Scotia’s many wooded campsites and exploring for a weekend is a wonderful way to recenter yourself, and spend time with loved ones! It is usually quite cheap to rent a spot for the weekend, and many different areas to choose from. Sleeping under the stars, roasting marshmallows and getting a great tan–what sounds better than that? There are also many beautiful cabin sites for rent if you’re not into the whole sleeping-on-the-ground thing, which also makes for lovely, and slightly more comfortable, trips. 

It is also worth noting that finishing a semester is no easy feat, and one that should be celebrated! No matter how many classes you took, it is an accomplishment to get this far. Taking some well-earned time for yourself is not selfish in the least, and will benefit you in many, many ways. It is an exciting time of year for all, and with it comes a summer of new adventures and unforgettable memories. Take a breath and soak it all in!