August has come and gone. Summer, despite the deceptively warm weather, has faded away. We’ve reached the point where the pressure of constant schoolwork is here. Like many others, I always dread the mundane task of homework. Recently, I’ve spent many afternoons binge-watching Gilmore Girls for the 1000th time while I tell myself I’ll start my work after one more episode. Spoiler alert: It’s never just one more episode.
As I enter my second year at Boston College and leave a summer of transformation and joy behind, one question lingers on my mind: How can I remain my happiest self and take time to relax while also ensuring success in my classes?
As I’ve been searching for the answer to this question, the ‘it’ girl trend has reappeared on social media. Images of perfectly slicked-back buns, high-end tote bags, and aesthetically pleasing class notes flood my feed. While this imagery can be inspiring and motivating, it’s a facade. As a low-income student, these images can also be isolating when you don’t have the resources to recreate what’s trending. More broadly, the unattainable nature of these internet personas is dejecting for everyone.
What the pictures and videos on your Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest feeds won’t tell you is that pushing to be the ‘it’ girl is impossible. This is not to say that schoolwork is unimportant, but it is not plausible to leave room for joy while also maintaining perfectly laid-out notebooks for every single class. Where does balance come in? Often, your happiness and mental health are put on the backburner. With midterms approaching, finding the equilibrium between being an academic weapon and enjoying life is crucial. Here are some tips on how to embrace a well-rounded lifestyle as a BC student.
Incorporate Joy Into Studying
I used to hate studying. I dreaded reviewing class materials, and I often put off studying before assessments out of hubris. Studying only brought me stress. This semester, my perspective has changed. Finding a comfortable spot in the library, creating fun playlists, grabbing a snack or drink, and wearing comfortable clothes are all ways to incorporate joy into your studying. Now, when I hunker down to study, I sit in my favorite spot on O’Neill 3, listen to my fall-inspired playlist, grab my ritual Starbucks order, and don my most comfortable sweater. Finding joy and romanticizing the simple aspects of studying—aspects that we otherwise overlook—has transformed a dreadful activity into something I look forward to.
Designate Time for Yourself
Burnout is an incredibly common outcome in any academic setting. Overloading and overworking become second nature as assignments amass. Burnout is so easy to succumb to, but it is key to remember that we are more than students. While academics are a large part of our identities at this time in our lives, they are not all there is to us. We are multifaceted, dynamic individuals. If you want to cultivate a well-rounded lifestyle, I recommend thinking of a few of your favorite hobbies that have nothing to do with academics and dedicating time to them every week. Setting aside time for what brings you joy outside of the classroom is just as, if not more, important as reading that extra chapter for class. By indulging in your interests and hobbies, it is much easier to avoid burnout and maintain your happiness at school. Then, you can reapproach your studies with more motivation and a clearer mindset.
While everyone operates differently, one principle remains for all of us: While we are BC students, we are so much more than just that. Prioritizing what brings you joy in life and bringing that joy back into academics is key to seeing your best self actualized.
