Step Away and Refresh

College Focus Podcast

From Black Dog Scholars LLC

Contact us at podcast@blackdogscholars.com

Podcast #15    How to Step Away and Refresh

 

Ahh, welcome to winter break. I love this time of year. I love the rhythm of the academic year—working intensively for months followed by a clean break for a few weeks. Today we are going to talk about how to really refresh yourself.

 

There are four key points in refreshing yourself after difficult, challenging, competitive work.

 

First, it’s time to get some sleep. Your best sleep comes when you go to bed at the same time each day and get up at roughly the same time. The quality of your sleep is not the same as the quantity of it. If you fall asleep at 3 a.m. and get up around 10 a.m., you will not have the same quality of sleep as you will if you fall asleep around 11 p.m. and wake up around 7 or 8 a.m. Yes, you need hours, but you also need to stop fighting your circadian rhythms which regulate many aspects of your body such as hormones. Set yourself up for deep sleep. Keep the room cold, but have plenty of blankets so you are warm. The cold air, warm body will set you up for hours of good sleep.

 

Next, it is time to physically move. Go outside, even in the cold, and take a walk. Wake up your senses and enjoy the holiday lights. I am a huge fan of snow and one of the things I love is how a fresh snowfall deadens the sound, making everything quiet. If you want to hit the gym, don’t wait for January 1^st, go now. Play with dogs, run a race, go Christmas caroling. Get outside and get moving. Set up a schedule that does not feel like punishment – end your day with a walk outside; hit the gym for just 30 minutes right at noon each day. Remember, you are not punishing yourself; you are rewarding yourself.

 

Another important way to refresh: connect with human beings personally and in real time. Yes, we are still dealing with COVID right now, but you can figure this out. Call a friend and speak to them; don’t text. Invite a friend out for coffee. Get together and go out for breakfast. Go for a walk. Make dessert and bring it to a friend. Just because we need to avoid large crowds doesn’t mean we cannot find ways to meaningfully connect. Rekindle those friendships that faded when you were so busy or strained with the pandemic. Don’t forget the older generation. Who is your favorite aunt or uncle? Is it time to reach out to a grandparent? If you live far apart, pick up the phone and call. Write a short note and mail it. You need genuine communication to build and maintain relationships. Invest in it.

 

Finally, help your fellow human. There is no refreshment like the feeling you get when you help someone else. What random act of kindness can you do? Can you write a short compliment and slide it under someone’s door? Can you volunteer somewhere? Does a neighbor need a little help? Many communities have an online list of organizations that are looking for help. Do you have older neighbors in your building or street that could use a little assistance – a trip to the store, a light bulb changed, the floor vacuumed. Are you going to the store? Grab a few extra items and drop them off at the food pantry or community center. There are needs all around you – you just have to lift your eyes.

 

These are some new things and new habits to invite into your life over winter break. Here’s one way to find more time and more peace – let go of social media. You don’t need to know what other people are doing. You need to focus on the people in front of you. You will find more peace and more energy that way.

 

I wish you a peaceful and refreshing winter break. Merry Christmas.

 

 

 

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