October break gleamed in the distance weeks before it even started on my calendar. My brain was ready to take a break from dozens of pages of readings, English essays and waking up for my 9 a.m. classes so I could relax at home for a week. However, with the absence of work, I found myself longing for an assignment I could submit on Canvas so that I could be rewarded with the special sparkles — feeling ever so productive.
I spent the first two days of break reacclimating myself to life at home and taking advantage of my non-dorm amenities — like free laundry — which I now have a newfound gratitude for. Soon, I realized I had nothing but time on my hands. I could spend it doing anything since I had no work!
But after being at Yale for almost two months, I’ve been used to going to the library every day and wired on my “go-go-go” mindset. I feel almost uncomfortable or unnatural not checking my Google Calendar for club meeting updates or racing against the clock to meet an 11:59 p.m. deadline.
Jumping straight from the height of midterm season to fall break was such a drastic switch in my daily routine and what I consider to be productive. Enjoying my favorite pastime activities all day felt wrong — as if I was procrastinating on a looming assignment.
There’s a toxicity around the glamourization of hustle culture and the pressure to capitalize on our free time. Even though taking advantage of my empty schedule on the weekends is beneficial, I also am aware it could be used to incorporate self-care time and recharge before the week starts. During the break I remembered my favorite activities like painting, reading for pleasure, and catching up with friends over FaceTime, which made me realize I can implement this into my busy school schedule. Although it may feel like we are getting ahead of others and using our free time more productively, it’ll lead to burnout in times when you really need the motivation. I know when I’m one quarter of the way through my essay and my eyes are crossing, it can get hard to remember that.
This is what I learned over October break: not every moment needs to be taken advantage of for personal gain. We must find a healthy balance and know when to turn off our academic rigor. We must reclaim our right to rest and enjoy our free time.