Hiking the Wissahickon Trails.
I overheard a professor once saying that the majority of students at Arcadia balance a job, internship, and full-time classes. It is funny because I myself have taken on that load, and I know that I often get burned out. Having been there, I’ve got a few tips for you on handling burnout.
First things first, you know what you can handle, and it is important to be honest with yourself. I recently had to talk to a professor about not being able to work as a research assistant next semester. Why? I needed to prioritize my time and be honest with myself about what I can really handle. It was hard because I am someone who thinks that I can do it all. My logic was that if it could physically fit in my schedule, then that meant I could handle it. However, when I would get back to my apartment, I would be too exhausted to go out for dinner with friends, or too busy to do anything on the weekends. It’s important to prioritize and consider you would be okay with taking off your plate.
When I feel like I want to unwind and clear my mind from the 101 things circling around in it, I visit the Wissahickon Trails and just hike. Nothing too intense; I am not at that level. But it is nice to just get fresh air and move my body. Another thing I like to do is go on brunch dates with my friends to Elcy’s Cafe or even Dunkin. I am 100% a Dunkin girl, so don’t cross it off your list for breakfast options. You also get a discount if you show them your Knight card!
If your friend invites you to dinner, to the gym, or a little mall adventure, remind yourself it is just a few hours out of the day. A few hours of relaxation that will definitely pay off.
– Jasmin Ramirez
On campus, I like meeting friends at Easton Cafe and ordering a drink and breakfast. It is simplistic, but it is fun to just get in that social time. It makes all the difference. Another place that can help with decompression is the Game Room on campus. There are pool tables, air hockey, and game systems. Check it out the next time you just want to blow off steam. Exercise is a good way to handle stress, too. Check out the newly renovated Kuch Center gym. There are new squat machines, dumbbells, and cardio machines.
It is important to have a healthy balance between working hard and taking a break. If your friend invites you to dinner, to the gym, or a little mall adventure, remind yourself it is just a few hours out of the day. A few hours of relaxation that will definitely pay off.
