In college, we know that downtime can sometimes be something that doesn't come often. For me, I'm usually juggling between classes, assignments, interning, work, volunteering, clubs, and chores. Last semester, I didn't balance my different responsibilities well and ended up getting good grades but finishing the semester mentally drained and without many friends. So, something I have found to be extremely important for mental health has been maximizing the downtime that I do get.
The first way to maximize your downtime is obvious: REST. Rest is extremely important in order to fill yourself up for whatever else you have to do that day or week. Make sure you're resting between classes, at night, on weekends, whenever you get the chance. And make a point to make it quality rest, not just staying up late and sleeping until noon.
The second way to maximize your downtime is to do things that you enjoy. Every week try to incorporate at least one thing that you really enjoy. Whether it's going to a park, shopping, drawing, or playing sports, add it into your week. After a difficult test or a long day of work, reward yourself with your favorite dessert, an episode of your favorite TV show, anything, even if it's small.
The third way is to make time for the people that make you happy. I have learned recently how important community is for our health and happiness. Sometimes just dinner with my closest friends can be SO filling for me. Make a point to cook for some friends, host a game night, invite a friend to study with you. I think that being around people is good for us. Especially if you're going through a difficult time in your life, spend time with friends and family that care about you. It makes a big difference.
The fourth way to maximize your downtime is to do new things. Go kayaking, play volleyball, go rock climbing, take dance lessons, learn to bake something, go sing karaoke at Applebee's! Just do something new and something that is out of your comfort zone. New experiences are great and sometimes they can make the best memories or introduce us to something we might begin to really enjoy.
The final way to maximize your downtime is to make time to be completely detached from responsibilities, at least for a little bit. Maybe on Saturday morning, you're going to close your laptop and turn off your phone for a few hours. Go to the beach and don't think about your upcoming assignments or what's going on at work. Just detach. The world will go on without you. Sometimes I bring my stress and responsibilities into my downtime and it ends up just being draining. Instead, tell yourself that for a few hours or for one whole day you are going to not think about school or work. You'll find yourself being so relaxed and feeling better when you go back to work.
I hope that these ways can help you to enjoy your days off, make the most of your time between classes, and make sure that your downtime is filling and not draining. If you don't take time to rest, you will eventually be running on empty and that's not good for anyone. Don't feel guilty for doing any of these things as long as you balance it well.
