This year, Skidmore College does not have a spring break. One lone, dreary Tuesday off is what we got. “A break day,” they called it. The student body’s frustration was apparent. Spring break, a staple of the college experience, usually involves a mass exodus down south, which poses obvious risks in a pandemic. I understand why the decision was made, but it stung nonetheless. Considering the last three semesters have been anything but “business-as-usual,” no spring break didn’t carry much shock value. Still, memories of beaches, sunshine, and other spring break activities made my heart heavy. Even the idea of being home for a week, without the shadow of looming deadlines, seems like a vacation.
Being the energetic go-getter that I am, I decided to make the most of my break day because why not? I decided to go to the place that could give me the level of euphoria tantamount to a day in the sand: Trader Joe’s. I know what you may be thinking: wow, this girl is really not doing so well. Fair. But to those thinking that, have you ever been to Trader Joe’s? Because if you have, you would agree that it is much more than a grocery store; it is an oasis of all things good in the world. From succulents to frozen mango to free-samples, Trader Joe’s takes care of your every need.
Though I did not have any classes to have a break from on Tuesday, the day proved to be quite fruitful–-- pun intended: I got an unnecessary amount of fruit at Trader Joe’s. With a fridge full of Trader Joe’s masterpieces, laundry done, and half a Netflix show finished, I felt pretty good about myself. I felt productive. When I have moments of elation, I choose to reflect. The more I can understand what makes me happy, the more often happiness will be in my life.
So, why was this break day so joyful? How is it that I got zero tangible work done but still felt productive? I think, as college students, productivity is measured on a mostly material basis. Finishing a paper, doing a reading, applying for internships, that’s productive. Using time outside of the classroom to secure your future or expand your intellect is productive because it will ultimately lead to material gain.
Reflecting on my break day, I seek to redefine “productivity.” During my day off, I took care of myself. I gave myself a trip to Trader Joe's (basically therapy), I washed my clothes, and I relaxed. I practiced productive mindfulness. I had assignments I needed to do, internships to which I had to apply, but for once, I put myself first.
I realized that break days shouldn’t just be a school-scheduled once-a-semester occurrence. A break day can be your own creation. Think of something you’ve been putting off because you “haven’t had time” or something you love to do that school has eclipsed in importance. Take out the box of paints in the back of your closet, the journal on your nightstand with the wrapping still on it, the book you are “going to find time to read” but never did. Turn off your phone, shut down your computer, and do it! Take a day off, an hour off, or even just twenty minutes off, and do yourself a favor.
Some of you may have endured one of the toughest years of your life. As 20-something college students, small freedoms– like spring break– have been taken by this pandemic. We need to go a little easier on ourselves. I had been “too busy” this whole semester to go grocery shopping for myself. Living off of Dunkin’ Donuts and take-out D-Hall was my way of neglecting productive mindfulness. Staying up until 3 A.M. writing a paper and waking up at 7 A.M. the next morning may make you feel successful, but self-care demonstrates maturity.
That break day may have been my first in a while, but it will not be my last. Instead of working myself past the point of sanity, I will continue to visit heaven’s gate (Trader Joes), I will make my bed, go on walks, and ensure that a smile reaches my face every day. I hope you all will join me.
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April 01, 2021 at 12:11AM
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Break Day: A Reminder to Prioritize Self-Care — The Skidmore News - Skidmore News
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