Reading Week Reboot: Recharge, Refocus, and Reset
Written by: Brenda Lawrence, 5th Year Health Science
Photo by: Mariah Krafft on Unsplash
Like many Western students, I love the excitement of reading week approaching. But with a full week ahead and endless possibilities, it can also feel a bit overwhelming trying to decide how to spend it.
I used to feel guilty if I didn’t get all my work done or tick off every item on my to-do list. I thought that was the only way to make the most of reading week. But I’ve realized that putting pressure on yourself to have the most productive or idyllic week can take away from actually enjoying it.
Instead, I’ve learned that making the most out of reading week is about being happy with what I can do during it, rather than focusing on everything I can’t. When you let go of the pressure to do it all and appreciate what you are able to do, the week feels so much more fulfilling.
Once you give yourself permission to enjoy the week for what it is, you can start to fill it with what re-energizes you the most. From there, it becomes easier to think about how you actually want to spend your time.
To help inspire your reading week plans, here are a few ideas. You can take whatever resonates with you, adapt them to your own style, or let them spark your own ideas!
Give Yourself Time to Rest
(Photo Source: Adrian Swancar on Unsplash)
And most importantly, don’t feel guilty about it. Rest is productive too. After a few busy weeks of school, rest might not have been a priority. Giving your mind and body time to properly recharge can help you come back from reading week feeling refreshed, reset, and more motivated for the weeks ahead! To help you fully rest, check out this article: Learn how to rest in every area of your life (and why you should). Campus support and resources are available to help you too!
Spend Time with People You Care About
(Photo Source: Brooke Cagle on Unsplash)
Adventures, Near and Far
(Photo Source: Natalie. G on Unsplash)
Reading week is the perfect time for a change of scenery. And travelling during the off-season can also be
more affordable and less crowded.
- Road trips
- Weekend getaways
- Visiting friends in other cities
- Exploring somewhere new - even just a nearby town or spot you’ve never taken the time to visit before!
And if you’re staying around London, here are some ideas of mini getaway trips:
- Go skiing or snowboarding at Boler Mountain
- Visit nearby towns like Grand Bend or Port Stanley
- Catch a show in Stratford
- Explore local cafés, trails, or markets
For more local travel inspiration, check these out:
- London local activities: 5 Reasons Why London Wins The Winter Family Getaway Game
- Day trips around London, Ontario: The Best Trips From London, Ontario on a Single Tank of Gas
Make Time for Hobbies Again
(Photo Source: Sarah Brown on Unsplash)
Use this time to reconnect with things you enjoy! Hobbies are usually one of the first things we let go of when life gets busy. So carving out some time to do them again can help you detach from the grind mindset, relieve stress, and simply just bring in more joy to your life. And who knows, you might love it so much that you find ways to incorporate it back into your routine during the year.
- Painting or drawing
- Journaling
- That sewing or crocheting project you’ve been putting off
- Cooking or baking something new
- Filmmaking just for fun: make a mini vlog, a short film, lip-sync a music video or try a new editing style!
- Anything active: skating, sledding, yoga, or trying a new workout class.
For more easy hobby ideas, check out these 40 Inexpensive Hobbies To Try.
Get outside
(Photo Source: Milton Wiklund on Unsplash)
This can be as simple as it sounds! Bundle up, get outside, and do something just for fun. Build a snowman, make snow angels, go for a walk with a friend, or explore a new neighbourhood. Getting outside for some fresh air and sunlight can do wonders for you, both mentally and physically. This is especially important since, during the school year, most of our daylight hours are spent indoors. Even alittle time outside can help you reset, clear your mind, and enjoy both the season and your reading week a little more.
Lastly, Yes… Some School Work!
(Photo Source: Nick Morrison on Unsplash)
Catching up on readings, reviewing notes, or getting ahead can help you feel less stressed when classes resume. As you know, even just a little bit goes a long way. And if you need a little motivation to study during reading week, be sure to check out this article: Struggling to find motivation?
Reading week doesn’t have to look a certain way to be meaningful. Whether your week is filled with travel, rest, productivity, or simple everyday moments, there’s no wrong way to spend it.
For me, the best reading weeks have been the ones with a good balance of rest, fun, and work. Letting yourself truly rest, even just for a few days, allows you to recharge and come back refreshed. While filling your time with fun things beyond school helps you detach and reset. A week of rest, fun, and doing what feels right for you can be exactly what you need.
Have an amazing reading week!
Published on
