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GENERAL
Take a Break. For Real
Take a Break. For Real
General | August 3, 2021
Coming August, many of us early career academics start some well-deserved weeks off work. Or at least we try to do so. Unfortunately, it is way too common for scholars to feel anxious during the holiday season when we should feel relaxed. No matter how far you travel, thoughts of the research that you could be doing weights on you. The result is that you don’t manage to do either, so you don’t rest, but neither are you being productive. Carrying this weight is actually pretty harmful in the long run, both for your mental and physical health. Not only does it take the joy out of your life, but it also tires you even more. As a result, you return from your holidays exhausted and frustrated.
That is why learning to disconnect is a very important skill. While on vacation, we need to be able to dive into holiday fun and relaxation mode. As good as the idea sounds, it is far from being easily achieved. So here are a few suggestions:
1) Take a break from the routine
This is what a holiday is! It does not necessarily mean that you need to travel to Hawaii or the Northern Pole. Yes, a change of scenery is a powerful tool for switching to holiday mode, but it is not always accessible. Yet, you should still take your mind off the usual day-to-day tasks even if you are staying at home. Take new routes, walk around your town as a tourist, explore new places, try some new flavors, discover new musicians and music styles, enjoy a picnic with your friends. These simple changes will provide you with new experiences and perspectives that will help disconnect.
2) Plan to have no plans
Working in academia implies a certain level of self-management and organizational skills, which are really admirable and useful for many life situations. Yet, they are unwelcome on your holidays. It is likely that you might need to organize your traveling plans if you are taking a trip but other than that, the objective is to have no restrictive plans, no deadlines, and no schedule. The break is a time for you to spend the whole day rewatching your favorite soap opera and reading whatever you want, not something that can be of use for your research.
3) Find a way to relax your body
It is an obvious but often forgotten trick. The human body works in such a way that even if your mind completely refuses to stop thinking about that footnote you need to edit, your body, once relaxed, will make your mind change its attitude. Massages, swimming, jogging, sunbathing, yoga, dancing… Whatever makes you connect with your body is guaranteed to help you unwind.
4) Carry a notebook for your ideas
In the state of full relaxation, it is common to get some insights, which will indeed prove most valuable once you are back at the desk. For now, though, just jot down your idea and put the notepad away. This way, you will have access to the discoveries you’ve made while on holidays without actually ruining them.
5) Laugh!
Treat yourself. Let yourself live your holiday to the fullest, diving into fun, laziness, and freedom. Seize the day!
The break you are taking is an essential investment in your research, and the more you enjoy it, the higher your interest rates will be. Enjoy your holidays!
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