If this week has not been the most difficult one I've experienced since I got here, it has certainly been the most disorganized. Chaos was the dominant theme. After 3 weeks of mid-terms, quizzes, homeworks, speeches and other assignments, I was exhausted mentally. I knew I deserved a break, spring break was just 2 weeks away but those were 2 weeks too many and some of my most demanding assignments were due before then. I needed a break now, so I gave myself one.
I decided to skip my bi-weekly planning session and 'just go with the flow', see what happens. In my mind it was an experiment, and a necessary one at that. I wanted to see what happens in college when I dispose of my rigid timetable. The feeling of rest was immediate, letting go of the timetable created the illusion that I didn't have responsibilities anymore. I knew the assignments were still there and that I would do them and do them well but in my mind it was out of my hands, destiny and spontaneity would determine the timing and method, I was just along for the ride. And so I watched the week from behind a screen of impartiality, like an audience member watching a particularly realistic IMAX movie, the chaos erupted around me but couldn't touch me. At least that's how it felt for a while.
The ride was not what I signed up for. Sure, there were a couple of fun days but by the end of the week I'd averaged only about 5 hours of sleep a night. I only went to the gym once; on Monday and had to settle for the track at 11pm on Thursday. I also missed most of the dinning commons open hours, so my healthy eating went right out the window. It was a rough week. I got everything done but I was even more tired at the end of the week than I was at the beginning. Strangely, the main problem wasn't how I used my studying time, but instead how I used my leisure time. I'd end up using leisure time doing something that would stress me out (like shopping for my $150 econ text book) so that I kept having to rest after my 'resting time' before I could work.
Never again! That was the most ridiculous week ever and I've had my fill of that particular brand of experimentation. It seems I constantly need structure in my life, at least when I'm in school, so I'm going back to plan A and hoping I get a chance to make up my lost hours of sleep this weekend, which seems unlikely seeing as it's State Patty's day on Saturday. *Sigh* 1 more week to spring break...
Progress report: On the one day I was able to get to the gym, I did 2.36 miles in 20 minutes - the EXACT same as last week.
Well first of all, congrats on maintaining your running time. Secondly, I'm sorry that you didn't get the break this week that it seems like you are in need of. I totally understand. It seems like not maintaining a schedule would be easier, but often it just stresses me out more. Good luck this week and just remember Spring Break is only ONE WEEK AWAY!
ReplyDeleteLemmy I know how you feel. It gets tough trying to go to make time for the gym when you feel tired from the lack of sleep from the night before and you see a line of midterms on your horizon. I experienced a similar week last week, and though I tried to maintain a schedule, procrastination set in and I kept taking "breaks" until I was up until 2 and 3 in the morning. I am trying to get back on track and finish up strong before spring break just like you. The countdown has started! So we'll see how it goes:)
ReplyDeletecongrats on your running time improvement! Sorry that you were so stressed out when you didn't maintain your schedule. I am the same exact way, I feel like if I have a to-do list I am less stressed than I would be if I didn't maintain one. At least spring break is finally here!
ReplyDeleteThese past few weeks have been crazy. But that's part of college, and we just have to learn to relax and learn to look forward to things such as spring break...which is here!
ReplyDelete