Dear reader,
My undergraduate institution was on the quarter system. Academic terms were 10 weeks of instruction followed by final exams. In hindsight, classes were ending just when I was finding myself most engrossed in the subject, and perhaps I would have enjoyed a few more weeks in my international relations class or my international political economy class.
My master’s and doctoral programs were at universities using the semester system. In my first year of graduate school, I hit the “October wall” hard. Eight weeks in, I was ready for finals and vacation, but we were just arriving at midterms. How was I going to make it through another eight weeks? I was burnt out. I was tired. I needed a break.
So, I’m wondering now, are you hitting an October wall? If so, I thought perhaps this would be a good time to share advice my student affairs colleagues and I have given to students making their way over, around or perhaps through, that October (or November? Or finals week?) wall.
Number one: “Balance” includes taking time to study and time for rejuvenation. My colleague Deshonell Higgins, coordinator for student wellness, reminded me that “rest isn’t a reward; it’s part of productivity.” And my colleague Justin Gambone, assistant director for orientation and transitions, reminded me that overstudying is a thing. You’ve probably heard the maxim about burning a candle at both ends. It’s ill-advised. It’s important to have balance in your life, this means taking time to relax, to play, to eat, to sleep. Balance also means making the time to study, go to class and work on your labs and papers.
Number two: Multitasking isn’t real. You’re just dividing your attention without realizing any gains in productivity. Instead of switching between tasks, organize your projects and allocate the time or resources they require. My colleague, Breona Jones, coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life, reminded me that dividing big projects into manageable components can really help with the feeling of being overwhelmed. For example, when I write, I start with a Harvard style outline. As I move through the project, the outline grows and grows. Eventually I can translate the outline into prose — or use it as the basis for dictation. Start with the projects that are both urgent and important.
Number three: Pick the study space that works for you. I discovered (too late) that I work best sitting alone or with a classmate at a coffee shop. I like coffee, the presence of others and some ambient music (Confession: I was introduced to my most-played songs by the baristas at Jittery Joe’s in Athens, GA). I definitely see the appeal of Coates Library!
Number four: Think about how movement might enhance your thinking and your health. A lot of my writing and planning is actually done while I’m walking my dog or at the gym. I record voice memos on my phone, and I recently discovered that AI will transcribe my recordings to text. After organizing my thoughts with an outline, I drafted this letter by dictating it to AI while walking my dog! The movement and fresh air clarified my thoughts.
We hope some of the ideas we shared here, as examples of how we manage our time and work, will be useful.
In the end, I’m reflecting on a comment Marlaina Widmann, assistant director for Wellness Services, made: There’s no quick fix to well-being; one of our goals for students is to cultivate the habits of mind and body that promote well-being sustainably.
Likewise, I hope the practices we offer here will help as you complete the semester.
