Good evening you movers and shakers! Today I invite you to step into the delightful rhythm that defines my weekends as a graduate student. From the early morning light to the cozy evening, I'm here to share my typical weekend routine and how I manage to keep my sanity intact – well, most of the time, at least! Let's chat about lazy mornings, energizing activities, laughter-filled gatherings, and simply relishing the bliss of doing nothing at all, oh, and how to squeeze in a good study sesh.
Ah, the morning masala chai latte – a fragrant elixir that awakens the senses and sets the tone for a day filled with warmth and wonder. Picture this as I over romanticize my life: the sun peeks through the curtains as I slowly stir my chai, savoring each sip as if it were a sip of liquid gold. With a contented sigh, I sink into the cushions, relishing the simple pleasure of waking up slow without anywhere I need to be.
The reality is far from this idyllic scene. As a seasoned pro at overbooking myself, I often find my schedule bursting at the seams, leaving little room for relaxation. You might catch me on the road at 5am for a spontaneous snowboarding trip in Tahoe, a testament to my relentless pursuit of adventure amidst the chaos. But let me tell you, maintaining this go-getter lifestyle can be utterly draining as a dedicated grad student. It's a constant battle against the urge to pack every moment with activity, a struggle to remember that sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is simply... nothing.
And one aspect that often goes unaddressed, is that early on in the program, it's natural to feel a twinge of guilt when you take time for yourself. There's this unspoken pressure to constantly stay ahead, to have all the answers and the perfectly outlined study schedule. But let me tell you a little secret – those days of being ahead of the game? They're not only over, but they're overrated. The sooner you let that go the better.
Don't ever feel guilty for prioritizing yourself. Whether it's indulging in a Netflix binge, meeting up with friends for a much-needed laugh, or simply curling up with a good book, remember that your worth isn't measured by the number of hours you spend buried in textbooks, and it certainly isn't measured by a grade.
Okay, I'm getting side-tracked- now that we know it's okay to have a life, let's discuss the typhoon of lectures and long hours spent sitting. Meaning that carving out time for a good workout and movement becomes essential. It's not just about physical health – it's about restoring balance and finding solace in motion. If you're at Parnassus campus, the proximity of The Yoga Shala is certainly advantageous, a convenient 10 minute walk. The UCSF Fitness & Rec Center is wonderful for a variety of sports and access a wide range of weights and equipment- not to mention the beautiful view, you can even luxuriate in the hot sauna! There's something deeply therapeutic about sweating it out on the treadmill or finding inner peace in a downward dog after a long week of mental challenge. If you're anything like me, you might be teetering on the brink of another Menty B, but that all washes away with some J. Cole in your ears and some weights in your grip. So don't forget to prioritize your own fitness no matter which form of exercise you choose to indulge in
But it's not all about hitting the gym or rolling out the yoga mat. Making time for friends and creating moments to indulge in activities you love is equally important. I'm grateful to be surrounded by a cohort of like-minded individuals who are always up for a surf session or a bike ride through Golden Gate Park. Me personally, living in the Bay Area for over four years now, I've discovered that spending time with my closest friends outside of the program is one of the best way to detach from school stuff and reconnect with myself. So, weather they're local or far away- stay connected with your people outside of the program.
Now, the elephant in the room, weekend studying. I'm sure if you're a first term SPT you're likely rolling your eyes at this post, I get it- it felt like there wasn't time to breath, but don't fret! You will find your groove and preferences, master your study habits, and be able to create space for yourself- I promise you that! As I'm wrapping up my third term, what I've found is that dedicating Friday nights and most of my Saturday day entirely to my life outside of school, and reserving Saturday evenings and Sundays for studying, assignments, and Independent Learning Modules (pre-class work), has been particularly effective for me. Incorporating weekend group study sessions and utilizing resources like the Anatomy Learning Center or the Clinical Science Center, to work on identifying muscles and nerves or practicing your clinical skills, will all become a regular part of your lovely weekends.
Finally, let's talk about the importance of a healthy evening routine. Give yourself an hour or two before shut-eye to unwind and disconnect from screens, indulge in some self-reflection with a journal, get lost in the pages of a good book, cozy up with a comforting cup of tea, practice mastering your hobbies, or whatever it is that helps you to wind-down. Don't forget to give your body a good stretch and show your skin and teeth some love. And when it's time to hit the hay, embrace the opportunity for some much-needed rest. You'll thank yourself in the morning.
So there you have it, my friends – a glimpse into the delicate dance of balancing self-care and socializing, relaxation and rejuvenation, studying and staying on top of things. Remember, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, don't forget to take some time for yourself. It's not just a suggestion – it's a mantra to live by, a guiding light in the tumultuous sea of existence. Until next time, stay mindful, stay marvelous, and above all, stay true to yourself.
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