Tips for a self-growth summer 

As students we can all relate to the relentless insanity that is academic life. It’s stressful, it’s busy and it’s unforgiving. What’s worse is that the onus is on us to handle the pressure like pros even when we feel like anything but. This makes it that much harder to maintain a balanced lifestyle. In the midst of deadlines and expectations, we tend to forget about everything else that matters, like our creative interests.  

The term “hobbies” is often used to describe the non-academic ambitions that we have. Whether it’s writing, basketball or fishing, there’s a culture of treating the things we care about as if they are somehow less important. In reality, we need these interests to keep ourselves inspired and versatile. 

This summer you may be taking courses, working, or both. Perhaps though, you have a little extra time to work on your skills, or maybe you just want to have some fun. Whatever your inspiration is, these are some tips you could use as you do you in this season;  

One step at a time: Start small and take on more as you go 

Whether you’ve just started working on a skill/project or you’re still thinking about it, a useful strategy to get you going is to work in moderation. Beginning with lighter expectations that grow gradually can help you manage your new workload and set realistic goals.   

The More the Merrier: Work on it together as a group  

Finding a group of likeminded people who share your interests can be a great way to progress in a supportive environment. In a group setting you can establish accountability and motivate each other to keep going. With less traffic on campus during the summer season, there are also many more spaces and opportunities for groups to take advantage of. For example, if you and your friends are into football, you can reserve the Nonis field to schedule weekly matches thanks to reduced training periods. Interested in art? Booking a study room in commons for a Bob-Rossathon should be easier than ever!   

Show and tell: Take a risk and share your work 

You may fear criticism for sharing your final product, but try to understand that it can be equally rewarding to show others the results of your hard work. By sharing your work with people you trust, you can benefit from positive reinforcement and constructive criticism, both of which can only make you better… and who knows? Maybe you can inspire someone else to take the risk of trying.
 

Here, there, and everywhere: Don’t feel pressured to put all your eggs in one basket. 

It’s very possible that there are many different projects you’d like to pursue. If you have the time, then there’s no reason not to use this summer to work on as many things as you can! As long as you make sure to be realistic in your ambition, trying out different avenues can be an exciting, eye-opening experience.  

Slow down: Take a break. Do nothing if you feel like it.  

And lastly, but most importantly, take a break! Just because creative or active work isn’t academic doesn’t mean it’s not hard. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or out of your depth, do yourself a favor and take some time for you. Saving space for your own version of self-care, whether it’s sleeping or spending time with friends, is just as important as the work itself.  

Remember, you got this. Even just a little effort consistently means so much more than no effort at all!