Reading week, your much-needed and well-deserved break, is here. The start of the second semester (or first if you are a winter intake) is usually much more challenging because of the cold weather. The fact that we are, mostly, already sick of being stuck inside and on our computers doesn’t help.
Computers and Zoom calls have been the norm for the past year – with many jobs and schooling being online, it can be hard to get away from the screen.
But, we do have a few suggestions on how you can reduce some of that Zoom fatigue you might be feeling.
Get Outside
Throwing a couple of snowballs can always help reduce stress.
Being cooped up inside doing online classes and homework can leave you feeling like you haven’t seen the outside world in years. Make some time to get outside (especially if it snows) and breathe in the fresh air. Go for a walk, find a hiking trail, break out the dog leash and take your pup for a long walk. Try to get outside at least once every day on Reading Week!
Take a Computer Break
If you can, take a computer break.
Zoom and computers go hand and hand, so why not take a break from both? Unless you need your computer for work or school projects, set a goal for yourself not to turn on your computer this week. It can be challenging, but use that extra time to possibly rediscover an old hobby or find a new hobby – it can be something as simple as cooking meals all week, instead of ordering in, or reading a book.
The choices are endless but don’t worry; your computer will still be there next week.
Binge a New Show
It’s hard to give up those Office/Friends reruns.
If you don’t want to give up your screen completely, try checking out a new show or movie (instead of rewatching something you’ve seen before). Talk to some friends, or look online, and get some recommendations you might not have heard before. You can also step out of your comfort zone and watch a show/movie from a genre you wouldn’t usually like. Be open to new ideas, and you might find something special you might have never thought about before.
Have a Long Phone Conversation
Take some time to chat with someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile.
Before we had Zoom, we used to just talk to people on the phone! Give a friend or family member a call, ask them how they are doing and let the conversation flow.
Do Absolutely Nothing
You deserve to kick back and relax.
This right here is something we expect all of you to take some time to do if you can. Although Reading Week is a good time to catch up on homework, it is also a great time to catch up on relaxing and self-care.
Doing nothing can include laying in bed all day, laying on the couch, having a bath, etc. No one will judge you, and doing nothing can improve your mental health because we all need time to slow down and take a breather.
Enjoy your Reading Week!
Written by: Kyle Hooper
Student Social Media Assistant
