You are ALLOWED to Rest | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

You are ALLOWED to Rest

Stop letting the idea of productivity, turn you into a workaholic, and embrace a lifestyle that appreciates rest.

207
You are ALLOWED to Rest
pexels

We live in a society where busy is good. Productivity is expected. Having these implicit social norms constantly be thrown at us, I think we sometimes forget... that we are allowed to rest.

In fact, rest is a good thing, a really good thing. It rejuvenates and refreshes us, allowing our brains that our constantly working, to just have a few mindless, collective moments.

As a college student and someone who is involved in greek life, a campus ministry, a writer for the Odyssey, enrolled in 18 credits, and attempts to have a social life, rest can seem like something that is out of reach at times. Even in those few moments a day I do have to my self, I find my self trying to fill them with constant tasks, not allowing my self a second to just breathe and relax.

I have to literally say out loud to my self sometimes, "Marissa, it is OK to relax. It is okay to say no to going out tonight." or "Marissa, you cannot take another thing on right now." It's hard, especially if you're anything like me and hate to say no.

My first semester of college was really hard and full of sicknesses, and one big factor of that was that I was lacking on rest. Sleep and rest affect our health. We often think about achieving the eating healthy lifestyle or going to the gym more often, yet we never strive to rest more.

As a society, we need to stop putting pressure on the idea of productivity.

We make the idea so black and white, either your productive or not. Yet, we forget that each individual has a different work load, different struggles, and life circumstances.

We compare ourselves to our friends, co workers, and peers. Maybe you're having a rough week, show your self some grace and know that you may be a little slower doing your homework or completing the task at work.

In fact, when we do rest more and get a better night's sleep, studies show how it improves our performance.

We need to learn to cut ourselves off when needed.

Time management is definitely a skill that is needed as a college student. Don't get me wrong, being productive and managing your busy life is not a bad thing, it's a great thing. However, in your time management, you have to ask yourself, "Have I set a time for me to rest? Does this allow me to attain the amount of sleep I need to give my best performance?" Learn when to call it a night, even if that means you don't go out on Friday night with friends or finish every little thing on your two page to do list.

We strive to live our best lives, but we can't reach that life, if we don't allow ourselves to rest.

Stop letting the idea of productivity, turn you into a workaholic, and embrace a lifestyle that appreciates rest.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

3224
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

449678
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21775
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44762
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments