Anonymous
Photography by Jessica Pentel.
If you’re reading this, it’s okay to take breaks.
Life is busy. From classes to work, from volunteering to club meetings, and from family to friends, the list of things that need to get done can seem endless. Your Google calendar may have overlapping blocks, you may be sacrificing sleep, and you may be on this constant drive to do everything. Unfortunately, this is often the case for many students at UVA with its rigorous demands. I have also felt this for several semesters and have suffered from imposter syndrome. But I’m writing today to let you know that it is truly okay to take a break. You are doing enough, you are doing the best you can, and for that, I’m proud of you.
It’s okay for you to take a night off of studying.
It’s okay for you to quit extracurriculars that don’t make you happy.
It’s okay for you to say no to going out just because you don’t feel like it.
It’s okay to take breaks and look after yourself first.
It can be really difficult to take breaks. It can feel like you’d be missing out or that you wouldn’t be doing enough if you quit or took breaks. But the thing is, it’s not how much you do or what you’re doing in comparison to others. What counts is the fact that you’re trying your best and are doing things that make you happy. If something doesn’t bring you joy and fulfillment, is it worth going through the motions? You don’t have to continue to fill the ever-increasing list of involvements on your resume because the things that you care about will shine and speak for themselves.
The same goes for relationships. You don’t have to constantly put others before you. You can say no to friends without making up an excuse. If you aren’t up for it, that’s that and there should be no questions. You can step back and take breaks from people even if they’re your family and friends. This can be tough, as a lot of people have a hard time saying no. But know that you can definitely decline favors and cancel plans if you aren’t in the right mental state or just simply don’t want to. “Not really, but thanks for asking” or “I can’t do that right now” or a simple “no thanks” will do. Everything will be okay.
I want you to take care of yourself first. I am so proud of all of your efforts, failures, growth, and accomplishments. Make sure to take breaks once in a while. You’re doing enough.
Anonymous., University of Virginia
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