Recess week is over. The word “recess” traditionally meant taking a break from usual work routine, but at NUS, it’s been revamped into one that means ALL WORK.
Definition of recess is no recess?
As students gear up to the last stretch of midterms and deadlines after that, sometimes they grow tired, sometimes they feel discouraged. At times, nothing seems worth the struggle. So in the midst of this mentally-straining and physically-draining journey to the end of semester, it is critical that everyone remain mindful of their well-being, and keep their hearts and minds light.
Residential Life caught up with six healthy, pain-free students to find out how have they maintained the delicate balance between body and mind. If you are clueless on how to achieve this, perhaps these valuable tips may work.
At University, night is always young. Go to UTown’s Starbucks at 2am, 3am, 4am, and it will be filled with students poring over notes and textbooks, all whose blood veins are (over)loaded with caffeine. Then look towards the colleges, half of the rooms are brightly lit. Everybody, please sleep before sunrise to give your body a quick power-down because staying awake constantly really is unsustainable.
Yingjie, Y3, Life Sciences
The tragedy of University is that we take up about five modules each semester, which means there’s five times of the content we need to cover for assessments. To alleviate boredom and mind block from mugging the same content, consider rotating the subjects every half-a-day. I wish I’d known this earlier; it would have made remembering 107 German words and writing two 3,000-words papers more efficient.
Johnny, Y3, Computing
Studies are admittedly important, but nothing is more important than your health. Eat well, up your Vitamin C intake and drink more water. The capacity to learn well depends on how well you are physically and mentally. It is impossible to concentrate and think clearly if you are troubled by an ailing body.
Cherie, Y2, FASS
Consider studying outside your rooms, away from your bed. It lowers the likelihood of gravitating towards the bed and falling into a long slumber that does nothing for your productivity. Sleep is important at the right time but is a serious impediment to productivity during study time. Also, studying in the presence of others can exert some healthy pressure and help you study more diligently.
Hongfu, Y3, Engineering
When your brains are saturated with knowledge and can no longer absorb any more information, you should put on some nice clothes, grab a few equally stressed out friends and head out for a meal or mini shopping trip. It helps you detach from academic pressure temporarily, before plunging back in with a refreshed, relaxed frame of mind.
Michelle, Y2, FASS
Since work is never-ending, do not be a slave to it lest it consumes all your freedom. Put aside some time for mini-breaks regardless of the workload. Think of work and tests only after the getaway. Of course, you should clear the pressing deadlines before you head off. I spent three-thirds of recess week in Bali and it made all the difference!
Huimin, Y4, Engineering
Anyone else out there who has tips to share on healthy living while under immense pressure? Share them with us in the comments! Your academic life is all but one phase in a lifetime – don’t let it consume you; take a deep breath and march on bravely towards the finish line! Onward and upward!
