Slow It Down — THE EDGE

Most students assume that the middle of the semester coming and going means a chance to breathe. Perhaps students are granted a week or two to slow down before the looming end-of-semester papers and tests arise. Sadly, most college students are not given that opportunity for relaxation. Instead, the workflow is faster, paper stacks are higher and the general feeling around campus is a cross between anxious and overwhelmed.

If the rules of university living won't help us, at least we can help ourselves. Here are a few habits to help you slow down while the world runs rampant.

Go for a walk.

This seems random, but bear with us. This isn't a little ploy to get you to work out, but check out this article if that's what you're interested in ;) We are lucky to live on a small campus. We can turn time walking into time you can enjoy. Does it take you about 15 minutes to walk from one side of Elon to the other? Great, that's 15 minutes of your favorite podcast, meditation or new favorite artist. Pull your head away from your phone and look around. If you haven't noticed, it's gorgeous outside. The leaves are falling, the world is changing and we can grant ourselves time to reflect and enjoy the natural beauty. This applies to everyone, whether you are a reader at home in New York, California or Michigan. The outdoors exists for a reason, so go get out there and put one foot in front of the other.

Single-tasking.

Here at The Edge, we like to get things done. We type out articles while editing drafts of other ideas, uploading and deleting sentences like our lives depend on it. Although multitasking is excellent when work is heavy and deadlines are closing in, if we have the time to focus on one thing, we should take it. Single-tasking allows people to put all their effort into the thing sitting before them. Here are a few ways to single-task:

Try having one tab open on your computer at a time unless you need the other to complete that task.
If you are watching a movie, put down your phone. If you are on your phone, shut off the TV. We don't need both noises colliding.
Cut out distractions. Shut your bedroom door and turn on the ceiling fan for some white noise. Limit the distractions and get things done.

Make time to unwind.

We are hard workers, and while that is something to be proud of, it is also our downfall. We work ourselves to the bone, and when we take time to rest, we feel lazy. Establishing a set time for ourselves allows for a healthy work-life balance. Carve out an hour of your day to see your friends, even if that means grabbing a casual coffee or a glass of wine. Our lives aren't cemented into place. As task-driven people, physically writing "break" in our planners and calendars goes a long way. Seeing time to unwind as a line in a checklist can help you to really relax.

Say no to things.

Again, this is easier said than done. Even so, saying no to things allows you to avoid becoming overwhelmed. We understand that as a student, having a million things to show future employers and interviewers can put you ahead. Saying yes too much can also overcrowd your brain, fog your mind and lead to confusion, so practice saying no to things. Soon, your life will feel lighter, and you'll realize what you are genuinely passionate about.

We hope you can apply these tips to your everyday routine. Now inhale. One. Two. Three. Exhale.