I’ve noticed a trend recently where even if I spend the whole day studying and being productive, I am grumpy and irritable when I meet up with my friends in the evening, and can’t seem to enjoy this fleeting reprieve from my work. On the flip side, when I decide to spend the whole day skiing or hiking- things that usually bring me a lot of joy- I am often distracted by an overwhelming feeling of guilt. I feel bad for not doing work, and instead of enjoying myself I worry about my ever-growing to do list. I can't help thinking that maybe I should have stayed in the library all day.
What causes this feeling of guilt? Despite the endless opportunities for fun on a campus in the middle of beautiful New Hampshire, the reason most people came to this school is for its academics, and the same is true for me. Our purpose here is to work hard and do well in classes, and so many times we end up sacrificing our happiness for this pursuit.
According to Psychology Today, while guilt is thought of as a way to get someone to do something out of obligation, it is not actually a good motivator. It is a negative emotion that can cause you to approach things in an unhealthy way. Instead of feeling guilty for not doing work, think of your breaks as just as important as the time you spend studying. Studies have found that taking moments to relax is essential to productivity. It’s not possible for anyone to do work all the time, nor is it healthy.
Finding a good balance between schoolwork and fun activities is extremely hard, but it’s something very worth pursuing and putting emphasis on. Ever since I started prioritizing the time I have away from my work as much as the time I devote to it I have noticed an improvement in my mood. When I return to my work after an hour at the pottery studio, one of my favorite stress relievers, I am more focused and find more enjoyment in learning, which is what I came here to do.
Sources: