By Bev, Techtimeout Rep

Who else is a university student but feels like the whole weight of the world is on their shoulders?

I don’t know about you, but I’m still finding out what works for me in order to have a good balance between life, education and work. So here’s what I do know: you can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. This is your sign to do different activities during your techtimeout!

 

• Activity 1 – walk with no destination

It’s a cliché, but simply go for a walk and see where you end up! Take a friend to refresh both of your minds, join a city walking group if you’re new to the area, discover hangout spots, and maybe even shortcuts if you’re late to lectures! Consider your safety and use free apps like Find My Friends and Glympse to share your location with friends or family from a distance – just make sure your phone stays close but not glued to your hands. Remember the intention is to get away from screens and work.

 

• Activity 2 – socialise!

Surround yourself with people who make you want to extend your techtimeout. Catch up with friends, check up on family, get to know the person right next to your accommodation, push yourself to join that society and club! The world is too big to stay in your bubble – just because you’re comfortable doesn’t always mean it’s good for you.

 

• Activity 3 – café therapy, anyone?

They say that approximately 60% of the human body is water¹, and after being a college student you know that caffeine is in the majority of that percentage!  Spending time in a cosy cafe definitely helps me to unwind from daily stresses. Combine a walk with a coffee house and you have the best of both. Some students find cafes inspiring places to study and actually work better surrounded by the hustle and bustle of an energetic coffee house.

 

• Activity 4 – you know you’re adulting when you find cleaning therapeutic…

Admit it, cleaning and tidying do make you feel better. It encourages you to create a good workspace and actually use desks, shelves and cupboards for what they were intended. Keeping your space organised, no matter how small it may be, will help you feel more organised and in control. So, turn off that screen and turn your attention to those dirty mugs and work surfaces.

 

• Activity 5 – host a dinner party!

Yes, a dinner party requires cooking but don’t forget it’s a good skill to develop and you still need to eat. Invite an interesting mix of people to guarantee lively conversation that won’t have you reaching for your phone every 10 minutes to check socials. Sharing stories and laughter over good food is guaranteed to help you forget about your workload and maybe even provide you with new ideas in the coming days.

 

As a student myself, I know that the weight of the world may be on your shoulders, but it’s the moments that allow you to breathe in between that counts. Not only that, but taking time away from computer screens, constantly pinging phones and devices provides balance in a world where things can quickly get one sided.

Now, don’t let these ideas go to waste. Taking regular techtimeouts will increase your focus and therefore productivity. For more information and support about taking the techtimeout10 challenge please click here

 

Sources:

¹ Medical News Today – What Percentage of the Human body Is Water