Student Blog: Rest and Responsibility

Time management has never been my specialty. It is no secret- I have always been a chronic procrastinator. Though there is nothing inherently wrong with being this way, my life would be vastly easier if I could get myself to sit down and get work done. However, I find something deeply poignant about sitting down on a Sunday night- Red Bull in hand- and grinding out several days’ worth of work. When it comes down to it, all my assignments get completed in the end.

This month in particular has tested me more than others. For one, I am I the midst of performing Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, a show that is not only technically challenging, but physically and mentally difficult as well. I don’t have much experience with putting on a show that contains dark content, and I find it hard at times to escape the little world created on stage after leaving the theatre. Along with this, I am dealing with a second round of midterms (is one round not enough?). However, there are techniques I practice to bring myself back to reality.

The primary technique I practice to center myself is going for a long walk with only myself and my noise-canceling headphones. My school in Chicago borders Lake Michigan and has a beautiful pathway that parallels the coastline. I will go buy a Big Gulp (Coke, not Diet), find the pathway, and walk until I feel settled again. I love to pretend that I’m some mysterious heartthrob while meandering along the water – it adds to the overall vibe of my moment. The music I listen to fluctuates depending on the weather. Because I’m on the water in the Midwest, it is usually windy, cloudy, and cold for the majority of time I’m at school. Thankfully, because I’m from Oregon, an overcast day is what feels like home. Thus, I will tend to listen to folksy, string, or piano-heavy songs. Heavily featured artists include Noah Kahan, Taylor Swift, Novo Amor, and Lizzy McAlpine. Basic? Maybe. But timeless and painstakingly beautiful? Certainly.

Along with going for pensive walks and listening to objectively depressing music, I find spending quality time with those I love one of the most beneficial centering techniques out there. Although it can be hard, especially now in a time where everything seems to be happening at once, it is so important to make time to go dance, grab a meal, or simply lounge about in the company of people who make you happy. Overstimulation is unfortunately a very real thing, and I’ve learned it’s better to prevent it from happening than experience it.

November certainly brings solemness to the table. Though workloads and extracurriculars seem to be creating a whirlwind around me, I look to the future and realize all I must do is push through for a couple more weeks. There is so much to be thankful for at this time of year; quality family time, turkey (or various entrees for my vegan friends), Taylor Swift’s “evermore,’ and life in general. As hectic as it is, life moves forward and so do I.