Stay Balanced Over the Summer

Words by Cileme Venkateswar (she/her)

Daylight saving stole an hour of sleep and in return it gifted us with the occasional long, blue-skied evenings (and personally, ‘What Time Is It?’ from High School Musical 2 has begun playing on repeat in my head with each increment of sun we see). 

After this winter, we’re all pumped for warmth and sunshine. Whether you’re working full time, taking the summer off, doing summer school, or diving into other projects and side hustles, it’s important you carry the balance you utilise at uni with you into your summer plans. 

Chaos is an apt description for the insanity that’s been this uni year, and that’s a strong reason to carve out time over the summer to press pause and recharge while the days stretch out, feeling a little warmer and softer around the edges. But be careful not to fall into the Summer Trap: it can feel like you have all the time in the world for every hobby and road trip, all the life admin, and New Year’s resolutions. But summer is the same length as a trimester and it goes just as quickly. Plan your time how you would at uni, even if you prioritise chilling out over anything productive. 

Balance is key. If you’re putting in the mahi to make bank or get some tri three papers done before next year, don’t work yourself into burnout before uni even starts again. Match your mahi with good sleeps, time spent with friends, or getting vitamin D. If your summer plans are festival hopping, do so safely. Look out for yourself and your friends, get your drugs checked, test regularly for Covid-19, and set aside recovery time so that you get the rest you need. 

Be proud of everything you’ve achieved and overcome this year, especially as you push through these last few weeks of uni! Summer is just around the corner, and if you go into it knowing how to manage your time and wellbeing, it’ll definitely be one to remember.