CREDIT: CHRIS MISZCZAK
Take time to relax and breathe, your future self will thank you.

To state it clearly, life is not easy.

We will all deal with different forms of stress during our lives. The question is how; the answer is in strategy.

The past year has not been easy for me. Thankfully, I turned to therapy to help with the stress. To state it clearly, there is nothing wrong with seeking out therapy. Strong emotional intelligence and resilience are developed over time. You can get to a peaceful place faster with the right tools to help guide you.


The biggest lesson I took away from those therapy sessions is so very simple that it is simply mind-blowing:

Give yourself permission to rest, relax, and unwind.

Like so many students, I am a lifelong learner. I am constantly trying to find a way to focus my passions and strengths towards specific goals. When I completed my college program, I could walk away with lessons that would stay with me for a lifetime. Admittedly, I have always retained that passion for learning and trying new things, and my mind still feels like a whirlwind of emotions, insights, and intellectual pursuits. Somehow, it all remains grounded by something so simple: To find that time to breathe, relax, watch some anime, or read a book.

Like many high achievers, I am my own harshest critic. Having standards for oneself is essential because it maintains quality in your work. It shows that you care and are engaged in your work. Sometimes, though, I am so hard on myself that I need to remind myself to be forgiving and gentle. Constantly, my heart and mind are in balance with one another.

While I would want to push myself to keep improving, at the same time, it is wiser to stop and reflect on the good and what has been accomplished. There is an ancient parable that some families still practice to this day. Parents will give their children about five jars to teach them how to budget appropriately. The same practice can be utilized for your mental health and taking a break. In this context, a fifth of the time to find the time to relax is OK. Whether in a day, on a weekend, a week, or whatever else. Budgeting your time and finding the time to unwind is an essential tool that will help you in the long run. Arguably it is an investment for your future self.

Fanshawe College employs certified counsellors through Health and Wellness for mental health, substance use, relationships, and other personal concerns that might impact your academic success. The resources are available for you to use if you need it. This past year, I was shocked at where I found inspiration to remind myself of these lessons. There is a famous clip from Doctor Who when he brought Vincent Van Gogh to the future to see his paintings being admired. When the good Doctor asks about where Van Gogh stands in the history of art, the curator speaks highly of Van Gogh, but poignantly says, “He transformed the pain of his life into ecstatic beauty.” This quote really pulls at my heartstrings for two big reasons. First, it highlights the works and accomplishments of our lives that are not appreciated in the present but can be and will be appreciated in the future. Namely, highlighting the outcome of resilience. Secondly, to acknowledge the beauty in the now, appreciating both the pain and the beauty of the world around you.

So this year, find time for yourself to relax and breathe. Give yourself permission to feel the things that you need to feel. Do not feel afraid to reach out to those that can help you throughout your journey, and finally appreciate the here and now. Your future self will thank you for it.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.