Post-Grad Productivity

And just like that, summer is here!

Despite the obstacles that have seemed insurmountable, we as a community have come together and crossed the finish line, celebrating another phenomenal school year at Northern Vermont University! Here at the Wellness Center, we are grateful to be a part of that community - one that's grounded in connection, friendship, and determination, and are looking forward to when our students return in Fall 2020!

With this in mind, we still endless days of summer to enjoy until then, where we can fill our time with creemees, sunny days by the lake (government regulations permitting), and surrounding ourselves with friends and family. Typically during the summer break, students are returning home to work, attend online classes, reconnect with others, and spending their time enjoying their hometowns or participating in outdoor activities; however, after a long, challenging semester, and with the national climate just as uncertain as ever, it's no wonder many students are asking themselves "now what?".

To those students, know your feeling are valid - life in higher education comes with an abundance of responsibilities and pressures that become a new normal. Especially for those who have recently graduated, the abrupt halt in things to do, people to visit, deadlines to meet can have one feeling dizzy, and looking for ways to fill that time with socially deemed valuable activities; and with the additional pressures of quarantine and this sudden development of free time, it can be hard to not feel as though you're not living up to an invisible expectation.

It's overwhelming to say the least, and requires immense energy during a time saved for resting. Whether you're continuing your education or not, the end of the semester is symbolic of enjoying the leisure time for what it is: rest and relaxation. You are not expected to replace old responsibilities with new ones that your friends online promise will fulfill your quarantine boredom. Should you choose to engage in those activities is up to you, but that is at your own pace and with your consent. Allow yourself during these next coming months to recognize these expectations for what they are, not as mandatory, but suggestions.

Instead of trying to fill every moment of down time you have with a fun project, examine what you'd actually enjoy doing instead according to your feelings and that moment in time. If they align with this exciting new project, then feel free to move forward. But if instead you are feeling like picking up a good book, going for a walk, or watching your favorite show, opt for that instead. Take these moments of solitude as a time of reflection, and focus your energy on items that are feasible. For great suggestions on how to avoid the productivity craze, check out this link!

The bottom line is simple: productivity is not an indicator of value. Should you feel as though you're not productive enough or you are "wasting" your time when you could be doing other things (even though you're enjoying the task you're currently doing), change how you reflect on those thoughts. Alter them from "I am unproductive and lazy" to "why do I feel unproductive, and am I really lazy if I'm enjoying my time of leisure the way I want to".

As similar to other forms of cognitive behavioral therapy, when you assess the negative thought for what it is rather than ignoring or trying to fight it, then it takes on another meaning that becomes neutral or positive. Through this technique, you'll start to find acceptance in your tastes, even if they differ from social expectations, because they are unique to your person and are important to you. This is the priority: engaging in activities that are safe and enhance your personal values and achievements.

So, how can we redefine productivity? It's simple - it's actions or behaviors that are safe, individualized, and unique, like every member of our NVU-Johnson! It's what makes us a tremendously warm and accepting community, one we are all fortunate to be a part of!