With the busy schedule of a graduate student, it can be difficult to make time for relaxation and fun. However, it is important to make time for the things that you enjoy as a way to provide a moment of rest from stress and prevent burn-out.
 
I love to read books, but my schedule doesn’t allow me to read as much as I would like. Novels, biographies, science fiction, non-fiction, poetry -- I used to consume words like they were my main sustenance. However, the busy college life has changed that.
 
Due to the demanding schedule of a graduate student, I have to practice time management skills through prioritization. This requires setting aside a few hours a few days a week to be able to sit down and read. In order to make the most of this precious time, I have to be selective about the books I choose. No longer can I browse library bookshelves and come away with an armful of stories. Now, I have to do some research beforehand and pick a book that is an appropriate length and on an interesting subject. Ensuring that I have a few hours to read a book of my choosing allows me an easy, short-term goal every week. This has done wonders for my overall outlook.
 
During this busy part of the semester, this is especially important. It’s easy to work day-in and day-out on class work, research, and extracurricular activities, but in order to maintain morale and sanity it’s important to make time for the things that you enjoy. Of course we enjoy our work and our research (right?), but what about the things that are simply for fun? Taking a break and relaxing the mind and body with an easy fun activity like Netflix, drawing, gardening, or playing an instrument (whatever suits your fancy) can provide a moment of respite.
 
Don’t forget to take a short break every now and then, grads. You deserve it.
 
Kelsey Fieseler | Mechanical Engineering​

Kelsey Fieseler is a first-year Master’s student in Mechanical Engineering from Sugar Land, Texas.