As students we are very busy. We attend classes, study, and complete assignments. Some students also work and have commitments and stressors outside of school.
All of this can become overwhelming very quickly, and it is very easy to fall into the pit of doomscrolling as a decompressor as a break from work – it is free and does not involve you having to leave your bed. But finding time to decompress properly and connect with both yourself and friends is crucial to productivity, and can be done affordably.
Get moving!
Moving your body and staying active is good for your mind as much as your body, and Modo Yoga on Duckworth Street has $10 classes on Friday evenings at 7:30pm. You can go alone or with a friend to breathe, balance and find your zen.
Learning is fun!
Sometimes deadlines and stress can make us forget this. Trivia is a fun way to learn and hang out with friends, or test the knowledge of a niche interest. Trinity Pub welcomes groups of 2-6 people on Monday nights at 7:30pm. Entry/trivia is free, drinks along the way are not – but if you win a round of trivia you get a free bucket of beer.
On Tuesday nights YellowBelly does trivia starting at 8pm for groups of up to six, where it will be $2 a person but proceeds benefit the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Winning groups also win prizes along the way.
Take a hike!
There are organized groups such as Trail Explorers organized through the city of St. John’s. There is no fee required, you can go alone to meet new people with a common interest and goal of getting outside and clearing the mind, or go with friends as a productive and feel good hangout. Fresh air can feel like a mental reset.
Change your tune!
Music is a great way to clear your mind and relax, Newfoundland is also known for great music and creating many great musicians, so take advantage! The Battery cafe hosts live music performances from 7-9pm (days of week differ) where prices start at $12.
Taking breaks is important for productivity, but how you choose to do so is also as important. As convenient and enticing social media and doomscrolling is, it does not feel so great after. There are affordable ways to productively take a break from studying to connect with yourself, friends, your mind and body, music or nature to create a healthier and more rested mind for studying.