My first semester of college was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was also one of the worst.
I was constantly overwhelmed those first months of school. I wasn’t prepared for the never-ending to-do lists or the lack of motivation that accompanied them. I didn’t know the new city I was living in, nor anybody here. My family and friends were back home, alongside home-cooked meals and the comfort of my childhood bedroom. I didn’t feel at peace.
These constant negative emotions impaired my ability to live the college experience I had always dreamed of. My plans to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people and explore the weird and wonderful sights of Portland were replaced by late night cry sessions, countless hours of stress and constant doubt in my abilities.
Even though I managed to survive the semester, it was an experience I never want to re-live. So, I now listen to the advice my high school teachers always preached: honor the Sabbath.
Traditionally, the Sabbath is observed as a day of rest. For Christians, it is a day to think about God away from worldly distractions, like work. As someone who is not particularly religious, I initially dismissed the advice from my teachers who were devout. But during that first semester, I was desperate to experience peace — something my teachers always raved about receiving when observing the Sabbath.
From what I was taught, there is no correct way to honor the Sabbath. Typically, the main requirement is to stay away from work and other similar responsibilities. In many ways, the Sabbath is a mental health day, especially for those who don’t necessarily practice any form of religion.
My physics teacher would spend the day with his family, putting off tests he needed to grade for another day. My grandmother would go to church with her sisters, and after they would spend their day downtown.
For me, it's spending Saturday mornings in bed, reading a book or facetiming my friends back home. It’s going out to get coffee and groceries with my friends here. It's when I do my nails and call my parents. It's about taking a day away from school and work, to relax and do things that bring joy.
Practicing the Sabbath lets me rest without feeling guilty for not doing work. It nips burnout by its roots and leaves me feeling prepared to take on a new week. Having a day designated for non-school and work things has helped me balance school and mental health.
Practicing the Sabbath has become second nature. I always give myself a day out of the week, usually on the weekend, to not worry about anything. While taking a day off might not be possible in the future, I plan on continuing as long as possible.
Giving myself the time to process my busy schedule and relax is one of the few things I can control to make myself feel better — so why wouldn’t I choose to do so?
Samantha Zavala is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at zavala27@up.edu
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