Even though there’s about a month left before classes starts, I can’t help but feel like summer is quickly coming to an end. While the past couple of months have been incredibly eventful, there are so many more adventures to be had.
This week, I’ve found that sometimes the sweetest adventure is some alone time in a hammock.
In the midst of beginning new projects, preparing for classes, moving into a new apartment, researching and applying for different graduate programs, a little personal leisure time was exactly what I needed.
I’ve frequently enjoyed my bucket list activity of reading in a hammock since last summer. There’s something about lounging in nature that’s enjoyable whether you’re an outdoorsy type, a relaxation connoisseur, or even a bit of both.
This week, my adventure crew consisted of one: me. Or two, if you count J.R.R. Tolkien via reading “The Hobbit.” Or three, if you also count the fly who so desperately wanted to sit on my knee. Personally, I didn’t count the latter two. To me, it was just me relaxing in the Quad on Sunday evening.
I think taking some time to unwind is a good way to refocus on things. It’s similar to rewarding yourself for working hard. What better way to do so than in the fresh air with a hammock?
However, I think it’s also important to know the difference between procrastinating and taking a break. This is something I’m still trying to find the balance between, but I think I’m finally starting to understand it.
For instance: breaking up the work load with a scheduled hammock-time is beneficial. Spending the solid hour after the scheduled break ended trying to figure out ways to flip the hammock upside down while cocooned inside, though, is probably nearing the side of procrastination.
On the surface, relaxing in a hammock might not seem as exciting as some of the other Bucket List Adventures, but after I figured out how to peel myself from my tangled cocoon-like shell, I felt refreshed. Ready to get back to work and tackle the rest of this week’s to-do list.
Rachel Nyhart is a senior in anthropology.
