As we move into July, a well deserved break is in order! Taking a break can be beneficial so we can approach course prep for the next semester (or quarter) more effectively and avoid burnout. Depending on your schedule and commitments, this break may look different for each of us. Below, the ECP committee highlights some of the ways that they are using their summer to relax and recharge:
Amanda: One way that I’m taking a break is going to our neighborhood pool in the afternoons. Swimming laps is relaxing to me, and helps me get in some low impact exercise. I also use this time to read for fun, and am currently reading the Finlay Donovan series, which follows a single mom who accidentally becomes a hired killer/crime solver. When we get closer to the semester, I plan to add Study Like a Champ to my pool bag.
Vishal: Summers in Texas can be boiling hot, making it hard to enjoy some time outdoors. Regardless, I have spent some more time trying to enjoy the outdoors by going for runs and playing a lot of volleyball with some friends. Aside from that, I have also been binge watching some TV shows like This is Us with my wife, while we learn some new recipes since we enjoy cooking together, too! Just to keep the classroom on my mind, too, I have been trying to read and write a little bit more out teaching, as I prepare for my fall class.This summer has been flying by so far, but it has felt pretty rewarding!
Dina: I made it a priority to travel to Europe this summer since I find it so relaxing. I was lucky enough to celebrate a milestone birthday with a trip to Paris, Gran Canaria, and Lisbon, where I finally got to see Taylor Swift live in her truly life-changing Eras Tour concert at a fraction of ticket prices here. I look forward to returning to Paris soon for the BISTOPS conference, and hopefully collaborating on SoTL research with like-minded colleagues. When I get back from BISTOPS, I will start teaching an intensive positive psychology course for 6 hours every weekday, making it extra important to recharge beforehand. I have thus enjoyed spending a few weeks with my family in NYC as a native New Yorker, and seeing Broadway shows when I could get discounted tickets during the week. Live theatre offers both escapism and catharsis in a unique collective experience that I find truly therapeutic. It's not just about forgetting your troubles for a few hours, but engaging with them in a different context, which can facilitate healing and a refreshed outlook. I particularly enjoyed seeing Hell’s Kitchen with a fellow Alicia Keys fan, and inspiring SUFFS with my Mom, who was born only 30 years after American women finally won the right to vote. I highly recommend both (you can get half-priced tickets at TKTS), or at least listening to the incredible cast albums on your favorite streaming service!
Maria: One way I like to take a break is by traveling. This summer, I’m planning on visiting various countries in Europe. I’m excited to catch some conferences while in Europe as well as see friends that live over there and immerse myself into different cultures! I also really look forward to visiting family in Toronto.
Sincerely,
Your STP Early Career Psychologists Committee:
Dina Gohar, Ph.D.
Maria Iankilevitch, Ph.D.
Ciara Kidder, Ph.D.
Vishal Thakkar, Ph.D.
Amanda Woodward, Ph.D.
