Dance Breaks & Deadline Shakes: The Rush Before & After Reading Week!
Navigating the period before and after Reading Week always feels like a race against time—juggling midterms and assignments and somehow trying to keep it all together. I’ve been there, too, drowning in deadlines and trying not to get too overwhelmed. But this time, I decided to switch things up. Instead of being chained to my desk, I’ve been sneaking out for runs and even gave Pilates another go. It turns out that a little movement can go a long way in keeping the chaos at bay.
There’s something magical about lacing up for a midweek run when everything feels like it's spiralling out of control. Somehow, the stress of looming deadlines melts away with each step, whether it’s the surge of endorphins or the crisp air clearing my head. Lately, running has become my secret weapon for surviving the pre- and post- Reading Week madness. And yes, I even made it back to Pilates—it hit me hard but in the best way possible. Nothing quite wakes you up, like realizing just how much your core does all the heavy lifting!
On top of my personal fitness escapes, working at UTM Moves has been a blast so far. Our recently introduced team office hours have become the perfect space for collaboration and connecting with other UTM Moves Leads who are just as passionate about wellness. And speaking of wellness, if you’ve been keeping up with the UTM Moves Blog, you already know Tanveer Kaur is basically a trail master. Her tips from the last blog had me rethinking my campus walks—I might need to drag her along after Reading Week and check out those trails together. Maybe you could join us?
Amidst this, the festival spirit in the air reminds me how essential it is to find joy amidst the madness. Balancing my study sessions with moments of dance has not only lightened my stress but also filled my days with positivity. So, why not take a dance break if you're feeling overwhelmed? It could be the perfect way to celebrate the season while powering through your workload! I recently challenged myself to post one dance video a week and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer. Fitting it into my hectic schedule isn’t always easy, but the joy it brings me is totally worth it! There’s nothing like cranking up my favourite playlist and just losing myself in the music. Dancing is more than just a workout for me—even a quick solo dance session in my room can lift my spirits and help me refocus. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, grab your headphones and join me! You might be surprised how much a little dance break can help you tackle that next assignment or prep for your upcoming midterm.
Oh! And by the way, with Diwali and Halloween happening this week, do you have any plans? Let’s keep the festive vibes alive and make the most of this season together!
