Ski Trip Reflection + Major Reset Tips

Sometimes we need a big reset. Mental, physical, social reset. Not just for a minute or a day but a week. I feel so extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity and the parents to allow me to take the reset I needed. I want to explore the positives of this reset and share ways you can reset your life.

Everything can be going “right” yet feel wrong. This was me. Things were going as they normally do. I was working out, yet resting when I needed to, I was fueling my body, I was working but also finding time for myself, but still I just felt off. I wasn’t excited about my routine like I normally am. Everyone and everything was annoying me and I needed to step back. I came into this trip on the verge of tears thinking for the first time in my life am I too tired to ski? This was eye awakening for me because skiing is one of the highlights of my life, but I felt like my energy for life had been wiped. I remember the feeling and the thoughts, my soul was tired way deep inside of me. Little did I know, these feelings were good for me. I took it slow (as slow as I can lol!) and relaxed. I stayed on top of my work, but I embraced the fun. I realized how proud of myself I was. I had been working so hard non stop and now was my time for me.

I think it is so valuable to take a break from everything. Work, routine, working out, your normal people, etc. I wasn’t just tired of school, but also working out. I wanted to move my body, but nothing sounded appealing. Skiing was the perfect escape because it was a new environment with a change in food, people, and activity. I change up my workouts so I don’t get bored, but even that wasn’t cutting it. If you are feeling this way, I have a few pieces of advice. You may want to take a week, plus or minus, off of working out. Find other hobbies to do or just chill. You may also want to do a form of movement completely different than what you are used to. Try new workout classes, go on a bike ride, go for a swim, etc. Change up your whole workout routine for a week. Allow yourself to get excited about your regular routine before you return back to it, and you may find a new favorite thing in the meantime.

If you feel like you need a mental break like I did, there are a few things you can do. I know not all of us can take time off of school, but if you can take a day or two I would recommend it. Mental health is just as important as anything else and sometimes that means skipping school. I know this is a controversial opinion, but as humans we have so much going on (even when we don’t think we do). Just existing and being and thinking can be so taxing. There are some days when we cannot handle existing as well as other responsibilities and that needs to be normalized. It’s ok to need a break or a reset. If you can’t do that, try to get ahead in your work so that you can take part of the week to relax a bit. For example, do most of your work Monday and Tuesday so Wednesday through Friday you can have a lighter work load and not have to think as hard. Also, I know this isn’t what most of us want to hear, but take a day or even a few hours and lock your phone away. Being infiltrated with social media and information from those apps can be overwhelming. Settle your brain. Maybe journal or meditate or go sunbathe. I also think napping can be extremely healing. Even if you aren’t tired. Go lay down, close your eyes, and breathe slowly. Allow your thoughts to run rampant and start to settle them. There are times when we have so many things running through our minds that we can’t focus on anything else. Talk it out, write it out, or think it out.

Skipping school and/or getting ahead can be very valuable. It teaches you time management as you work to get everything done in the allotted time while on a different schedule. This showed me how to balance work and play. Life isn’t just about productivity in the work sense. Shift your view of productivity and you will become so much happier. For me, this trip was extremely extremely productive. I worked ahead, relaxed, had fun, skied, refilled my cup, nourished my body and soul, etc. I learned so much about myself. When we are in our normal routines with so much being thrown at us, it can be hard to find time to reflect. When we take a step back, we can let our bodies and minds speak up and listen to what they are trying to tell us. It’s also easy to brush over our hard work and accomplishments. We start aiming for the next goal right as we complete our current one, but taking even just a minute gives us time to cherish what we have done.

I love routine more than most, however I think it is important to recognize that even routine should be in moderation. I noticed that sometimes with routine, my ego can take ahold of me. I start to compare what I am doing today to what I did yesterday. I judge my energy and productivity levels. This mindset is very toxic because everyday is different and there are things we can’t control. Taking a break from routine can help you realize that everyday doesn’t need to look the same to be good and the differences teach us lessons and change things up. I encourage you to mix up your routine for a week. Instead of following what you always do, switch it up.

As I sit here now reflecting, it feels crazy to look back on how I felt. I feel like a whole new person. My excitement for life is flourishing and I feel better than ever. Yes I’m tired because I got back at 1 a.m. but my spark is back and boy does it feel good. There are also challenges though. Judgement of myself still exists. I have this feeling of needing to do and be more, but we are already enough. To counter this I journaled, talked it out, meditated, did yoga, danced, and said positive affirmations.