How to Survive a Gap Year
After working tirelessly for 5 years, I took time off to give myself a break and focus on my online postgraduate studies. Being a workaholic, it was certainly not easy to transition from bustling 12-hour days to having lots of quiet time on my hands.
Here are a few strategies that helped me to manage my emotions and enjoy the break:
Figure out your Goals
Before starting your gap year, figure out your goals. Decide whether your main goal is to rest, to catch up on studies, to learn a new skill or spend more time with loved ones. This will greatly determine how you spend your time for the next few months and also how you can allocate your budget for various activities.
Build a Rough Timeline
Based on your goals, set a timeline for yourself. After all, a gap year is ideally a temporary arrangement and most people return to work or a regular routine after some time. Check in with yourself to decide what timeline feels best for you to achieve your goals - whether it be a month or a year, always ensure that it sits right with you and your goals before starting your gap year. Personally, it helped to draw out a rough plan of what I would be focusing on each month. For instance, rest in September, Study in October, Travel in November etc.
Build a Routine
After a while, the days and weeks can start to blend together into a time vacuum. It is important to build a routine so that you still have a sense of time and structure to your days. A simple routine can look like getting up at the same time every day, having a balanced and nutritious lunch, engaging in something active and ending the day with a delicious dinner and rest. For those pursuing part-time work or studies, this routine can also help to ensure that you keep on track with your goals. However, do be mindful that this routine works best when it is flexible and allows for ample time for self-discovery and rest.
Celebrate the Present
There were times when I looked on social media and saw my friends having a blast at their jobs, getting promotions or pay raises, and I thought to myself, if I had not resigned, I might be enjoying the same outcomes. It is important to recognise where you are and celebrate the present. For example, I learnt to reframe my thinking to: When I was working, I barely had time to eat lunch, but now I have the time and energy to prepare and enjoy balanced meals for myself every day. Or when I was working, I used to earn X amount of money each month and I could spend it on shopping without thinking twice, but now I have the luxury to spend resourcefully, such as travelling on a budget and thereby experiencing a new way of travel.
Go Outside
It can feel tempting to spend many days alone at home on the couch watching Netflix or sleeping, because it is a luxury that you may not have been able to enjoy before. But this can make it easier to slip into unhealthy thought cycles. To break up the day, go outside. Even a 10-15 minute walk around your neighbourhood can be helpful. I personally find it easier to schedule something tangible like a workout or a lunch in town as I can look forward to it. Take this opportunity to catch up with friends and maintain connections!
Get to Know Yourself
Take this rare opportunity to spend time with yourself. Reflect on how far you have come and identify areas that you wish to improve on. Remember to go easy on yourself, as we are all a work in progress.
Try Something New
Lots of time on your hands? It’s a great opportunity to try something new! A new hobby, the café round the corner that you’ve been eyeing for months, or even a new fashion style that gears away from the traditional office wear that you are used to. When you try something new, you open up new pathways in your brain, and who knows- it might lead you to discover something new about yourself!
In conclusion, a gap year is a great chance for you to rest and reset, find new opportunities and emerge a better person. Having a balanced schedule that prioritises rest and self-discovery is key to maximising this extended break and helping you achieve your goals.
Have an amazing gap year!