Thanksgiving: Family, Friends, Food, and Fresh Starts

With a whole month of school behind me, and a whole bunch of assignments before me, the Thanksgiving long weekend was a welcome break to an already super busy year.  Catching up with family and friends over some really delicious food let me put aside all the tests, papers, deadlines, and meetings for at least a few days.  After having worked full-time all summer, I was already feeling  burnt out just trying to get back into the groove of going to school again.  But I’ve come to appreciate that there’s nothing quite like good conversation and good food to help me relax and enjoy the moment. Having that one extra day this weekend also gave me a chance to indulge in one of my absolute favourite de-stressing activities: baking.

I have  a sweet tooth and baking for me was initially the easiest (and cheapest) way to get my fill of a variety of yummy pastries!  However, funnily enough, I’ve learned that the rigor of baking actually serves as a way to help me de-stress.  It lets me forget about everything except for what’s in front of me.  At the end of my baking session, even though my entire body felt like it had been through a marathon, my mind was renewed and rejuvenated – as if I’ve got a fresh canvas to begin working on again.

While admiring my icing job, I came to realize just how important it is for me to recharge not only after I finish an assignment, test or project but before, as well.  Now that I’ve balanced my body and mind, I’m ready to take on the rest of this month with more energy and enthusiasm for the challenges that lie ahead. What kinds of things help you recharge? - Vivian