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After taking numerous personality quizzes and analyzing my lifestyle, I categorize myself as an ambivert. This is someone whose personality is a mix of being an introvert and an extrovert. Studying abroad in Cape Town has allowed both sides of my personality to come out. But, the introverted side of me wishes for more time alone and time to reflect on this amazing life experience.
If you know me, you know that I am an avid writer and reader. So, when I tell you that it has been 23 days since the last time I have written poetry and 12 days since I last picked up my current novel All The Light We Cannot See, it may come as a shock. Believe me, I am shocked too. Being abroad has forced me to find a new routine and adjust to a lifestyle of not being able to be in control all the time. With classes spread throughout my day and planned excursions, my normal routine has been shifted.
When I envisioned myself coming to South Africa, I could picture the large amounts of poetry I would be writing. However, that has not been the case. Keeping up with a busy schedule has not allowed me to write or even read a book. I have not had time to truly sit down, take a deep breath, and digest the experiences I have been having here in Cape Town.
It is extremely hard to take time for yourself when there is a world of possibilities to explore. For example, the white sand beaches, planning a shark diving excursion, or wanting to keep up with the latest dinner plans. Don’t get me wrong, this is an amazing problem to have, but all of these activities and bucket list items add up. I have found myself draining my social battery early in the week because I have not taken the time to recharge by myself. My usual activities like talking to family, catching up with friends, or diving deep into a book have been crunched into a time before bed. I am up late every night trying to hold on to lingering conversations or listening to last-minute stories before sleeping the night away.
Because of a hectic and unorganized routine, I am finally beginning to find ways to allow myself to take a step back and be present in moments. Here are some of the ways I have been taking time for myself while studying abroad.
Journaling
Being away from home, there is so much to share and talk about with my loved ones. Since the day I arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, I have written in my journal reflecting on each day. I have not only used this as a way to remember important moments but as a way to allow myself to get weight off of my chest. With such a distance between family and friends, I have found myself relying on my journal to listen to me talk. There have been amazing moments while being abroad but there have also been some hard times. Having a journal with me allows me to decompress and write whatever comes to mind.
Journaling is also a very personal experience. Taking time out of my day to sit with my own thoughts and write down emotions is something that needs a lot of time. This is why I find myself journaling so often. I can take time away from my day to focus on myself, even if it is for just an hour. Each day, I try to add a random thought to my journal entry. Whether that be a new food I have tried, something I miss about home, or a funny memory of throwing treats to my dogs on the Furbo app. The small things always stand out and make my day memorable.
Another way I like to make journaling personal is to play some of my favorite songs. I rarely have alone time in my shared apartment, so wearing headphones allows me to tune out any distractions and be able to write. I also find that listening to music makes me feel a sense of comfort. Journaling and listening to songs like Grapejuice by Harry Styles are some of my favorite ways to focus on myself after a busy day.
Saying “No”
Because I am a student who is always on the move, I found one of the best ways to catch alone time is by simply saying no. Saying no to activities or even a simple dinner plan has helped me set aside time to catch up.
In fact, this situation happened today. Some of my classmates decided to go out to dinner. Knowing that I have a lot to catch up on, personal things to do, and a lot on my plate, I decided to say no and stay in. This has allowed me to deal with my stress and even write this blog!
Something great that comes out of being surrounded by other students is that everyone understands where you are coming from. Each student needs to take a break and step away from the group to have their own reset. For me, as mentioned, this was today.
One of the reasons why saying no can be hard is because not attending activities can result in FOMO. However, I have three weeks left. Taking a day for myself, taking an hour for myself, or taking the night off will not affect the rest of my trip. It is more important to focus on things you want to get done rather than what others want to get done.
Listening to Your Body
Listening to your body is one of the biggest tips I can give to someone who has been traveling nonstop. Your body can tell you a lot about how you are feeling. While in Cape Town, I have been staying up later than ever. Because of this, my body is not used to pushing its limits to wake up for class or hike early in the morning. Therefore, being kind to your body and listening when it says slow down is so important.
Something I have been learning is that I am not able to stay up late every night to catch up with loved ones back home. At times, it is midnight here which is the best time to connect with family back home. However, it is hard to balance a sleep schedule while your family is telling you about the details of their day. Listening to your body, like when you are feeling dehydrated and in need of more water or in need of sleep from a busy weekend, is a great way to feel refreshed. Being honest with your loved ones can also help with easier communication and a better sleep schedule.
A Note To Self
Each day is a new experience. Adjusting to a new place takes time. Cape Town will always be here. I have been learning a lot about myself during this study abroad experience. This blog helped me realize how much I do enjoy my alone time, and there is nothing wrong with that! Because I am here for a total of 6 weeks, my life has changed and is adjusting constantly. I hope you can follow some of my tips to take time for yourself as I have here in Cape Town, South Africa.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for my next blog!
Hi friends! My name is Tara Roumes and I am a junior here at URI. With a double major in journalism and English, you can always find me writing! When a pen isn’t in my hand, a fresh cup of coffee and a book often replace it. My love for books can be found on Instagram, @taras_littlelibrary, where I post reviews and connect with other avid readers. If I am not reading or writing, I am definitely claiming a front-row seat at any athletic event on campus, playing with my two dogs, or listening to Harry Styles. This is my second semester blogging for Inside Rec and I am so excited to share my experiences, thoughts, and opinions with you! Right now I am studying abroad in Cape Town then I head to Sydney and Rome!