Growing up, I was always told to treat others the way I wished to be treated. What no one every really mentioned, though, is that I should also treat myself the way I wish to be treated. I’m always quick to offer friends and even strangers compliments, but I rarely offer one to myself. The sad truth is that I easily believe negative comments from others, probably because I actively engage in generating them about myself.
Osgoode, I have a feeling I’m not alone here. I’ve noticed that things can get a wee bit tense around these parts, especially if I accidentally venture into the library. Listen, I think it’s important that we all be good to each other (civility and professional conduct, etc. – I totally paid attention in Ethical Lawyering, you guys) but I think it is even more important that we start to be good to ourselves. Stress is natural in a competitive environment like law school (although let’s get rid of that bell curve already, yeesh), but treating ourselves a little better will go a long way to managing that stress. I am especially looking at you, “Jessica White”. As they say, the kinder you are to yourself, the kinder the world will feel. I actually did not know they said that before now, but Google tells me it is an expression (see picture). So, it must be true.
Because I firmly believe that we are all deserving of a little self-TLC, here are four tips on how to be good to yourself:
- 1. Check your thoughts. If you have been spending the last weeks tormenting yourself over your grades with an endless rhetoric of “I suck at this,” – STOP! Firstly, it’s untrue. Secondly, if you wouldn’t say it to your friend, why would you say it to yourself? We put a lot of pressure on ourselves in law school, but it’s important to spend some time focusing on your value as a person beyond your transcript. Maybe you’re an asset to the intramural basketball team, or a source of support for friends or family. If you’re determined to criticize yourself, then make it constructive. “I can do better by…” is far more encouraging than, “I don’t belong here.” You do belong here! Google told me that, too!
- 2. Keep calm and sleep. I’m pretty sure that sleep deprivation is a torture tactic. So, if you’ve been keeping long hours in order to get everything done, it may be time to reconsider. Not only are you more productive when you’re well rested, you’re also happier. Science will back me up on this if you want to do some research. More importantly, I think if the police aren’t allowed to do it to people, you should stop doing it to yourself. All-nighters are just the worst. Even during exam period. It may mean some fancy time management, but I think you can do it. Also, please be sure to read yourself your Charter rights when placing yourself under arrest.
- 3. Clean energy. I’m no nutritionist, but I think sometimes being kind to yourself means making smart food choices. Not all foods are going to give you the same quality of energy. I personally recommend avoiding the processed, sugary stuff and trying to stick to natural foods and whole grains. Try to avoid eating carbohydrates alone (even fruit). Pairing it with a source of protein will give you a more consistent release of energy over time, and will prevent spikes in insulin and the resulting energy crash. Planning ahead and packing your own meals can set you up to make good choices and is probably more kind to your bank account. Osgoode has enough of your money as it is.
- 4. Be a little bad. Ok, I know that most of the above was me waxing rhapsodic about making good and smart choices, but we all need to let loose and have some fun. Thankfully, your Osgoode pals are always here for you when the mood strikes. JCR on Wednesdays, Pub Nights on Thursdays, and no end of shenanigans going on in the city when you’re ready to partake in them. Have a cookie, grab a drink, and hang out. I challenge you to talk about something not law-school related (it’s harder than you think), and forget about your to-do-list for a little while. And believe me when I tell you as a completely impartial third party with “no affiliation” to the production, you definitely need to go see Mock Trial!
In closing: Sippin’ on Coke and Rum/I’m like so what I’m drunk/It’s the freakin’ weekend baby/I’m about to have me some fun/Bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce.