My first 48 hours after the final exam of the semester

Finally!

Summer break has officially begun. Although it’s normal to not feel it straight away, the feeling of being done will rear its fruitful head soon. For some, it hits the moment you’ve handed in your final exam but for me, it takes time. I always feel like I have one more assignment or test I forgot about, just waiting to realize it. The anxiety school has given me doesn’t go away when a piece of paper leaves my hands.

Oh, how I envy the ones who can flip the switch from stressful exams to summer fun.

Hour 0

Denzel Washington putting his hands on his chest breathing heavily and smiling. — *via Giphy*

“Omg is this happening?” is always the first thing I say to myself. I cannot believe it. After a whole school year, I finally have four months free, or at least far freer than I’ve been. Still, it doesn’t feel real. Am I dreaming?

Hours 1 to 8 (A.K.A around midnight the day of)

A person tipping a bag of popcorn onto their face while trying to eat whatever falls. — *via Giphy*

For the rest of the day and for the first time in a long time, I have nothing to do. I’m checking blackboard every so often and see nothing there. The anxiety still looms, “did I get the grade I wanted?”

After three or four hours, my night owl instincts have set in. I’m free and ready for the most introverted micro-celebration a student can have in the summer. I’ve set aside some money for this exact moment. I’m ordering in and binging movies. Nothing can stop me now, well except for the fact that I still feel like I’m missing one final assignment.

Hour 8 to 20 (A.K.A noon the next day)

Donald Duck pulling his bed sheets over himself. — *via Giphy*

At this point it’s the next morning and the feeling has truly set in. For once, I don’t have to jolt out of bed to study, work on assignments or head to school. It still feels surreal. Jumping out of bed has become second nature, but I know that it’s okay to stay in my cocoon of pillows and duvets. It feels so good.

At this point, I’m still checking blackboard (I know, it’s almost over, promise) but it’s less frequent and has less gravitas to it.

Hours 20 to 32 (A.K.A afternoon to midnight)

A chef sprinkling beef with salt. — *via Giphy*

For the rest of the day, I’ve made plans to go out with friends. It’s a mark of celebration and reflection, but more so celebration. Dinner and a fun night watching playoff hockey and just enjoying each other’s company.

No more checking blackboard, no more even thinking about school. At this point, the only thing on my mind is what passion project or activity am I going to do tomorrow?

Hours 33 to 48 (A.K.A exactly two days after I’ve handed in my final)

Nicholas Cage closing his eyes then a cut out of his head being transported through space. — *via Giphy*

Like most students will feel at some point, a bit of guilt starts to hit me. I deserve a break, but I also don’t want to “waste the summer.” I had plans to start doing some freelance work.

It’s time to start balancing recovery with getting things done, albeit no where near as much as during the school year.

I’ve made a pseudo-planner today, leaving plenty of time to sleep in to my hearts content, enjoy my hobbies, hang out with friends, enjoy nature and start my freelancing journey.

The anxiety of school has gone, I feel liberated and relaxed. The celebration continues, more food and drinks to go around. Shoutout to the foodies out there, you’ll know that great food is the go-to way of celebrating.

As that 48 hour mark comes to a close, remember to be proud of yourself. This is a time for rest, celebration and re-grouping. We did it!

Feature image courtesy of Katrin Bolovtsova via Pexels.

How are you spending your summer after the first 48 hours? Find side quests to do while on break.