My summer vacation has been quite enjoyable this year. I had the opportunity to visit Hawaii, take a day long exploration at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and return to my old hometown in Illinois to meet old family friends. But my diverse summer excursions have slowed down my daily rhythm.

During the working months (Or academic times to be more accurate) I have the uncanny ability to organize my daily task in an efficient manner and follow through each day with a strict schedule. After doing the morning chores, I use my computer (Microsoft OneNote) to write up a simple to-do-list for the day. As I follow through my schedule, I check off each of my goal and reflect my work at the end of the day. I repeat this process during the weekdays, and it has been a great tool to stay in shape amid chaotic work environment.

However, my summer schedule made everything a little slow and easy. I had a problem with my laptop’s monitor (A streak of dead pixels), so I had to endure a month without using my to-do-list tools. Without any daily planning, I spent my summer vacation without efficiency, but I surely enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. I was not pressured to pursue any planned goal, and I received a nice dose of psychological tranquility. The mind does need a break after going through a strict work routine.

But the summer months are ending, and I need to restore my work rhythm to get things started again. The rest I had was plentiful, and I feel rejuvenated. Now I have an urge to get back to my work routine, and I look forward to the coming months of hard work and play.

It is essential for everyone to listen to one’s life rhythm. During the busy time you should take control of the rhythm and match it to your schedule. But every once in a while you should let your rhythm roam free and let your mind cool off.

The difficult part of taking control of your rhythm again is getting accustomed to the new work schedule. It might be difficult for the first day and harder the second day, but you can overcome the pain by having a good attitude with the new schedule and working your rhythm to it. Whether adhering to a strict schedule or focusing on wellbeing, you should pick the right strategy to get back the beat going and dance with the new work flow.