By Kim E. Jackson, CAPP

Unfortunately, as we enter into the 2020 fall and winter months, we are still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, still trying to address and better understand racial tension and injustice, and soon, those of us in the U.S. will participate in a presidential election. Many are still working remotely or commuting to the office just a few days each week, still trying to balance and juggle home and work life demands, etc.

Fall is often the time we might begin to reflect on the events of the past year; we begin to look forward to the holidays, the joy of gathering and celebrating with family and friends. I think this year, more than ever, we need to take this moment to recharge ourselves before the fast-paced, end-of-year activities commence. We need to take some much overdue “me time,” especially if you have been working throughout this pandemic and did not take advantage of a summer vacation.

It is time to unplug, re-evaluate our choices (both work and life), reconnect with our fitness goals and programs, and most importantly, take a mental break. Time to let go of all the craziness in the world around us and just breathe!

Kim E. Jackson, CAPP, is director of parking and transportation at Princeton University.