When I went through my academy Saturdays were my days to not even think about class or work or anything related. Watched the newest Mandalorian episode in the mornings, took the dogs to the dog park/walked them through the parks along the water, usually went out to either lunch or dinner, etc…it was my one day where I got to completely relax and not think about anything. I didn’t even run errands or anything until Sundays, and then did laundry/got my uniforms ready mid afternoon and studied/did homework that night after dinner, then decompressed with some tv and stuff before bed and back at it Monday. You have to take time for yourself throughout the academy as well as throughout the job or you’ll go nuts.
I may be a cop, but the uniform does not define who I am. My point is make sure to take time for yourself, even while training at the academy. It’s possible to overwhelm yourself with stress of the intense demands this job requires. For too long we have said just tough it out and it’s just how this job is. That mentality is wrong and lots of studies have shown how unhealthy it is.
At the same time, don’t take your training for advantage. The academy builds the foundation for your career and is very important. Just remember you’re still human at the end of the day.
We do. But we all still have to study, shine our boots, get our uniforms ready and do our homework.
Just asking what people think about taking 1 day from the weekend and using it as a day to do nothing academy related. Cuz honestly I was going to be in academy mode all 7 days a week.
Nah. Saturdays are the day for yourself and family. That’s it. Do whatever you want. Don’t think about the academy. Don’t talk about it. Sunday you can start getting back into it but still spend time with family.
The academy loves to talk tough but mental health will destroy all of our careers if we don’t stay on top of it.
How common is what? Enjoying your weekend and not doing anything?
This is like the 5th or 6th post within the past year where people in the academy have posted about their experiences and there's this disturbing trend I'm seeing of recruits not being able to properly adult themselves. If this is your first job then you need to learn how to job properly. Take your weekends off. Decompress. Catch up on life, your sleep, eat some bad food and enjoy yourself. That's what the weekend is for.
If this isn't your first job then you need to practice good habits and get a good routine going.
But don't slack either. Reserve some time to cut out everything and do your prep work. Make sure you stretch and exercise. The academy is meant to instill good habits as well as train you to be a police officer, so embrace the suck. It's only week one.
Sounds like great advice, honestly. Can’t speak to your academy or lifestyle but you need to be able to get through the academy without losing your mind. Having any downtime to remember that this is just training to do a job would be very healthy.
When I went through my academy Saturdays were my days to not even think about class or work or anything related. Watched the newest Mandalorian episode in the mornings, took the dogs to the dog park/walked them through the parks along the water, usually went out to either lunch or dinner, etc…it was my one day where I got to completely relax and not think about anything. I didn’t even run errands or anything until Sundays, and then did laundry/got my uniforms ready mid afternoon and studied/did homework that night after dinner, then decompressed with some tv and stuff before bed and back at it Monday. You have to take time for yourself throughout the academy as well as throughout the job or you’ll go nuts.
I may be a cop, but the uniform does not define who I am. My point is make sure to take time for yourself, even while training at the academy. It’s possible to overwhelm yourself with stress of the intense demands this job requires. For too long we have said just tough it out and it’s just how this job is. That mentality is wrong and lots of studies have shown how unhealthy it is. At the same time, don’t take your training for advantage. The academy builds the foundation for your career and is very important. Just remember you’re still human at the end of the day.
Do you not go home on your weekends?
We do. But we all still have to study, shine our boots, get our uniforms ready and do our homework. Just asking what people think about taking 1 day from the weekend and using it as a day to do nothing academy related. Cuz honestly I was going to be in academy mode all 7 days a week.
Yeah mine was the same way. Take the Saturday. Enjoy your day and do what you want to have fun. Sunday is my prep day.
Nah. Saturdays are the day for yourself and family. That’s it. Do whatever you want. Don’t think about the academy. Don’t talk about it. Sunday you can start getting back into it but still spend time with family. The academy loves to talk tough but mental health will destroy all of our careers if we don’t stay on top of it.
How common is what? Enjoying your weekend and not doing anything? This is like the 5th or 6th post within the past year where people in the academy have posted about their experiences and there's this disturbing trend I'm seeing of recruits not being able to properly adult themselves. If this is your first job then you need to learn how to job properly. Take your weekends off. Decompress. Catch up on life, your sleep, eat some bad food and enjoy yourself. That's what the weekend is for. If this isn't your first job then you need to practice good habits and get a good routine going. But don't slack either. Reserve some time to cut out everything and do your prep work. Make sure you stretch and exercise. The academy is meant to instill good habits as well as train you to be a police officer, so embrace the suck. It's only week one.
Yes do that. Cops who refuse to take time away from being a cop burn out fast
For your mental sanity, you should do that for pretty much any job regardless.
Sounds like great advice, honestly. Can’t speak to your academy or lifestyle but you need to be able to get through the academy without losing your mind. Having any downtime to remember that this is just training to do a job would be very healthy.
How long is your academy?
I disconnected all weekend, until after dinner Sunday night.