Spring break doesn’t just offer a much-needed pause in the semester—it also provides us with an opportunity to reset, recharge and reconnect with ourselves and others.
Whether you’re planning to get away or enjoy a quiet week at home, here are some tips to help you take care of your mental and physical well-being over break.
1. Prepare in advance
Academic stress can take over your break, especially if you don’t prepare in advance. Here are a couple things that can help:
Get ahead if possible:
First, consider upcoming assignments, tests or projects you may have. Is there anything you can reasonably complete before break begins? Setting a realistic schedule to get work done in advance can help you make the most of your free time without feeling bogged down by homework.
Plan out your time:
Next, consider how you want to spend your break. Are there any activities you want to enjoy? Are there places you’d like to visit or people you’d like to spend time with? Try to carve out some time each day to do something completely unrelated to school, work, chores or other responsibilities.
2. Take a break from social media
Social media can make it feel like everyone is having a wonderful spring break. Try not to compare your experiences–your break is about you! If you find yourself doom-scrolling, reading unpleasant news stories or focusing too much of your time on social media, it may be time to take a break (at least for the week). Try deleting social apps from your phone, turning off app notifications or simply moving your social apps off of your main home screen.
These tactics can help you be more intentional about spending time IRL rather than online. If you can’t let go of your social media accounts completely, try only using them to make real-life plans with friends. For instance, message people to meet up or plan outings instead of just sending memes back and forth.
3. Get outside
Whether you’re escaping to warmer weather or sticking around town, spending time outside can help ease the mental fatigue that builds up during the semester.
To make the most of your time outside, try some of these practices:
Taking a “sensory walk” where you focus on experiencing one sense at a time (i.e., sight, smell, sound, touch, taste).
Enjoy a hike or nature walk with friends to catch up or enjoy a picnic together.
Soak up the sun, if possible, to get some vitamin D. Just remember to use sunscreen, wear a hat and wear sunglasses for eye protection.
Leave your phone at home and simply enjoy being in nature. You may miss a picture-worthy moment, but you’re more likely to experience a fuller sense of awe.
Remember that you don't need perfect weather to benefit from outdoor time. Spring weather can be unpredictable, especially in Colorado, but even sitting on a covered porch during rain or taking a brief walk on a cloudy day can help shift your mood.
4. Don’t forget the basics
It can be tempting to let go of your routine over break, which may do more harm than good when it comes time to return to class. Instead, try to focus on maintaining a similar routine and schedule throughout break.
Here are some things to consider:
Get sleep: Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. It can be helpful to wake up and go to bed around the same time each night. If you decide to sleep in, try to keep it within an hour of your normal time.
Stay active: Physical activity can help boost your mood and reduce stress. Staying active, even in small bursts, can help. For instance, you may opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away to extend your walk, stretch for 10 minutes in the morning or do a quick circuit.
Fuel your brain: Your brain needs food to function, so it’s important to eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, mood changes, issues with memory, slowed reaction time and poor concentration. Try to consistently drink water throughout the day.
Take care of your mental health: Spring break can be a difficult time for many students. If you’re struggling, be sure to reach out to resources nearby for support.
If you’re not in the habit of taking care of yourself, it can be helpful to schedule it. Carve out some time in the day and add it to your calendar, planner or set an alarm as a reminder. Commit to taking care of these needs during the scheduled time, so you don’t accidentally put it off indefinitely.
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