Spring Break has finally arrived!…but is it really a chance to relax? For those of us lucky enough to be chillin’ stateside over break (I feel you, ladies), Spring Break may feel more like a large to-do list than a chance to unwind. Between internship and job interviews, coffee dates, lunch outings, quality time with family and-don’t forget!-preparation for the rest of the semester, how in the world can people think that Spring Break is actually relaxing? However, if you plan properly, Spring Break will feel like a breeze…maybe not an ocean breeze, but hey, you get the idea. Follow my tips for a successful Spring Break that’ll make you feel calm with each “check!” off the list.
Plan out each day (that means time for yourself, too!). Since Spring Break is such a limited amount of time, don’t waste all of it away. Sure, it’s absolutely necessary to catch up on sleep and have time for yourself, but sitting on the couch for three straight days binging on Netflix? Maybe not. Take time to think about what you absolutely need to do over break (attend an interview, complete an exam or large assignment, etc.) and write it down in your calendar. That way, you’ll feel a sense of responsibility to complete these tasks when you say you’re going to do them. If you map out a schedule ahead of time and tell yourself over and over again to stick to it, you’ll feel less stressed, more productive and will have more time to relax when you need it most.
Prepare ahead of time. Interviewing for an internship or job? Do your homework! Spring Break is a great time to re-format your resume or LinkedIn profile; learn more about the companies you’ll potentially intern or work for; and brainstorm answers to potential questions employers may ask you. For success in this area, it’s absolutely necessary to plan ahead of time. Last-minute preparation is far worse than well-thought out, intentional planning a few days before. Cut yourself a break and plan ahead…your stress level will thank you.
Connect with the ones that count. As mentioned before, Spring Break is only so many days long, so make a point to spend quality time with the people in your life that matter most. Plan a weekend getaway with your family, a day trip to the city with your best friends, a unique, never-been-done-before date with your significant other and a long walk in the park with your pup. You’ll feel reconnected to those in your life you don’t see often, and as a result, you’re guaranteed to feel much happier.
Prep for classes and other commitments. As the end of Spring Break nears, pull yourself off of the couch (or out from underneath your beach cabana) to look over your assignments and commitments for the rest of the semester. Have two big exams the week after Spring Break ends? Start planning now. Helping to run a huge charity event at school at the beginning of April? Figure out what you still need to do, and do it. Again, knowing what you have to do in advance will limit the amount of surprises or stress freak-outs later.
Relax. Sleep…and don’t set your alarm for the morning after. Get a manicure and pedicure. Eat homemade food (and savor it!). See a movie. Listen to new music. Whether you’re tanning on a tropical island or sitting in your living room, do something (or a few things) that makes you feel the most relaxed every day of break. You deserve it!
Although it’ll be a definite downer scrolling through Instagram to see shots of sunny skies and all of your friends’ tans, having a productive Spring Break at home will be great if you make it that way. Making a solid plan for yourself at the start of break and getting things done as break progresses (while still finding plenty of time to relax) will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the rest of the year. And you know what? Fake tans from drugstore products don’t look all that bad…