Spring break is right around the corner! It can be easy to get wrapped up in the fun, friends, and sunshine, and we may put our health or professional and academic lives on the back-burner. Although we have all deserve a break, this year don’t compromise yourself for some fun in the sun. Here are some easy-to-follow tips for how to have a fun and healthy spring break.
1. Don’t sit in a wet bathing suit all day.
Your mom has probably been telling you this since before you could swim, but it’s definitely important. Keeping your wet bathing suit on all day can cause bacterial infections, and well as general discomfort. When you are done being in the water, either let your bathing suit dry fully while tanning, or change into a dry bathing suit or underwear. You will thank yourself later.
2. Stay with a Buddy.
It sounds so elementary school, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Many college students travel to foreign countries for spring break, and being unsure of where you are can put you at risk for coming across to strangers as less confident or vulnerable. Wherever you may be traveling, be sure to be with a friend and look out for each other. “Go out with friends, and go home with friends” is a great motto to follow. Who wants to spring break by themselves anyway?
3. Do your homework before you leave.
…Or do your homework on the plane or in the car. Whatever you do, get your studying out of the way before you try to enjoy your week. The last thing we want to do over spring break is worry about our research papers and exams. As tough as it may be to spend the week before spring break in the library instead of day dreaming about drinks on the beach, power through your homework early.
4. Take Pictures. And then take more pictures. And then un-tag yourself on Facebook.
While taking pictures is the best way to document any experience (and we all take them), sometimes our proudest moments aren’t what the camera captures. We’ve all heard it before, but our professional lives are either here or right around the corner, so be smart about what can be seen publically on your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We all want our friends to see our spring break fun, but sometimes we have to draw the line when our pictures show that we had a little bit too much fun.
5. Drink + Sun = no fun
Being in the sun while drinking can make the effects of alcohol much worse, because we become dehydrated much more quickly. If you are on the beach this spring break, look out for the safety of yourself as well as your friends, and pace your alcohol intake. Be sure to drink plenty of water too!
6. Be careful while swimming.
While you may roll your eyes at this one, swimming without a lifeguard or swimming while intoxicated is one of the most dangerous things you can do to yourself. Undertows in the ocean can be dangerous while you’re sober, so undertows while intoxicated can be that much worse. Be careful, keep an eye on your friends, and don’t get hurt.
7. And finally, as always, wear protection.