Spring Break is a time for relaxation, fun, and preferably lots of sunshine. But many people are heading off to ASB this week, and even more are spending their breaks in cold locales. So how can you still have the best break ever, no matter where you are?
It’s easy- STOP STRESSING.
Chances are, if you’re at Vanderbilt, you’re probably pretty Type A. Check out this Buzzfeed to find out more about the struggles of Type A personalities- it’s pretty great. Even if you’re not Type A, stress is common for all college students, and it can be really hard to stop stressing. So if you’re not the type of person who can relax at the drop of a hat (and if you are, I actually hate you), read on to find my top five ways to de-stress and enjoy the moment.
1) Get a massage. I know, I know, massages are expensive, and if you’re on ASB, you probably don’t have time to head to a spa. But guess what? You don’t need a spa to get a massage. Chances are, one of your friends (or travel mates) gives awesome massages, and if you just throw out the fact that you could REALLY use a massage, that person will probably offer up their services. This is especially true if said person is a boy and you are a girl. Boys usually have big, strong hands, so they’re pretty good at giving shoulder/neck massages. Just don’t let it turn into anything else!!! Boys are known to get the wrong idea about things… and you don’t want to end up in a week-long awkward situation. Basically, if you have access to a spa, go there. If not, this is your perfect fall-back plan.
2) Work out. Yikes, this list is seeming pretty cliched. But honestly, whenever I work out more, I feel so much better about life. You don’t have to exercise every day over break, either- just get your sweat on a few times to make up for last week’s midterms-induced stress eating, and you’ll be feeling fresh as a daisy when you come back to Vandy. Bonus points if you’re in a sunny location and can run outside.
3) Write in a journal. School, especially college, takes the fun out of writing. We have to write so many papers and essays that we often don’t think of writing as a relaxing activity. But whenever I write in my journal or post on my blog, I feel much less stressed out. It’s kind of like talking to your best friend about all of the stuff that happens in your day, except no one can talk back to you. So if you’re going to be alone during break, writing in a journal or blog could make you feel 10x better!
4) Shop. No one can argue with the magic of retail therapy. This is another thing that people on ASB might not be able to do, but it’s an especially promising activity for people in cold locations. A day at the mall means a day inside, except you can wear something cute and walk around, giving you a better workout than you’d get watching Netflix in bed. You can also pick out some cute, new spring clothes that you’ll be able to start wearing in Nashville VERY soon. Because guess what, guys?? WINTER IS ALMOST OVER.
5) Connect with people. This last thing is something everyone can do. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, you have the opportunity to connect with someone. It can be a random person at the coffee shop or someone on your ASB trip who you’ve Facebook-stalked but never talked to. Just talk to someone and make a connection. You never know where a simple hello might lead!
So make a plan to stop stressing this break, and remember to enjoy every minute of it!