Fall is often referred to as time for cozy sweaters, illuminated candles, pumpkin scents, and quality time indoors. However, for most college students, fall is about a revival of deadlines, due dates, midterms, and more stressful assignments. Fall break serves as the perfect temporary relief to battle these stressful points and put everything school related on pause. Whether you are staying on campus, traveling to a new destination, or simply returning home, there are an innumerable number of activities you can partake in to rest up over break.
One of the best ways to get your mind off of anything is to EXERCISE! While this may not be the first thing that comes to mind when trying to “rest,” exercising can make you feel productive, successful, and even rejuvenated. Sometimes, the best way to get rid of stress is to sweat it off; finding a place to be active can be as simple or as intricate as you would like. You could find a gym nearby and use their equipment, or even put on some sneakers and go for a walk around the neighborhood. If you’re really looking for a fun way to get your blood pumping, you could gather a few friends and play a game of football (since it is football season, after all). Working out doesn’t have to be an individual activity either – make it an opportunity to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while!
If strenuous physical activity isn’t for you, cooking might be a great smaller-scale pursuit. There are a great deal of ways you can keep yourself busy in the kitchen. Pull out some old cookbooks, specifically your favorite fall-themed ones, and pick out some of your favorites! Usually, there are a ton of fall-themed baking recipes if sweet-treats are more your style. Cooking is another pastime that’s more fun when done with a group: it’s the perfect opportunity to grab some family members and make something new! If you aren’t sure what to make, another idea would be to go out to a new restaurant and get some recipe ideas from there! Some of the treats you make could be taken back to campus to be shared with hall-mates as well.
Overall, resting during a break means that you finally have time to dedicate to taking care of yourself. Sometimes, locking yourself in your room and doing self-care alone is exactly what you need to be energized enough to finish off the semester. You could catch up on sleep, organize your room, or try out a new skin-care routine. Outside of your room, you can check off other self care tasks, like getting your nails done or hair cut. Retail therapy, I have found, is always a good way to take your mind off of school-work. Whether it be an activity done with friends or by yourself, fall break is the perfect opportunity to close your books and relax!