It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Classes are nearing their end, you’re packing up to go home for break, and reminiscing on the memories you made this year. Before you go home and bed rot for the next month or so, you need to make sure you spend some time resting in the right way.
Why you shouldn’t spend winter break bed rotting
Let’s talk about bed rotting first. According to the Cleveland Clinic, bed rotting is “the act of intentionally spending the day in bed being unproductive.” Imagine lying in bed on TikTok for one, two, three hours… yep, we’ve all been there. While it may feel nice, it might not be all that beneficial.
Meghan Galili, MD, an internal medicine physician, told Cleveland Clinic, “I can see bed rotting becoming a go-to way to avoid stressful situations, instead of a rare break from the daily grind.” She also stated, “Avoidance can lead to feelings of guilt, loneliness and lack of motivation.”
This chill time in bed is not all bad, but it is important to make sure you don’t spend the majority of your time lying down — that’s when it becomes an issue.
What should you do instead?
Well, lucky for you, December and January are the perfect months of the year to assess what’s going well and what’s going… not so well in your life. It’s a time to not only relax, but to reflect on all that has happened and reset for the new year.
There are plenty of ways to go about this. Not everyone processes in the same way; therefore, what works for one person might not work for another. For example, I love to get crafty in my reflection process through scrapbooking, collaging, and writing. Others might prefer a more introspective, laid-back approach.
Whatever your desired method might be, let’s dive into a few ways that you can complete the three R’s of starting your new year right: resting, reflecting, and resetting.
1. Resting: Regaining your energy and rewarding yourself
I know I’ve been preaching about not lying in bed all the time. However, after a long and challenging fall semester, your mind and your body deserve a much-needed break. Do take time to be as lazy as you want, just make sure it doesn’t turn into a habit.
With your time not spent in bed, do activities that help you regain your spark and reward your hard work. Reconnect with old friends. Pick up some of your hobbies that you got too busy to do. Go on a little shopping trip, or get your favorite take-out.
According to Ashley Abramson’s article on the American Psychological Association, there are seven types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual. Make sure to take some time to tap into each of these categories, and read her article to learn what can help you achieve each type of rest.
2. Reflecting: Taking it all in, and letting it go
I don’t know if it’s just me, but 2025 has been a long year. So much has happened, and it happens so quickly that we don’t truly process everything. Now that December has come and you have ample free time, it’s time to dig deep and reflect on your year.
There are plenty of ways to do this. My favorite way is making vision boards. This can be done physically on paper or online using software like Canva. You put in images and text related to your goals, things you have accomplished, and what you want to achieve in the coming year.
If you’re a little less artsy, writing or meditation might be the best strategy for you. According to TherapyWorks, it can be as easy as identifying challenges and successes from the last year. You can also create lists, speak with others, or journal for an equally effective reflection.
What’s important is that you acknowledge what has happened and let go of anything that has a hold on you. You do not have to leave everything in the past, but do not let it continue to have a negative impact on your life or health — you deserve better!
3. Resetting: Preparing for the new year, new semester, and new you
Now, my favorite part of the process. We’ve regained our energy, assessed what we have done and what we still need to do — what’s left? Putting our new goals into action! Or, if you’re not entirely ready for that next step, you can at least set yourself up for success.
Clear out your calendar, clean off your desk, and get ready. Your new goals will require effort, so it’s best to hit the ground running. Let’s say your goal is to secure a summer internship in 2026 (which, if it is, same girl). You can start now by outlining how you’ll achieve this, updating your resume, or practicing your interview skills.
If you don’t feel ready to get started just yet, focus your energy on indirectly related projects. My favorite thing to do is clean my room, go through my clothes, and declutter my life. It will give you a clearer headspace and prepare you for what’s to come in the spring!
The Moral of the Story
However you choose to spend your break, try to strike a good balance between productivity and leisure. Your body and mind will thank you for keeping it on track during your time off!
If none of the strategies listed sound interesting to you, that’s completely okay. Like I’ve said, we all process and work differently; therefore, it’s best to explore your options and find what works for you.
That being said, get out there, enjoy the crisp December air, give yourself the time and space you need, and enjoy the holidays. You’ve earned it!