Spring break is finally here but the climate of the world is rapidly changing, and not just because of climate change (which is real people!) As the world launches further into chaos and people are becoming more and more frightened, I wanted to take a moment to remind you to take care of yourself. Self-love is a form of self-care and should absolutely not be forgotten in the midst of everything happening at the moment. Regardless of what your spring breaks hold for you, I want to encourage you to practice some of these self-love tactics to ensure you are enjoying your break to the fullest.
1. Put your safety and health first
Regardless of what you are doing for spring break, your safety should be your #1 priority. Don’t make reckless decisions for travel if you could potentially put yourself and others at risk, no matter how much your friends pressure you. I know canceling a vacation that you’d had planned for months is an absolute downer, but your health is what’s most important during this time.
2. Read a good book
Actually, just read any book – it doesn’t even have to be a good one! Spring break is a nice time to catch your breath amidst the craziness of the semester, so picking up a book to read is the perfect brain exercise you need right now. It’s finally time to read that book you’ve been meaning to read for months now, so grab your beach chair and sunscreen, sit by the water and enjoy a nice story to break up your everyday routine.
3. Take a breather
Self-love means being mindful of what you need. If you’re stressed, overwhelmed or just need to put the world on pause, take a moment for yourself. Whether that means meditating, lying down and listening to music or getting outside and doing something active, listen to what you need and do it. Every person’s downtime looks different so don’t feel obligated to spend it doing whatever your friends want to do. Get off your phone, unplug and treat yourself a little!
4. Eat whatever you want
I’m going to say one thing and one thing only, spring break diets are overrated. Taking a break means indulging in whatever you want, especially food! Don’t hold back on carbs or a sweet treat because you’re concerned about what you’ll look like. Eat that ice cream! Order the pizza for dinner! Get that extra guac on the side with your chips! Showing your body loves starts at the stomach, at least that’s what I believe, so give in a little to cravings this break #guiltfree.
5. Don’t compare yourself to others
Spring break is prime time to be mindlessly scrolling through social media looking at what everyone else on your phone is doing. Avoid this at all costs! Every person’s life is different and what gets posted to social media is just what people want you to see. News flash: every person’s life is much more glamorous on the gram than it is in real life + editing apps are mobile miracle makers so don’t believe in all of it. Comparing your trip, clothes, body, food, etc. to other people is a slippery slope that will just upset you. Enjoy where you are and who you are with and be thankful for a moment to relax!
6. Journal
I don’t mean pour your heart into a sappy journal entry every day (unless you’re into that *cough cough* @ Cancers). Write about your spring break experience even if it’s just a short entry about what you did that day. I love writing down all the good things that happen each day/week so I can reflect on the memories. Writing about the places you go, people you meet, sights you see and foods you eat is a wholesome way to keep those memories with you.
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