This semester has been flying by, so spring break is surely a welcome respite to the mounting pressure of midterm projects and exams, alongside the anxiety of scheduling next year’s classes and trying to get summer jobs or internships. Something I have struggled with in the past is balancing my time over the break between relaxation, catching up and getting ahead on assignments. Yet this break, I am attempting to change this habit and use spring break to reset my physical and mental state.
Resetting my body
Sleep
One of my biggest struggles during the semester is getting enough sleep during the school week. I have a habit of pushing off my assignments until later in the evenings, so by the time I get finished, it is often 1 or 2 a.m. During vacations like spring break, the best thing that I can do for my body is sleep a reasonable amount and attempt to resolve my sleep schedule, which is precisely what I will attempt to do to help reset my body.
Exercise
So far, I have only made it to the gym three times this semester, so I am certainly missing out on the health benefits that consistently working out can bring. Although I will certainly not be hitting a gym this week, my vacation spot offers me some prime opportunities to exercise, whether that is through hiking, kayaking or swimming. Which, will allow me to get back in touch with my athletic side and re-establish consistent workout habits.
Food
Having a reprieve from dining hall food over spring break is saving me both mentally and physically. Another way I am going to attempt to reset my body is by fueling myself through delicious and healthy home-cooked meals. However, I’m not enforcing any strict constraints on what I can eat, especially knowing that baking is always on the docket when I go home.
Resetting my mind
Reconnecting with nature
Being cooped up in my dorm these cold winter months has been a bit difficult for me (and I’m sure many others) so far this semester. The warmer weather, alongside traveling south, will provide me with an opportunity to spend time outside, allowing me to reconnect with nature and, as mentioned previously, get some exercise.
Spending time with friends and family
Living four hours from school makes it harder to stay in contact with family and friends, yet reuniting with them after periods away makes the time apart worth it. My favorite part of breaks is being able to hang out with my old friends and do some of our favorite things together like thrifting, cooking and playing tennis. For spring break especially, I love spending time with my immediate and extended family who I don’t get to see as often.
Hobbies
Sometimes dorm life or the hectic schedule during the school year makes it difficult to stay consistent with some of your hobbies, whether it’s because of lack of supplies or time. Over break, I am looking forward to picking some of my favorite hobbies back up like reading, baking, knitting and arts and crafts. In addition, using those hobbies as a way to reset my mental state.
I am looking forward to this upcoming week-long break, and I am confident I will make good use of my time balancing both relaxation and obligations. I hope you enjoyed this read and maybe you can keep a few of my ideas in mind so you too can reset your body and mind.