You made it! Fall semester is finally over and you are able to sit back and relax for winter break. Your schedule is no longer filled with homework and exhausting tests. However an empty schedule also means; no more club meetings, no more late night Clinton runs with your roommates and no more ‘accidental’ run ins with your campus crush. Before you know it, you find yourself missing campus and all of your friends. All of a sudden you realize your planner is extremely bare and you become tremendously bored. Look no further – here are six ideas of things to add to your routine to spice things up during your time off.
1. Participate in a Winter Sport
With the winter season comes the cold, snow and unfortunate lack of sunshine. That being said, grab yourself a pair of fuzzy socks, a warm winter jacket and a super cute hat and head outdoors. Embrace the snow and ice. Whether that be on the mountain skiing down the slopes – Hello Whiteface mtn.!) – hiking in your snowshoes, or ice skating at the local rink. Even going for a walk around the block will suffice. If going outside isn’t your thing, I suggest exploring your local gym, trying out a new workout class or even transforming your family room into a family Zumba studio.
2. Get Crafting
Who doesn’t love a good arts and crafting session? Find a fun tutorial on Youtube and run to Michael’s for all of the fun supplies. Try out a new skill, the opportunities are endless: from watercolor painting or embroidery, to a fun Pinterest DIY. Bonus, if you find an activity you like, not only is it free room decor, but you may have found a brand new hobby to show your friends.
3. Try a new recipe
After a long cold day in the snow, how nice is it to sit down and enjoy a nice, warm, delicious dinner. Although the kitchen may be an intimidating place for some, why not try a new recipe? Maybe you will find it’s not so scary after all. You may even find a recipe that will become a new staple in your repertoire. On those days when your schedule is wide open, pick a recipe that will take all day. How fun is it to put on your favorite show to binge while slaving over the stove for a change – not rotting in bed. Even better, take pictures of your aesthetic meal and brag about it to your friends. Now is the time to finally dig up that old recipe book in the attic and find something yummy to make.
4. Meet up with a friend
Just because you aren’t physically with your friends does not mean you still can sit and chat. Why not call them up and catch up; or if you have an old friend nearby, invite them for a little walk or holiday day date downtown. Spending time, even just an hour, with someone else can help to break up your day and make you realize you are not alone.
5. start a challenge
Two months at home is a long time; plenty of time to embark on a new journey. Find a fun challenge to participate in while you have the time. If you would like, have an accountability buddy to even do it with you. Maybe everyday you want to run a mile, or read 20 pages. Other fun things people have tried and have grown to love have been relaxing meditation practices and new easy recipes. It can be something simple to add to your routine to get you excited about your days to come.
6. Get a small job
Bank account running low after the Fall Semester? Did you have one to many DoorDash study nights? More nights out with your friends than planned? A little too many trips to Walmart than you thought? With all the time on your hands, why not pick up a small part-time job? Maybe the local bookstore needs some extra help with the holiday shoppers or parents are looking for childcare while they have a well deserved vacation. Not only is this an opportunity to earn a little extra cash, but you can also start building connections for a summer job or internship down the road.
Winter break is all about rest and recovery from whatever you went through during Fall Semester. However, two months can become a long time. Try something new and share it with your friends and family. Make new memories. Before you know it, you will be rushing to your 9am with an Einstein Bagel calling your name.