So, we are in the middle of finals, full swing. This is the time that winter break starts looking better and better.
We start making plans, promising ourselves that we aren’t going to do anything but vedge over break. We’re already lining up our Netflix cue and making a list of the good home cooking we’re going to indulge in. The glorious days filled with nothing but rest and relaxation stretch before us, golden and perfect. There will be good food and pretty decorations and sleeping in for hours…
And that’s all well and good, but maybe not to the extent we’re often tempted to take it. Finals season is like a build-up of all the pressure of being a well-functioning adult. If you work or have other responsibilities on campus, things often ratchet at the end of the semester and everything comes to a final, stressful head. So just sort of dropping off the face of the earth and leaving all bothersome responsibilities behind seems like just what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately, I think that, often times, in our rush to stop stressing, we stop growing in our healthy habits and in fact start regressing into unhealthy ones.
I know personally that so many times during my breaks, I completely drop everything. I stop my healthy routines, like drinking the right amount of water, exercising, and having a good sleep schedule. Instead of reading all the books that I promised myself I would, I flop from couch to couch and snack while I watch trash TV. I don’t even always keep up with healthy spiritual routines as I relax my days away.
This is not to say that this urge to relax and recharge that we have is bad. On the contrary, it is so, so important to take that time out from the stress of schoolwork. But we cannot make a school break a timeout from living healthy lives, whether it be physically, spiritually, or emotionally. So, here are a of couple action steps to stay a functioning adult as you get your much needed rest over break.
Establish a Light Routine
Obviously, your school routine isn’t really necessary over break, but some routine is important and, honestly, indispensable to a healthy life. A good but simple routine is to just have a set bedtime and wake up time for yourself. You could also try to make the time to have a devotional and go to church while you’re home.
Do Something Productive
At least once a day, try to do something productive. Trust me on this one, guys; you’ll feel great when you do. I’m not talking about homework or chores here either. You could sketch something, read a book, journal, bake, or spend time with family. There are so many great ways to rest and recharge but still do something worthwhile.
Prepare Yourself
If you know what demands school or work will place on you in the next semester/year, a good idea is to prepare yourself. Maybe get a head start on your reading or find some online resources for your math and science classes. Sometimes trying to get back into the swing of things after break can seem overwhelming and too much all at once. So, taking time over break to build yourself up for the new year is great idea to reduce stress and feel ready for whatever comes your way.