Winter break may seem like a simple pause in the school year, plagued by freezing temperatures and 5 p.m. sunsets, but it can be so much more!
With a few tips and tricks, you can turn this break into a magical time where you can relax, reflect on the year, and prepare for the fresh new semester ahead.
This year, try to romanticize your winter break. This means finding beauty, peace, and enjoyment in even the smallest moments or your daily routine.
A good first step is to change your surroundings. For some people, this may look like getting into the Christmas spirit by putting up red or green decor, setting up a tree, and playing Christmas music.
But simply redecorating your space in any theme you like can work. This is the perfect time to break out the scented candles and soft lighting, as well as make a new playlist for the season.
Seeking new experiences to shake up your daily routine can also be a way to romanticize the season. Even something as small as trying something from a new cafe or taking a new route on a walk can add a little spice.
Try going to some holiday events if you like! If you like shopping, you can visit places like secondhand book stores, thrift shops, or other unique small businesses, as these may have a cozier and more aesthetic feel than a crowded mall.
The weather and shorter days at this time of year can be very bleak, but there are many ways to make the most of it. This is the time to maximize your comfort by enjoying hot drinks and wearing comfy clothes.
Wear your favourite sweater and sip some hot chocolate, tea, coffee, or whichever drink you prefer! If you’re willing to venture outside, you may find a lot to appreciate about the season. There is a certain kind of beauty in foggy mornings and winter sunsets.
Even if you don’t like the weather at all, going to a lively area to enjoy the holiday ambience can boost your mood.
Around this time of year, you will often hear about the idea of “reinventing yourself”, “winter arc”, or “the great lock-in”. However, the key to a truly refreshing and restful break is to take a gentler approach to self-improvement with a focus on self-care and mindfulness.
Something as simple as going outside in the afternoons to catch the few available rays of sun can help beat the gloomy feelings of the season and improve your mindset. You can also start small habits now with the goal of maintaining them into the new year, such as eating healthier or making time to be active every day.
It is important to not stress out over perfection or drastic improvements. You have the entire year to grind, but the winter break is a time to relax and reflect on all that you accomplished throughout the year.
For mindfulness and reflection, you can try activities like meditation and journaling. If you focus on your mental health and mindset, it will be easier to enjoy winter.
Starting a new hobby can also be an opportunity to romanticize winter. It can be a seasonal activity such as ice skating, or a year-round one such as painting. Winter is a great time for cozy indoor hobbies such as reading, puzzles, and baking as well.
For many people, the winter break provides a rare period of more free time since classes are on pause, making it a perfect time to explore your interests and try that thing you’ve always wanted to try.
This is a good way to still feel productive during the break without it feeling like a chore, so you can go into the new year rested.
Overall, winter break is the perfect time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next one. By prioritizing self-care and finding the fun and whimsy in everything this season brings, you can turn it into a joyful and refreshing experience.
Maybe winter will become your new favorite season!
What are your plans for winter break? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU