Every break I tell myself that I will continue to be productive in one way or another. For me, this means reading books I don’t have time to read during the semester and writing. However, every break no matter how hard I try, I enter a slump where I don’t do anything that actually matters. Maybe I’m describing your ideal break—one where no school and no assignments mean a month where you get to turn off your brain—and there’s really no shame in that. No matter what, there are still a few key things you can do to use your time wisely over winter break.
1. First and foremost, take care of yourself.
You just finished a semester of college! Sleep in, go on walks, spend time outside, hang out with people you care about. Let yourself relax and recover. Maybe even take a break from social media and technology for a little bit.
2. Incorporate fun activities into your day-to-day life!
This could be anything—journaling, reading, painting; maybe you really like ice skating or cooking. I personally have a lot of recipes I’ve found and plan on baking a few festive things. While I’m not a baker by any means, I think it will be so fun to try out something new!
3. Leave your house even if you don’t have anything planned.
One of the biggest issues I have had when it comes to breaks is if I don’t have something planned, I sometimes don’t leave my house for days. This break, I’m going to make sure to spend some time out of my house. Whether it’s the park or a cafe or just going for a drive.
4. Spend a little time on academics.
Maybe there are a few scholarships you can apply for, or your resume needs updating. Now would be the perfect time. Make that LinkedIn profile you swore you’d get around to, or if you’re feeling really ambitious, take an online course to get a little ahead. I’m hopefully going to study some calculus and take the CLEP exam so I can get some of my math pathways done.
5. Consider getting a seasonal job.
Working is probably one of the best ways you can spend your time. You get to gain experience and make a little money while you do. Chances are, there are a lot of places near you that need help during the holidays. I work as a substitute when I’m home for breaks. It’s a great, flexible job, and it’s perfect for college students.
Again, congratulations on finishing your semester and happy holidays. However you chose to spend your winter, I hope it leaves you rested and ready for whatever comes next.