Although exam season is finally over, Christmas break is much more than a time to relax; it’s the perfect time to reset before a new semester hits. With no early lectures to rush to and no assignments piling up, you finally have the time and space to slow down, breathe, and build a few simple habits that will make the winter term feel less chaotic. Whether your goal is to be healthier, feel more organized, or simply be more grounded, the holiday break is an ideal moment to start fresh!
1) “Closing” Your Room At NightÂ
Anyone who’s worked in service or retail knows how important the closing shifts are for setting a productive morning; your room should be no different. Your room is your space; it’s where you unwind, relax, and should feel the most at peace. Taking even 15 minutes every night to tidy your space, put away any dirty clothes and dishes, and clean surfaces can completely transform your mornings. A clean, calm environment makes for a smoother start to the day and helps your mind feel lighter.Â
2) Read for 10-20 Minutes Before Bed.
Unwinding your mind before sleep is just as important as unwinding your body. Nothing ruins your sleep worse than scrolling for hours on TikTok before bed. t The worst thing you can do for yourself is to look at a screen before going to sleep. Instead, swapping screen time for 10–20 minutes of reading before bed each night will calm your mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your sleep quality. Plus, it’s a cozy way to end a night during the winter season.Â
3) Organizing Your Calendars and Assignment Trackers for the next Semester.Â
Something we’ve all experienced is when procrastination gets the best of us, or we find out we have an assignment the day it’s due. A new semester is a new start, and to avoid falling behind, you can get a head start. A simple way to begin is by inputting all your important dates into your calendar and making an assignment/exam tracking spreadsheet to grasp what’s done and what’s left throughout the year. Seeing everything laid out in one place makes the upcoming semester feel far less overwhelming. A single spreadsheet with all your deadlines can make your academic workload feel much quieter and more manageable.
4) Daily walksÂ
Daily walks may seem simple, but they’re one of the easiest ways to reset your mind and body, especially over the holiday break. Even a quick 10-20 minute walk a day can boost your mood, clear your thoughts, and give you a break from screentime and studying. Fresh air helps regulate stress and improve sleep; making this a daily habit during the break makes it so much easier to maintain once the semester gets busy again.