The first half of the semester is drawing to a close! How did it go by so quick? After spending this past week drowning in midterm exams, essays, presentations and any other sort of important project you may have, we all need to cut ourselves a break. With fall break approaching, this is the perfect time to recharge and renew yourself before putting your best effort to reach those A’s you have been hoping for. There are various ways that I try to recharge and give myself a break from all the stress.
Sleep
Catching up on sleep is the best way to go if you have been feeling sluggish and exhausted from midterms. This is the perfect time to be catching up on some sleep before going out with the girls during the weekend, or if you are feeling a little under the weather (for example, me). Turn off that annoying alarm on your phone and catch up on some zzz’s.
Recollect
By recollect, I mean recollecting yourself together. Do that homework that you have been putting off. Do that laundry you have been waiting to do to wear that cute outfit again. Clean your room to declutter your personal space and thoughts. Call your mom if you are unable to travel back home. Write down everything that you absolutely know you need to do for the next few weeks before the semester rapidly ends. Studies have shown that when you declutter your space and thoughts, you are increasingly energized and productive. Recollecting yourself gives you the ability to feel more productive and accomplish more without feeling as if you have a bunch of other small stressors on your back.
Self-care
I have always been an advocate of self-care, making sure to prioritize my mental health before anything else. I always love the idea of sitting on my comfy bed with a face mask on, while eating my favorite food and watching my favorite Netflix show. Of course, there are other definitions of self-care. Fall break is the best time to focus on self-care to recharge yourself. This can range from eating your favorite foods, drinking your favorite cup of coffee (or tea), reading a good book or maybe even going for a simple walk. I have always emphasized on self-care because your physical and mental health always comes first. You deserve a break and a day to focus on you and your health.
Meditate and Self-Reflect
Fall break is the best time to reconnect with your inner mind and heal. Simple ways such as meditation and self-reflection can help you ease your mind and fall back into place. You do not have to find a specific place to meditate – all that is needed is a comfortable space and your full attention. Breathe in. Breathe out. Release the tension that has been built in your shoulders and mind for weeks. Write in a journal to self-reflect and reconnect with your inner mind. You are given the chance to start with a fresh, clear mind after the break.
We all deserve a break from this semester – make the best out of this break to recharge. Even though it is short, just a few ways of self-reflection and self-care can help ease your mind before the last hectic weeks of the semester. Remember, your health always comes first.
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Edited by Katie Carnefix