Spring break is finally here, and let’s just say we could all use a moment to rest and recharge. Maybe your school canceled spring break during the pandemic and you missed out on the festivities last time, or you’re so burned out from school that you could use a mental health day (or multiple). When your to-do list is never-ending, sometimes, making time to do nothing is the healthiest thing you can do.
Given the rising stress levels and mental health challenges that persist in America right now, it’s crucial to care for your health and wellness and remember that productivity isn’t everything. This spring break, you may not be able to head to a warm destination and forget about your responsibilities as you relax on a sunny beach. However, there are many ways to protect your peace and make time for self-care on campus or at home.
Whether it’s finding little ways to stay grounded, talking to a therapist, or catching up on sleep, spring break can be a great time to rest and recharge. Here’s how to pause and practice self-care during spring break, according to experts and students who have been in your shoes.
First, find a self-care routine that works for you.
Leah Cohen, a psychotherapist and the owner of Kindred Therapy, reminds college students that self-care looks different for everyone. During spring break, it’s key to find activities and routines that align with you!
“Ask: What does rest look like for you?” Cohen tells Her Campus. “The ideas we have about resting — and especially during Spring break — can be dictated by social expectations and pressures. Not everyone finds it fun or relaxing to go away with a big group of people! Know the things that fill your cup, and honor your own needs.”
Cohen adds that it can sometimes help to imagine your ideal “day-in-the-life.” In other words, what do you actually like to spend time doing?
“Maybe it’s sleeping in until noon, going to a yoga class, getting brunch with friends, or reading a book in the sun,” they say. “Self-care means doing what nourishes you. Take elements of your ideal day and work at least one of them into each day of your break.”
Set boundaries and say “no” when you need to.
One of the best parts about college is that there’s never a day without a fun event or interesting seminar to attend. And between school, internships, extracurriculars, and more, most of us are online 24/7, making ourselves available to respond to requests at any time of the day. If you can, turn off Slack during spring break and mute any social media accounts that are related to school, work, your internship, and extracurricular activities. If there’s that one coworker or group project partner who’s stressing you out, mute them, too. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and take self-care time for you.
Although spring break can come with a lot of pressure to be social, Mariel Rosati, a sophomore at Boston University, says it’s important to say “no” to plans when you don’t feel like going. “Setting boundaries is really important,” she says. “I have to remind myself that it’s okay to cancel plans if I’m not feeling up to it, and just let the people around me know that I care for them.” Even if you’re a people-pleaser who can’t fathom saying “no” to someone, setting boundaries for your mental health is always a good idea.
Quit doom scrolling and do something hands-on instead.
Whether consider yourself an activist or you’re always plugged into the news cycle, keeping up with the world can be exhausting. However, it’s no secret that constant social media scrolling can have a negative impact on our mental and emotional health. Showing up for others is nearly impossible if you don’t care for yourself first! Take spring break to declutter your news feed, avoid activist burnout, and instead, do something fun like diving into a good spring break beach read.
Cohen suggests engaging in activities you wouldn’t normally have time for during the semester. “Use spring break to try new things that have been on your radar without the pressure of time constraints, or worrying about results,” they say. “Experiment with a new recipe or medium of expression. Maybe you’ve wanted to finally watch watercolor painting TikToks and experiment on your own, or you’ve been meaning to try out a new podcast. Let yourself dabble and just play!”
Step away from your to-do list.
Corey Connelly, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and clinical addictions specialist based in Charlotte, North Carolina, recommends taking a pause and not worrying about your to-do list during spring break – even if it seems impossible.
“Please do not fill this time with chores and to-do lists!” Connelly tells Her Campus. “I encourage clients to maybe pick one item (two tops) from a to-do list if they have free time over break, but the rest of the time should be ideally spent taking some time for yourself.”
Connelly suggests engaging in activities that feel fun and nourishing so that you can return to school feeling refreshed. “You don’t get a lot of time during the semester to relax, so use it,” she tells Her Campus. “Work if you need to, but resist the urge to spend your evenings getting ahead on school work. Instead, maybe start a series you’ve been dying to watch but haven’t had time for, finally schedule that massage, or bake that cake you’ve been wanting to try. Imagine returning to the semester feeling rested and fully recharged, and find the activities that bring you this feeling.”
Go on a day trip or local excursion.
Even if you’re not heading to Miami for a tropical vacay this year, try visiting a town close to your school or exploring a fun neighborhood near your city. Your spring break doesn’t have to be luxurious; what matters is leaving your dorm to get some fresh air and perspective. Make it a true excursion by grabbing a picnic with your best friend and taking fun pics for Instagram. Need a low-key hangout plan? Grab your fave magazine, treat yourself to a cup of coffee, and bring a throw blanket for a relaxed hangout on the quad.
Make a plan for the semester.
Between the pandemic, campus closures, and more, maybe this school year has been a tough one for you — and if so, that’s okay. Cohen tells Her Campus that spring break can be an ideal time to reflect, review your accomplishments, and consider how to set yourself up for success for the rest of the school year.
“Ask yourself, ‘What were my successes, and how exactly did I accomplish them? What barriers were in my way, and how can I remove them?’ Then, make a plan for the rest of the semester based on this reflection,” they say. “Evaluating what has worked and what hasn’t in a nonjudgmental way can help you make changes more easily.”
During this process, Cohen says it’s crucial to practice self-compassion and be patient with yourself. College stress is real, and you’re trying your best!
If you’re feeling anxious, know that it’s OK to pause.
Whether you’re returning to your hometown for spring break, traveling abroad, or taking a road trip with friends, getting a change of scenery might feel different this year — especially given the ongoing pandemic and health concerns. If you’re dealing with social anxiety or you’re a bit nervous about hanging out in large groups, planning ahead can help; and according to Connelly, it can also help to recognize the specific “triggers” that might be activating that anxiety.
“This year marks a change in the pandemic…traveling restrictions have eased enough that people are traveling in masses,” Connelly says. For students struggling with social anxiety, she says traveling can be a significant trigger, and that it’s important to take things at your own pace. However, Connelly says that you don’t have to isolate yourself altogether. “If you’re feeling highly triggered, maybe take a morning to yourself to practice coping skills you enjoy, like walking or talking to a supportive figure (like a parent or best friend).”
Here’s how college students are decompressing.
“Since there isn’t a formal break, I like to decompress by making time for self-care and going easy on myself,” Rosati tells Her Campus. “I like to read a book for an hour or two and make some tea or hot chocolate and just tune everything out.”
If reading isn’t your thing, you can also turn to other self-care activities. Jordan Kreindler, a student at Boston University, alternates between watching TV shows and playing music while eating comfort food.
“I’m a huge tea drinker and I find that taking a minute to just sip and relax is so helpful for me,” Kreindler says. “A healthy snack or a small cookie can be a good energy burst that makes you feel good and a bit happier.”
Kreindler adds, “I also love to write and play music, so when I really need some self-care I will play my ukulele or my piano, and sing some of my favorite songs or write some poetry. You will benefit from doing something that makes you happy!” she says.
Harper Jacquelyn, a student at Boston University, says she finds it difficult to relax on days off and instead often uses the time to catch up on homework. But instead of prioritizing rest only on official university “breaks,” she tries to make the most of every weekend during the academic year.
“I’m trying to make my weekends more fun to make up for my weeks being more intense without a break,” she says. “That means finding avenues that destress you, not just distract you.”
Making it through the spring semester is an amazing accomplishment and you’re doing great by continuing to show up! Remember that school and responsibilities will always be there for you, and taking a self-care break is necessary — no matter what societal expectations say. It’s up to us to look out for our well-being and put our health first, so be sure to care for yourself this spring break.
Experts Leah Cohen (they/them), a psychotherapist, and owner of Kindred Therapy Corey Connelly (she/her), MA, LCAS, LCMHC