Relax and Recharge Over Break

Take the time away from the hustle and bustle of university life to destress.

Just about everyone has reached the point of the semester where energy levels sink and procrastination goes up. It’s officially Winter, and the days are shorter and colder, which can make it hard to get moving and motivated sometimes. Luckily, the upcoming Winter break is a great time for everyone to recharge their batteries in preparation for the new semester.

Now is the time to power through finals and be able to relax into the new year. Take this time to focus on rejuvenating yourself and your mind. Don’t put off responsibilities altogether, but make sure to enjoy the time spent with loved ones or enjoy some alone time. However you decide to destress, make sure that you spend your time efficiently and you’ll come back to school in January feeling ready to take on your new schedule.

Some students have a set method that works best for clearing their head, while others may still be working to create that calming mindspace. Here are some popular ways to destress and clear the mind that may work well for you!

Make a list

Writing down all the things that have been cluttering your mind will not only help you organize, but also manage your time better. This can be especially helpful for long breaks such as the 4-week-long winter break, where you don’t have the stress of assignments. Before you get out of the school-focused mindset, make a list of all your classes and what you need to be prepared at the start of the semester. Seeing it on paper or digitally can make it easier to task it out throughout the break, leading to less stress later on.

Set aside time to work

If your list is particularly long, or you know you will have a lot of work to do when you return from break, set aside a few minutes each day to chip away at your workload. While it might not seem very fun to leave your loved ones to do things for school, it will definitely help you get ahead in the long run. Whether you’re taking a few minutes to be in the quiet by yourself, or appointing a loved one to help you, doing this will help you relax.

Take time for yourself

The purpose of a break is to have time off to enjoy yourself and those around you. Be sure to take time to spend time with your loved ones and not be focused on your school. Take this time off to do things that you like, whether it be taking a long bath or seeing old friends. The break between semesters is usually a slow one for most students, but if there are things you need to be doing, be sure to manage your time.

Exercise

Moving is always a great way to destress. If you come across a problem that seemingly can’t be solved, or have a big decision to make, exercise can really clear the mind. Without being on campus, many students don’t have access to a gym like the Rec Center. Don’t let this stop you from getting your blood pumping. Even taking a short walk or run outside can heighten your senses and melt the stress away. If running isn’t your thing, there are plenty of exercises that can be done without equipment in the comfort of your own house. Take just a few minutes each morning to get your body moving and mind ready to take on the day.

Reduce your caffeine

Coffee and other types of caffeine can be a real lifesaver when you’re in school or at work, but they’re not needed so much over a long break. Try skipping the cup in order to destress. Caffeine is a stimulant, and with it can come overthinking and stress about anything on your mind. Taking a few days without the extra stimulus can help your mind and body reset in order to fully relax. The coffee mug will always be there when you get back!

Using these simple methods, you can create a relaxation routine that works well for you, and come back to campus recharged and ready for the new year. Only you can determine what your needs are, and by creating a routine that works well, it will be easier in the future to manage your stress and create healthy habits for dealing with tough situations.

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