Who remembers when spring break used to actually be a break during high school, but then evolved to a week of catching up on schoolwork or being ahead of projects?
Just me?
And not just that, but based on what I saw on TV, I was given the impression that Spring Breaks were always about traveling and partying until the sun rose. And to many, that’s what Spring Break truly is about.
Although I’m all for traveling, and not so much partying, I find that Spring Break can also be used as a time to unwind, relax, and catch your breath.
Recharging During Spring Break
GO OUT IN NATURE MORE
It’s always nice having a change in scenery, especially when they’re from Mother Earth. A simple visit to the park or beach brings a lot of serenity to the mind and body.
STAY IN PAJAMAS ALL DAY
It saves on laundry day, and it’s incredibly comfortable.
CELEBRATE
Your recent accomplishments, healthy habits you’ve begun, friends and family who have helped you along the way, out of nowhere blessings that you’ve received.
PUT ELECTRONICS AWAY
Stay off social media and your laptop at least once during the break. Focus on some of these other activities and be in the present moment. Your eyes also need a break.
VISIT A MUSEUM
Museums are beautiful. They teach you a bit of some history, they show off some beautiful art pieces, and they can be aesthetically pleasing to walk through.
RE-ORGANIZE WARDROBE
Start putting away clothes you haven’t worn (or donate them if you don’t see yourself wearing them at all). Organize any remaining clothes in your closet by color, style, or any way that’s aesthetically pleasing and helpful for you.
WORK ON A DIY PROJECT
Customize a shirt, attend a ceramics class and make something for yourself or as a gift to someone, or make your own photo collage to hang up to your wall.
RELEASE
Emotions and thoughts that are bringing you down. If it helps, write them down on a piece of paper and burn them (from a safe spot) or throw it away.
ENJOY AN AT-HOME SPA DAY
Have your own mani-pedi session, hair coloring, face masks, and/or a warm bubble bath with scented candles. This allows you to give your body a little more loving than usual.
CATCH UP ON READING LIST
Isn’t it great to have a couple of days with less hassle of having to attend classes, and just curl up on your bed (or reading space) to venture to other worlds or experiences?
CHECK IN WITH INNER CHILD
Watch some childhood favorites, blow some bubbles, dance like no one’s watching, build a fort, or have a conversation with a toddler or kid. Doing this reminds us of some of the brighter things in life.
WATCH CLASSIC MOVIES
There are a lot of really good ones that will bring as much joy, sentiments, and lessons as the ones that we see today.
START A BUCKET LIST
Or add to one you already have. They can be a college bucket list, summer bucket list, a 30 before 30 list, any activities that you’ve always wanted to do and plan on making them a reality will hopefully get you inspired to make every day memorable.
HAVE AN OLD-FASHIONED SLUMBER PARTY
Gather some of your close friends, pop some popcorn, wear matching pajamas, have a cooking session, catch up on the latest news, and binge on some of your favorite movies. Like the good old days.
SLOW DOWN
Take a breather. Allow this extra time to focus on one task at a time, avoid multitasking, and get centered again.
CLEAN UP
Your space and/or all areas of your house, including your fridge. Decorate for the upcoming season, or put away things you no longer use. A clean space allows fresh energy to flow through the house, and essentially, your body and mind would feel relaxed as well.
SPEND THE DAY WITH SIBLINGS
Or your parents, close friends, cousins if you’re an only child. Spending the day with loved ones allows students to catch up and have fun with them.
EXPLORE
Hiking trails, historic and culturally significant locations, within your city, the outskirts of your city, and/or around your neighborhood.
CHANGE UP MEAL PLAN
Noodles are a common option for college students. During the break, spend time cooking at home and making something healthier and filling. You can even start preparing meals for the following week.
GET ARTSY
Paint, doodle, take photos, write a fictional story, learn a dance or choreograph one, DIY, vlog, film a play, garden.
VOLUNTEER
I believe that, oftentimes, helping others is a subtle way of helping ourselves.
GO ON A ROAD TRIP
Even if it’s just to the next city over, you can witness a change in scenery and experience adventures that can’t be done in your current place of residence.
have a picnic
Picnics seem lovely. Home-made snacks, fruits, fresh air, and relaxing on a blanket with loved ones? Yes, please!
UPDATE MUSIC PLAYLIST
Or add a new one with music that you recently began vibing with.
STRETCH
Or do some yoga and/or walking. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your day helps release body tensions.
ATTEND A LOCAL EVENT OR FAIR
Catch up on activities in your area, find some inspiration, see what the community is up to, and have fun!
MEDITATE
Or pray. Be in complete silence for a couple of minutes every day to connect with yourself and possibly figure out what brings meaning to your life.
TRY A NEW HAIRDO
Or get a haircut, or color your hair. Changing up your hairstyle isn’t always a sign of a bad breakup, it could simply mean a fresh start.
PLAN A DAY OF INNER-CITY HOPPING
Museum hopping, café hopping, beach hopping, restaurant hopping, or neighborhood hopping. Get to know your city a little bit more.
CROSS OFF SOMETHING ON YOUR BUCKET / TO-DO LIST
Even if it’s as simple as getting a new ear piercing or redecorating your bedroom wall. It’s a satisfying feeling being able to cross off something you’ve been wanting to do.
update / renew official documents
Driver’s license, voter’s registration, state ID, passport. Many times getting these things done eases up tension and stress in the body and mind.
VISIT FAMILY AND/OR FRIENDS
And spend time together catching up, doing things that you might not have done in a long time. Plus, it’s also a fairly good reason to get on that road trip and enjoy some green scenery along the way.
LOOK BACK AT OLD FAMILY PHOTOS
Get a good laugh at how you used to dress or at some funny candid shots taken of you or a family member. Smile at all the memories you’ve gained growing up, or be reminded of some of the things you unintentionally forgot about.
TRY NEW RECIPES
And I don’t mean to go on a restaurant tour, but look for some easily made recipes to try at home. If you really want to challenge yourself further, try a recipe from an international country.
GO TO THE BEACH
Swim, get that tan you’ve always wanted, read a book, enjoy the fresh ocean breeze, and listen to the calming sounds of the ocean waves.
CATCH UP ON SLEEP
Turn off all the alarms and allow your mind and body to relax for however long it needs.
RELAX AT CAFéS
It’s especially soothing if there’s barely anyone in there. The music is relaxing, and you might choose to get a little bit of studying or schoolwork done.
REVIEW GOALS
Check off ones that you’ve accomplished, add new ones, and make changes to any goals that no longer align with your vision.
ORGANIZE SCHOOL FILES
The desktop can finally get a breather from being covered with random files from every class. And it’ll be easier to find them should you need to refer back to them.
VISIT AN ANIMAL SHELTER
Being in the presence of animals is practically free therapy. There’s so much warmth, hugs, kisses, and furry comfort.
I think with the amount and expectations of work and delivery that students experience,
along with any other personal or professional challenges they may be going through, students deserve some time to recharge their minds and bodies.
They deserve moments in serenity to simply be and refocus on their tasks, their goals, and their soul.
Let's Chat!
How will you be spending spring break this year? What are some of your most memorable spring break adventures?
