Sport & Rec blogger Emma Paidra shares her tips for switching off and relaxing over the holidays.
Right now, I’m sure that many students like myself are wrapped up in pushing through final assignments. Though winter break is only days away - or already in place, for those lucky few - it can feel like it’ll be ages before we can kick our feet up and relax. But, sure enough, winter break will get here…so, what to do then? After a busy semester of intense academics, finding oneself in a sudden lull can feel downright disorienting. To help navigate the strangeness of abruptly having no work (talk about foreign concepts, right?), here are my top four tips for using winter break to recharge.
1. Don’t beat yourself up for slowing things down
To all those who already have a healthy relationship with relaxation, this tip may be besides the point. But if you’re anything like me and struggle to take your foot off the gas, trust me on this one: you’ll thank yourself later for properly taking a break. So, hit the snooze button, give yourself days off work, don’t push those workouts too hard, and instead enjoy the precious relaxation period that winter break offers. There’s no need to feel guilty about any of this - recovery is just as valuable as work.
2. Do things you don’t have time for during the semester
I, for one, haven’t been able to pick up a book to read for my own enjoyment since September. Think about the activities you enjoy that have been pushed out of your schedule by school work and do those instead! It’s always good to shake things up, and getting to do something you’ve missed is bound to be refreshing and relaxing.
3. Think about what you’ve accomplished this semester
Be proud of yourself! Being a student is no easy feat, and crushing first semester is nothing to scoff at. Take time to think about the ways you’ve grown and the challenges you overcame this semester. Most importantly, don’t determine the success of this past semester by grades. Instead, try to focus on how you adapted to online learning, or how well you balanced an academic and social life.
4. Consider what you need
I can write helpful tips all day long, but at the end of the day, only you can know what exactly it is you need to come back for second semester recharged and hungry for more. With that in mind, reflect on what you need as an individual. Whether it’s through hardcore relaxation, goal-setting or something else, personal reflection will always help get you where you want to go.