Whether your break is during Thanksgiving or some other time in the fall, you know it couldn’t have come too soon.
You are ready, after weeks (months even) of studying and sticking on top of exams and papers, with this exact time waiting for you…your silver lining.
It can be easy to just want to fall into bed and sleep for a week after all of that stress, but (after you’ve had a good night’s rest, of course) here are some other ways to help you get yourself rejuvenated during your fall break.
Whatever that looks like to you. Go to a Michaels Arts and Crafts store, go to a pumpkin patch, go apple picking, let yourself go back to those things you did (or always wanted to do) as a child.
Make yourself some cider, get a pie (pumpkin, apple, pecan…have your pick). Get yourself that pumpkin spiced latte, really, who cares what other people think?
Go outdoors, the cooler and more colorful the spot, the better, but we don’t need to be picky. It’s never a bad idea to go outside without an agenda-to let yourself experience a bit of mother nature after being cooped up inside all semester.
Breathe in that crisp autumn air, let it fill and fuel you. Remember what it was like as a kid when you used to play outside on days like this.
Depending on where you are and the weather (of course), the fall can be the perfect time to go camping. Gather a group of friends (or even just your best bud) and start making plans. It’ll be just like a sleepover…except outside. In tents. Literally.
Don’t forget to pack plenty of non-perishable food and weatherproof tents/tarps/coats, and you’ll find that time of recharging you were looking for. Do your research and you’ll all be happier for it, and more able to relax during your time under the stars.
Wherever you spend your fall break, now’s the time to read for fun if you miss it like I know I have… find one (1) book you’ve been meaning to read that has nothing to do with school and start with that. You don’t have to analyze it or write any papers… imagine that?
It’s also a great time to do a little journaling and introspection for yourself. How is your semester going? How would you like it to end? Talk it out with yourself, don’t stress over it. It’s not rigid, but it never hurts to have a game plan for when you have to go back.
Chances are you’re not in your dorm or little apartment this week (though you might be, no shame), so you want to make the most of that, and your family/friends’ hospitality and eat as well as you can. Be one of those squirrels you see begging all over campus, store some stuff up for the winter. You can go back to ramen next week.
And as your week comes to an end, don’t freak out about all that you have to do. Do yourself a favor and take a deep breath and allow yourself to be thankful for this time you’ve had off, and for the opportunity, you have to go to college. It might sound corny, but it’s a great way to remind yourself of the privileges you do have and appreciate every good thing that comes your way.
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