Winter break is almost here, and I can almost taste it through the vulgar scent of finals. Ew. This week is nothing short of being full of stress and just gross. Knowing that there is winter break slowly, but surely approaching, has given me just enough of the mere ambition needed to get through all of the exams and papers. I get so caught up in everything that comes along with college, once home, I forget to appreciate and do meaningful things that will make me feel like it was a time well spent.
Here are 10 things that we all must do over break (we deserve it).
1. Binge watch a Netflix or TV series.
Yes, I know we still do this at college. However, doing this in the comfort of our home on our own bed or couch is great. And on a given break, it will make us feel way less guilty. It is also the ultimate veg-relaxation remedy that requires the least amount of brain activity.
2. Read a book.
Some people don't like reading, and that is fine, but sometimes picking up an interesting book to read can cause you to think about life in different ways that you haven't before. Now that we are on break, our brains aren't being flooded with schoolwork to get done. There is more free space to contemplate other readings that aren't coming out of a textbook. If you never know what to read, browse The New York Times best seller list and choose a book from your favorite genre.
3. Cuddle with your pet(s).
Being away from your best friend/cuddle buddy is hard. Cherish the moments when we can relax and play with them. They have a special way of making everything less stressful, something that is very well needed.
4. Cook and love your good food.
Dining hall food is getting worse with each day we get closer to break. With that being said, a home-cooked meal is needed. As much as we love mom's cooking, watching the neve ending recipe videos on Facebook are looking more and more tempting to try...
5. Go on a walk, jog, meditate, or exercise.
Try not to get too caught up in the binge-watching or eating, and take some time to do something different. We need to use this free time to get healthy and destress. Overall, we need to do the most to make ourselves feel our best.
6. Treat yourself when the opportunity presents itself.
We are constantly saving, counting, and trying to watch every single little thing we spend while at college. For some odd reason, money seems to be spent ten times faster *cough cough late night Domino's?* So, if we see something that we think will make us happy, just go for it (in moderation, of course).
7. Save up your money.
In accordance to the previous to-do, we all know that we are broke college students. Any money that we do seem to get, goes away quite fast *cough damn it Domino's cough.* Having a job over winter break is great. If you are able to get one, then save, save, save!
8. Friends, family, friends, and more family.
We are away from them long enough as is, so we need to spend as much time with them as possible. Even if they do get on our nerves with the constant flow of questions upon questions, you know you miss it a little bit. At least they aren't exam questions, right?
9. Volunteer.
As said before, we are always so caught up in schoolwork and meeting deadlines. Sometimes we forget to take a break from obsessing over what we need to do. Since it is the holiday season, there are tons of volunteer opportunities available for charities. If you aren't working, spending some of your time to help out others is appreciated more than you might think.
10. Get in the holiday spirit!
Try to do something cheerful and fun with the fam. Bake cookies, buy presents, or decorate the house. The best memories are made when you're surrounded by the people you love and are doing something that makes everyone happy.
