Spring break is the time to relax and get up-to-date on the aspects of your life that have fallen by the wayside throughout spring semester. For many of us, the last time we were home was before we returned from winter break and the anticipation for some time off has been building since then. I’m looking forward to going home for various reasons -- a few being because of the food that I’ve missed, but also to spend time with the people who I have not seen for over a month. Here are 11 ways that you can enjoy spring break.

1. Eat the food that you can’t easily get at school.

I know that when I get home, one of the first things that I plan on eating is Chinese food. I’ve been craving Chinese food since I’ve been back at Fairfield and it has been tortuous waiting for the next time I’d be home to get some, since the options here are not the same as they are back in Jersey.

2. Exercise on your own time.

The complications that have come from the main gym being under construction have made it even less compelling to use the alternative methods provided on and off campus. Going home will be a good time to go to the local gym again and work off Barone food.

3. If you live in a suburb, go for a walk around your neighborhood.

I live in a relatively quiet neighborhood and I love to walk around the block on sunny days. Given the warm winter that we’ve had, it’s even more compelling to get out of the house on a quiet day and get some fresh air -- whether you are alone or with someone.

4. Take advantage of the extra time that you have to sleep.

I’m guilty of staying up late and doing anything but sleeping during our breaks. Instead, take advantage of the extra time that you’d normally be cramming and regulate your sleep schedule so that you aren’t dragging when you return to school for midterms.

5. Spend time with your friends and family.

Balancing time with your friends and family is important when you return home. We spend most of our time at school throughout the year and now is the time to make the most of their company and catch up on each other’s lives that can’t always be conveyed over a phone call or through a 30-minute video call.

6. Get your work done early.

You don’t want to spend your last night of spring break cramming for midterms or finishing that last minute assignment that you thought would take five minutes, but is actually taking five hours. Trust me -- been there and suffered through that.

7. Take some time to self reflect.

We’re constantly on the move when we’re at school between balancing work, friends, romantic relationships and keeping in contact with people from back home. Take the time that you have away from it all to relax and to not only think back on your semester so far, but to also look forward to how you can improve your time when you return to Fairfield.

8. Reach out to someone that you haven’t spoken to in a while.

When you’re at school, it’s easy to lose contact with people who are important to you. This semester has made me realize that when you’re away from school, life goes on at home and the last time you say hello to someone may actually be the last time you’re able to. Give that person a call or set up a day to spend time together. It’s always worth it.

9. Listen to some new music.

I know that when I’m at school, listening to music isn’t always on the top of my priority list because I can’t focus on my work when my favorite song is playing in the background. Use your time at home to explore new music that has been released and create new playlists for when you’re working out or even when you’re in the shower.

10. Switch out your winter sweaters for springtime clothes.

There is nothing quite as satisfying as bringing your warm clothes back home for spring break so that you can make room for your lighter clothes once the warm weather arrives. It won’t feel quite as satisfying this year since we’ve had such warm weather, but nonetheless, I’m looking forward to not having a wardrobe full of sweaters.

11. Catch up on the Netflix shows that you have fallen behind on.

I know that I have missed binge-watching many of my shows during the semester and spring break is always an ideal time to catch up on the shows I haven’t had time to watch. If most of us are honest, this is how we’ll want to spend 90 percent of our time during break.

I can’t wait to do a little bit of everything so that I can come back to Fairfield refreshed and hopefully not as panicked for midterms the next week.