Taking A Break From Technology Over The Holidays | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Technology

Holiday Food For Thought: Unplug And Recharge

Mentally prepare for the next semester of school by minimizing technology over the holidays.

98
Holiday Food For Thought: Unplug And Recharge
Madelyn Neal

With finals fast approaching, I've been noticing that I've been practically glued to my computer, hunched over, frantically typing some paper or assignment that is due in just a few days. This is inevitable, at least until mid-December, when we get the sweet relief of stepping out of that last exam and driving home to a six-week-long winter break!

Over that nap-filled and Netflix-bingeing break, it's important to take some time and relax without so much screen time. Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook are great, but maybe take a few hours per day with the phone off and live unplugged.

The best part of social media is that it enables us to live in a virtual present where the quiet doesn't seem so...well, quiet. I love to check in on my friends across the world and stay in touch with people who don't live near me as much as the next person. But what is even more important is to take a break once in a while and either spend the time with those around you or yourself.

It's important to take some time and meditate, read, listen to music or just sit and relax. Your brain is used to the hectic stress of college, and it will thank you for giving it a break. After spending months in what is basically a live-in slumber party, it's not wrong to take a little bit of a breather.

I've written before about the importance of getting to know yourself, but I still stick to that. It's essential that you listen to yourself and give yourself some recovery time. As dramatic as it sounds, you've come back from a hard-fought battle, and there is no shame in a few lazy days and doing what you really enjoy.

But also take time to do what is best for you: brave the snow and go outside, cook a meal with your parents, play with your pets, or spend time with yourself, curled up and reading a book with a mug of tea. Just because it is a cliché doesn't mean that it isn't a great practice of self-care.

Take the challenge this winter to spend a day each week with minimal technology, and you'll come back to the second half of your school year more rested, more focused and more excited to see everyone you missed so much while you were away from your home away from home.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774629
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

824
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments