I can think of a few things that feel better than realizing that winter break is almost over even though it feels like it just started. Going to the DMV, working anywhere on Black Friday or Christmas, walking on a bed of hot coals, being in The Hunger Games, the list goes on. The realization that school is fast approaching is not a pleasant one. (Seriously, where did the time go? Christmas was yesterday!)
Making the last week or few days of break count can put your heart at easy when preparing for the next quarter. Here are some tips to help heal the end-of-winter-break heartbreak.
1. Let all the feelings out.
Cry if you have to. There's no shame in that; just let it out. Break is a happy time and feeling that slip away with each passing moment is no easy thing.
2. Binge watch Netflix to drown out the sadness.
Watch something that will make you laugh! You have plenty of options on Netflix and laughter is the best medicine. Watch a season of your favorite show and let it just take you away for a moment (or 24 full straight hours).
3. Make a plan.
If you've got crumbs all over yourself and the bed sheets and your eyes start to feel like they're about to fall out of your eye-sockets, it's time to emerge from the Netflix nook and start to get back in touch with reality. Think carefully about what you want to do with the rest of your break. What can you do at home that you can't do during school? Decide what days are geared towards your particular ideas.
4. Hang out with your friends (especially the ones that don't live so close).
If you've managed to stay in touch with some of your high school friends or even your friends from before them, make plans with them NOW! You rarely have an opportunity to be with these people so go out and do something fun with them!
5. Drive far away -- even just for a little bit.
Driving can be relaxing and a road trip can be just what you need before you go back to the same old, same old. If you don't leave the same 5-mile radius for three or four months at a time, it can be good to get a change of scenery. Remember this world is bigger than your college town.
6. Finish something.
Read a book, paint a picture, learn a song, climb a mountain! Finish something to give yourself a healthy feeling of accomplishment.
After all, it's hard to keep up with hobbies or go on artistic endeavors during school, so finish something that would make you feel good for doing it.
7. Plan a memorable New Year's Eve.
If you have something to look forward to, it can make time move slower. Make this New Year's celebration better than the last one!
8. Buy your textbooks ahead of time.
Your reflex might be to avoid anything that has to do with school but you can never be ready for something if you don't prepare for it beforehand. Even though you may not want to go back to school, the time is going to come any way, and you're not doing yourself any favors by setting yourself up for surprises. Getting your books and supplies ahead of time (and not a week after school starts) will reduce your stress and better prepare you for the months ahead.
9. Soul search if need be.
The pressure of school and city-life can really get to you. Don't be afraid to step back and remind yourself who you are and what your goals are.
10. Picture your new quarter or semester going well.
Is school tomorrow or a couple days away? Psych yourself up! Build up your confidence! If you picture yourself conquering this quarter, it's much more likely that you can make this your best quarter ever. Good luck!
