Staying healthy over winter break can be hard for many reasons. Whether it is lack of exercise combined with too much food or the cold weather keeping you inside, it can be hard to continue being productive and taking care of yourself when there is no school or work. If you are like me, you tend to spend break wrapped in a blanket watching Netflix and drinking hot chocolate. That's not a bad thing, but it certainly is not the best way to send two whole weeks.
1. Yoga
You might have some extra time in the morning since the first semester is over and you have a break from work. Getting in the habbit of waking up and doing yoga is a great change to sleeping in. It will help wake you up and get your blood pumping first thing in the morning. It also stretches out your limbs so you won't feel stiff. Yoga can really get your heart going and ready for the day.
2. Daily Hygiene
I don't know about you, but when I have no where to go, my mornings tend to go: wake up late, take shower, put pajamas back on, go back to bed, repeat tomorrow. I have a very counter productive agenda. I understand not wanting to do your makeup, but let the morning be for pampering yourself. It's break, you have no 7 a.m. bus to take, so spend that extra 10, 20 (or 40, if you're me) minutes in the shower. I have learned watching Netflix in the bath is better than going back to sleep.
3. Eat healthy.
Now that you have gotten up early and taken care of hygiene, you have to eat. It is fine to go straight to the muffins and bacon some mornings, but not all the time. Fruit is a refreshing way to start off your morning. I know when I eat pancakes, I instantly am ready to go in a food comma. I'm not saying to not eat pancakes, but maybe substitute the syrup for sweet black berries. It's delicious, nutritious and an easy alternative to something more sugary.
4. Keep an agenda.
I know that you probably don't want to look at you schedule again now that break has come, but as much as it is for work, it can be for fun. Having activities and plans for every day of break keeps you from getting into a slump. This slump is why going back to school is so hard. Besides, spending your break inside would be boring anyway.
5. Pig Out!
Some fun activities during break might be going to the movies, eating out at restaurants, treating yourself to pumpkin spice lattes, etc. But pigging out doesn't have to mean junk food. Have a movie night with your friends where you make your own salads or veggie pizzas. Limit lattes or substitute them with lavender tea, which can improve you concentration.
5. Candles and Incense
Winter is the perfect time to use all of those candles and incense you've been hoarding. While their scent and warmth can make your home cozy, depending on the smell it can activate productivity, calmness and help you sleep. Cherry incense can cause relaxation and help repair the body. There are more uses for incense on Original Botanical.
6. Avoid getting sick.
It's that time of year again. Everyone is getting sick. Avoiding crowded areas, washing your hands often and eating lots of fruits and vitamins often will protect you and keep your immune system in good shape.
7. Rest
As fun as it is to stay up late binge watching shows, maintaining a good sleep schedule is better.
8. Spa Day!
A spa day to me does not mean going to the spa necessarily. It means to focus on yourself for the whole day. Put on a face mask, soak your feet and put on your favorite music, because you deserve time to yourself.
9. Get organized.
If you have school or work next semester then you still have to stay on top of things even over the break. Keep your planner up to date and include a to do list. If you need any supplies or homework knock that out first. Clean you work space clean to make going back to work a breeze,
10. Exercise
We eat the most during this time of year, but get out less. Take just an hour a day to get that heart pumping! Your body isn't the only thing that needs to stay in shape. Exercise your brain as well with puzzles, games and my personal favorite, reading.
11. Be creative!
Now is the perfect time pick up a hobby. Creativity can come in many forms, so whether you like to draw, sing or write, you should go for it. Dust off that instrument you haven't played since middle school or buy yourself an adult coloring book and take a break.
12. Try something new!
When's the last time you did something for the first time?
