Each year, college kids look forward to spring break. It is that one week of freedom. Most of us can relax and not have to think about the long hours of finals studying, and we can just get back to focusing on ourselves and our friends.
This spring break, I plan to do just that. It's been a long first two quarters for me, and I am looking forward to laying on the beach with my mom, having long talks, and napping in the sun. The thing is, a lot of college students like to go to party destinations. I sit back and watch snapchat stories and news articles of people being under the influence and doing embarrassing things like puking on the beach. Of course we all need a few spring breaks like that, but this year is my relaxing spring break.
College has been stressful in many ways this year. Not only have I dealt with personal issues, but the older you get the more stress piles up on you. In college, your end goal is to graduate and find a job. All the while you are searching for internships and trying to stay on top of your grades. I've noticed that a lot of us let our mental health slip, and even our physical health because of the stress from college.
Sometimes we are so scared we will fail an exam or not retain all of the knowledge that we pull multiple all nighters, fill our bodies with caffeine, and when it's all over we want to crash. When I am studying at the library I look around at all of the students. Most of them look miserable and utterly exhausted. Of course a lot of us procrastinate and push back finals studying until the last minute...but even so the course load is mentally and physically exhausting.
It isn't healthy, and that is why I realize that MY body needs a break. I need to be able to sit back this spring break, soak up some rays, and recharge my brain. I think a lot of us need this break, some more than others. The way we choose to spend our spring break is up to each of us individually.
For some of us it is getting belligerently drunk and passing out on the beach, but for me, this spring break is going to be like hitting a reset button. It is some much needed R&R.
