Every semester, no matter how prepared you are, it seems like finals week comes out of nowhere. But with finals comes winter break, and almost a whole month away from any academic responsibilities, spent with family and hometown friends.
Winter break is a college student’s favorite part of the year, but it can be hard adjusting to being at home and having unlimited time to yourself, even if you find yourself working a job. The lack of rigorous structure and routine can throw anyone off– whether you’re an experienced senior on your last winter break, or a freshman wondering what you’re going to do until mid-January.
There are ways, however, to make your winter break a time of much-needed rest and relaxation, while maintaining some structure and routine intact.
My biggest suggestion? Unpack your things within the first week or two of being home. I get it: once you’re home from finals, all you want to do is sleep, eat, and watch TikTok in bed all day. But leaving your stuff still packed in your bags can clutter your bedroom and your mind. So after you’ve had a couple of days of bed rest, unpack and put away anything you brought home from break. You’ll thank yourself later.
Secondly, try and stay connected with your friends. Whether they be hometown friends or friends you made here at ETSU, staying connected is crucial not only to keeping your friendships strong, but socialization also helps improve your mental health. Plan a coffee date, schedule a FaceTime– whatever works for you and your friends.
Being home also means a reprieve from dining hall food, so make sure you’re eating balanced meals– ones with fiber, protein, and at least one fruit or vegetable. Ensuring you stay hydrated is also important: your skin can get drier in the winter due to the lack of moisture in the air, so staying hydrated (both through regular moisturization and drinking water) is key. For a lot of college students, winter break also means traveling by plane or car to visit family.
While keeping in mind travel safety, also remember to wash your hands. Older relatives are more likely to be immunocompromised, and who wants to be known for giving grandma the flu at Christmas? Not me. So wash your hands, cover your mouth when you sneeze, etc.
Finally, tell your family– chosen or otherwise– that you love them this holiday season. It’s the best gift you can give. Have a great winter break and holiday season, Bucs!
