As we begin to thaw out from the winter and students everywhere begin their spring break vacations, what better opportunity for students and their families to switch gears from the classroom toward relaxation and regroup time?
You don’t have to embark on an elaborate spring break trip, however, in order to feel rested. According to Dr. Melissa Maskery, the Assistant Athletic Director/Athletic Trainer at Oak Knoll School — a private Catholic school in Summit, New Jersey — there are many ways that you can recharge while on your spring hiatus from school that doesn’t have to involve an extensive get-away vacation.
Start a new night-time routine
This may be difficult to do, especially for teenagers, but try to put your phone or electronics away 30 minutes prior to when you want to fall asleep. Instead, try reading a book, listening to relaxing music or taking a shower. If you implement this during your week away from school, you might be able to make it one of your routines and a healthy habit that you can follow throughout the rest of the school year.
De-Clutter something
Spring break may also call for a little spring cleaning! During this break from school, it might be beneficial to attempt to declutter one aspect of your life. This could be something different for everyone, but might include cleaning up your closet, your room, or even your social media timeline. On social media, unfollow people who make you feel overwhelmed, not good enough or like you should be doing more with your life. Your life is yours! Unfollow!
Breathing and meditation
Spring break is the perfect opportunity to try new things. What better opportunity to pick up a new, healthy habit like being still and meditating? There are many free meditation websites or apps that people can use and even if it’s only a 5-minute meditation it may be the push you need to make it part of your regular routine once classes start back up again.
Journal
Try something new and write in a journal at the end of each day. You don’t have to set a time limit or page minimum or maximum. Simply write what you are feeling that day, and this could be about anything. Writing something down tends to remove the “worry space” in your head and even lets you review your thoughts on paper to see them from a different perspective.
Have FUN!
With the busy schedules we keep, when is the last time you did something just for fun? Spring break is a great opportunity to try something that you’ve been meaning to do but just haven’t had the time because of schoolwork. Try a new exercise class, reading a book, painting, drawing, singing, plan a get-together with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Whatever the activity is, choose something that is fun for you and brings a smile to your face. You’ll leave feeling recharged and ready for whatever comes next.
Have a healthy, happy and FUN Spring Break!
