Providing that students have a safe and welcoming place to be, winter break will hopefully allow students to rejuvenate after the demands of the past few months. Regardless of how long it is, it’s critical that winter break provides opportunities for students to unwind, prioritize self-care, and prepare to “get back at it” within a few weeks. If a student has been away at school, it is important for families to acknowledge and respect the likely changes in the student’s level of independence and desire to have agency over how to spend some of their time. Today, I am offering ideas to help college students relax, recharge and reflect in order to make the most of their winter break.
- Commit to a Digital Detox: I can’t emphasize enough the importance of “digital detox.” At minimum, committing to turning off notifications or stowing away the phone and focusing on the present moment for 2-3 hours at a time can help quiet the mind, reduce stress, and allow you to be fully present. I encourage students to challenge themselves to do it for at least a half a day several times during your break!
- Spend Quality Time with Supportive Loved Ones: Students should not underestimate the importance of reconnecting with family and friends who are a part of their support network. Whether through preparing meals together, game nights, video calls, or in-person gatherings, social connections contribute to emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. Spending time with people that students can be “real” with and who have known them for a long time can be reassuring and restorative.
- Reconnect with Low-key Hobbies: Whether it’s reading a book, tackling a jigsaw puzzle, or binge-watching a favorite show; dedicating time to a low-key passion can be relaxing and revitalizing. Students will benefit from committing to escaping their “school world” by creating a cozy nook to engage in a relaxing activity throughout break. They should resist feeling guilty about taking time for such low-key and restorative activities.
- Get Fresh Air: Embrace the outdoors. Walks anywhere can do wonders to clear one’s head and ease stress. Depending on where a student will be for the break, they may have an opportunity to enjoy tromping through the woods, sitting by a body of water, or wandering through an open field. Regardless of where a student may be, simple walks offer fresh air, a change of scenery, and an opportunity to focus on all five senses. If relevant, students can make the most of winter weather by sledding, skiing, or ice skating. These activities provide additional benefits of invigoration and entertainment.
- Re-visit Active Outlets: Students may want to consider spending some time rediscovering a neglected “active” hobby such as cooking, painting, playing an instrument, or playing a sport. Students may realize that they haven’t been terribly active the past couple of months and engaging in one or more of these can help them to recharge. Additionally, if a student is the creative type, having an outlet to play with their original ideas can be extremely restorative and help build confidence.
- Reflect and Set Goals: This last tip encourages students to use a little bit of the break as a time for reflection and goal-setting. Considering the successes and challenges of the past semester and setting intentions for the future provides a sense of direction and motivation that can help facilitate success going forward. For ideas about this tip, check out my blog post from last year “Reflecting on the Fall Semester and Identifying Behaviors to Support Spring Success.”
In summary, hopefully winter break is a time for leisure, self-care, and personal growth for all students. Regardless of whether a student prefers to plan or to be spontaneous about their break, it is my hope that everyone has opportunities to relax, recharge, and reflect. By incorporating some of these activities into their break, students are more likely to re-engage in the new term with a refreshed mindset and be ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming semester. Wishing all students an enjoyable and restorative break!
Beth A. Howland is founder of College Navigators, LLC and coaches college students to optimize their undergraduate experiences in support of their educational, personal, and career goals. She worked for close to 25 years in a variety of direct service and leadership positions in student support services at Cornell University, Duke University, Ithaca College, Tulane University, and UNC-Chapel Hill. Check out Beth’s previous posts about college student success.
