Fall Break this year will be from Friday, Oct. 10 (after classes!), until Tuesday, Oct. 14. Some students are taking the time to recover from midterms and catch up with friends and family, while others see it as extra time to study and work. If you fit into any of these categories, especially the latter, it is important to make sure that your fall break is actually a break and that you take the time off to rest from daily activities. Below, I have put together some tips and considerations for how you spend your fall break, along with some suggestions for activities.
Number One: Sleep In!
During a regular week in the semester, it might be hard to get a full 8 hours of sleep, with studies and extracurricular activities taking up most of your time. So, take these days, especially Monday and Tuesday, to catch up on those missed hours. If you can, turn off all your alarms and let your body rest for as long as it needs, so you wake up refreshed and able to continue through the end of the semester until finals.
Number 2: (Actually) Take a Break!
Don’t entirely neglect your studies, but don’t be so focused on them, either. It’s called a break for a reason. Not taking any kind of break during this time off can lead to burnout, and makes it much harder for you to go into the end of the semester strong. I know two days might seem like a lot of time to not study for you perfectionists, but trust me, it will benefit you so much in the long run. And it will probably go by quicker than you think!
Number 3: Be Productive!
It is good to sleep in, but don’t spend your whole day in bed. Get out and enjoy the nice weather we’ve been having by going for a walk, or a run, or playing an outdoor game with friends. Read a book (one that has nothing to do with your studies), make a meal, go to the gym, clean your dorm room, or watch a good television show or movie. Just try to do something that you love and that makes you happy.
Number 4: Check in (mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and all the other -lly’s)
It is important to take time to assess your mental state at this mid-point in the semester, whether you talk about it with someone, write it down, or just take a few minutes in silence to think it through. This not only allows you to be mindful of your own health, but it will also affect your performance throughout the rest of the semester. Also, take time to reflect on the blessings that God has given you so far this semester and focus on things that you are grateful for.
(Lastly) Number 5: Lock In!
Now, by “lock in,” I don’t mean work and study (that would be very contradictory to all my earlier advice). By this, I mean to understand that this is truly the halfway point in the semester, and that, unfortunately and usually, the next half of the semester will be hard. This is not to scare you, or make you anxious about what’s to come, but finals will be here sooner than we know, and then, before you know it, it’s graduation (seniors, our time has come)...but let’s not cross that bridge before we get to it! It is important to prepare yourself, mentally, physically, etc., for what’s to come.
In conclusion, fall break, no matter how you spend it, will determine how the rest of your year goes. If you want to maximize these few days off to assist with your energy levels and how you will end the semester, I recommend that you at least take one of these days to separate yourself from your schoolwork, and spend time doing hobbies you love and catching up with friends. It is a break, after all, isn’t it?
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 51勛圖厙 University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 51勛圖厙 University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.