Essential Tips for Practicing Self-Care During Winter Break

With final exams finally over and the holiday break beginning, rest and self-care are essential for recharging your energy and maintaining wellness. The demands of papers, projects and exam prep may be over for now, but it's still important now to take care of your overall wellbeing. Here are a few tips to help you restore balance during the winter break and holiday season.

Stay Active and Eat Well
Feeling stressed after the busy semester? Then it's time to get moving! In between holiday celebrations, make sure to pencil in time for a few workouts. This can be especially important during the winter days of limited sunlight and cold weather. Even just 20 minutes of exercise can work wonders for your overall mood, stress and energy levels. You can go for a quick walk or jog around your neighborhood, stretch, or do a few yoga poses.
Make sure to keep choosing nutritious foods throughout the holidays as well. Try to aim for balanced meals that include vegetables, proteins, healthy fats and complex carbs. Instead of going straight for the salty or sugary foods, reach for snacks like fruit, nuts, yogurt and a little bit of dark chocolate.

Prioritize Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for keeping your brain sharp and ready for the next semester ahead! After a flurry of all-night study sessions and last-minute project submissions, you may be left feeling foggy and unfocused. During the winter break, make sure to get extra rest and strive for at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Your body will thank you!

Manage Holiday Stress with Mindfulness and Connection
Family get-togethers and social obligations may be the foundation of the holiday season, but these activities can also take a toll on your mental health. Now is the perfect opportunity to take a little time to care for your emotional wellbeing. Stress-management and mindfulness techniques don't have to be time-consuming. Try box breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, repeat), do 5-10 minutes of meditation, or take 20 minutes to write your thoughts and feelings down in a journal.

Make Time for Fun
Now that the semester is over, it's time to have a little fun! Make the most of your time off by doing the things you enjoy, like watching an episode of your favorite show, hanging out and laughing with your friends or playing a video game.

You've worked hard this academic year and now it's time to take a break and recharge. Enjoy the holiday season and embrace the opportunity to rest, relax and reset. By taking time to look after your mind and body, you'll be ready to ace the spring semester ahead!