Let’s face it, school is stressful, and by the time spring break comes around, the time off can’t seem to come soon enough

But while many of us may equate spring break with letting loose with our buddies or catching up on some schoolwork, we’re challenging you to see your week or two off as more of a restorative opportunity. So, whether you’re a student or not, see if you can incorporate the following five mental reset exercises this spring to give your psychological well-being a serious boost.

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5 Tips for Owning Your Self-Care This Spring Break

1) Stay active.

Whether you’re a gym buff or simply are looking forward to a walk with the family dog, physical exercise is a fantastic stress buster, mood booster, and overall gift to your peace of mind. Aim to do a little something every day.


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2) Unplug.

FOMO (fear of missing out) can hit you hard during spring break. Spend some time away from your phone, email, and social media accounts so you can focus more of your energy on the present moment.

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3) Relax with a read.

Find a book you want to read—not one you think you “should” or “have to.” Whether it’s the latest romantic novel, a sci-fi adventure, or some other genre completely, a book is a great companion at the beach, by the pool, or relaxing in a comfy chair.

4) Turn off the alarm.

You’re on vacation! Feel free to let your body sleep more intuitively and catch up on your Zzz’s.

5) Find some silence.

Avoid the temptation to go overboard with both partying and catching up on homework. We’re not saying you can’t do a bit of both, of course, but try to work in a few minutes of silence into your days, too. Options include:

  • Meditate: this week off is the perfect time to start a new meditation practice. Try a 5 or 10 minute guided meditation from your favorite free app like Insight Timer, Headspace, or Oak.
  • Get outside: watch the sunset, stare at the stars, or take a walk on the beach. Spending some time in nature is perfect if you’re traveling, but even the backyard of your childhood home can suffice!
  • Breathe: learn a calming breathing exercise or two (like foursquare breathing, used by everyone from athletes to the armed forces). You can use it to relax during spring break and bring it back to school with you to use during high-stress times.
  • Journal: Jot down your thoughts, current worries, or even dreams. Often, the very act of writing your concerns on paper can help you release some of the associated tension and also help inspire creative problem-solving.

Whichever way you prefer to relax, be sure to give yourself that gift this spring break. Hopefully, you can return to school with a brighter, more focused, and more energized state of mind.

Got any other tips for rejuvenating your mind this spring break? Let us know about it in the comments below!

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