Learning Self Love Over a Semester Break

Break is upon us! And along with that can come lots of boredom, or a time for growth, new routines, and relaxation. So here is my guide to a beneficial yet relaxing break.

1. Set some goals

Begin with deciding what you actually want to accomplish and write it down! Try to not expect too much out of yourself, as it is a break after all, and make sure to give yourself some fun things to accomplish. For example here are my goals that I scratched into a notebook in approximately 3 minutes the other day:

• Journal daily
• Yoga more often
• Schedule self-care nights
• Do something for yourself each day

These don’t have to be super in depth, but having a general idea of how you want to shape your break can be incredibly helpful. 

2. Schedule self care nights

I am very sorry if this wasn’t on your goals list but now it is. A self care night can be whatever you want it to be! If you are very social it can be a night with friends or family. If you need more time with yourself it can be doing your skincare and getting into comfy clothes with hot chocolate and your favorite comfort movie. Or it could be something as simple as going on a drive with your favorite music and then coming back home and heading to bed early. Whatever you need that you feel you have been missing throughout the stressful semester: do that! These can feel so unnecessary when planning them, but nights dedicated to doing something that will make you happy is extremely refreshing and also important in prioritizing your own mental health.

What’s also great about this is that once you get used to making time in your schedule for these nights, you can continue to do so during the spring semester. 

3. Reach out to anyone you haven’t spoken to in a while

School can be so time consuming and a lot of the time, we can only make time for a couple relationships throughout our schedule of classes and studying. It may feel awkward but I promise reaching out to people and maybe grabbing coffee or food to catch up, very rarely ends badly. 

4. Implement a new routine in your days

This can be a new workout routine and schedule, a skincare routine, a haircare routine, a morning routine, whatever works for you! Having a routine to look forward to each day can really help motivate you to get out of bed in the morning and always leaves you feeling accomplished even if that routine is the only thing you did that day! However, do remember that having days in bed is also completely valid if that is what you need at that moment. 

Implementing new routines can also be extremely helpful in building a better lifestyle whether that be associated with your physical, mental, or emotional health. 

5. Do that thing you have been wanting to do for who knows how long

Start reading that book you’ve been wanting to read or using that “how to embroider” kit that has been sitting in your closet or reorganize/rearrange your room. You could even start listening to a podcast in the car (this is something I have recently been doing with Emma Chamberlain’s podcast; 10/10 recommend). This time can help you to get something off your plate that will make you feel so good afterwards. 

Overall:

Just devote some time to you and what you want to do! Breaks are commonly used for socializing with every family member and friend you haven’t seen while at school, but remember that this time is also a rest for you and to put yourself and your health first! I wish you all the best of luck with your new routines :)