Things to Do Over Winter Break

With colleges on winter break for a month, it can feel like we have too much free time after the chaos of the semester. Without due dates, nights filled with homework, and club meetings filling the days, our schedules often go from 100 to 0, leaving many of us sitting at home wondering how to fill our time while still resting before it all picks up again. There’s only so much time we can fill with seeing family and friends, so here’s a list of things you can do to feel productive without overextending yourself. Rest is important, but so is feeling good about how you spend your time!

1. Pick up an old hobby

If you love to crochet but never have the time, or consider yourself a bookworm but find yourself too exhausted during the semester to read for fun after hours of studying, now is your chance to pick up those hobbies! Get your craft supplies back out, buy a book or two (or visit your local library), write the song or prose that’s been stuck in your head…the list goes on, but with so much time to be creative, take advantage of it when inspiration strikes. 

2. Clean out your room 

For college students, especially those of us who are seniors and thinking about moving in the next year, this task is daunting but necessary. The clothes you never bring to school, the bins you never open, and the old books you’ve been meaning to donate don’t need to sit around anymore; get rid of anything you won’t take with you on a move, and organize the rest. This is one that’s good to split into a few days, and the refreshed feeling of a clean, organized room is unparalleled!  

3. Find ways to move your body

Many of us are gym-goers during the semester; it’s a great way to clear your head, forget about school for an hour, and do something for your health. Over break, it might be harder to move around as much, depending on if you have a gym membership or how much you walk around without classes to get you up and going. If you have a workout routine, great! If not, and you’re not interested, that’s great too. But if you want to find ways to stay active over break, and keep taking that time to get out of your head for a bit, there’s plenty of fun, low-impact workouts on YouTube. Check with your doctor before trying something you’re unsure about, but the most important thing is to have fun with it! You could even see if your sister, mom, or best friend wants to join you for a yoga session or a walk if it’s not too cold. 

4. Try out some new recipes 

If you have a kitchen in your dorm, it can be difficult not to make the same few recipes every week; we’re all short on time and trying to save money on groceries. While at home, take advantage of the time and try out some new quick recipes— sheet pan recipes are convenient, and can usually be prepped in advance, so they’re perfect for when classes start up again. Figure out some new, fun meals that will keep you energized for your busy schedule, so that cooking isn’t something you have to stress about next semester! 

5. Catch up on reading and watching 

All those lists in your Notes app, with the movies and shows you want to watch and the books you want to read? Now’s the time! Set up a movie night— either solo or with friends— pop some popcorn, get a comfy blanket, and switch on the movie you’ve been eying for months. Or, make a cup of tea or hot cocoa, curl up in bed or on the couch, and start the book that’s been sitting on your shelf. Take this time for yourself to rest your mind and enjoy relaxing with no deadlines. 

6. Restock on your essentials 

The skincare products that start to run low come December, the dregs of haircare that you packed to bring home, and the makeup that’s gotten you through the semester all probably need to be replaced or refilled, and break is the perfect time. Make a list of everything and buy it as it goes on sale (take advantage of these holiday deals!). When classes start up, you won’t have to worry about replacing your products; you can simply get back into your routine with a fresh start. While you’re at it, take the time to shop around for anything else you need, or something to treat yourself!