Ah, yes. It’s that dream-like time of year when the days are shorter, the weather is colder, and excitement is mounting as we get closer and closer to winter break. Thanksgiving is a mere pit-stop on the way to completing your finals and reaching the holidays, yet even the shortest of breaks feel like a breath of fresh air for us Berkeley students.
Though being home is great in theory when you’re in the midst of an all-nighter and fantasizing about sleeping in your own bed, in reality, the lack of productivity can be stress-inducing at times. Disclaimer: not everybody’s home life is alike in nature and these tips cannot be applied universally. However, for those who can relate to the comfort, yes, but also the restlessness that can occur after coming back from college, this guide may come in handy. For all you lost souls out there who need guidance for the holidays, look no further! Here are five ways to stay afloat while in the comfort of your home during the upcoming holiday season.
#1: Have your goals in mind. Source: https://blog.asana.com/2017/11/cracking-the-code-6-steps-to-achieving-your-company-goals/
If you feel like you’re hopelessly floating through the holiday season, it’s important to find something to ground you. One way to do this is to make a list of everything you hope to get done over the break, or even the next year. Whether that’s making a plan of what you hope the next year will look like – in school or professionally – or making personal goals for self-improvement, it all helps. Executing these goals is much harder than writing them down, so make sure you don’t try to overextend yourself!
#2: Keep in touch with your college friends. Source: https://vocal.media/education/college-friendships-vs-high-school-friendships
If you’re feeling like you miss the (sometimes chaotic) atmosphere of college, text a friend you met there! Winter breaks are usually upwards of a month and going that long without contact with your college friends is sure to add to your stress. They may be preoccupied with winter break activities as well, but it’s likely that they’ll miss you and might feel the same way. FaceTime, text, send a meme to them on Twitter, anything to remind them you’re still alive. It’ll be like you’re back on campus with your friends, except without the added pressure of deadlines and lectures.
#3: Find things to keep you occupied. Source: https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/ideas/
Aside from (or in addition to) going on vacation, there are so many things to do during winter break! Meet up with your high school (or community college) friends and go to the places you guys always used to go to. This is sure to keep your mind occupied, and you’ll be making new memories while you’re at it! On a more productive level, try to see if there are any seasonal jobs near you that are hiring, or any volunteer opportunities and events that you can get involved in! Doing these things is sure to create a good balance between fun and productivity that will keep you fulfilled enough during the break.
#4: Prep for the next semester. Source: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/why-internships-are-important-for-engineering-students-or-freshers/
If you still feel like you’re not doing enough and need to focus your attention on something substantial, begin to plan for the next semester at school. Whether you start reading up on the classes you’re taking, looking into any clubs you’re interested in joining, or applying for summer internships, making arrangements for the next term will put you back in a productive mindset. Sometimes during the break, you face a lull in motivation and need to do something easy yet stimulating to get rid of boredom. This plan may not be the most exciting, but it could get you pumped for the next semester if you put in the time to try and make it the best it can be! Also, planning ahead for even the next break, such as applying for internships or jobs, can ensure you won’t face a huge boredom dilemma again!
#5: Live in the moment. Source: https://medium.com/afwp/powerful-reminders-to-live-in-the-moment-fea8e3e8332d
Perhaps the most important thing to remember for the upcoming break is to remember that it’s fleeting. Before you know it, you’ll be on a plane back to college and will be wondering where all the time went. Take this break to spend time with loved ones; reminisce about your past, take pride in your present, and set goals for your future. Use your time wisely and you’ll be sure to avoid the ironic stress-inducing boredom that can come with breaks from college.