With only a few short weeks left before Thanksgiving, it's safe to say that our Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks will be here sooner than we know. At my university, we have the week of Thanksgiving off, then we come back for dead week and finals week, then starts Christmas break! We're essentially leaving for a week, then coming back to finish up a few necessary things, only to leave again in 2.4 seconds. Hey, I'm not complaining, I'm just saying how it is.

With these holiday breaks quickly approaching, it's important to make an list of things you plan to accomplish when you get home for the holidays. I know how your brain basically turns to sludge after finals week, so I decided to make a list of some important things to do while you're home on break.

1. Reunite With Old Friends

You know those friends you always plan on hanging out with but never actually do? Well, now's the best time to link up with them! It's so easy to get lost in the rush of school and busy schedules that you let your social life suffer a little too much. While you're on break and won't have much to do for a few weeks, plan to meet up with them and catch up on some things you missed. Trust me, it will be a nice refresher after a long semester of college.

2. Reunite With Family

It's hard to keep up with some old friends in college, and sometimes, it's hard to keep up with some family too. So, to make up for lost time, spend some quality time with your family. Whether you realize it now or not, you've really missed them, and they've really missed you. I know it may be difficult to spend your whole break at home, especially if you work near your school, but try to at least take a few days to spend some quality time with your relatives.

3. Catch Up on Homework

This is mainly a tip for Thanksgiving break because a new semester starts after Christmas break. I know that, when on a break from college, the last thing you want to do is work on homework and other assignments. Nevertheless, this is the prime time to catch up on some of your work. You don't have classes to contend with, and you'll have all the time in the world to get some things done. It's not fun, but it definitely makes dead week and finals much less stressful if you've already gotten a jumpstart on studying.

4. Sleep

As a college student, I know how much sleep you lose throughout the semester. It's like a never-ending cycle of staying up all night and getting up way early in the morning. I've been there more than I care to admit, and I can say that it isn't fun. So, take this time to catch up on lost sleep. You won't be able to completely regulate your sleep schedule, but it's a good start.

5. Relax

A little relaxation after a long semester can do you some good. Think about it, you just finished a 16-week long semester at college. You've worked hard, and you've definitely earned a chance to relax. While your on your break, make sure to take a little time to yourself. Maybe have a lazy day on the couch with a warm blanket and Netflix, or just curl up in bed with a good book. However you chose to relax, just do it. It will get you recharged and ready for school to start back up, and it may keep you from being as burnt out as you were by the end of the previous semester.

6. Enjoy Your Time Off

However you decide to spend your breaks, enjoy them. You only get 3 per school year--although I only count Christmas as being the real one due to the fact that you have literally no due dates looming over your head--so you might as well enjoy them! Remember, you've worked hard for the past few weeks, so there's nothing wrong with taking some time off and treating yourself. You deserve it.