Spring break: the most anticipated week of the year. We can say winter break gives us time to relax in between semesters and whichever three-day weekend you're given is good for a boost of energy and an extra day of sleep. Even so, for some reason, spring break is embedded into our minds as the most valuable break of the year, and it needs to be spent accordingly.
It seems to come at the perfect time. With midterms finishing up, your stress level suddenly going off the roof and people are beginning to irritate you because of the increased amount of time you've had to spend together. (Please not another philo; I've already seen my sisters five times in the past two days.) You love them all, you do, and you're probably going to be spending this time off with them but in a completely different atmosphere. Without worrying about RSVPs to date parties, the long list of to-dos, hours and hours of homework that needs to be done, job and internship application deadlines coming up and the daily social and sorority events that have left you with no time for yourself. But spring break, it's different. It’s the week that has been left completely empty on your over-crowded Lilly Pulitzer planner, it’s the week that is left for adventures, ease, way too many margaritas and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
It’s time to escape and have a break from life for a couple of days, and this is how to do it.
1. Go somewhere outside of your college town.
I don’t care what you say. Work, obligations, whatever it is, take it off! You need this break. The amazing thing is you don’t need the whole week off but at least a few days to yourself. You can go to the sunny beaches of California, an island off of Florida or one of the many miraculous Mexico destinations. Go back to your hometown or go against mainstream plans and take a trip to the mountains for skiing; it doesn't matter. Wherever your spring break destination may be, just make sure it’s somewhere you can relax and is a change of scenery.
2. Put your responsibilities, and for the most part, your best judgement aside.
I’m not saying go crazy and sleep with everyone in sight. No. Do not do that. But do spend the week taking a few more risks than usual. Go on adventures and live life for the stories. Spring break is the perfect time to be free of whatever is weighing you down. The only way to do that is to let go of all of it for the time being.
3. Save up or bring the credit card.
Trust me, I am a very financially responsible individual. I think twice about spending $4 for an In-n-Out burger and fries. Sad. And that’s why this rule is very important to follow. Part of putting your worries away is putting away your stress over money. Don’t blow it all on buying everyone a round of shots at some hole in the wall bar in Mexico, but put yourself in good enough shape, so you don’t need to think twice about paying for an adventure. All of your friends want to go on a booze cruise? Down. Want to eat out every night this week? Also, down. Let's go skydiving? Sure. Be conservative with your money the weeks leading up to spring break, so this mentality is possible.
4. Turn off the service.
Most of the time you might be somewhere where you can’t even get service. (Oh, my god end of the world.) Actually no, this is a very good thing. Probably one of the best parts of break is escaping. Whether or not you are somewhere with or without service, it's best to decide to log out of all social media and put your phone and laptop to rest for a few days. You can post about your amazing trip later. (No one wants to watch a 100-second story anyway.) And maybe you don’t need to see what everyone else is doing. You might compare how you're spending the time to how others are, and you don't need that. This trip is for you, and you’ll spend more time actually living if you're not constantly scrolling down Insta.
5. Treat yourself.
I know I already said bring extra money, but treating yourself doesn’t always have to mean spending a ton to pamper yourself. It could mean you get a cheat meal, or you get to finally start that book gaining dust on your shelf, whatever it may be.
6. Do something new.
Maybe you are going to the same spring break spot for the fourth year in a row, so how do you make it memorable? Do something you haven't done. It'll suffice your craving for a thrill. Maybe it's trying a new food, having a first time experience or hanging out with a different crowd. Get out of your comfort zone for a little this spring break; you'll be more than happy with yourself if you do.
7. Indulge in an interest.
Even if you are planning on partying in Mexico the whole time or getting drunk on a ship in the Carribean, bring a book or something you’ve been wanting to do. Give yourself free time to relax and do something for yourself. Maybe it's starting a new DIY project, making a new dish from Pinterest or learning the basics of a new language. Whatever you have pushed aside for other responsibilities, this is the chance to do it.
8. Reconnect.
Take a step back and remember who you are and what your goals are. There's no better time to do this than smack in the middle of the semester. When you are constantly busy and on-the-go, it's hard to have time to check in on yourself. Take time to remind yourself you are doing amazing. Refocus on what you are trying to accomplish personally and professionally.
9. Prepare yourself beforehand.
Nothing is worse than going on a trip and leaving behind something you needed. Pack light, but pack ahead of time. Get everything done, so it’s out of the way. Planning, homework, saving, all the "responsible" parts of the trip need to be done beforehand.
10. Don’t have too high of expectations.
Everything turns out better when you just go. Obviously, plan ahead for what is necessary, but when it comes down to how you're going to spend every second of every day, leave room for unknown and spontaneous opportunities. Make a short bucket list of the things that are most important to you, but for everything else, leave it to surprise.
