Written by: Khloe Mace
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
During Christmas break, students have a chance to rest and recharge in the middle of the school year. Sometimes, students can get sick during the break because they push themselves too hard during the fall semester, and the stress takes a toll on their health. However, there are several ways to have a healthy Christmas break and take care of your well-being.
One important thing, as suggested by an article on Vanderbilt University’s website, is to wash your hands regularly. In college, students interact with many people throughout the day, and some may even live in close quarters like residence halls, which increases the risk of catching illnesses. Washing your hands frequently can help prevent the spread of germs and keep you healthier.
Getting enough sleep is also crucial. Many students suffer from sleep deprivation due to studying and staying up late, according to the same article. Christmas break offers a great opportunity to catch up on sleep and feel more refreshed. Eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise are also beneficial for boosting your immune system and reducing the chances of getting sick, the article states.
Creating a routine during the break is a healthy habit, as recommended by University Urgent Care. College life can be overwhelming, but maintaining a routine during the break can provide some stability and set you up for a successful semester. Listen to your body’s signals; if you feel tired, give yourself the rest you need, and consider taking some extra vitamins if you suspect you might be getting sick. The University Urgent Care website states that it is essential to take a break and learn to say no when things become too much to handle.
According to an article on the University of South Florida website, spending time in nature can make our breaks healthier. Instead of always using social media, taking breaks outside and enjoying the sunshine is much better for our minds. Being close to nature can even improve how well we do in school, the article states. If students make spending time outdoors a habit during their break, they can keep doing it when the semester starts again.
Christmas break is a valuable time to take care of your health and well-being. Students should take advantage of this time to prepare for the rest of their school year. By following these simple tips, you can have a healthy and rejuvenating break, ensuring you come back to school feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the year.