Published: December 12, 2024 by Gabe Farmer

You did it! The fall semester has come to an end, and it’s time to unwind, relax and recharge over the winter break. After weeks of assignments, readings, research and perhaps a little too much caffeine, you’ve earned this pause.

Of course, we all know that the holiday season can sometimes bring its own brand of stress. There are presents to buy, tricky family dynamics to navigate and just the sheer busyness of the season. Even still, it’s important to carve out some time for yourself to regain energy as we head into 2025. The spring semester doesn’t begin until January 23rd, so you’ve got ample time to recharge your metaphorical batteries. 

Read on for some quick tips to make the most of the winter break.

Physical Relaxation

Start with the basics. Move your body a little! Light exercise like yoga, a brisk walk or stretching can do wonders for relaxing your mind and body. Even if you’re not big on exercise, small movements can help ease tension from all those hours spent hunched over your laptop.

Take it slow. If you’ve been relatively inactive lately, now is not the time to dive into an intense exercise regimen. Start small with short, light exercises. Remember, the goal is to relax and recharge, not to be sore and exhausted. 

While we’re at it: get some sleep. This is your time to catch up on all those hours you lost staring at discussion posts. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and sticking to it is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to reset your energy levels.

Mental Relaxation

This is your permission slip to step away from academic work and explore the things you truly enjoy.

Go outside. Get some sunlight. Studies show that exposure to sunshine boosts mood and improves mental well-being, especially during those gloomy winter months. With the short winter days, it might be hard to soak up the sun, but make it a priority to step outside for a bit whenever it’s shining. 

Once you’ve spent a few minutes outside, get cozy and pull out that TBR (To Be Read) list that’s been growing all semester. Now’s the perfect time to tackle it. Put your devices on “Do Not Disturb,” curl up with a blanket and lose yourself in a good book for a few hours. Consider prioritizing reads that are purely for enjoyment—there will be plenty of time for academic texts soon enough.

Need a recommendation? If you’re into cozy fantasy, A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers is a warm and hopeful read to help you unwind. But if hard-hitting educational nonfiction is your idea of relaxation, more power to you!

Social Connection

In the hustle and bustle of a busy semester, it can be easy to recede into yourself and become a bit of a hermit (trust me, I know). Use this winter break to prioritize spending time with loved ones. This could mean visiting family, catching up with old friends or spending quality time with your chosen family. After all, these relationships are what sustain us, even during stressful times.

Cook your favorite meals together, head out for a walk or gather around for a movie night. The key is to find joy in shared moments.

One caveat for my fellow introverts: don’t be afraid to set boundaries. A little social time is great, but it’s equally important to honor your need for quiet moments to recharge.

Digital Detox

Let’s face it, we’ve spent enough time glued to screens this semester. Consider taking a mini digital detox to truly reset. Skip those endless doomscrolls, and maybe even set aside an afternoon free of notifications. The ‘Do not disturb’ feature on your devices is a powerful tool. Your brain will thank you. 

Start small. Designate “screen-free” zones, like during meals or the first hour after waking up. Gradually expand this time as you feel more comfortable.

You can also set specific goals for your detox, like limiting social media use to 15 minutes a day or only checking emails once in the morning and once in the evening. If you have a job where you receive work e-mails, only check them when you are at work. Go ahead and make that one a year-round rule.

Using tools like Screen Time on iOS or Digital Wellbeing on Android can help you track your usage and gently remind you to unplug.

Remember, the goal isn’t to completely banish technology (we’re in an online program, after all!). It’s about carving out intentional time to focus on yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you.

Enjoy the Break!

This is your time to rest, so make it count. Whether you’re relaxing with a favorite book, recharging with a nap or connecting with loved ones, this downtime is essential for starting the next semester strong. For more information on maintaining your health and wellness, check out the iSchool’s Health and Wellness blog. Here’s to a restful winter break and a bright start to 2025!