How Spring Break Is The Perfect Opportunity For Self-Care

College students in the United States often have time off for spring break in March and/or April, allowing them one week or two to rest, recharge, and spend time with friends. Spring break in the US is notorious for parties, travel, and meeting new people. However, it may also be a good opportunity to take a mindful and practical approach to relaxation before you resume your classes.

That said, you don’t necessarily have to skip spring break celebrations or travel to practice self-care. There are many ways to care for yourself, whether you dedicate the entire week to it or balance it with other spring break activities. Below, you’ll find a few tips for making the most of your spring break this March while also holding space for your mental and physical wellness and safety. 

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Why spring break can be the perfect time to practice self-care

With fewer responsibilities, you can focus on reflection, self-improvement, recreation, and/or mental well-being. By prioritizing your overall wellness, you may also reduce the risks associated with some common spring break activities, such as misusing substances, getting into dangerous situations, or not getting enough sleep, which can all be detrimental to health. 

Taking a mindful approach to spring break: What is mindfulness? 

Instead of jumping head-first into any activities or plans that come your way for college spring break, you might consider taking a mindful approach. Mindfulness can be a helpful way to keep yourself grounded, even in situations where you might face social pressure. This skill involves focusing on the present moment, including any sensations you’re experiencing, thoughts passing through your mind, and stimuli in your environment. 

You can mindfully approach spring break by being aware of what your body needs at any given moment, allowing you to set boundaries and make the right choices for you. For example, if you notice sensations of hunger or exhaustion while out at a party, you’ll know you need to eat and go home to sleep instead of staying out. Because sleep deprivation can have significant negative impacts on health, making this choice for yourself may help you promote well-being.

Realistic ways to practice self-care over spring break

Below are a few examples you can consider if you’re ready to start planning how to practice self-care over spring break. These can be helpful whether you devote the entire week to recharging or you engage in these activities here and there.

Practice good sleep hygiene 

Many students get behind in their sleep during the school year as they strive to balance academics, work, and social time. Spring break can provide the opportunity to catch up on sleep and build healthy habits for the remainder of the school year. Some positive sleep hygiene practices include things like: 

• Set boundaries for when you’ll leave an event to go home and sleep 
• Try to go to sleep and wake up around the same time each day
• Avoid eating or drinking at least an hour before sleep
• Put down your devices at least an hour before you sleep and/or use blue-light filters
• Keep your sleep environment cool, dark, and free of clutter
• Use eye masks and earplugs in case roommates or neighbors make noise while you’re resting

Carve out time for yourself during your March or April spring break

While spring break is a social time for many, it can also be an opportunity to carve out some alone time. Having time to yourself can offer you opportunities to self-reflect, check in with your body and your emotions, and practice other self-care habits like exercise, journaling, or creating art. 

Try a spring break gratitude exercise 

Experts report that practicing gratitude may help increase your daily happiness and improve your mental health. Even if you don’t have time for a full-on gratitude meditation, you might engage in gratitude in small ways during spring break and year-round in the following ways: 

• Say “thank you” to someone who is kind to you in public, whether they hold a door for you or give you a compliment
• Tell the people in your life what they mean to you 
• Thank your mail carrier, taxi driver, or barista with a generous tip, if you’re able to 
• Express gratitude to your friends for the joy they bring to your life
• Express gratitude to your natural surroundings by taking them in and being mindful of how they make you feel 
• Write about three parts of your day you’re grateful for each night in a journal 

Should you take a break from screens over spring break?

Some people take a complete break from screens over spring break or dedicate a few days to being screen-free. If you’re often on your phone watching videos or scrolling social media, you might consider cutting down your screen usage to one hour a day or less while you focus on spending your break engaging in offline activities. Doing so may help you reduce stress and anxiety, focus on self-care, and make more time for healthy habits. You don’t have to take a break from screens if it doesn’t seem right for you, but studies suggest that having a screen detox may be beneficial to your mental health. 

Making the most of self-care when traveling for spring break in March or April 

Some people may wonder how to practice self-care if not at home. Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a popular spring break destination for American students, along with South Padre Island, Texas and other countries like Mexico. If you’re going on a trip over spring break, you might consider the following three self-care methods, regardless of your destination.  

Try something new

Trying a new activity or acquiring a new skill can be a fun way to learn about the place you’re visiting or the people you meet. Adventurousness can also teach you something new about yourself, such as hobbies you might enjoy or the limits of your fear. For example, some people try bungee jumping or other adrenaline-packed experiences to get past the barriers of their own minds. Being able to do something you’ve never done before can help you feel proud of yourself and increase your trust in yourself. 

Learn about another way of life

Visiting new places can teach you about other ways of life, even if you’re within the same country. Different states have different traditions, and cities often have unique attractions, histories, and places to explore. You might ask locals for their best tips on exploring the area and trying new regional foods. New experiences can teach you about yourself, others, and the world. 

Keep a routine 

Keeping a routine in terms of how you care for your body and mind could help you maintain your health while you’re away and make it easier to get back into your school routines when you return. For example, you might still try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, get at least two or three meals a day, drink plenty of water, and make time to relax.

Protecting yourself: Tips for avoiding dangers over spring break

Spring break can be a fun time to celebrate and socialize. However, statistics on safety suggest that thousands of people have dangerous experiences during spring break, particularly related to substance use, assault, and drunk driving. Below are some tips that may help you keep yourself and others safe over your break: 

• If you have used any substances, order a car to get home from parties and check that the license plate matches the car on your app before getting in. You can also share your trip with a friend through the app so they can follow along with your route on their phone. 
• Limit alcohol so that you can use good judgment and preserve your own safety.
• Don’t take any substance that you’re unsure of. 
• Share your location with someone you trust. 
• Don’t drink and drive. 
• Use the buddy system, especially if you’re traveling.
• If you’re drinking, keep it with you and consider using a drink cover to prevent anyone from putting anything in it. 

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Mental health support options 

Spring break can be a time of fun, joy, and exploration. However, some people may also experience stress, loneliness, and other mental health challenges during this time. Finding therapy over a break can be difficult in person, but you may be able to receive support online through a therapy platform like BetterHelp.

Through an online platform, you can meet with a licensed therapist remotely from anywhere, even if you’re out of town. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions and use additional self-care tools through the app, such as journaling prompts and worksheets. Some studies suggest that online therapy may be even more effective than in-person therapy for treating symptoms of anxiety and depression in some cases, resulting in a higher quality of life for clients. Researchers also noted that virtual interventions are often more cost-effective than traditional in-person care.