Written by Rita Jabbour

@_ritajabbour

Thumbnail and Header Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

You're successfully making it through this semester! With the hard work and effort that has been put in, it is now time to wind down over the next week before we're all hauled back to reality. However, with all this free time on our hands, it's very easy to get caught up trying to have the perfect break. Then, before we know it, it will be the 27th of February, and there will have been so many more things we wished we would have done. For a successful break, try to engage in events and activities that you wouldn't usually participate in during the school term so that you can truly feel relaxed and refreshed enough to be able to return to studying for the rest of the semester. To save you from worrying about figuring out what to fit into the next seven days, here are 11 things you can do during this winter break:

Take some time out of this break to enjoy leisure activities. So much of our time and attention is dedicated to assignments, tests, and research during the school term that we never find time to sit back and appreciate doing the little things. Over the next week, pick out a new book to read; you're only ever reading material that should be studied for your courses, so reading something just for fun could be beneficial for a change. Another activity can be getting in touch with your creative side to paint, colour, or draw leisurely. You could also try to find a few minutes a week to meditate, and even get some exercise. Begin an exciting new workout, or simply start exercising if you haven't been able to because of a busy school semester.

Catch up on your favourite shows. For those of you who were smart enough to put watching your shows on pause while you focused on studying, now is the time to watch those episodes and find out what has been happening with your beloved characters. As for those who spent more time watching than studying (including myself): keep watching, only now you won't need to feel guilty about the pile of unfinished school work!

Watch a movie (or two). What's a good break without squeezing in a few classic movies? Here are a few suggestions: Dead Poets Society (1989), Titanic (1997), Edward Scissorhands (1990), or Good Will Hunting (1997). Or, you can try newer movies like Eternals (2021), The Power of the Dog (2021), and The Last Letter from Your Lover (2021).

Bake! Yes, get off the couch for a few hours and walk to your kitchen. I'm not suggesting you cook a whole meal, but experimenting in the kitchen is undoubtedly a change from typical school-related tasks. There is an infinite number of straightforward, quick, and fun recipes for you to make and savour afterwards. Some ideas are cookies, brownies, pies, and cakes. Check out this link for 25 Super Fun Baking Recipes.

Have a game night. Invite some friends over one night and play games! The winter break is a perfect time to catch up with friends to have a night filled with amusement and laughter. Check out this list of Fun Board Game Ideas. Some ideas include Catan, Psych!, Code Names, charades, trivia, bingo, or Monopoly.

Go Ice Skating. Nothing says 'winter' more than skating around on ice while your face freezes and you lose all feeling in your fingers - but be sure to check out the Halifax Recreation page to find out which rinks are open, like the Emera Oval. You can go with friends or family and partake in this sport anytime during this break.

Volunteer or donate. Think about helping out within your community. It's never the wrong time to decide to help someone. Try your best to reach out and contribute in any way possible, whether by volunteering at a shelter or donating to a charity of your choice. Here is a list of local volunteering opportunities presented by the SMU website.

Clean and tidy your home. We all know there's that one room or area in your house/dorm that is always messy. You constantly delay cleaning it because you'd much rather spend your precious time on school. Well, guess what? You now have the time. So, once again, get up off the bed and tidy it. Make use of this free time to have a 'spring cleaning' or just to do the demanding housework tasks that you've been avoiding for some time. Having a clean space can keep you feeling uplifted and alert, especially throughout this time of year that tends to reflect a gloomy mood.

Reach out to friends and family. Now that you have a week of uninterrupted relaxation, remind yourself to check in with friends or family members you have not seen in a while. A quick call or text is perfect for catching up with the loved ones you miss. So, don't let time or distance stop you from doing so.

Discover and visit places around Halifax. You can do lots during this week, from taking walks around campus to walking around Halifax Public Gardens or Point Pleasant Park. Getting some fresh air can be more beneficial than you may think. You can also visit a public library or make an effort to try out a new coffee shop or restaurant. Also, you can check out Peggy's Cove to see the new viewing platform and visit the Beyond Van Gogh exhibit.

Study! It is called reading week, after all. Take a few hours to review your course materials so far and ensure that you're not behind on any chapters. Make sure you've completed all your assignments, and maybe even try doing some extra credit work if you feel like it. Reach out to classmates or SMU resources like the Writing Centre if you need help catching up on specific topics or writing certain assignments. Finally, don't leave unfinished work to accumulate; do your best to dedicate at least a few hours during this break to prepare for the upcoming exams.

You may have been experiencing a tough couple of weeks this semester as you try to keep up with your courses, extra-curricular, social life, and everything in between, but before you have to get back to that routine, you have a week off. So, make sure that you are taking the time to relax and enjoy the break, but also that you are changing it up a little by engaging in activities you would not get the chance to do during school. Spend time with your friends, families, and pets. Watch your comfort shows. Do some exercise. Catch up on your hobbies. Visit parks and restaurants. All the latter is what makes your break a fun and productive one. But most importantly, undertake the activities in which you find comfort; this break is meant to help you recharge and prepare for the rest of the semester and the upcoming exams. Don’t change your attempt to fill up your break with events and activities into a stressor. Simply, do whatever helps you relax.

A Guide to a Fruitful Winter Break

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