As Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is officially on spring break from March 2 to 6, it allows students to recharge and rest before the second half of the semester.
Whether students are traveling or just going home for the week, spring break provides an opportunity to not only relax but also reconnect with family and friends.
“It’s a good time, especially if you’re going home to reconnect with your support network,” said Ashley Hartman, BGSU health educator. “Your family, friends and engaging in comforting activities. Sometimes it’s hard to permit ourselves to enjoy our hobbies.”
One suggestion Hartman mentioned for students is to pay attention to how their bodies feel over break. If feeling tired or exhausted, make sure to actually rest and do things that they enjoy.
“I think sometimes we’re so busy and focused on what we need to get done that we might not even be noticing that our body needs rest,” she said. “That’s where I think really listening to your body, if it’s telling you it needs rest, that’s a good indication.”
Another tip for students is to make sure to pay attention to their basic needs, such as getting enough sleep, eating and drinking enough to keep their bodies fueled.
“Just some of those basic pieces, thinking about sleep, fueling our bodies and making sure we’re hydrated,” said Hartman. “Some things that feel really simple, but especially as things get busy, we might even surprise ourselves like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s two o’clock, and I haven’t eaten anything today.’”
According to a study by the journal, Behavioral Sciences, an upward comparison at universities increases the stress levels among college students.
A reason for the rising stress levels stems from trying to match what someone else in the same context is doing, which can have negative mental impacts on students.
“Sometimes it can be hard to let ourselves rest because we think, ‘Well, look at that person,’” Hartman said. “‘They’re doing all these things and don’t seem to be stressed, so why am I stressed?’ So, that comparison can be really harmful and impact someone’s well-being.”
Spring break gives students the time to work on overcoming this feeling and gives them time to focus on themselves.
Along with rest, spring break also provides students with an opportunity to mentally prepare for the end of the semester.
“Breaking things down into manageable amounts can be hard sometimes when you’re looking at finals and assignments that are all due around the same time,” Hartman said. “I think spring break is a good time to tune into whatever things you’re going to need the next few weeks to finish strong.”
Finding ways to be kind to yourself is another way students can find peace over the break. Hartman said if she had to give students one method to utilize over spring break, it would be self-compassion.
“I think that’s something that is also going to serve us well,” she said. “There’s even lots of research that self-compassion is a more effective motivator than self-criticism. So, I think going away on break, being kind to yourself and reminding yourself of the things you’ve accomplished, knowing that if you’re facing challenges ahead, you’re not alone.”
