Spring may have arrived yesterday, but spring break has been in full swing all month.
The idea behind spring break is to have fun and chill out. The logistics, however, are often more complex than that. Just because the calendar says it’s a break, doesn’t mean you actually get one.
So, we’ve curated 5 ideas to help you feel like you’re having a real break this spring break, regardless of whether you get one afternoon off, or a full week. After all, you deserve it.
1. Carve out time to do nothing. Even if nothing is something
When someone asks us “how are you?” our first response is often “oh, I’m so busy!” We often pride ourselves on how packed our schedules are, but that business can take a real toll on our mental and physical health. To feel like you’re having a real break this spring break, stop being busy! Carve time out that is just for you.
This can look like a lot of things, depending on what you need most. Book a spa day and let someone else pamper you. Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read and cozy into the couch for as long as it takes to finish it. Hop on your bike and explore the local trails. If you’re more of a Netflix kind of person, allow yourself a full day or two to binge your favourite shows — guilt-free! Or, simply sleep-in or nap until your heart’s content.
Giving yourself space to do nothing at all — or something you really enjoy — helps you refill your cup and recharge, and be truly present for those around you. So, you do you; treat yourself!
2. Visit with a good friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while
How many times have you checked your phone, texting back and forth with someone, only to realize it’s been weeks — or months — since you last saw that person? With so many obligations it’s easy to let time slip away. It happens to the best of us. To feel like you’re having a real break this spring break, visit with a good friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while and really catch up!
While texting and social platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great for viewing the highlights of someone’s life, they are not quality time spent with a loved one. Face-to-face contact is important to maintain relationships and battle social isolation. The energy exchange, physical contact, and real life support of someone you love can’t be replicated through a screen.
Pro tip: instead of simply saying “let’s meet up,” actually schedule a date and time — and then show up!
3. Move your body
We’ve heard it before and all know the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy body and balanced mind. But it’s still difficult to fit fitness into our daily routines. Long work days, family demands, and social appointments often take precedence over physical activity. Sadly, taking care of everything — and everyone — else often holds priority. To feel like you’re having a real break this spring break, move your body!
While doing nothing at all can feel really good, doing something active can feel even better, and tracking it helps you reach your goals. As something that often gets shelved thanks to other obligations, giving yourself permission to exercise is a good way to take a break and take care of you.
Whatever your thing is — yoga, biking, hiking, running, brisk walking, or even dancing — do it! Get the gear you need to get those muscles moving and get that blood pumping. Your brain and body will feel recharged and rejuvenated.
4. Adventure somewhere close to home (or abroad)
As the days get longer, the opportunity to adventure after work or on weekends grows. It’s light well until 7 pm now and that means new opportunities to explore. The regular routine can begin to feel monotonous or tiring, and that’s okay. We all need a little change, now and then — it’s in our nature. To feel like you’re having a real break this spring break, get out of your daily routine and adventure somewhere close to home (or abroad!)
Not everyone gets a lot of time off over spring break, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a little wanderlust. If you’re staying close to home, there are lots of places you can create great memories right in your own backyard. If you’re travelling abroad, pack light for ease of movement and less stress, and make sure your passport photos are up to date. Either way, taking part in an activity you haven’t done before or embarking on a trip to a place you’ve never visited expands your heart, mind, and restarts the soul.
Whether you’re adventuring close to home or abroad, keep an open mind, make sure your travel emergency kit is packed, and you fill your cup with brave new stories!
5. Unplug
Along with “taxes and death,” social media is perhaps another certain thing in this life. Benjamin Franklin didn’t see that one coming, but it really is unavoidable. Facebook alone has 2.27 billion monthly active users and many social networks like Instagram, You Tube, and Pinterest are growing every day. Social media is great for getting the latest updates from friends and family or to pass the time when you’re bored, but all that screen time often leaves us feeling like we’re scrambling to keep up. To feel like you’re getting a real break this spring break, unplug.
You do not have to keep up. You do not have to compare yourself to others. You do not have to plug-in. There — we gave you permission. So turn off the notifications, put the phone down, and go do any of the four points above! You have a right to live life in real time, rather than online time. That’s what having a break is all about.
And hey — if it feels good, maybe consider trying a social media diet. You never know how much time you might be able to open up once spring break is over, and ride that break-like-feeling well into summer.
If you need help or supplies for your #RealSpringBreak this spring break, we can help! Whether it’s snacks for the road, travel insurance, or a few self-pampering supplies, we got you. Stop by your local London Drugs and pick up your essentials — we’d love to see you!
