As winter break approaches, it’s time to finally take a much-needed break from life as a university student. After a rough and restless semester of daunting deadlines and what feels like endless projects and exams, winter break gives us a rare opportunity to relax, reflect and recharge on all the things life may throw at us. Spend quality time with friends and family and participate in activities that you truly enjoy. Opening Moodle and anxiously checking whether that one professor posted a grade you’ve been anticipating can wait.

More importantly than anything else, be kind to yourself and be proud of your accomplishments from this semester, especially after all of the stress the past few months has brought. Try and take away the pressure of “always being productive” and give yourself the very deserved break that you’ve worked tirelessly to reach. Let it serve as a reminder that giving yourself the time you need to relax and recharge is not a sign of laziness, but rather a sign that a rested mind is a sharper one and one more ready to tackle even more in the future.

This is also your time to reflect on the semester. What went well? What could have gone better? Take insight from these questions to plan for what you want to  accomplish in the new year and semester. Stay organized with these ideas and track which ones are measurable and reasonable for you to achieve. Of course though, don’t let this reflection overshadow the need for rest and engaging in your favorite hobbies or spending time  with loved ones. Channel these ideas into planned actions and possibly a resolution that may flourish in the coming new year.

Feel the nostalgia as you return to your hometown, where every street, building and familiar corner seems to hold a memory. The air carries the scent of simpler days, and the sights and sounds evoke moments you thought you had forgotten. Recreate the connection with the community you left behind by revisiting the places and people that shaped your journey. Walk the paths you used to wander and visit your old go-to spots. 

Use your time with intention. Don’t get sucked into doom scrolling on TikTok — it’s way too easy to waste a day by just entering the app. Instagram Reels are no better and don’t even think about YouTube Shorts. Spend your time with the people you care about and enjoy being around. Even better, take time to think about what you want your life to be, these are rare moments, without stressors, to dive into ideas you don’t usually uncage. 

Take the time to research internships that align with your interests and goals. Don’t hesitate to explore opportunities out of state or in new and unfamiliar places — it could be the change you need to grow personally and professionally. If you’ve been procrastinating, now is the perfect moment to write that cover letter you’ve been avoiding. Winter break is one of the few chances to focus on internship and job planning before applications are due. 

As the days of winter break unfold, remember that this is the time to nurture your well-being and creativity. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether that’s picking up a long-neglected hobby, diving into a book you’ve been meaning to read or exploring a new skill just for fun. Let your break be a mixture of relaxation and exploration, where you can rejuvenate your body and mind while also fostering personal growth. This time is about more than just recharging — it’s about rediscovering what inspires and motivates you, so you can step into the new year with a sense of purpose and excitement for what lies ahead.