How Can I Make Time for Self-Care Over Spring Break?
Spring break is an easy way to relax and recharge — for kids. For everyone else the extra time can be overwhelming; it can be harder to switch from an old routine to a new one. Continue reading to learn some tips, tricks, and habits that will help you make your spring break enjoyable and calm.
Practice Mindfulness:
Take this time to reflect, introspect, and check in with yourself! How are you doing, what are you feeling? Winter is ending, and a new part of the year is coming up. Take this beat to ask yourself the harder questions and figure out how you can best take on this new chapter of the year.
Get Outside:
Take advantage of the nicer weather! Take this time to allow yourself to explore ways to engage in physical activities that boost your energy and promote a sense of calm, like yoga outside, biking, or walking in nature.
Being outside is proven to have numerous mental health benefits:
Serotonin Boost - exposure to fresh air and natural light has been shown to increase serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that plays an integral role in mood regulation
Reduced Cortisol - being in nature - or outside in general - has been proven to markedly lower the stress hormone cortisol’s levels, and promotes calmness and relaxation
Vitamin D Production - low levels of vitamin D has been linked to depression and anxiety, and direct sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, making it important for good mental health
Improved Sleep - regular exposure to natural light and fresh air helps in regulating the body's natural circadian rhythm, or its sleep-wake cycle. Sunlight exposure is directly linked to better sleep quality, which is vital for mental well-being
Set Boundaries:
If you need time alone to decompress or relax — take it. Practice setting healthy boundaries and see how it can help you recharge without feeling overwhelmed during this time.
Social Connections:
This may seem counterintuitive to the last section, but you can still have clear boundaries while spending time with people who fill your cup. Catch up with friends or family who you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while. Continue to foster meaningful relationships with friends and family by practicing self-care through positive social interactions that make you feel happy and fulfilled.
Seek Professional Support:
This step can be taken if you feel that family and friends is not enough support, or that you need professional support. If you’re feeling too overwhelmed or it’s something that you’ve been meaning to do but haven’t had the time for, consider seeking therapy to help manage stress and maintain emotional balance during the break.
Final Thoughts:
Spring break can be a difficult or overwhelming transitional period, and the sections above go over how to combat those difficulties. If you or someone you know could use more help during this possibly hard time, Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy is here to help. Our experienced therapists specialize in helping adolescents and adults who are struggling, and we also offer group therapy for those who would benefit from seeing that they’re not alone. Schedule a free call with our intake coordinator today to learn more and get started!
