6 Ways to Beat the Post-Spring-Break Breakdown

Author: Sierra Rinaldi

We are all praying for Spring Break to come as prelims, essays, and all nighters have gotten the best of us. While we can’t wait to relax, pig out on our favorite foods from home, and cuddle with our pets, it’s important to remember school will pick right back up again once break is over. To avoid that inevitable post-break freak out, here are 7 things you can do to ease the stress when you head back to the 607.

 

1. Resist spending your entire break going out with friends from home.

Coming back after a break means you haven’t seen your college besties in a while. This, however, doesn’t mean you should go out Tuesday night or even Wednesday night for fishbowls. As happy as you are to see them, a whole week of hanging out and catching up is sure to do a number on your school preparedness–and maybe your liver. Go to dinner and catch up, but it’s a good idea to hit the library at some point. (sigh)

 

2. On the other hand, don’t spend all of break on the couch binge watching 6 seasons of your latest Netflix obsession.

We’re all guilty of doing this from time to time.  If you’re going to procrastinate, take a hike in your local park, go to your local gym, or spend some quality time with family. Avoiding your Netflix account will reduce your chances of getting addicted to a show right before prelims.

 

3. Get a jump start on the work you have to do during break or plan accordingly for after.

Lists are your best friend. Take a few minutes to plan out your schedule for the days following Spring Break. This helps you know what you have due when, and what you have to catch up on.

 

4. If you haven’t done so already, print out your syllabi and course schedules.

Having the ability to see everything printed out and to cross things out when you complete them will help keep you on track–especially when, scarily enough, the semester is halfway over.

 

5. Catch up on those course readings.

Between going out, extracurriculars, and sleeping off massive Puerto Vallarta hangovers, it’s going to be hard to pay attention in class.  Course readings are helpful if you feel like you’re forgetting what you’ve been learning.  Sure they may be tedious, but this is a great way to make sure you’re not sitting there Monday morning after break, pretending like you have a clue as to what’s going on.

 

6. Actually rest and relax!

Let’s face it: Ithaca is cold and gray and just plain sad sometimes. The best way to avoid that post-break slump is to take advantage of what a break is for: sleep. An extra few hours of sleep can do wonders for any tired, overworked Cornellian. Even if you are on a typical, party-all-day college vacation, try and squeeze in some Z’s on the beach or in the hotel room–you deserve it.