Spring is an exciting time! Whether you are having a staycation and enjoying some relaxing time right here on campus, or traveling to a new, exciting place, spring break is a great time to relax, recharge and get ready for a great end to the semester. 

Travel Essentials and Safety

For many, spring break is the perfect time to hop on a plane and catch the next flight to an exciting destination. However, to be able to fully relax and enjoy your vacation for all its worth, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared in case things don’t go as expected. Planning out your trip, even if it’s a loose itinerary of main attractions or must-see sights, has been linked to stress reduction, and it ensures you can accomplish everything you want to do while you are away. 

One thing you can try is picking one activity you want to do for each day of your vacation. Even if it’s simply relaxing on the beach for the day, having a loose goal for each day gives your trip a sense of direction without feeling overly structured, helping you stay present while still making the most of your time away.

Additionally, safety is very important on vacation, especially when traveling somewhere you have never been before. Simple ways to stay safe on your trip include checking the weather each day before you go out, learning simple phrases in the native language if you’re going abroad, keeping valuable items (passport, jewelry, credit cards, ect.) in a safe place and packing a small emergency kit with water, first aid supplies, flashlights and any other essentials you may need. On March 11, Wellness and Recreation will offer a hands-only CPR course to students to learn how to take action and save a life!

Check out Campus Health’s Safer Spring Break Fair on March 5 learn more about spring break travel safety!

Enjoying a Staycation on Campus

If you are having a staycation this spring break, there are still plenty of ways to prioritize your well-being on campus and throughout Raleigh. To start, Wellness and Recreation will still be open (but be sure to check the website for special hours), so check us out and explore our amazing facilities. Aside from the more obvious physical benefits, moving your body has ample benefits to our mental health, like reducing anxiety, depression and improving our overall mood. 

Another great way to get in some movement and enjoy the (hopefully) beautiful spring weather is to take a walk outside at Pullen Park, located right next to Clark Dining Hall. Some other exciting activities to do in the area include visiting the Gregg Museum of Art and Design to look at their amazing exhibitions or heading over to the State Farmers Market to enjoy some of North Carolina’s best produce and baked goods.

Taking a Break

In the end, the most important part of any vacation or staycation is allowing yourself the time to truly unwind and giving your mind and body as much time as it needs to rest. Try to focus on truly being present and prioritize the meaningful moments that can’t be rushed. By intentionally choosing to relax and disconnect from stress, you might return home feeling lighter, clearer and genuinely renewed.

Taking a break gives your mind and body a chance to recharge, boosting future productivity, reducing stress, and overall improving your physical and mental well-being. Social breaks are particularly beneficial. Social interactions and shared experiences allow you to feel part of a group, which creates a sense of belonging and increases motivation. 

Investing in You

With the busyness of classes and work, it’s often hard to find time for yourself and prioritize your interests. Taking part in activities that you love improves social connections, reduces stress, and contributes to personal growth. So, try to think of that one class you’ve been dying to take or that book that’s been sitting on your shelf and give it your full attention this spring break!

Having the week off is also a great time to set your goals for the end of the year and make a plan to finish the semester off strong. Setting specific goals is important, as the more precise the goal, the better chance you have of successfully seeing it through. Try making your goals for the end of the school year SMART goals, goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, rewarding and time-specific.  

However you choose to spend it, make the most of your Spring Break by doing what is best for you, safely! This is your time to reset, refocus and align for the second half of the semester to come.