Thanksgiving break is here, and that means you can look forward to turkey, family and – of course – more turkey. The short break always seems to come like a hidden speed bump – we slow down just for a moment but zip full speed into finals a few days after.
Suddenly, our to-do list grows into Mount Everest, and sleep becomes a concept that’s unheard of. Don’t pull your hair out just yet. With some planning, your break can be both productive and relaxing.
Here are some practical ways to make the most of your break and make your momma proud this holiday season:
Say “Thank You”
This holiday season make a point to say, “Thank you.” Say thanks for the little things and the big things. Not only is it a nice gesture, but also it allows you to focus on goodness and positivity instead of negativity.
Set aside time to study
Getting the chance to earn a college degree is a gift but, if we are honest, it can be highly stressful sometimes. While we may not be able to eliminate the stress, we can manage our stress and plan ahead to avoid unnecessary cramming and all nighters.
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If you have a long road trip ahead of you, ask a passenger to read your notes out loud or ask them to quiz you with flash cards.
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Block out time over the long weekend to look over some notes and get started on that 15-page paper you’ve been putting off. Even an hour of studying each day can take a huge load off your shoulders.
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Get your family involved with your studies. Go ahead and introduce your younger siblings to Voltaire or Emily Dickinson.
Put away the technology
While technology is wonderful for keeping us in touch with those far away, it can also distract us from the people right in front of us and prevent us from fully being present. Facebook and Twitter will still be there after all the turkey is gone, but we only get one day a year to guiltlessly stuff our faces with as much food as we want with those who mean the most to us. So go ahead, turn your phone off on Thanksgiving Day–I dare you.
Get some sleep
It’s tempting to stay up all night with a bowl of popcorn while endlessly watching holiday movies, but you might end up regretting it Monday morning. Use your long weekend to catch up on some sleep. Your body will thank you.
Explore new Thanksgiving recipes
Whether it’s your grandma’s famous apple pie or your mother’s homemade stuffing, try to learn at least one new recipe this season. Five years from now, when it’s your turn to bring the dessert or whip up a festive side dish, you’ll be thankful you learned some tricks.