Tips for a Healthy, Happy, and Safe Spring Break

By: Brandi Benton | March 4, 2020 | OHP Associate Director

Traditionally, spring break is a time for students to let go of the stresses of school and enjoy a week of fun, relaxation and hopefully plenty of warm weather! However, being away from your typical routine means you may become more relaxed on you well-being routine. While you should be able to take a break from the day-to-day stresses of school, you can still take measures to ensure you, your friends and family can have a healthy, happy and safe spring break. Here are a few tips to help you while you enjoy your week of relaxation and fun.

 

Staying Healthy

You can still maintain your health routine by eating a variety of foods to provide good nutrition. Enjoying fruit or other healthy snacks throughout the day can keep you from over-indulging in higher calorie foods. Whether you are relaxing on a beach or doing an adventurous activity, proper nutrition can help fuel your body to get you through your long days of fun. Additionally, remember to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water!

Eating a healthy nutritious meal

 

Staying Happy

Whether you plan on enjoying time with family at home or going on an vacation to a new city, taking time to practice mindfulness by checking in with your body and paying attention to what is occurring in the present moment can help you be more fully engaged and enjoy whatever activity you are doing. Also, find ways to do things you enjoy while on your break to help boost your mood and provide you with good memories to reflect on when you return to school.

 

Staying Safe

Keeping yourself safe means taking precautions from being aware of your surroundings to protecting yourself from the sun and everything in between. If you are venturing to a new city or enjoying a stay-cation in the Atlanta-area, travel with a friend and communicate your plan for traveling with other friends and family. To keep yourself safe if you choose to consume alcohol, practicing risk-reduction activities such as limiting your drinks, or alternating alcoholic drinks with water can help keep you aware and alert while you are enjoying your break. Also, safer-sex practices like using a barrier method is another example of how to keep yourself safe while still enjoying your break.

 

Overall, spring break is a time to break away from the routine of the semester, but your health and safety do not have to take a break. For additional tips on how to stay safe and protect yourself during spring break, visit the CDC for Spring Break Health and Safety Tips. Also, contact the Office of Health Promotion at ohp@emory.edu if you have questions about spring break safety.

 

Have a healthy, happy and safe spring break!