Want to have the best Spring Break ever? Healthy Husky, with assistance from the CDC, has some great tips as to how you can make the most out of your time away from school.

1. Relax. You have worked hard so far in the semester. Spring Break is a great way to take advantage of down time to get away from the stresses school and work might bring.

Although you may want to get entirely away from school, it may be beneficial to map out certain days during your break when you will tackle portions of projects or papers you might have due when you return to school. This will save you a lot of stress and anxiety when you come back.

2. Limit alcohol. Whether you are on an amazing beach in Punta Cana, skiing in Colorado, or relaxing at home, it is important to limit alcohol intake if you are of legal age.

You may be in an unfamiliar area or in the hot sun all day. Alcohol impairs your judgement and actions so be aware of how much and what you are drinking. A good tip is to drink a bottle or glass of water in between each alcoholic drink you have to ensure you are staying hydrated.

3. Get some sleep. Having a break from your busy life at school is a great way to get back into a healthy sleep schedule of 7-9 hours a night. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. If you do a good job of this during break, it will be easier to stay in that routine when you come back to school. You will see an improvement in the way you feel.

4. Exercise. Exercise has been proven to be a great stress reliever. Spring Break is the perfect time to get into a new exercise routine. Try to incorporate new and fun ways to exercise like going on a bike ride or dancing. Getting your heart rate up a little each day will make you feel better mentally and physically.

5. Use sunscreen. If you are going somewhere warm, make sure to pack sunscreen. It is not cool to get burned the first day of vacation and then be miserable the rest of the week. Take action and be prepared to protect your skin.

If you have any interest in learning more about a health behavior, you can make an appointment with our Health Educator, Kristi Hammaker, at [email protected] to discuss one on one.

Remember to keep an eye out for the Husky PAWS outside the Student Health Center every Wellness Wednesday as they provide information and giveaways on a health topic. This is a great way to talk with the PAWS to learn about what they work on throughout the semester. Enjoy Spring Break, Huskies!