It's that time of the year, the final stretch of the fall semester. Libraries are filled with curious souls trying to find a solution to the average velocity of an object, while others at home are putting the final touches on their pitch decks (which may be their last assignment before stepping out into the world as a U of A alumni). And there are those who just can't wait to write their last final on digital marketing strategies and take that first flight home.
No matter what boat you're in, I'm sure you have been through some hectic past few days and are already thinking of ways to wind down this winter break. Slowing things down and taking a break every now and then is as important as staying busy while pursuing a higher professional goal in life. As Eleanor Brown puts it. "you cannot serve from an empty cup." It's important to take care of yourself, especially after a busy time of the year. Want to know some ways you can rejuvenate this winter break? I have some cool ideas for you.
Celebrate with a relaxing swim
When was the last time you went for a good, long swim? A few weeks? Maybe months? Exactly my point! According to Healthline, research studies have found swimming to boost your mood, improve sleep and reduce stress levels. It strengthens your heart and lungs, too. Now that you have some time off from studies, it might be the best time to go for a relaxing swim. The soothing feeling of laying in water is a great way to treat your mind and body with a well-deserved break after a semester filled with lots of lectures, assignments and intense final exams. If you're in Edmonton and close to campus, take a look at the drop-in schedule at Van Vliet Centre (VVC) and find a time to jump in the water. Drop-in activities, including swimming, are free for active U of A students and can be accessed via OneCard. For everyone else, find a recreational centre nearby and take that leap into the water. It will be rejuvenating!
Treat yourself to a home-cooked meal!
Did you know that humans have been cooking for a long time? And by long, I am referring to over 2 million years! Quite cool, right? Yes, this statistic is absolutely true! According to The Big Swich, "the earliest oven dates back to 29,000 B.C." That's incredibly interesting & awesome! Perhaps it's time to take that old apron out of the closet and google some cool recipes.
Celebrating the conclusion of a successful project, like the conclusion of a semester at university, provides us with immense satisfaction and the motivation to keep moving forward. While we often celebrate such occasions away from home and raise a toast to our wins with dine-ins at exquisite restaurants, sometimes it's good to stay home and cook for yourself. It grounds you and is a good reminder of appreciating the little things in life, like sharing a home-cooked home meal with our loved ones. Perhaps it's time to discover the hidden chef in you. Go on then, turn that Gordon Ramsey show on and let's cook some delicious, healthy meals at home this winter break. I am going to treat myself with a delicious, home-cooked Dal-Makhani and Roti. What about you?
Revisit old memories!
As time goes on and we occupy ourselves with countless obligations at school and work, we tend to forget the things we used to do as a kid that brought us joy. For me, it was playing FIFA Street 2 on PlayStation with my brother! We would often wake up early on weekends only to finish our homework by noon, so then we had the permission to turn that TV on and score breathtaking goals from our joysticks controlling Cristiano Ronaldo & Ronaldinho (in the game, of course).
What was it for you? Going over slam books and high school collages with your friends? Playing Monopoly with your family every Friday evening? Bring back those good old memories and do something that used to make you happy as a little kid running around the house. Trust me, it's calming and beautifully fulfilling at the same time — probably the most satisfying way to celebrate the completion of a 14-week project (the fall semester). As for myself, I will be spending this Christmas stretching the limits of FIFA by scoring outrageous goals from my comfy couch right on the top floor of a highrise building on Saskatchewan Drive.
Have a great winter break, everyone!
