Spring Break is here and I am so ready for it! I am looking forward to a break from the daily routine and the opportunity to rest and recharge. Spring Break is a chance to do all of this, but it is also a time when we tend to break some of those routines that we need to help us feel rested. It is important to continue to take care of ourselves, both our body and mind, so we can come back feeling refreshed and ready for the rest of the school year.
During break, it’s easy to fall into the trap that finds us spending hours on phones, playing video games, or streaming shows. Limiting this type of rest has to be a priority. Just a little activity can help your body and mind feel better. You don’t need a formal workout. Get outside! Go for a walk, ride a bike, do yard work, or plan activities with friends and family. These are simple things you can do that will not only keep you moving, but they will boost your mood and increase your energy. If you are an athlete missing out on practices, you absolutely should plan a few workouts to keep yourself active. This will keep your body sharp and reduce that lag you feel the first time you train after a long break.
Focusing on overall wellness is another important part of a restful break. Getting extra sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating balanced meals will help your body recover and recharge. Breaks in our schedule have a way of disrupting our sleep and meal schedule. Being mindful of this can help us keep our current schedule or establish better habits. Getting 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep and prioritizing meals with fresh (unprocessed) foods are a great way to help your body. Keeping or establishing a balance will help you ease back into a routine when you return from break.
Spring Break can be more than just time away from your school routine. It can be an opportunity to reset. Staying active and maintaining healthy sleep and nutrition habits can help you return to school feeling physically and mentally refreshed. When you find that balance between relaxation and self-care it allows you to enjoy your spring break and support your overall wellness. Have a great spring break! Have fun, be safe, and return with purpose and energy to tackle the 4th quarter and finish the school year strong.
Andy Stout - Health & Physical Education